Friday Revision Homework - Stitches 281 - 285

Did you know that Sue's parents were diplomats and that is why she spent her childhood and teens in various parts of the world?

Eager to pick up as many languages as possible she attended local schools wherever possible. So during her early teens, she went to a Japanese junior high school and had to follow their rules. That meant wearing the standard school uniform with a pleated navy skirt and white sailor's blouse (middy blouse, derived from midshipman). 

I am sure that you have noticed that during her life, Sue has changed her hair colour several times. In her Japanese school, students had to follow so-called 'black school rules' (controversial school rules) and Sue dyed her hair black and had it cut into a bob so as not to stand out too much. Luckily these rules are gradually disappearing.

The Japanese language was another hurdle to deal with when she was new in school, but math lessons were OK. Sue already knew how to calculate the area (A) of a square (S),  A = S².

Other stitches used, Stem Stitch and Whipped Stem Stitch.

Sunday Stitch School - Revision: Stitches 281 - 285

 Five weeks have passed and it is time for another revision lesson. Click on the title and you will get a link to the instructions for each stitch.

281 Rhodes Stitch

This is the basic Rhodes Stitch that all the other variations are based on. It's easy and looks great.

282 Mosaic Filling Stitch

This is such a lovely stitch, and easy to boot. Play with various colours and have fun.

283 Raised Lace Bullion Stitch

Unfortunately, your hair might be in danger if you try this stitch - either your hair will turn white or you will pull it out in frustration - YES it's a difficult stitch. If you can accept that the flower you create is naturally wobbly and wild, then by all means, use it!

284 A Stitch

Here, on the other hand, is a stitch that is as easy as writing the capital letter A. You can also make it look like the Eiffel Tower or even a child's slide!

285 Triple German Knot Stitch

Any frustration left from working the #283 stitch will be gone when you get to this stitch. It goes like a breeze and you feel so good your hair will grow out quickly and turn back to its natural colour again!

Homework: You will find Sunbonnet Sue in _______. Yes, where do you think she is and what is she doing? 

The hints are:

Rhodes Stitch and A Stitch are most important,

navy blue and white are obvious colours,

Raised Lace Bullion Stitch and Triple German Knot Stitch have been added just for decoration - maybe Sue's XXX has a romantic streak and wanted to spruce up the place...

Friday Homework for Lesson 281: Rhodes Stitch

Every type of Rhodes Stitch that I have tried has been enjoyable and that goes for the basic Rhodes Stitch, too, of course. I look forward to working the remaining variations at a later stage.

Using a variegated thread makes for an interesting look, especially as seen on the Canvas Sampler, below.

Aida Sampler

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Mottled Wool Scribble Cloth

Canvas Sampler

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 281: Rhodes Stitch

We have previously worked some of the Rhodes Stitch variations, e.g. #172 Half Rhodes, #231 Rhodes Heart Stitch, and believe me there are more to come.

Today, though,  we are doing the basic Rhodes Stitch. According to A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2,  the Rhodes Stitch was invented by British needlework designer, teacher and author Mary Rhodes.  It was first published in her book Dictionary of Canvas Work Stitches in 1980.

At Royal School of Needlework, good instructions can be found in the form of diagrams, photos and video tutorials.

Here is my photo tutorial.

I worked over a square of 6 holes.

The completed Rhodes Square. 6 holes on the left and 5 holes on the right.

Homework:

Add to the three usual samplers, and also the Canvas Sampler.