Oui Oui!

The final post for July includes the last open stitch example from the I-Will-Never-Finish white flower project. The stitch is a cousin of both the Parisian and Brick 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.

There are three things I like about this stitch. The first is the primary stitch element (over 2-2-4-4-2-2 rows) is not a perfect pair. Check. On the off chance you didn't know, I'm always a fan of skipping a row between columns. Check. The oblique Upright Cross between the primary elements is a pleasant surprise. Check. The stitched sample uses Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8), Trebizond Silk, and Flair.

I would love to see this stitch as a roof with a mix of textures, solid colors, and variegated colors, such as Rainbow Linen, Treenway Tranquility, and maybe a little Burmilana thrown in for good measure.  It would also make wonderful water with my water favorites of Kreinik Metallics and Petite Silk Lame.  I would use Flair for the oblique Upright Cross in that example. 

My last idea is to rotate the stitch 45° and stitch it in vertical columns for clothing.  I would love to see this stitch as pants on Santa or a nutcracker.  Here my mind is playing with Petite Very Velvet, Pepper Pot Silk, and Fyre Werks.  

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!

Large and in Charge

It's always fun to see how the same base stitch looks with different fills. Today's stitch is a distant cousin of one of the early #whimsicalwednesdays.  Today's stitch is the "just right" between full and empty in the center. Truth be told, all choices are great. 

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 common denominator between the two versions is the double diamond (with stitches over five rows on all sides).   

Today's stitched sample is from a large floral. As you can see, it draws attention to the beautiful shading.  It uses Trebizond Silk (turquoise lines), Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (dark gray lines), and a Sundance size 11 bead (aqua circle). I chose lighter threads with an open stitch to draw attention to the shading yet still offer an interesting pattern in the larger area.

As mentioned in the first post, I love these large diamonds as background stitches. They add visual interest, yet are subtle. For backgrounds, I like to use a Perle cotton, such as DMC or Prescencia Perle Cotton size 8 on 18-mesh and size 5 on 13-mesh.  More often than not, I add a Smyrna Cross in a subtle metallic to the 2X2 intersection and then play with the inside of the diamond with some sort of 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, 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!

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!

So Many Variations, So Little Time

When I originally posted today's stitch more than three years ago, I offered four different choices to fill the open spaces.  Today's #stitchingsunday offers you a fifth idea.  I hope you like 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.

The stitched sample is from the same unfinished floral project as this past Wednesday.  (And when I say unfinished, it will never be unfinished.)  It uses Trebizond Silk, Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8), and a size 11 Sundance bead on 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. 81 guides are currently available, with 20 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! 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!

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!

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!

Flip Flop

Today's #stitchingsunday is a riff on a post from last year.  

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.

She stitched up one of her new ornaments with a very recent #whimsicalwednesday stitch.  So, of course I love the stitch but I'm thrilled she flipped it on its side.  The stitched sample uses two plies of Soie D'Alger 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, 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!

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 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 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!

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 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!