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.

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 291: Kamal Kadai Basic Stitch

This stitch takes time - but the result is usually good. 

The 'skeleton' is easier on Aida than on the mottled wool scribble cloth where marking is very difficult. However, the weaving part was most difficult on the Aida. Strange, isn't it?

Aida Sampler

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Mottled Wool Scribble Cloth

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 291: Kamal Kadai Basic Stitch

Here is a classic Indian embroidery style - Kamal Kadai. I have seen this version of the Woven Trellis Stitch many times on the internet and felt it was time to try it.

Today's instructions are based on Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials, where you can see her excellent step-by-step instructions here.

Here is my photo guide:

Mark four corners with an odd number of stitch points each. I chose seven.

Start by stitching two opposite corners in the Rhodes Stitch style.

Work the other two corner in the same way.

Tie the threads together with a Cross Stitch in the centre.

Now start weaving

At this point skip the two outer warp threads, i.e. weave over five threads.

When only the absolute corner thread remains, wrap it a couple of times until it is covered. Anchor.

Here is an example with different threads. Pink Perle 8, Variegated Perle 8, yellow Perle 5 and orange thick tapestry wool.

Homework: Add to the samplers