My Third Needlepoint Love

My view is that virtually any stitch can be transformed into columns, especially for backgrounds. Today’s stitch takes brick blocks and, voila!, we have a simple and fun background to accompany an adorable snake. (Adorable snake. Not a phrase I ever expected to write in my lifetime.)

Click on image to see on pinterest. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

The snake is a darling pillow that a customer is making for her grandson. And I love the colors. She picked her favorite color from the snake for the accent stitch. The black lines use size 8 DMC perle cotton and the aqua lines are green Radiance 18. If you have more white space, I encourage you to add more space between the columns for an even cleaner look. For example, you could use two shades of a thread for a background on a still life or even a monogram.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

More from whimsicalstitch.com
If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques, along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

My Second Needlepoint Love

After more than a few years of stitching Christmas decor, I walked into Aristeia (in Brentwood, CA at the time) and saw a huge red apple on the wall. It was love at first sight and I went down the fruit pillow path for yeeeeeeaars. A common quote upon entering my house is, “Oh, there are all the fruit pillows!” Today’s stitch comes from one of those pillows.

Click on image to see on pinterest. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

The fruit pillow is a vintage Melissa Shirley piece. Each strawberry is stitched in a different decorative stitch. Today’s is from the upper right-hand corner. It uses Petite Very Velvet (black lines), Flair (yellow and aqua lines), and a Kreinik metallic (gray lines) on 13M. No doubt about it…this stitch is a lot. But, there are times where that is appropriate. I emphasized the three strawberries and stitched the remaining areas in fairly straightforward stitches with lighter-weight threads.

This is a great stitch for good-sized fruit. Obvs. Looking at it with the bolder threads, this would work well with clothing you want to draw attention to. You could add subtlety to it with lighter-weight threads, such as silk perle for the black lines, and Silk Lame for the Smyrna Crosses. You could leave the remaining areas open or fill them with basketweave or reverse basketweave for a toned-down version. You could even replace the Smyrna Crosses with beads, which would be so much fun for wrapping paper!

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

More from whimsicalstitch.com
If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques, along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

My First Needlepoint Love

I adore seasonal stitching. My first seasonal stitching love is Christmas. Stockings, ornaments, Santa stand-ups, and pillows. I have them all and will continue to add them to my collection.

Click on image to see on pinterest. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

Today’s stitched sample is from one of my favorite holiday pillows. Cream, green, and red…perfect for the holidays. I used Pepper Pot Silk (black lines) and Fyre Werks (yellow lines) on 18M. I love the smooth look of straight stitches, which is why I often use them for backgrounds. Speaking of smooth, I love the idea of using this stitch on an appropriately sized whale with Neon Rays and silk floss. Flip is 90° and use it for a pair of pants with two shades of Vineyard Silk. If you want to dress it up a little, replace the diamonds with brick beading. (Okay, that would be dressing it up a lot.)

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

More from whimsicalstitch.com
If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques, along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

I'll Get Back to You

I love the simple, tidy look of Chevron stitches. They add a small graphic pop to a stitched piece. (I consider rows of diagonal stitches in alternating directions a classic Chevron stitch.) For today, I started with the idea of offset rows of chevrons. (Um, I’ll get back to you on that.) I ended with layered alternating chevrons. Happy to report that I am intrigued.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

As I stitched the first sample with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and Au Ver a Soie Metallic (size 8) (yellow lines), I was convinced that two colors were the only way to go for this stitch. I liked how it reinforced the layering and enhanced the graphic pop of the chevrons. I love the idea of using this stitch for rough water, especially on 18M, with two shades of blue metallic, such as Petite Entice or even ThreadWorx Metallic.

But, despite the fact I was stitching this last night AND had other things to do (sorry, electric bill), I wanted to confirm my hypothesis. I was wrong. I really liked the solid version as well. You still see the layering, but it’s a little more mysterious. I think the solid version will make a wonderful roof with Rainbow Linen or Straw Silk. I also want to play with it for a doll dress with silk floss or Petite Silk Lame.

Important sequencing note. Regardless of how many threads you are using, complete an entire row before you proceed to the next one. Taking this one step further, if you are using more than one thread, you can’t add all of one color first, as each row builds on the previous row. If you are using more than one thread, alternate between the threads as you stitch. You can thread two needles and alternate between them for each row, or you can park threads (away from the stitching area) at the end of a row and pick them up again when you finish a row in the second thread.

This stitch is so much more than the diagram and stitched sample presented here. You can make the diagonal lines longer for a more open space. You can play with adding a small embellishment in the open space between rows.

One last thing. I don’t consider this a diamond stitch, mainly because my focus was on some variation on the Chevron stitch. I bring this up because it was much easier for me to see the stitching paths as chevrons than to create diamonds.

I hope you like it and have fun with it! I have to go pay my electric bill!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Leftovers are Very Merry

I recently spent an evening with one of my favorite shop owners in her closed shop while we ate leftovers, stitched, and solved all of the world’s problems. It was perfect.

Click the image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

The stitched sample is the background for a darling Christmas ornament. I used four plies of Soie D'Alger (black lines) with a red Silk Lame 18 (yellow lines) and a gold Radiance 18 (aqua lines). The best part? I got to audition threads in real time. And, yes, I ended up with several new threads for my stash. (The letters are stitched in basketweave/continental with a white Entice.)

It’s a great all-purpose stitch. It is perfect for backgrounds, clothing, walls, wrapping paper, architectural elements, or blankets! To jazz it up, consider replacing the aqua lines with seed beads. To make it pop more, consider changing the yellow lines to a contrasting color. (Metallic, of course.)

