Some time ago, I experimented with stitching a small pulled thread sampler, without an embroidery frame.
I enjoyed the more tactile experience of actually holding the fabric in my hand while I stitched. You can read more about that by clicking here.
Looking back over the stitches on the little sampler, the stepped satin stitch is the most striking. Although it's an easy stitch to embroider, being made up of straight stitches all lying quite predictably next to each other, it makes a big impact. Perhaps it's the play of light over the stitches, or may be it's the way your eye is drawn down over the steps, along a strong diagonal. It's a 'big stitch' and it does need quite a bit of space to show it off to full effect.
One of my favourite stitches is diagonal cross filling, which I did in band number four. Once the first row is in place the following rows are very quick and easy to do. I kept the tension light this time, so it's more of surface stitch than a pulled stitch and it reminded me of smocking.
For the sampler I used 28 count Zweigart linen, with DMC pearl thread no. 12 for the pulled work, and no. 8 for the satin stitch. The stitches are worked over 4 threads, except for the eyelets and the satin stitch leaves.
The bands on the sampler are made up of nine different stitches. From top to bottom, the stitches are:
1. Pulled satin stitch2. Four-sided stitch3. Spaced pulled satin - 2 pulled satin, skip 5 threads4. Diagonal cross filling5&6. Flowers - surface satin leaves, eyelets over 2 threads7. Cobbler filling8. Algerian eyelets over 3 threads9. Pulled stepped satin stitch - 5 stitches on a step
Next time I'll show you what I want to do with the little sampler.
'Till then, take care and happy stitching!
This is such a beautiful sampler and when stretched the fabric looks so pristine.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what you are going to do with it.
Thank you! I love using a variety of stitches, a bit like your crazy patch.
DeleteThe damp stretching is like magic to me. You can see in the photo how crumpled the fabric is outside of the pins.
I think I gave away in the title what my plans are :)
Ah, so you did! A good reminder to read the title more carefully!
DeleteWhat do you usually fill your pincushions with?
I meant to go back and change the title but pressed publish instead :)
DeleteI usually have a big bag of inexpensive, white, fluffy stuffing from a craft store that I use. I call it polyester but it may be something else. It's convenient for me to use that.
I've also used fine bird seed that has been microwaved for 3 or 4 minutes. It's nice and heavy. But I had to unpick all my birdseed pincushions before we left South Africa because we were advised that they may not have passed customs in Australia. Rather safe than sorry. When I have enough I use the scraps of threads that I collect in a jar. I'd like to try crushed walnut shells sometime.
Do you have a favourite for stuffing pincushions?
This is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was fun to stitch.
ReplyDelete