Spark Joy

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

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

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

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

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

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Well, Hello Again

Hello 2019! We are going to ease into the year with a sweet, lightweight stitch. I hope you like it!

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today's stitch comes from a blue and cream striped and more pillow. (The stitch for the blue stripes was featured last year.) I added the blue accent to the cream stripe to augment the adjacent blue stripes. The stitched sample uses Elegance (dark gray lines), Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines), and Sundance Beads with clear beading thread.

This stitch would make a gorgeous roof or floor. I love the filled centers. You could do them all in the same direction. However, I am drawn to the interest the different directions add. If a bead isn’t your style, consider adding your favorite 2X2 stitch in the center of the open square. This link offers several other 2X2 ideas.

A lightweight thread combinations for a floor include DMC Perle Cotton (gray lines), Bella Lusso Wool (aqua lines), and a matte finish seed bead. I would use Glisten (gray lines), Vineyard Silk (aqua lines), and an Upright Cross for the center of the squares in Flair for a roof.

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!

It’s a Trifecta!

I’m wrapping up 2018 with a trifecta! It’s a favorite stitch in my favorite color from one of my favorite holiday pillows.

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.

While today’s stitched sample focuses on a monochromatic example with Elegance and Flair, the original post elaborates on several different variations of thread and color combos that can help bring your areas to life. I encourage you to revisit the original post. It has some cute ideas to spice up 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, 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! I wish you a very happy and joyous New Year!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

My Favorite Day of the Year

The day after Christmas is my favorite day of the year. Seriously. It’s calm. There’s a lingering glow from the month+ of holiday activities and months of prep. There’s no rush because we still have New Year’s to look forward to. It’s the perfect day to de-stress and stitch. And here’s a stitch for that spot you weren’t quite sure what to do with.

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.

It’s that “just right” stitch, if you will, as it falls precisely in between a small Alternating Cashmere and the larger version. The stitched sample uses Impressions and Neon Rays+ on 18-mesh. It’s an easy full coverage stitch with a zillion applications. This stitch, or either of its cousins, are great for backgrounds, baskets, floors, walls. I love the symmetry and elegance of it.

For backgrounds on 18 mesh, I would use silk Perle, such as Elegance, for the gray lines and my favorite metallic such as Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12) or Entice for the aqua lines. For a basket, I recommend an overdyed wool (Lorikeet or ThreadWorx), with a more subtle metallic such as Flair or Silk Lame. I love the smoothness of silk floss for walls. Pair it with a Neon Rays to enhance the smooth finish. Mix two matte threads for a rustic floor, such as Rainbow Linen and a Burmilana Tweed.

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 Hope You Like Red

Today’s stitch is a wonderful and bright explosion of red, one of the most traditional holiday colors. Red also happens to be overly represented in my shoe and purse collection. So, I’m not exactly impartial when it comes to this color.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today's stitch comes from a Raymond Crawford holiday pillow. The blocks of color drew me to the pillows as they lent themselves to fun stitches. The red block in the stitched sample uses Elegance and Flair (on 18-mesh). I used two colors to illustrate the alternating Byzantine patterns to help you navigate the stitch. I’m not going to lie; it was a challenge to catch a groove on this stitch. That said, I love the end result and the swearing and pulling out was completely worth it.

I would love to see this stitch on a floor or roof with Elegance (for the black and gray lines) and an overdyed something for the yellow 3X3 squares. It really doesn’t matter if it’s wool, silk floss, or metallic overdyed. I love the combo of matte and overdyed.

It works well in almost any area you want to draw attention to, especially clothing or a holiday bag. Play with it. It could be almost subtle with a silk floss and Entice. You could really draw attention to it with Petite Very Velvet for the black and gray lines partnered with an overdyed ThreadWorx metallic for the yellow lines. Consider beading the 3X3 squares to really go over the top.

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!

Make it Go Faster

Today's stitch is one of my favorite cheats. It's pretty but also goes really, really quickly.

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.

Truthfully, most diamond stitches are fast stitches. However, today's stitch goes especially quickly because you add two rows on either end for subsequent stitches leading to the center stitch. In addition, you skip a row between the diamonds on all but the center stitch. (This helps provide a clear path for the accent stitch.) The stitched sample is me playing at home with Vineyard Silk (gray lines) and Flair (turquoise lines) on 18-mesh. So, a quick and easy full coverage stitch.  Win, win!

I've used this stitch for clothing (with the thread combo from above). It would be a fantastic architectural stitch, such as a roof, pathway, or wall. However, I recommend distinctly different threads for those ideas. The Flair used in the sample adds a certain softness to the stitch, as is appropriate. For architectural stitches, I recommend a more defined metallic (such as a Kreinik or Treasure Braid) for the accent stitch. If metallic isn't appropriate for the accent thread, use a lightweight perle thread, such as Soie Perlee, Gloriana Princess Perle, Rainbow Gallery's Elegance, DMC Perle Cotton, or Dinky Dyes Silk Perle.

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

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

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

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!

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!

The Darling Stitch

"I call everyone 'Darling' because I can't remember their name."  - Zsa Zsa Gabor

I call this the Darling Stitch because, despite an hour of book and online research, I could not find a name for this stitch.  Never mind the fact I named the files used to create the stitch diagram for this stitch "Anonymous."

I favor this stitch for an area I want to keep understated but still want to show a little spark with a small color accent.  Think backgrounds for small pieces such as Christmas or Halloween ornaments. 

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 black lines drive the primary pattern.  I like to do the Plain Needlepoint (the light gray lines) in a different color to add a little personality.  Think a very light pink Flair with white Vineyard Silk...or a pewter Kreinik Metallic with a black DMC Floss.  I hope you get the idea.  

These stitch diagrams, along with other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on www.pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday.  

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 for seasonal Melissa Shirley designs.  Seventeen guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you have the perfect space for this stitch and enjoy it!