Almost halfway there
Four squares and four different stitches ....
The stitched one inch squares have made some progress since we last chatted!
A one inch square works well to try out different stitches. The small size makes it very easy to fit in among larger projects.
A one inch square works well to try out different stitches. The small size makes it very easy to fit in among larger projects.
You may remember from my previous post that my Daughter-In-Law (D-I-L) and I decided to challenge our embroidery skills with a grid of one inch squares, each square to have a different stitch.
To add extra spice to our challenge we decided to complete a square, then post it to the other one to use that same stitch as a border on one square, then go ahead and complete a new square with a new stitch. It makes for a little adventure in design.
As we don't live close to each other, the internet has been a great source of instruction. In particular, I have found Mary Corbett's blog NeedlenThread an awesome resource for stitch instructions. As well as clear, easy-to-follow videos, she also shows examples of different ways each stitch can be used to create variety.
Our first square was the easiest stitch ever - the straight or running stitch. If you're unfamiliar with running stitch, you will find Mary Corbett's video here.
I chose to do concentric circles, each circle having a different number of embroidery floss strands.
D-I-L used straight stitches to create a satin stitch, carefully lining up straight stitches side-by-side to create a heart. She also used four different coloured threads to give a variegated look to the heart. It's so pretty!
D-I-L used straight stitches to create a satin stitch, carefully lining up straight stitches side-by-side to create a heart. She also used four different coloured threads to give a variegated look to the heart. It's so pretty!
Square number 2 was backstitch. You can check out Mary Corbett's video instruction for back stitch here .
Using one strand of embroidery floss I back stitched a vintage button on D-I-L's sampler, while she chose pretty colours to do straight lines in different directions.
After completing two squares using with straight stitches, we decided to freshen things up and chose french knots for square number 3. It took ages to fill the square with little one wrap french knots, but the texture is divine and was well worth the effort.
I love D-I-L's monogram.
If you're a little rusty on french knots, Mary Corbett's french knot video will soon get you inspired.
Square number 4, stem stitch is the current stitch which will be soon winging its way across the miles. Stem stitch is very useful for creating lines or as a filling stitch.
In Mary Corbett's video on stem stitch , she also explains how to do outline stitch - which is done the same way as stem stitch except that the thread is held above the stitching line instead of below as you do the stitches.
I have stitched a tiny tea cup on D-I-L's sampler, using stem stitch to fill in the tea cup shape.
I wonder what is going to be stitched on my sampler?
Revisiting the basic stitches and giving them a modern look is turning out to be lots of fun.
I see a lot more embroidery in my future 😊
Thank you so much for reading along with me today,
happy stitching to you,
Kellie
xo
In Mary Corbett's video on stem stitch , she also explains how to do outline stitch - which is done the same way as stem stitch except that the thread is held above the stitching line instead of below as you do the stitches.
I have stitched a tiny tea cup on D-I-L's sampler, using stem stitch to fill in the tea cup shape.
I wonder what is going to be stitched on my sampler?
Revisiting the basic stitches and giving them a modern look is turning out to be lots of fun.
I see a lot more embroidery in my future 😊
Thank you so much for reading along with me today,
happy stitching to you,
Kellie
xo
I can't wait to see this finished Kellie! It's looking so good. I love the interest different textures create on projects like this :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah :) It's fascinating playing with textures isn't it xo
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