There’s a lot of fun to be had here. I hope you have the perfect place for this stitch. Enjoy!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Another First

Sorry for the radio silence the past couple of weeks. Life and a bit of travel got in the way. The good news is I have a cute stitch for today and two new small stitches to share with you on Sunday.

Meanwhile, welcome to my first blog post inspired by a Reddit post. (I’m still getting my head around the fact that needlepoint is on Reddit.)

Click the image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram

The stitched sample is me playing with two strands of white Floche (black lines) and four plies of pink Splendor (aqua lines) on 13M. The skipped rows between the white and the pink threads are optional but I love how that little bit of space that makes the pink jump out a little bit more.

I look forward to using this stitch for a warm coat with buttons with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and Silk Lame 18 (aqua lines). I would flip the direction of the diagonal paths on either side of the center of the coat. Oh, and consider using felt balls for the buttons for an extra dash of cuteness!

I can’t stop thinking about candy canes for this stitch. So many possibilities. I would definitely eliminate the skipped rows. There are so many possibilities with accent colors and finishes! Red, white, and pink metallics. Pink and green metallics with white Floche. Pink and red metallics with white beads. So many choices.

There’s a lot of fun to be had here. I hope you have the perfect place for this stitch. Enjoy!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Okay, Boomer...

…said a millennial to me earlier this week. I might have deserved it. (I didn’t.) But, that’s the first thing that popped in my head when I created today’s stitch diagram. Its backup name is The Brady Bunch.

Click the image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Today’s stitched sample is me playing with two plies of Soie D'Alger (yellow lines) and Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines) on 18M.

I have a few ornaments in my stash that I need to get done this year and this will be the perfect background for both. I’m thinking Vineyard Silk for the aqua lines and a Fyre Werks or Kreinik 1/16” ribbon for the yellow lines.

Quick note about thread weight for the yellow lines. I recommend a thread that lays flat to minimize bulk, keeping focus on both elements of the stitch instead of diverting attention to the more obvious thread. That is one reason I like silk and cotton floss so much…I have more control over the weight by simply changing the number of plies. My general guidance for floss for 18M is 3-4 plies. If I am doing a straight stitch, I tend to add 1-2 additional plies based on how much coverage I want. Straight stitches never fully cover the actual canvas threads that follow the direction of the stitch, so I have to compensate for that, as needed.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch. Enjoy!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Hoarding

Many people hoarded TP during COVID-19. Meanwhile, I hoarded La Croix and clear beading thread. I had a boatload of clear beading thread. And I can’t find a single spool of it, leading to an interesting experiment.

Click the image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

Today’s stitched sample features the background of an ornament. It includes green Elegance (black lines), two strands of Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines), and Sundance Beads (aqua circles), along with a single strand of Petite Silk Lame (on 13M).

As experiments go, it was chaotic (see above about my inexplicable lack of clear beading thread). Kreinik was my first choice, but I could not find a spool of the right pink in my (somewhat sizable) stash. I landed on Petite Silk Lame, and I do like the look of the solid line through the beads. However, this can also be accomplished with traditional colored beading thread as I don’t think Petite Silk Lame had enough metallic to stand out. I will try again with Kreinik at some point to see if that makes a significant difference.

And, no, I did not use a traditional beading needle. For the past couple of years, I’ve been using a size 28 needle for beading. It’s easier to thread and, while a little shorter than I prefer, I find it is easier to keep hold of. It did take a minute (or more) to get the Petite Silk Lame through the eye, but I was able to do so. I find it a better fit for size 11 beads. It works for Sundance 14/15 beads, but you may have to discard a few outliers that do not fit.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch. Enjoy!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

White Whales

I received an SOS about a stitch yesterday, and I’m happy to share the results with you.

Click the image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

It turns out that stitchers have different white whales. It may be a specific stitch for one stitcher, but another may be seeking an elusive canvas. My white whale is finding the correct shade of pink. (This was the best I could do with what I had on hand.)

Stitching this was trickier than I anticipated. My go-to starting point is typically the upper right, and I travel to the left. Stitching groups of three diagonal stitches…easy. The single offset diagonals in between offset groups of three threw me more than once. That said, once you get the first horizontal-ish block done, it gets easier because all you have to do is count three rows down from the bottom of the stitch above.

The stitched sample is me playing with two plies of Soie D'Alger on 18M. I look forward to using this for water with a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Entice, because of the subtle motion the diagonal stitches add. The same rationale makes this a good choice for a wintry sky with a few plies of silk floss. I also want to play with adding an empty row between the blocks of stitches. That will add even more motion to an area. I’ll keep you posted.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch. Enjoy!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Good News and Bad News

The bad news is that creating the diagram proved to be a challenge. The good news is that experience made stitching the stitch seem a lot easier.

Click the image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram.

I had seen variations of this stitch in my Instagram feed, but you know how hard it is to find them once they scroll on by. Conveniently, a stitching friend showed me her version of it…IRL no less…and here we are. The stitched sample is me playing with three plies of Splendor on 18M (and not doing that great of a job with the laying tool.)

I love the combination of stitches in opposite directions to create the diamonds and how each subsequent diamond is slightly offset. That added interest makes you look twice. I think it has lots of possibilities for clouds and skies with Flair (clouds) and an overdyed ThreadWorx Metallic (sky). I want to play with it and see how it looks with two colors (one for each direction). Clothing, flower petals, backgrounds…there’s some good stuff here to play with.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch. Enjoy!

Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.

New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, the layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!