Ginabean

Today's stitch is an ode to short, powerful, and surprising.  Kinda like my dear friend, Gina(bean).  She's all kinds of short and awesome, just like today's stitch.  I think the technical name is Alternating Diagonal Mosaic, but I know it as the Ginabean.

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 is Soie D'Alger with Entice for the accent.  Two things happened on the way to the stitched sample.  First, I really liked the stitch without the accent.  But, I also love it with the accent!  So, your stitched sample is both.  Magic! 

This stitch would make a great small almost anything.  The diagram includes a bead; the stitched sample uses a Cross Stitch in lieu of the bead.  The bead version would make fantastic water, angel wings, small dresses or aprons, somewhere where you may want a little extra pop or extra added femininity.  I see the Cross Stitch version as more multi-purpose.  Sure, I would use it for any of the items I mentioned for the bead as well as clouds, receding landscape, tree leaves, roof, water, angel wings, small dresses or aprons.  I think you get the idea.  

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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

It Sure Doesn't Look Small

Today's stitch packs a lot of interesting detail for a small stitch. And it's fantastic.

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 uses DMC Floss and Kreinik Metallic for a roof on a small house from a Melissa Shirley vintage Halloween village.  The symmetry makes it a perfect roof stitch.

The stitched sample used the same thread (the black Kreinik) to fill the open 2X2 intersections.  Using two different threads for those intersections, as the diagram illustrates, offers a bunch of fun ideas.  Consider it for a small coat or dress with Soie D'Alger for the black lines, Entice or Kreinik for the gray lines, and Petite Silk Lame for the turquoise lines.  Another idea is to combine Gloriana Lorikeet for the black lines, Straw Silk for the gray lines, and Vineyard Silk for the turquoise lines.  One last thought is to replace the gray lines with a bead and this could make a great small water stitch.  You can have a lot of fun with this.

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! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

Just How Open is Open?

Today's stitch is a great variation of Reverse Basketweave.  I recall when I was first encouraged to use this for a window on a small Halloween house.  It makes me giggle to think about how nervous I was.  I was convinced that it was too open to be a window.  I was wrong.

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.

As with most window stitches, I recommend a single strand metallic such as Petite Silk Lame (for 13-mesh) or Kreinik Metallics Very Fine Braid (#4)  (for 18-mesh). 

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! Enjoy!

Baby Leaves!

I love finding new (to me) small stitches as it is always good to expand your repertoire beyond your traditional small stitches.  I continue to be amazed at how many small space stitches are out there.  Today's is especially cute!

I love a good leaf stitch and today's is a perfect one for a small space.  It's offers generous coverage and is just plain cute.

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 diagram is colored to offer clarity on the steps.  Personally, I would stitch the diamonds first (dark gray lines) and add the leaves afterwards (light gray lines).  As always, thread selection truly depends on the look you are going for. 

Clearly, this stitch would make a great tree or shrub.  A single overdyed floss or silk would be lovely (for the entire stitch).  If the area has room for more personality, consider using two different shades of a single color.  The stitched sample uses three plies of Soie D'Alger on 18-mesh.  Adding one more ply certainly wouldn't hurt.  

The diamonds around the small leaves extend its appeal beyond greenery.  If this isn't going to be foliage, for goodness sake, have fun with dramatic color and finish combinations. Frankly, it would make an adorable coat or a floor covering.  For the coat, I think a combo of Very Velvet plus a deep Kreinik Metallic or Entice would be gorgeous.  For a lighter look, try silk perle (Rainbow Gallery Elegance or Subtlety, or Gloriana Princess Perle) for the diamond and a Petite Silk Lame for the inside.   

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. 60 guides are currently available, with 12 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! Enjoy!

Sometimes Being Right Isn't Everything

And that's because today's stitch comes from another mistake!  The diagram below was my first attempt at diagramming this adorable window stitch, it wasn't quite right.  It wasn't right because it didn't match the stitched sample, but it's still a cute stitch on its own merits.  So meet the Patterned Cross Stitch's cousin, the Patterned Cross 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.

My counsel for this version is the same as the cousin.  Use it to help an area recede, such as a sky or a horizon behind a beautiful landscape, or to let how the canvas is painted standout.  The pink area of this canvas was so cute that I didn't want to overdo it.  It's also a foolproof way to highlight shading in a small area.  A stitch like this is always top of mind for water or windows.  I recommend using lightweight threads with a stitch this gentle.  For example, the stitched sample uses Trebizond Silk on 18-mesh.  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!

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!

Itty Bitty Oblique

This stitch is another wonderful stitch that adds a tiny little oomph to a small area. 

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 uses six plies of Gloriana Silk Floss on 13-mesh.  This stitch is a great universal stitch; it would make a great chimney, small grass, tiny bag or basket, a tall narrow leaf, or even glass.  Do not forget to make it fit the space by using rotating it to fit the space.

If you want to dress it up a little, use a contrasting thread for the single stitch.  It could be really cute!

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, 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!

I Can't Help Myself

You're either going to love me or hate me for this one.  My oblique obsession continues into this week's #smallspacesunday.  I continued playing after stitching the sample for the last #smallspacesunday and ended up with a teeny tiny Alternating Oblique Cross 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.

The stitched sample uses four plies of Soie D'Alger and a Sundance bead for the accent (on 18-mesh).  The alternating oblique crosses filled the space just fine on their own, so there is a case to be made for not including the bead accent.  That is illustrated on the second (bonus!) stitched sample on Instagram.

I can't wait to use this for a tiny coat, dress, or ornament on a stocking.  It would serve well as greenery, with the accent being in a contrasting color.  I also see it as a perfect stitch for a small bird or even a leaf.  There are really countless applications for this stitch.  I hope you love it as much as I do!

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!

Oblique Obsession

It is clear my current obsession is oblique stitches.  Today's stitch combines two small space stitches to create a great small and, not shockingly, oblique small 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.

The stitched sample uses two shades of Pepper Pot Silk on 13 mesh, illustrating what an aodrable stitch this could be for small greenery.  It would make a lovely addition to furniture, such as a blanket, pillow, or rug.  I love the idea of it as a coat on a small coat, using a matte thread for the over four stitch and a metallic for the over two 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. 47 guides are currently available and more are in the works!

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

More Knitting

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

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

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