Revision Homework for stitches 291 - 295

Since November 2016 I have introduced a hand embroidery stitch (almost) every Sunday here at Sunday Stitch School. Recently we reached stitch #295. For every fifth stitch, I have also made a Sunbonnet Sue Sampler.  295 stitches divided by 5 = 59 samplers. Yes, I have 59 Sunbonnet Sues now! 

My versions of Sunbonnet Sue have always been very free and personal. However, I need to be fair to whoever created the original Sunbonnet Sue,  the pattern of a little chubby girl with her face covered by her sunbonnet. What the history behind this redwork and applique pattern is I am not absolutely sure, I have read various stories. Maybe Scrapdash has the most reliable tale.

Among my 59 Sues, only some are of that traditional pattern. I felt it was time to make at least one more. 

So here is the sampler for stitches #291 - 295, in true traditional style:

Kamal Kadai is perfect for the pinwheel and Backstitched German Knot Square makes a decorative pocket for Sue's apron.

WIPW - More Sunset Hearts in Place

It is Wednesday and time for the weekly Work In Progress Wednesday report.

Mandala

I have all four Sunset Batik Hearts in place on the Mandala. The batik was rather hard to stitch; maybe the best way to use this beautifully dyed batik is for machine stitching. Alas, I had already decided to needle turn appliqué these hearts, so I had to struggle with the stiff fabric. I am pleased with the result.

Sunday Stitch School Stitch Sampler

I added a #295 Backstitched German Knot Square in the centre of the previously stitched #289 Armenian Edgeding felt circle. This BGKS stitch fixes the round piece of felt to the wool foundation so the basting that kept it in place is now removed. Another square stitch is sitting directly on the wool next to the circle.

Hexablooms

I was delighted to receive a generous selection of pre-cut squares from a good friend. 

As you can see, among the squares is a Japanese print. This is, as far as I an remember, the only Japanese print in COTTON that I have. I have plenty of silk, and maybe polyester remnants of similar designs, This will be a unique hexagon flower for this quilt - the only one that looks like a kimono print but is actually quilting cotton.

No fewer than ten flowers were produced in a week. The total is now 40 flowers.

Sunday Stitch School - Revision: Stitches 291 - 295

Let's review stitches 291 - 295, then make a Sunbonnet Sue sampler.

Click the title and you will see the stitch instructions.

291 Kamal Kadai Basic Stitch

Around the world, there are many stitches with needle weaving. Kamal Kadai is a traditional Indian version.

I wove it with a selection of threads/yarn. Which petal is your favourite?

292 Semi Diamond Chain Stitch

I found this stitch on YouTube and guess it is a 'home made' stitch. It is also a very beautiful one. Furthermore, it's easy to do.

293 Laced Arrowhead Stitch, Version 1

Sharon of Pintangle is famous for her gorgeous crazy quilt seams and her ability to combine stitches. Trust her to decorate (lace) such a basic stitch as Arrowhead Stitch to showcase various threads. It is a simple and effective way to play with all those tricky types of threads. You know, threads that are knobbly, bulky, fluffy, furry, flat like a ribbon or full of metallic fibres.

294 Indian Knotted Feather Stitch

Again YouTube is where I found this stitch. It is a version of Spanish Knotted Feather Stitch and results in a beautiful line.

295 Backstitched German Knot Square

This stitch is from Madam Totsuka's collection. I gave it the name as it is simply described as 'German Knot with Back Stitch', with no mention that it is worked in a square.

It is easy, quick and highly addictive. I also love that it changes appearance with size.

Homework:

Let sweet little Sunbonnet Sue show what can be done with this collection of stitches. 

This time you can surely guess which Sunbonnet Sue design I have used. The question is what is Sue doing?

Friday Homework for Lesson 295: Backstitched German Knot Square

 Oh, this stitch is lovely and highly addictive. Once I got started, I didn't want to stop!

Aida Sampler

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Mottled Wool Scribble Cloth