TDiTM Stitch #64

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Here is a very short but sweet little variation of the chain arch. This would be adorable on both sides of a ribbon seam to just spice up a plain straight edge; without over-powering the luster or beauty of the ribbon itself.

Editorial note: If you like this series, please post a comment...I can't say why or when...but you might be pleasantly surprised for doing so. Hugs to all my blog followers!

TDiTM Stitch #63

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This version of the chain arch…is really tall because of the addition of the straight stitches at the base of each arch.

Because of the height, the addition of another element under each arch would be great. I think that keeping with the straight line…perhaps a diamond of beads with a center French knot?

TDiTM Stitch #62

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This is another really plain little stitch…that is a good base for adding other items. A really pretty button, or a silk ribbon spider web rose would be so pretty… nestled under each archway.

The French knots could be done in beads of course; but I like the basic embroidery version for adding silk ribbon work to as well.

The thread in this stitch, as well as the two preceding it and following it…is in size 5 perle eight. Size 5 is a little larger that I like to actually stitch seams with, but makes for good photos. My recommendation is to use size 8 for blocks that are more than 9 inches in size…and size 12 for smaller blocks.

Also, a reminder that scale is always a consideration. So think about changing the width and depth of the arch to “fit” the project you are working on.

TDiTM Stitch #61

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This is about as simple as it gets! And I just love this little stitch because it looks so clean and dainty.

I would like to stitch this twice…in different colors…overlapping the curves to that they at offset a little…one slightly higher and to the right of the other.

What variations can you think of?

TDiTM Stitch #60

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

I got a little stitching time this weekend, so here is the first one I got finished! This is a variation on the 5 spoke treatment I like so much. But, lengthen the #2 and #4 spokes, instead of having the exterior edges lining up as we usually do. I like the fullness it creates.

And, of course…more practice on French knots!

Please note that the chart looks like the middle spoke starts away from the tip of the chain curve; where the stitched photo does not. The stitched photo is correct; I just can’t get Illustrator to draw what I want sometimes…so please make sure that spoke #3 goes all the way to the top…so all spokes meet.

More Round Robin Work-JOB

Just finished stitching in a Jewels on Black (JOB) round robin group. The blocks were really stunning...those beautiful rich colors against that black background. I loved the challenges it presented and seeing all those beautiful blocks!

The last block to be stitched...was my very favorite one to work on. And, the most challenging...since it is not my block, I won't show you the entire thing...sorry.

But, I can show you my contribution to the block. Hope you enjoy these glimpses.

TDiTM Stitch 59

TDiTM Stitch #59

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This variation is just so soft and girly looking…even stitched in blue!

Am wondering now about elongating the curve of the chain stitch…so, there will probably be another template coming out soon! Look for it on the wiki site…and if you don’t know where that is…go to the first post (linked above) to find out.

TDiTM Stitch 58

TDiTM Stitch #58

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Here is just a truly simple, plain little stitch using minimal stitches.

Something about the simple clean lines of this stitch really appeals to me.

I also like the darker lazy daisy stitch…hmmmm…perhaps the seed beads next to it should have been darker too? I’m always wondering about little changes!

TDiTM Stitch 57

TDiTM Stitch #57

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

I wish I had not chosen pea soup green to stitch this in because it doesn’t photograph very well I think. The little seed beads are getting loss against all that powerful green.

If the 5-straight stitches were moved up some…that might be better. Then, a sequin/bead combination could be tucked in there.

If you are stitching along on these…please leave me your blog address in the comments so I can check out what creative ways you are using the stitches. Hope you’re enjoying the adventure. This summer has been very hectic for me, but with school starting next week…and my retiring by October…I will have many more hours of free time to enjoy my stitching. And, I am really looking forward to that!

TDiTM Stitch 56

TDiTM Stitch #56

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This little purple beauty was lots of fun and super easy. I used crystal beads for all the little French knots...and it really sparkles!

(ETA: Thanks to Ann for catching my typo.)

TDITM Stitch 55

TDiTM Stitch #55

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Well, back to my favorite little stitch to add on…a group of 5 straight stitches that look like a little double arrow. With the addition of 3 little beads…here’s another stitch!

After stitching this one, I also thought that it would be really pretty if the straight stitches were done in bugle beads…so why not give that a try!

Close ups of critters and such...

Check out the next post for info about this block...

Critters include spider, caterpillar, ants, and snail. And here is the embroidered stem/leaves and SRE ribbon rose motif.

The ants are not my original idea...they are from the header of Allison Aller's blog. If you haven't checked out her work...you are really missing out! You can find her at www.alliesinstitches.blogspot.com

All the other critters are straight out of my head!

I've been busy...

...but have been amiss in posting. This summer is really hectic! I do have 4 more stitches done, except for sewing on the beads. My goal is to do that this weekend and post...keep your fingers crossed.

However, one of the projects I've been steadily stitching on is a one-block swap that was revealed tonight. So, I can share photos.

The block was created totally by me for a friend in Texas...

She has two beautiful grand-daughters so I stitched a mystical garden when them in the center (the photo is from a card, and not of them)...

Hope you enjoy the shots...and I'll include some closeups of the critters and such.