Sunday Stitch school - Lesson 157: Invented Stitch (Cross)

Do you sometimes have problems interpreting instructions? I am sure most of us have at one time or another followed instructions, either written or illustrated, only to find the result didn't look right.

That was the case when I tried the Invented Stitch from Arts & Design. The drawing of the completed stitch looked so neat, but however many times I followed the text or the step-by-step illustrations, my result looked nothing like the sort.

I found the situation even more confusing when I read the text and also looked at the pictures. By following only one set at a time, I suddenly had two different stitches.

In the end I had three different stitches - and they all looked great. Three for the cost of one, so to speak.

I will introduce them to you one by one, in three consecutive lessons. Let's start with # 157 Invented Stitch (Cross).

Combining a Stem Stitch with a Buttonhole Stitch that is pulled askew you get this neat individual stitch. Keep on going and you have a straight barbed wire look.

Work it like this:

Notice the holes used on the Aida cloth.

Make a Stem Stitch where you take the needle out slightly above the stitched line.

Take a Straight Stitch on the other side of the stitched line

Keep the thread under the needle, to make a Buttonhole Stitch, and pull through.

Now pull the thread back across the Stem Stitch, and insert the needle on the upper side of the stitched thread, forming a cross.

It is beautiful as an individual stitch, or

continue in the same way for a neat line.

Homework:

Add to the samplers

Saturday Sightings of Spring - 1

This is the first Saturday since I launched this spring project, based on Jacquie Harvey's pattern for a cushion - 'Promise of Spring'.

Anyone who wants to make use of the pattern and instructions, contact me and I will send you the pdf file.

I have decided to work the pattern in felt on silk, and with plenty of embroidery, in the style of Fay Maxwell. 

Do you know this British most inventive textile artist? In the video below you will get to know her, as well as see examples of her 'Crewel and Unusual' embroidery style which I am adopting for my cushion. 

Most of the video is focusing on one of her other techniques, slashing fabric. The video is about half an hour long and well worth watching.

Now back to Queenie's 'Saturday Sightings of Spring'.

The paper parts were cut out. They in turn aided the cutting out of the felt parts.

The foundation silk was backed with a thin cotton (to support the embroidery). 

The picture was built and pinned down.

All parts were basted in place and the pins removed.

This is as fas as the indoor signs of spring can be seen.

Outside, in nature, the sightings of spring include buds forming on the hydrangea. Isn't the contrast beautiful, the pistachio green buds against the decaying leaves of last year?

Friday Homework for Lesson 156: Hyacinth Stitch

This is a nice stitch and a good reminder that it is always possible to stack stitches.

Aida Sampler

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Teal Wool Tailoring Scribble Cloth

WIPW - Tatting Progress

Wednesday it is, so here comes the Work In Progress Wednesday report.

Before having a look at the progress made, I just want to tell you that I am once again having problems leaving comments on some of the blogs I visit. If you haven't heard from me, it's because of Mr Blogger and his tricks.

Crazy for Crazy

I have made some simple stitches in orange, mainly Running Stitch, Herringbone, Straight and Detached Chain Stitch, as well as a row of Satin Threaded Running Stitch.

Log Cabin Challenge

Five more blocks, total is now 340. Nearing the end...

Tatting

Needle tatting is such fun. I learned to add beads, and worked over another button, where I also added graded picots. The pink crown might find its way into a future Crazy for Crazy block.

Saturday Sightings of Spring (Promise of Spring by Jacquie Harvey Project) 

In my blogpost last Saturday, I wrote about the challenge of Jacquie Harvey's spring cushion. I will report in more details about my progress on Saturdays, but here is a picture of the cut felt I will be using.

Now should you want to take part and stitch up the design, contact me and I will send you the pdf file with pattern and clear instructions.