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 293: Laced Arrowhead Stitch, Version 1

 It took almost no time to do this week's homework - the Laced Arrowhead Stitch is easy and quick.

Aida Sampler

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Mottled Wool Scribble Cloth

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 293: Laced Arrowhead Stitch, Version 1

 I learned the Arrowhead Stitch a long time ago, in 2012, when I took part in the TAST (Take A Stitch Tuesday) stitch tutorial and challenge hosted by Sharon Boggon of Pintangle.

Arrowhead Stitch can be either a linear stitch or a set of stacked individual stitches, like the ones I made in 2012 on the TAST Reference Chart, below.

In 2020, Sharon published a great book, Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery, where several of the most basic hand embroidery stitches have been given a 'twist' or variation.

It was in this excellent book that I found Laced Arrowhead Stitch. There are two versions, we'll learn the simpler one today and leave the more complex one for a later lesson. 

While doing research on the web, I found other alterations too, so there will be more stitch fun in the future here at Sunday Stitch School!

Anyway, today let's start with the foundation, the Arrowhead Stitch and then learn how to lace it:

Make a horizontal line of Arrowhead Stitch.

Actually, I find it easier to turn the work around and stitch towards me.

Once you have completed and anchored your wavy line, re-thread the needle with a different thread. 

Now for the lacing, come out at the foot of the first stitch and take the needle upwards under the stitch without biting the fabric.

Go downwards under the second stitch and continue in the same way.

When you reach the end, anchor.

Here I used Perle 8 in both the foundation and laced stitches.

Using tapestry wool, silk ribbon, metallic or other chunky threads works perfectly as the thread only goes through the fabric at the start and end.

Homework:

Add to these samplers