WIPW - Echo

It is time to show and tell, Work In Progress Wednesday is here.

Crazy for Crazy

I have worked in several areas. Some are the additions echo features seen in other areas on the block.

I completed the spirals of gimp and encircled the Dorset button with the end of the gimp.

On the ribbon I added black sequins with French Knots, and stitched a line of Looped Cretan Stitch.

I made half a Buttonhole Wheel, Stem stitched the circle, added Bullion Knots and Straight Stitch anchoring stitches.

A metal button rests on top of some ruched ribbon and a line of Corded Coral Stitch cover the edge of the two pieces of fabric.

Next step will be beading.

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 64: Madam Totsuka's Tasselled Chain Stitch

For today's lesson at Sunday Stitch School we'll be focusing on a stitch in Madam Totsuka's embroidery book #12, which is on Loop Stitch and its variations.

Sadako Totsuka of Totsuka Stitch Institute has published many books on embroidery. Although all of them are written in Japanese, they are clearly illustrated. You don't need to read any instructions, looking is enough.

Now for the stitch. There is no name in the book, but the stitch resembles a loopy tassel so let's call it Madam Totsuka's Tasselled Chain Stitch.

It is made up of a Detached Chain Stitch, three loops and two Straight Stitches.

Begin by stretching the fabric in a hoop.

Make a Detached Chain Stitch (Lazy Daisy Stitch).

Anchor the stitch with a tiny stitch, 

then make a loose loop, over and under the bottom of the Chain Stitch.

Repeat and make a second loop,

and a third.

Then make a tight Straight Stitch,

across the loops at the bottom of the Chain Stitch.

Repeat with one more Straight Stitch,
and you have a tassel.

Each Chain has three loops.

The loops can of course be cut open, but in Madam Totsuka's book the loops are not cut.

Beware that this stitch is a fiddly stitch, and almost impossible to undo, so pay attention while working!

Updated:
Here is a TIP:
Use a pin to wind the loops around and you will effortlessly get nice even loops.

Homework:
SSS Reference Chart
Aida Sampler
Teal Tailoring Wool Scribble Cloth

Friday Homework for Lesson 63: French Knotted Chain Stitch

I enjoyed working with this stitch, but the key is to have the fabric stretched tight in a hoop.

Aida Sampler

 Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Linen Tablecloth
I didn't add a line of French Knotted Chain Stitch on the linen tablecloth.
Instead I worked a chain on the Teal Tailoring Wool Scribble Cloth.

WIPW - Loopy Gimp

It has been a busy week and I have not so much to report on Work In Progress Wednesday.

Crazy for Crazy

I wanted to add a nice trim that I saw on Mary Corbet's Needle 'n Thread. It is not as impressive in monochrome beige, but I am quite fond ot its braid like quality. It is made up of Wheat Ear Stitch where Back Stitch later has been added, as well as French Knots. There will be some Straight Stitches, but they will have to wait for next week.

I also filled each 'fork' on the Feather Stitch with Bullion Knots.

A reel of tan gimp caught my attention and I used pens of various thicknesses to make some loops which I couched down.

'Buttony' is so much fun I made another Dorset Button to be added later.