Hello Gorgeous!

Today’s stitch is beautiful…and deceptive. The truth is that it is far easier than either the diagram or the stitched sample portray.

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.

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Once I saw the pattern as blocks of diagonal stitches six rows high instead of separate blocks of red stitches (three rows high) and blocks of pink stitches (also three rows high), it all came together for me. It took a couple false starts before this was obvious to me. I think the effect is far more dramatic if you use contrasting colors (as the stitch sample illustrates) versus contrasting finishes in the same color family.

The stitched sample is me playing on blank canvas with Very Velvet (aqua lines) and Shimmer Ribbon (black lines).

This is truly an all purpose full coverage stitch. It would make a wonderful pair of pants with a Gloriana Lorikeet with a Vineyard Silk a or a Soie D’Alger paired with a Gloriana Pashmina. It will make a great tree or ground cover with a combo of a solid Burmilana and a ThreadWorx overdyed Floss or Perle Cotton. Consider using it for a wall with lightweight thread combos, such as size 8 or size 12 silk or cotton perle along with a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame or a size 8 Kreinik Metallic.

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, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

Spark Joy

I’m fascinated with the Marie Kondo tidying routine. Things in my home that spark joy for me are my cookbooks, the four poster bed (from my great grandparents home), and my Melissa Shirley fruit needlepoint projects. Case in point is today’s stitch and stitch sample.

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.

Today's stitch comes from a Melissa Shirley fruit purse I did eons ago. (Note: the stitched purse in the link is not mine.) Yes, I love the diamonds but I love the multiple bead accents more. The stitched sample uses yellow Flair (black and aqua lines) and Sundance Beads for, well, the beads. :)

It would be a great stitch for a body of water that you want to draw attention to. I would use a lightweight Kreinik metallic (size 8 for 13-mesh and size 4 for 18-mesh) for the black and gray lines and seed beads. It would be beautiful for a glamorous dress, especially a tall narrow one. I recommend a rich Silk Floss (Soie D’Alger or Soie Cristale come to mind) for the black lines, combined with Silk Lame for the aqua lines, and seed beads. Consider a bugle bead in lieu of the seed beads for an even more dramatic look.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I disagree with Marie on one topic. The books stay. And, the fruit needlepoint pillows stay.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

Lovely Layers

I love everything about today’s stitch…the four threads, the perfect balance, and the final elegance. It also happens to fill a beautiful space on a beautiful 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 Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today's stitch comes from my Stitch Guide for Melissa Shirley’s Lemons canvas. Sequence is critical. Begin with the black lines, followed by the aqua, light gray, and end with the dark gray Upright Crosses. The stitched sample uses Petite Very Velvet (black lines), Fyre Werks Soft Sheen (aqua lines), Elegance (light gray lines), and Silk Lame (dark gray lines).

This stitch is perfect for a medium to large area you want to draw attention to, such as clothing, large pieces of fruit, bowls, baskets. I hope you get the idea. If you want to add even more bling, consider filling the open spaces with straight stitches over two rows (essentially extending the Upright Tied Cross in the center). Or fill those spaces with a single seed bead over two rows.

The thread possibilities are endless. I prefer more durable, single strand threads for the base thread (black lines). It helps define the shapes and adds a bit of texture. I recommend a perle cotton, Very Velvet, or a size 16 Kreinik Metallic for that role. Once you’ve established the base thread, have a blast. You could go wild with all metallics in contrasting colors, say purples, oranges, and (lime) greens for Halloween fun, or mix threads from the same color family for a sampler.

In all honesty, I would love to see this as a pumpkin with Vineyard Silk (black lines), Kreinik Metallic 1/16” Ribbon (aqua lines), Elegance (light gray lines), and ThreadWorx Metallic (gray lines). If you want a slightly less pronounced version, consider using a strand-able silk, such as Splendor or Soie D’Alger, for the base thread. Use a laying tool to keep to smooth and flat. Add the remaining layers. This will bring more attention to the centers of the diamonds for another pretty perspective.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

Merry Little Background

Today's stitch is a sweet little thing that adds a tiny pop.

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 uses ThreadWorx Overdyed Floss (gray lines) and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (yellow lines) on 13-mesh.

This stitch would make great water with Petite Silk Lame (gray lines) and a Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (yellow lines). It would make a cute ground cover with Treenway Tranquility (silk perle) (gray lines) and Soie D’Alger (yellow lines).

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. 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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

One Stitch. Two States.

Today’s stitch started in Baltimore and ended in Alabama. How does that work?

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 original stitch was a single column of 3X3 diamonds with a second diamond and a cross stitch embedded inside the diamond. It was for a accent area six rows wide on a chest of drawers on a Charley Harper Stitch Concept (from my embellishment event at Bedecked & Beadazzled). A few weeks later, I was working on the background for Flight School and I kept returning to this stitch. I wanted a slightly larger stitch so, to make it work, I added the Upright Cross Stitch in between the vertical columns. The stitched sample (from Flight School) uses Soie D’Alger (black lines), Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines), and Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12) on 13-mesh.

I would love to see this stitch for a floor (indoor or outdoor) with Rainbow Linen (black lines), ThreadWorx wool (aqua lines), and Neon Rays (gray lines). It would be a great stitch for clothing with Very Velvet (black lines ), Silk Lame (aqua lines), and Fyre Werks (gray lines). It would make a great roof with Silk Perle (black lines), such as Elegance or Treenway’s Tranquility, Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines), and Straw Silk for the Upright Crosses.

