Thorn Stitch

Time for another 100 Stitches post!  This is the Thorn Stitch.   This is categorized as an "easy line stitch" .  It consists of a laid thread couched by diagonal Straight Stitches: 

For the laid thread, I am using perle cotton floss in brown {DMC #3371} and for the couching thread this burgandy perle cotton, {DMC #3857}

The first step is to come up through the fabric with the floss that is going to be the laid thread:

Pull the floss all the way through:

 Next, start the first Straight Stitch on one side of the laid thread:

Make a diagonal Straight Stitch over the laid thread:

Start the next diagonal Straight Stitch on the opposite side of the laid thread:

This second stitch also goes over the laid thread, couching it in place:

 The next set of diagonal Straight Stitches start just below the first set: 

 Continue forming these diagonal sets the whole length of the laid thread and then go back into the fabric and secure the thread.  To finish off the laid thread, bring the end of the laid thread through the fabric and secure:

Done!

 I found this stitch in the book Embroidery Stitches by Mary Webb.

Valentine's Day Embroidery - Part One

I have a new work in progress to share.  I am embroidering a table runner for Valentine's Day.

This motif is actually from my Wedding embroidery pattern but I think it is perfect for Valentine's Day

After transferring the motif to my fabric with a water soluble marking pen, I stitched the three hearts.  I used Straight Stitch to fill the hearts and Stem Stitch to outline them.

Then I added these small seed beads for some sparkle.

Next step is embroidering the swirly lines ~not sure which stitch I will use~  and then adding either sequins or more beads...I haven't decided which yet!

Embroidered Holly Leaves

I have a new project finish to share - this holly leaves and berry motif from my Winter embroidery pattern.  

For the holly berries, I used two sizes of cup sequins.  The large sequin is a 12mm size and the smaller ones are 7mm.

The holly leaves are stitched with the Fishbone Stitch. The leaf center lines are Back Stitch.  I added accents to the leaves with Straight Stitches using Kreinik blending filament.
The swirly line is stitched with the Double Knot Stitch and then whipped with blending filament:

The sequins are attached with a 1.5mm glass seed bead stitched through the sequin center.

The floss is all perle cotton.  Here are the color numbers:

Plaited Fly Stitch

Time for another stitch from my 100 Stitches Plus list.  This is the Plaited Fly Stitch.

The first steps are done exactly like the Fly Stitch :

At this point, the Plaited Fly Stitch differs from the Fly Stitch.  Instead of going back into the fabric right below the stitch to tie it down, go into the fabric much further below: 

This results in a long tail tie down stitch:

Arizona Embroidery Project

I have an update to share on my Arizona embroidery project.  

I have finished stitching the diamondback rattlesnake:

and the lettering:

Next up is this large paddle or prickly pear cactus:  

I will post my color palette and stitch list as soon as I finish this project!

Embroidered Pumpkin Project - Part Two

I have some progress to share on my embroidered pumpkin project. 

I still have a lot of stitching to do and color decisions to make!

Arizona Embroidery Pattern

I have a new embroidery pattern set in my shop.  This one is all about the wonderful state of Arizona.

I really enjoyed drawing the motifs for this one - Arizona has so many interesting features that are perfect for hand embroidering. 

Here is a look at the pattern set :

My first work in progress is this "Arizona" text surrounded by a paddle or prickly pear cactus and a western diamondback rattlesnake.  

These vintage postcards have really been an inspiration!