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.

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.

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!

A Classic

There might be few things more holiday classic than deep red poinsettias sprinkled with snow. Even I, a 4th generation (snow-less) Californian, know how classic this is. And voila!

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.

Today’s #stitchingsunday is Alternating Nobuko from my Debbie Mumm Poinsettia Stitch Guide. It uses two shades of Splendor and Trebizond Silk. I used to avoid Nobuko as it frequently vexed me. (Okay, and made me swear, I confess.) It clicked for me when I saw the stitch as vertical columns of diagonal stitches over three rows, skipping a row in between. That may seem obvious to some, but it is what got me over the hump with this stitch. I now love it. There are so many wonderful variations that can really pop on a piece.

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! Happy #stitchingsunday!

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!

Brace Yourselves

Update: Added a diagram to match the stitched sample because, well, I don’t want you to think you’re losing your mind. That said, it’s clear I’m losing mine. Enjoy!

December’s posts are from my collection of Christmas pillows. So brace yourself for a lot of red and green. Yes, yes, I know the holidays embrace far more colors than my pillows do, so please reimagine these stitches in your favorite holiday colors! I promise all of the colors will work!

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.

We kick off December with a #stitchingsunday featuring a long time favorite stitch, the Trifecta. The stitched sample is from a background on a Meri Meri Designs Christmas piece, using Snow and Rachelette, both from Caron Collection Threads. The diagram on the far right is another way you could fill the area between the blocks of white.

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! Happy #stitchingsunday!

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!

Gracie!

Today's #stitchingsunday is a two-fer. It’s a throwback to one of my first #smallspacesundays AND a reminder to have fun with beads.

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.

Meet Gracie, an adorable pup from my Whimsical Pups Stitch Concept. It uses two shades of Petite Very Velvet (aqua lines and light gray lines) and Vineyard Silk (gray lines). The necklace uses S&J Designs Pearls. The student enjoyed some splashes of color we added on the fly, so we decided to add MORE S&J Designs beads to the mix (the lavender crystals). I think it was the perfect call. (Though, truth be told, Gracie looks great in just a classic strand of pearls.)

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! Happy #stitchingsunday!

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!

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!

Order the Profiteroles

I finally assembled today's blog at 11:00 last night.  Why?  Because I ordered the profiteroles at dinner last week instead of scampering home and writing the blog.  I regret it...kinda.  The good news is you have your stitch, I had my profiteroles (my all-time favorite dessert) with the one and only Ginabean, and it's a holiday today!  Let's celebrate all of the above with a super fun tramme 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 Elegance (dark gray lines), Trebizond Silk (turquoise lines), and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) on 18-mesh.  It's a wonderful tone on tone combo that highlights the beautiful shading of the flowers.

This stitch would be even more dramatic with different colors and/or finishes.  I would love to see it as a roof with Very Velvet, Silk Straw, and maybe some Fine Kid (by & more threads).  Another idea is for a coat or bag with Sparkle Rays for the base thread (dark gray line) with Soie D'Alger (turquoise lines) and a dramatic Kreinik Metallic for the center accent stitch (the aqua line).  I'm thinking a Kreinik holographic threads (indicated by an L after the color number) would be perfect.  They are a wonderful burst of even more color than the "typical" Kreinik. 

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 and have a happy and safe 4th!  

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!

#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 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.

#stitchingsunday

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

I always enjoy hearing when a reader shares one of my stitches was perfect for their project. What's more fun is to see how it is used.  Today's stitch example uses the Darning with Backstitch and comes from Amy Poore.  What is even better is that Amy used it for a background and on the vertical axis, neither of which I mentioned as possibilities in the original post.  And I absolutely love it.

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.

Today's version provides more coverage with Perle Cotton and Flair.  The horizontal columns would lend themselves to wallpaper, chimneys, fireplace mantles, tree trunks, pants...anything tall and/or narrow.  

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!

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

Little Black Dress

The good news is today's stitch is gorgeous.  And easy.  And looks fantastic on the stitched sample....which happens to be black on black.  So, pay more attention to the diagram this week.  And please enjoy and don't use my name in vain too much. 

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.

Did I forget to mention the stitch sample also uses two colors of beads?  Oops.

The stitch is simple with Scotch Squares in alternating directions with a skipped row in between the squares.  (Another wonderful example of how skipping a row opens up a whole new world.)

As you may have already inferred from the title, this stitch is from a little black dress on a recent piece.  So, clearly, it is wonderful for clothing.  Replace the bead with a Cross Stitch and you could have a fantastic floor or any number of architectural elements.  Use a lightweight thread on a beautifully shaded body of water.  

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. 44 guides are currently available, including the brand new Passion Flowers and Royal Peeps, and more are in the pipeline.

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