Catch a Wave

Today’s stitch was shared with me by one of my favorite stitchers. One of the many reasons I like it is that I would have never come up with it alone.

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.

A background using a single color of silk floss with different ply counts for individual steps.

It took me a minute (or more) to catch that two stitches share holes with the group of stitches above, so don’t miss that nuance. (And a hat tip to those of you who saw that from the beginning). The stitched sample is five plies of Mandarin Floss (black lines) and two plies of Soie d’Alger (yellow lines). I like the contrast of the weights between the two losses.

Tangent: I learned that trick long ago when I couldn’t find a matching metallic to use as a contrasting thread in a background. My solution was to use different ply counts of the same thread for the two threads. The photo on the right illustrates how that turned out. (It is the Crown Stitch with Accents from page 220 of book 2.)

Back to today’s stitch. It adds subtle direction to an area. It will work well for water with two shades of blue or turquoise Petite Silk Lame. I also look forward to using it for a roof with a solid silk floss for the black lines and an overdyed silk floss for the yellow lines.

It is also scalable by simply changing the height of the black lines. My instinct tells me not to stitch them any shorter than three rows tall so the yellow lines don’t overwhelm the scale, but I want to noodle it a bit.

There is a lot to play with here, and I’m looking forward to it.

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!

Stash Shame, Part 3

The final pear from the stash shame is a larger variation of one of my long-time favorite stitches, Star Octagon. It still gives me all the feels, and I’m loving the gold metallic contrast in the stitched sample.

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 stitch is another pear from my stash shame. The stitched sample uses a single ply of Floche (black lines) and a size 8 Kreinik (aqua lines). It’s very close to a full coverage stitch, yet still gives us a beautiful peek at the wonderful shading on the pear. As this is a partially stitched sample, you can also see how leaving the Upright Tied Cross out of the stitch offers a brighter view of the shading. Either way is the right way, as far as I am concerned!

The stitch, as diagramed, will be a beautiful dress with silk floss and your favorite metallic, such as Silk Lame or Neon Rays. It will be an elegant addition to the background of a Christmas stocking cuff with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and Kreinik Metallic or Flair (aqua lines). I would use this stitch for a tree or greenery without the Upright Tied Crosses in the center with your favorite overdyed or solid silk floss.

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!

Stash Shame, Part 2

Last week’s wip from my stash is the gift that keeps on giving.

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 stitch is from a cute red pear from last week’s project. The stitched sample uses a single ply of Floche (black lines), a size 4 or a size 8 Kreinik (turquoise lines), and a size 14/15 red seed bead with red beading thread (aqua circles with black lines). Fun fact. I was so confident about this diagram that I thought I could create it from memory on my laptop while away from my office. I got home to find out I was wrong. It wasn’t terribly wrong, but I’m including what I thought it was on the right.

This stitch is another great example of how using solid color threads helps enhance shading. This stitch will add some interest to a beautifully shaded tree, with the beads in random colors of green or even random flower colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. It will also make a fantastic roof for a Victorian house with all the straight lines in a lightweight Kreinik and metallic beads.

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!

A Pear a Day?

While I’m never proud of the size of my wip stash, it serves us well. Today’s stitch is from said stash and a bright little pick-me-up!

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.

So this wip is old. It is so old that I have a vague memory; this was the piece where I used Floche (black lines) for the first time. The yellow lines are most likely size 8 Kreinik. Even though the leaf and stem are not stitched on this pear, I know the plan for all of the leaves and stems was plain needlepoint, as painted, with a gorgeous variety of Trebizond Silk. (For eagle-eyed readers, this stitch is a simple variation of 3-4-3 Squares from page 9 of book 3.)

Last week I talked about matching stitches and this is a perfect example. (Matching stitches are the same thing as Balanced Stitches in my books.) There is a lovely symmetry here, The addition of an extra stitch (the Upright Tied Crosses) sets it off even more.

It’s a wonderful all-purpose stitch for greenery with two shades of green wool or single-strand silk such as Pepper Pot Silk or Vineyard Silk. It will also make a beautiful cloud with Flair (black lines) and Silk Lame (for the yellow lines). And I think it might work really well for a piece of fruit. :)

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!

Boo!

Today’s stitch is a fun twist on one of my favorite woven stitches.

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.

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

The stitched sample is a tabletop using size 12 Finca Perle Cotton on 18M.

I prefer what I call matching stitches, which typically means there’s a mirror image of the repeated pattern. Using the inspiration for this stitch as an example, three vertical lines are the same size for every three horizontal lines (the repeated pattern). I realized I needed to start venturing out of this matchy-matchy pattern, and here we are. (Perhaps I haven’t strayed too far, but I hope you understand the distinction.)

I look forward to using this as a pathway with overdyed silk floss. Flip it 90° and it will make a really interesting tree trunk with Bella Lusso or Burmilana. You can dress it up by adding a contrasting thread (color, finish, or both) for the vertical lines. I love the thought of silk floss for the horizontal lines and a Kreinik Metallic for the vertical lines for a wall or a bedspread.

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!

