TAST stitch # 97 is called Shell Chain Stitch, and Sharon B of Pintangle, who is running the TAST stitch challenge, says she found it in Edith John's Creative Stitches (p.43).
It is a book I am not familiar with, but the photographs that Sharon has taken of her own stitches and posted on her blog show clearly how this stitch is worked.
Now if I only could pay attention! You see, I've done it again - looked at Sharon's instructions too casually. They made me think of my collection of Totsuka's Embroidery Stitch Books:
where Book No 3 in the series is full of chain stitch variations. Sure enough I found the 'Shell Chain', although it is simply called 'alternating chain and open chain stitch'. (Note also that almost all Totsuka stitches are worked away from you, which I find difficult, and I usually turn the books upside down to follow the illustrations).
I was so upset that I decided to keep them on my sampler just as a good reminder to do a proper job in the future! The Shell Chain Stitch should look like these:
22 comments:
lol! looking great Queenie!
I am glad you think so!
LOL great sample - You will never be expelled - or even put in the corner! But now I have seen that other shell chain stitch and its called something else - I will be going through all my books trying to find it!
I went looking and Edith Johns in Creative Embroidery stitches lists something similar - but not the same - as the extra arm emerges from the chain rather than below the chain as "pretty chain" I might add Johns version to TAST and see if a beaded version can be developed as I think it could be lovely - I still feel I have seen this version too however so will keep looking
good stitches here Queenie and no you are rewarded for adding your own stitches. The book you have shared with us is very clear.
A nice stitch and I am sure that you won't be put in the naughty corner!
Thank you, Miss. What a relief!
Are you familiar with Sadako Totsuka and her books? She is famous for combining stitches and inventing new ones. I read somewhere that she has been stitching for over 50 years and still thinks there is no end to what can be done. I think she is right and I am very happy to be learning new embroidery tricks for many years to come.
Yes, the illustrations of Japanese books, and Totsuka Embroidery ones especially are very clear.
I like the 'real Shell chain better than the 'mistake' but both are nice. Sharon has promised not to send me home with a note for Mum! Phew!
I like both. I am terrible for not paying attention properly, I'd be forever in the naughty corner.
Ha ha, you follow stitch instructions the way I read a map if I'm travelling south i.e. Upside down!
Me, too, sister Lis!
But your 'disobedience' results in fantastic creations. Mine was just a 'didn't look carefully enough' mistake.
Beautiful even stitches, and I love the colors in the threads.
We need a link to be able to buy copies of Sadako Totsuka's books, they look really interesting. Can you get them through Amazon Japan? I love ALL your stitches.
I like both variations. I think the first one works very well switching the open chain from left to right.
The thread is hand dyed and from Stef Francis, who sells fantastic things:http://www.stef-francis.co.uk/ Go, have a look.
I have sent you an email with a bit of info.
You are right, and it would make a beautiful plant.
I had to come back to your post - have been here before but no time to comment. Now, you nearly landed in the naughty corner - but our very tolerant teacher even applauded you you. We are in such good hands. I also like better the closed shell chain stitch - however the open version is interesting and can be used for as you say plants and stems with thorns. And thank you for looking at mine......
In a sense Iike both the real Shell Stitch and the Totsuka version I found in the book. The lessen I learned was that I need to PAY ATTENTION. Yes, we have a good teacher, I have yet to try to Eastern Stitch.
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