More Knitting

I hate stitching ruts.  And I am very guilty of falling into them.  One of my go-to small space stitches is the Knit Stitch.  Its first cousin is what is commonly known as the Kalem Stitch.

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

I need to remember to use the Kalem Stitch more often.  I love the subtle directional element the Knit Stitch is unable to offer.  The Kalem Stitch offers more definition to the knit look due to the over-two-row stitch.  The stitched sample is Glisten on 13 mesh for an adorable scarf.  (Side note:  I can't wait for the new Glisten colors.)  This stitch lends itself best to clothing, but consider using it for baskets, small greenery, and perhaps a small animal or two. 

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

I Wish I Was Tall (Still)

This stitch is so exquisitely elegant.  So tall and elegant.  I love the simplicity of what looks like twisted diamonds.

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

I placed four rows in between the columns as an example.  If you would like less open space, consider fewer rows in between.  You would also fill the space inside the diamonds with another diamond in a thread with a contrasting finish for a smoother look.

The most obvious use for this stitch is a background.  I saw it many years ago as the background for a gorgeous John Johanssen floral from Melissa Shirley.  It would be a really sweet background for any number of holiday pieces, as it adds to the whimsical spirit of Christmas pieces yet draws more attention to the main portion of the pieces. 

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Rabbit Holes

Sometimes falling into the Internet rabbit hole pays off.  Today's stitch is an example.  

I stumbled across this stitch via a photo on Pinterest.  I have no idea if it is exactly how it is stitched but I'm absolutely fine with this as it is diagrammed.  I love how the directional stitches are countered by small accents.  

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

I want to play with this stitch endlessly.  My first thoughts are to use it for a floor, roof, or basket.  It would make beautiful clothing.  Change the darkest gray lines to beads and you will have a gorgeous dressy dress.  Use Very Velvet, Silk Lame, and Kreinik Metallic and you will have the most handsome of coats.  I used Burmilana, Wisper, and Lorikeet for a coat in the stitched sample.  It's really quite stunning.

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Sigh

Sometimes you are so accustomed to doing a stitch that the most obvious variations evade you.  Today's stitch is an example.  One of my go-to small space stitches is the Extended Cross stitch.   So when I was gently reminded of this oh-so-obvious variation, I felt like I found an all-new stitch*.

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample is just that...a sample of what it looks like.  I used three plies of Lorikeet on 18-mesh to give all of us an idea of the final result.  This "tall" version is perfect for a tall, narrow space such as a chimney or fireplace legs.  Flip it on to its side and it's an adorable basket.  It's a sweet stitch that adds a little something something to an area without overpowering it.  Everyone wins.

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Stitch TV

When I stitch by myself, I like to have some sort of engagement outside of the stitching.  And that's where StitchTV comes into play.  A show qualifies for StitchTV if it meets any of the following criteria:  engaging, makes me laugh, not too vapid, something(one) is easy on the eye, or does not require intense concentration.  So Narcos....not StitchTV.  

However, Parks & Recreation is perfect StitchTV.  And it just so happens that wallpaper from a room in a Parks & Recreation episode prompted this week's stitch.  It's not necessarily a new stitch, but the wallpaper reminded me of it.  And here we are!

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

For me, the most obvious uses are a background, tabletop, or floor.  The different colored lines represent contrasting finishes in the same color or two completely different colors.  I favor contrasting finishes but it truly depends on the area.  The stitched sample on Instagram includes Planet Earth Silk and Rachelette on 18-mesh in very similar colors.  As an extra bonus for those who may be adverse to the large open area, Instagram includes a second sample with the large center diamond filled!  (And by filled, I consider one ply of Planet Earth Silk filling enough.  :)  Feel free to adjust the thread weight to reflect your preference.)

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available, including the brand new Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the works!

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

Open Squares

I created* today's stitch for a beginning student.  It was a great way give the student practice with the Continental stitch, stretch them a little bit with an easy decorative stitch, and add an element of style to the piece.  Win, win, win!

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The student used this stitch for the background of a cute little animal.  You could add a Rhodes square in the 3X3 intersection for a smoother corner. The stitched sample is a background on a Scott Church Creative piece (in progress). It includes DMC Perle Cotton, Flair, and Trebizond Silk. This stitch is wide open.  Use that openness to exploit beautiful canvas painting.  This stitch could help define a grassy area or help highlight the painting in a beautifully shaded tablecloth.  Don't be afraid to use a contrasting color for any of the threads.  Have fun with thread finishes and color!

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available, including the brand new Decisions, Decisions, Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

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

* Note on "creating:"  This stitch may very well exist in a book or on another site.  I can't pretend that I'm the first person to think of any stitches I share with you.  I say "I created it" because I haven't stumbled across this stitch anywhere.

Going in Circles

Circles are the most difficult pattern (for me) to replicate.  Most traditional circle stitches are never perfect circles.   The yet to be named stitch remains a current favorite.  Today's stitch is a very close second. 

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample is a sky stitched with Rainbow Gallery's Glisten from a Scott Church Christmas piece.  It's sweet, simple, and allows other elements of the piece to stand out.  A variation I would like to try (but have not yet) is to add a single bead in the center of the small diamond in between the circles. 

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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

Mistake? What Mistake?

I was at a needlepoint store recently while a customer was turning in her project for finishing.  (Note:  the first rush of new threads for a new project and turning in that same projects are the two best parts of needlepoint, IMHO.)  The customer shared with me that her snow stitch was a mistake.  It was supposed to be all darning and ended up darning and backstitch.  If this is a mistake, I want to be wrong.  I think it's adorable.

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample includes Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (size 12) and Flair (on 13-mesh) for an open look on snow, allowing the beautiful canvas painting to show through.   As with many darning stitches, this would work really well for most architectural elements, such as a roof, wall, floor, or outdoor hardscape. For the sturdier elements, such as a roof, have fun with matte threads.  Rainbow Linen, Petite Very Velvet, single strand silks (e.g., Pepper Pot, Vineyard Silk), or single strand wools would all work well.  A lot of fun combinations can be made with those threads too.  :)  

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 47 guides are currently available, including the brand new Still Life with Shells,  Decisions, Decisions, Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps.

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

All About Threads

I introduced you to this stitch in one of the first #whimsicalwednesday posts to illustrate open stitches.  Today's stitch uses a different set of threads and the stitch pops in a completely new way.

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The addition of multiple colorful accents, including Cross Stitches and Smyrna Crosses, turns this stitch into something quite spectacular.  The stitched sample uses Silk & Ivory, Frosty Rays, and Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16). The heavier thread weights provide more coverage and more focus on the stitch than the shading underneath (unlike the original post).

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 45 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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

Sweetie!

It's a baby orange!  Three threads.  One bead.  One small space.

Today's #smallspacesunday is another composite stitch.  Part of the magic comes from filling in the open (and not open) spaces with unique threads. 

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 on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample includes City Needlework Silk, Very Velvet, Fyre Werks, and a Sundance Bead.  An Upright Cross is added to the intersection where the threads meet.  The diamond shaped open space is filled with a single bead and the square shaped open space is filled with another Upright Cross.   A trifecta of orange goodness.

Composite stitches offer so many opportunities!  Using the same primary design (from the aqua lines), here are just two more possibilities to fill the open areas.

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 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.

Any one of these stitches work in both large and small spaces.  Suggestions include pants, a hat, or a bag.  They would make a wonderful architectural element, water, or greenery.  It would also be great for a bird body, as you can add multiple colors to bring the feathers to life.  It's just such an adorable stitch.  

This 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, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 43 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

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