You're So Tall

Today's stitch is an easy and quick stitch that offers an elegant and clean alternative for an open background.

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.

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.

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 prefer the open centers, as the diagram illustrates.  The horizontal accent adds a little something something.  It is certainly not essential.  It's also an opportunity to add contrasting thread, whether that is color, finish, or both.

If you are #teamfullcoverage, feel free to fill the centers with long vertical stitches.  As with the accent, I encourage you to use a contrasting thread.  The stitched Prescencia Finca Perle 12 with Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) on 18 mesh.

The height of each diamond makes this a uniquely large stitch.  To get true mileage out of it, I recommend it for a background or another comparable tall space.  It would work on a tall area, such as a coat or dress, the chest of a bird, or a tablecloth.  Flip it 90 degrees on its side and it would work very well for a wide area, such as a tabletop or floor.  Have fun with it.

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works, including over ten new Stitch Concepts in mid January!  

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

Go Greek

I'm not trying to make your neck snap.  And, yes, this stitch is about as small as last Wednesday's post was large. 

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.

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.

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 shared this stitch as a candidate for a border stitch over one row.  And then I forgot about it. Seriously. I stumbled back across the border stitch while looking for a small space stitch for the tiniest of houses that just so happened had vertical stripes in alternating colors.  Voila.  

I stitched the sample with two dramatically different colors of Trebizond Silk to reinforce that point.  It would be very cool with two colors or two finishes, or both.  As I write this, I ask myself why not make it three colors or finishes?  And I say to myself, "Why not?"  (Cue everyone on the plane looking at me as if I'm crazy.)

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Start Big!

Welcome to December!  All but one of the stitches this month come from work I've done on Stitch Concepts (guides I write to accompany a formal embellishment class at a local store).  I want to share them with you so you can play with them as well.

We begin with the combination of Diamonds and Chevrons.  And it's a big 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 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.

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.

Honestly, this came to be because I wanted to do something different for a background.  I knew it needed to be large and I wanted to do something I hadn't seen.  I wasn't planning on adding the Upright Crosses in the diamonds but that space called out to be filled...and what a perfect way to add a contrasting color or finish (or both as I did in the stitched sample).

This stitch was created for a large solid colored background.  It would be beautiful behind a floral still life.  This stitch would work well for architectural elements such as a floor, wall, or even a roof.   You could scale it down a little by reducing the height of the vertical connectors.  Those connectors are four rows high in the diagram (and sample).  Reduce them to two rows high, resulting in a more compact and useful design.  I can see that version as clothing or even glass/windows.  

On a side note, diagramming and stitching this reinforced how deceptive diagrams can be.  As I was working on the diagram, I honestly thought this stitch may not be feasible as it would be too large. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it fit.  It's even more of a shock with small stitches.  They look so BIG in diagrams, yet they aren't.  

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works. 

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

Twinkle Season

It's the most sparkly time of the year!  Today's stitch comes from my Christmas tree.  Literally. 

I combined bugle beads and a small pearl for a fun take on a Parisian stitch for the white stripes on a Melissa Shirley ornament.  I strongly recommend adding the beads on the horizontal axis.  Start with the bugle beads and end with the pearls.  This would be darling with mixed colors.  

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works.   

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

#stitchingsunday

Welcome back to another episode of #stitchingsunday.  This recently added Sunday theme* highlights stitches from blog posts in current stitching projects.

Today's #stitchingsunday uses a variation of the Double V Stitch I originally shared with you last April.  I love the use of a Smyrna Cross instead of the Upright Cross. The stitcher used the stitch on a sweet Christmas stocking for her grandson.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today's example used Vineyard Silk and Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12).  The original stitch diagram, as well as the variation, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday, #smallspacesunday, and #stitchingsunday stitch diagrams, can 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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

* Don't worry.  #smallspacesunday hasn't disappeared.  I like to mix it up a little.

Nothing Wrong with More Diamonds

Welcome to more diamonds.  While I love the stitch, this post is really a story of 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 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.

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.