Ticks all the Boxes

I stumbled across this stitch (and beautiful stitched sample) on Instagram recently. It ticks all the boxes for me. Matte and metallic thread combo. Columns with skipped rows. Add pink and blue to the mix and…swoon!

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

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

The stitched sample is Pepper Pot Silk (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines) on 18M. It’s a perfect ode to spring…and a beautifully stitched ornament by @francieneedlepoints.

I love how the groups of oblique upright crosses add surprising height and a bit of texture to this stitch. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of that and using this stitch for clothing, especially a pair of pants or a coat. I would use two shades of single-strand silk, Burmilana, or Bella Lusso for the pants. I recommend adding a bit of sparkle to the coat by using a Silk Lame for the black lines and silk floss for the aqua lines. Or, use two metallics, such as Neon Rays and Flair, for a really cute raincoat!

Consider flipping the diagram 90° for a rug or blanket. I love the thought of integrating Alpaca into this stitch for a blanket. I would use Alpaca for the black lines and Silk Lame for the aqua lines. Both threads provide great coverage, along with some interesting contrasting textures. If you want even more texture, consider swapping the 2X2 squares with a Smyrna Cross! (The gray lines in that diagram are Smyrna Crosses.) Lastly, consider skipping more rows between the columns to create an interesting but slightly more subtle background.

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 three books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 250 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!

Two Extremes

Today’s stitch is kinda fun. The first step was fun all by itself so you now have two new stitches!

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

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

The stitch is nothing more than a Chevron stitch three rows tall with a tiny vertical accent covering the intersection where the diagonal stitches meet. I went a little crazy with the stitched sample. I used red and white Vineyard Silk (black and gray lines, respectively). I covered each intersection with Neon Rays in the opposite color. It was a lot of fun though I may not want to stitch with Neon Rays again for a while. (That said, I love the look.)

This full-coverage stitch will make a fantastic roof, using one color for both the gray and black lines. I think Rainbow Linen, perle cotton, or Vineyard Silk would work for those stitches for a brown roof. I would use a darker brown and cream Silk Lames for the accent stitches to add subtle interest to the roof. This stitch will create a beautiful blanket with a version of the two-color concept illustrated in the stitched sample. Imagine how pretty a blue and yellow blanket in silk floss with contrasting accents in Flair will be.

As I was working on the sample, I loved the first step as much as the end result. Just the red Vineyard Silk and white Neon Rays created such a sassy open stitch. (Note. The threads are way too visible on the back because this was the first step for the stitch above. If the plan had been to skip a row, I would have added the diagonal stitches following the horizontal path across.)

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

Click image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram. (Be sure to swipe to see this version.)

I am looking forward to using this version as a purse with two contrasting colors of Straw Silk for both lines. It will also be a beautiful vase with two shades of Kreinik Metallic with a twist. Use size 8 for the black lines and size 12 for the yellow lines.

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

Just a reminder about how to evaluate stitches for size on your project.

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. (Or, in today’s case, the stitch is much larger than it looks.)

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 three books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 250 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!

Stash is a Four Letter Word

Today’s stitch comes from a long-forgotten WIP that I stumbled across last weekend as I was rearranging my shipping room…because that’s where all stitches come from, 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 Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample is size 12 Perle Cotton (black lines) and a size 8 Kreinik (gray lines) on 18M. It’s the background for an adorable Melissa Shirley stand-up Christmas Tree.

My best advice for this stitch is to stitch each square one at a time, beginning and ending a thread within each square. That is the best way to eliminate the possibility of visible threads. An alternative is to do the groups of five tent stitches first and then slide your thread under the back of the tent stitches as you travel between 5X5 squares. The 3X3’s should still be stitched independently.

I am looking forward to finishing this project in my lifetime. I am also looking forward to including this stitch in a stitch plan for wallpaper with Silk Floss (for the 5X5 squares and the groups of five tent stitches) and Petite Silk Lame for the 3X3 squares. I can’t lie. As I stare at it, I can’t help but want to try it in a large window, say from one of Sandra Gilmore’s exquisite room pieces. I suspect I would use a single lightweight metallic in that scenario. Now I need to find one of the rooms to play with.

These stitch diagrams, 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 Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download The Essentials, a free 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, 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!

Meet the Neighbors!

Today’s stitch comes from last week’s project. It’s another cute full coverage stitch that will work almost anywhere.

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 stitch is from a neighboring square at the bottom of the stocking from last week. The stitched sample is two strands of Impressions (black lines) and Shimmer Ribbon (yellow lines) on 13M. As I mentioned last week, I don’t have a clear recollection of where I stumbled across the stitches. However, I’m confident I selected this stitch because it fit the 12X12 square perfectly. And, yes, the upper right-hand corner is wonky and I have no idea what I did with that corner.

It’s another great all-purpose stitch. I will use it again for a riff on a checkerboard floor with black and white silk floss. It will make a pretty jacket with Elegance (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines). Consider lightening it up with two strands of silk floss (black lines) and a size 4 Kreinik Metallic (yellow lines) for a tabletop (on 18M).

These stitch diagrams, 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 Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download The Essentials, a free 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, 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!