|
 |  |
Click here for the Hope Christmas Ornament Pattern
 |  |
Click here for the Peace Ornament Pattern
Keep on Stitching,
January 13
Ribbon Alphabet Nearly Finished
 |
While working on this alphabet, I used a tip I want to pass on. I sometimes have a 3 to 4-inch length of floss a the end of a letter, too long to throw away but too short to make more than just a few stitches in the next letter.
So, to make use of this unused thread, start backstitching. What's that, you say? Wrong number of strands? Yes, so pull out the appropriate number of strands, backstitch until you run out, then thread another loose strand... and so on.
For example, imagine working with three strands. You get near the end of the area you're working and you have 3 to 4 inches of floss left. The pattern calls for backstitches in only one strand, so you "un-thread" two strands.
Work as far as you can, then bury the end. Thread the next remaining strand, backstitch some more. Do the same with the last strand.
It may seem like overkill in the thrift department, but, what can I say? I'm cheap. Also, it cuts down on the little lengths of thread I have to pick up. I hate those.
Keep on Stitching,
January 20
Mother's Day Design
 |
The inspiration for this design came from a desire to do a "countless" cross stitch design. Countless design simply means that entire blocks of contiguous stitches consist of one color, therefore no need to do as much counting of stitches.
Just the opposite of usual procedure, you do the backstitches first, outlining each block. Then the only thing you need to do is put the right color of stitches in each block, filling it completely before moving to the next block.
It's a nice change of pace from the more common counted cross stitch, which requires a lot of... well, counting.
This one also has an appearance that reminds me of Tiffany lamps or stained glass windows, without being too obvious.
One production note: We've yet to see a computer monitor that represents oranges correctly. They all come out looking like some foreign mustard!
Anyway, here are the floss colors selected for this design.
 |
In the real world, the colors are more vibrant, the lighter orange is much less yellow and the darker green is much darker. Of course, depending on how your monitor is set, these descriptions may bear no resemblance to reality!
The best way to check colors is to refer to a Color Card such as the one made by DMC that has a product number of W100TC (and is spelled "Colour Card"). It contains a small floss sample of each color made by the manufacturer. If you can, get one with actual floss rather than the newer ones with color photos of the floss.
Both will do the job, but there's something to be said for seeing the actual floss. If you can't find one of the discontinued color cards, check eBay. I've seen them available there, but read the auctions carefully to make sure of the type of card being offered.
We'll include lettering for "Grandma" and "Grandmother" in the final pattern.
Check back with "Now Stitching..." for more about Countless Cross Stitch.
Keep on Stitching,
January 29
Mother's Day Outline
 |
I laid down the outlines for the central floral design. It went very quickly, so I'm anxious to begin filling them in with cross stitches.
I will wait, however, to backstitch the border. I actually created three different border styles, and I have not decided which I prefer. One uses browns in place of the blue and roughly resembles a trellis.
After I fill in the central cross stitches, I will stitch an inch or so of each directly on this piece and make my decision then. If there isn't a clear winner, I'll stitch one for the photograph and give you charts for each.
As I look at these outlines, I am reminded of the simple beauty of this basic stitch. Many of the pillowcases and towels I embroidered as a youngster were outlined alone.
Though I remember the stitch being called a "backstitch," now I know it was technically a "stem stitch," in which each individual stitch overlaps the previous one. (I have not seen this stitch used in standard cross stitch designs.)
I believe kids will be able to stitch this design. It should also be an ideal project to take along with you. After stitching the outlines, you can just carry your floss, needles, scissors, etc., without having to worry about fumbling with a pattern!
By the way, I'm taking some license in using the term "countless" cross stitch to describe this type of design.
I saw that term applied to a technique in a cross stitch magazine from the late 80's. Contrary to our approach here, they used transfer paper to draw the pattern on the fabric first, followed by outlining and filling in the shapes.
By skipping the transfer step that means you still have some counting to do; you will just count LESS.
Keep on Stitching,
January 31
Filling in the Mother's Day Design
 |
As I had hoped, filling in the outlines goes quickly. This is a different look from our traditional counted cross stitch patterns, as there are no graduating color shades. Just bright, bold, clean.
The only area that takes a bit more care is in the cross stitches adjacent to the outlines. Here, I have to be sure that my diagonals do not lay on top of the backstitches. By placing the point of my needle on the inside of the backstitch, I take care not to cover up or split the floss in the backstitch.
 |
| As you place your cross stitches adjacent to the backstitches, gently nudge the existing stitches aside while inserting the tip. |
 |
Even so, I still believe a youngster could stitch this design.
Keep on Stitching,
Follow Your Favorite Design
Track designs introduced here as they develop. Click here for February, 2009.
Return to the top of this page
Return from Now Stitching... to Better Cross Stitch Patterns Home Page