Take a close look at the stitched sample.  It is an interesting exercise in thread weights and distinct finishes. 

The parallelograms surrounding the 6X6 diamonds are two different grays on the diagram and two different matte threads on the stitched sample.  The dark gray lines represent DMC Perle Cotton and the light gray line represents Vineyard Silk.  The diamond is filled with two different metallic threads.  The aqua lines are Shimmer Ribbon and the teal lines are Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12). 

This is not the only way to stitch this stitch. Feel free to stitch the parallelograms in a single thread.  Depending on which part of the stitch (the parallelograms or the diamonds) you want to pop, adjust the thread weights accordingly.  Consider metallic parallelograms with velvet diamonds.  Try two different colors of a matte thread for the parallelograms with one color (but two threads) for the diamonds.  There are so many things you can do with this stitch.  It's great for any number of large areas...large fruit (as illustrated in the stitched sample), clothing, baskets, roofs, or floors, just as thought-starters.

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Boo!

Today's stitch is a full coverage stitch I found in a book forever ago.  I had all but forgotten about it until I pulled out my Halloween decorations.

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.

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.

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 DMC Perle Cotton #8 with Flair.  It's a tricky little stitch.  Do NOT overlook the fact the beetles alternate sizes on the horizontal and vertical axises.  I strongly recommend adding the beetles first (gray lines), and fill in the parallelograms (turquoise lines) when you are done with the beetles.

This full coverage stitch will draw attention to a medium- to large-sized space.  It would be a fantastic coat or bag with rich threads such as Pepper Pot Silk, Very Velvet, Soie D'Alger or Gloriana Silk Floss for the beetles.  Combine those with a strong metallic such as Fyre Werks, Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16), Silk Lame, Rachelette, or Frosty Rays.  It would make a wonderful basket or floor with lighter weight matte threads such as DMC Perle, Elegance, Subtlety, or Prescencia.  Combine colors and finishes to get your desired effect.

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Christy's Window

I always love it when I stumble on a new (to me) small space stitch and it's more fun when it comes from one of my favorite stitchers.  I just love this 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 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.

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 named it the Diagonal Cross Stitch because of the gentle slope of the stitches.

This stitch would be great for a window (as illustrated).  It's also a great stitch for any area you want to recede.  As an example, I shared it with a student for a small hill in the background of a country landscape.  It would be a charming way to honor beautifully shaded clouds or small bodies of water.  I recommend to use lightweight threads with a stitch this gentle.  For example, the stitched sample uses Kreinik Metallics Very Fine Braid (#4).  Depending on what you are stitching, consider Petite Silk Lame, Silk Straw, 2-3 strands of your favorite silk floss or wool.  

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Open Diamonds!

Today's open stitch comes from a Aristeia workshop from several years ago.  It's a great stitch that strikes the perfect balance of an interesting stitch and the beautiful shading on the canvas.

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.

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.

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 recommend stitching the gray lines first, followed by the aqua lines, and ending with the bead.

The stitched sample includes Vineyard Silk, Shimmer Ribbon, and a Sundance Bead.  This stitch is great for many larger spaces, whether they are are a solid color or deeply shaded.   It could be gorgeous for a large tree with Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Silk (gray lines) and Painters Thread or a subtly overdyed Silk Floss (e.g., Gloriana Silk Floss or Dinky Dyes Silk Floss).   For a rich coat you want to stand out, try Very Velvet and Fyre Werks or Kreinik 1/16" metallic ribbon.

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

Just Right

Today's stitch is great for small, medium, and larg-ish areas.  In other words, it's just right.

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.

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.

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 Gloriana Florimell Silk Floss (gray lines) and Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16) (aqua lines) on 13-mesh.

This stitch could work for so many things.  I see it as water with Petite Silk Lame and a lightweight Kreinik.  The combination of Burmilana (gray lines) and Gloriana Lorikeet (aqua lines) would make an attractive hillside or field.  Using the same thread for all the stitches, such as a Pepper Pot or an Appleton Tapestry Wool, would make a great beard.  I hope these thought-starters help you come up with something perfect for your space!

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. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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