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, Patience Brewster, 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!  

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

Hello Edith!

Today’s postcard is from Edith! It’s a wonderful stitch combining silk, metallic, and beads.

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.

Today's stitch comes Edith, Ethel, & Ezra by Birds of a Feather (from an embellishment event earlier this year). The stitched sample is Edith’s dress and uses Soie D'Alger (gray lines), Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12) (aqua lines), and a size 11 Sundance Bead in the center (turquoise circles) (on 18-mesh).

It’s a fantastic full coverage stitch. The three distinct stitch elements are excellent catalysts for color combos (illustrated in the stitched sample). It is a great stitch for a dress, coat, or bag for a holiday piece. I would love to see it as a large pumpkin. Consider changing the bead to a more dramatic Swarovski bi-cone crystal or round crystal. Bigger is certainly better with Swarovski Crystals, but I recommend nothing larger than 3 or 4mm, to allow other elements of the stitch to shine through. It would make a great fruit tree with silk floss (gray lines), an overdyed Silk Perle, such as Gloriana Princess Perle, for the Upright Tied Cross (aqua lines), and a Sundance bead.

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, Patience Brewster, 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!  

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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 Can't Wait to Show You the Wrong One!

A funny thing happened on the way to creating today's diagram.  I got it way wrong.  I would have kept going down that path...because it was pretty fantastic...were it not for the already stitched sample.  I promise to share my mistake once I'm able to stitch it up.  In the interim, please enjoy today's 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 uses Trebizond Silk (light gray lines), Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (turquoise lines), and Flair (dark gray lines) on 18-mesh.  Continuing the theme from last week, this is another fantastic open stitch to highlight some of our industry's most beautiful painting.

This stitch could be very intriguing as water, as the Upright Crosses could add a little choppiness to said water.  I would play with Petite Silk Lame, Kreinik, and maybe some Soie D'Alger or Princess Perle.  Stitches like these lend themselves to dramatic clothing.  Very Velvet or any single strand silk would add a richness in color and weight that would make this stand out even more. The center X would be great with Entice or Fyre Werks. I would replace the Upright Cross that is in the center of the diamonds with a bead in that scenario.

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. Click here to see the 20 newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!

Va Va Va Voom

When I first laid eyes on today's canvas, I knew EXACTLY what I was going to do with the white flowers...and completely clueless as to what to do with the red flowers.  Ten plus years later, I have no regrets and am more excited about the red flowers than the white flowers.

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 used Neon Rays (black lines) and Fyre Werks (turquoise lines) on 13-mesh.  A laying tool was essential in keeping the Neon Rays flat and smooth.  It works, I promise.  And it's easy.

I really do love this stitch.  It has straight and oblique stitches, leading to a really pretty symmetry. Technically, it's an open stitch, but really passes as a full coverage stitch.  I recommend using this stitch for an area you want to draw attention to.  Clearly, I like it for a flower.  Other space ideas include clothing, an intriguing roof, or a dramatic bag.

Ideas for thread combinations include Very Velvet (gray lines) and Fyre Werks (turquoise lines) for a jacket, Rainbow Linen (gray lines) and Lorikeet (turquoise lines) for a roof, or Soie D'Alger (gray lines) and Silk Lame (turquoise lines) for a bag.  If you want more bling, swap the metallic and matte threads in any of the mentioned combos.  

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. Click here to see the 20 newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!

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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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 Village Rocks

Today's stitch comes from our friend, Ruth Schmuff.  The core element for this stitch is from one of my current favorite stitches.  I love how she multiplied and flipped it around to make it more compelling.  Needless to say, I wish I thought of it.

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 bevy of fun threads including Soie D'Alger (green), Petite Silk Lame (gray), and Gloriana Silk (overdye). This is from Ellen Giggenbach's Fantail from bedeckedandbeadazzled.com (available here).   It's part of a small hill behind a beautiful leaf. 

Clearly, this is a stitch for a larger space.  It would make a beautiful coat on a large dramatic Santa stand-up.  It's a perfect ground covering as you can use the middle stitch (the turquoise line) to add a second color or texture.  Add a bead (over two rows on the vertical) to the open 2X2 center, mix it with a Petite Silk Lame (gray lines) and Kreinik (turquoise line) for water.   If you are #teamfullcoverage, add an Upright Tied Cross to the open diamond and a Smyrna Cross to the 2X2 section for very glamorous clothing, border, or flower center.  There are a lot of ways to play with this 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. 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!

It Takes a Village

It's been a little nutty around here for the last few weeks, so I counted on my village of stitcher friends to get me through.  Today's stitch is inspired by a project a friend shared with me a couple years ago.  I've included it on many personal and student projects. It's easy, versatile, and well-behaved.  

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 say well-behaved because this stitch just adapts to whatever area you put it in.  The example above is from a Santa coat, using Vineyard Silk and Shimmer Ribbon.  I've used or recommended it for snowmen with Crystal Braid (gray lines) and Flair (aqua lines), fruit with Soie D'Alger (gray lines) and Trebizond Silk (aqua lines), and backgrounds with Perle Cotton (gray lines ) and Kreinik Metallic (aqua lines).  And they all worked.

You could reduce the texture of the 2X2 square by replacing the Smryna Cross with four tent stitches or a 2X2 Mosaic stitch.  That combination makes me want to try it for a tabletop, a floor, or even a field of grass.  There are a lot of ways to play with this 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.  61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!