Happy dance time! The Stitch Wheel Sampler that I have been working on is finished.
A shout out to Cathy Reavy, as her planning and YouTube videos of the different stitches were clear and interesting.
I added my own flourish at the end ~ a ring of coral knot stitch around the outside.
So, to give the details of the final stitches.
- Closed feather stitch
- Knotted blanket stitch/button hole stitch ~ this was my least favourite, and least successful stitch, of the whole wheel.
- Herringbone stitch
- Double herringbone stitch
- Quaker stitch
- Mountmellick stitch
- Portugese knotted stem stitch
What to do with it? I am leaning towards making it into a cushion, but I am yet to investigate round inserts. At the moment my mojo is elsewhere, so it may languish for a while.
As for what to do next….I am not sure. I like doing my more freeform stitching, but with the stitch wheel I enjoyed not having to think too much. Once I had watched the video my only decision was what colour to sew.
This Stitch-A-Long for embroiders to carry out their own passion projects. Each of us is doing something quite different and all are wonderful to see each three weeks. Follow the links below to find out what we are up to.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen
A quick update on the Grand Final of the Aussie rules footy I mentioned in my last post. The Melbourne Football Team won convincingly, although the first half was a tight tussle. I have many happy relatives, and one resigned (“Maybe it will be the Doggies’ turn next year”) partner!
I respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which I live – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People of the Kulin Nation, their spirits, ancestors, elders and community members past and emerging.
Anne Lawson Art 
41 replies on “SAL”
This look wonderful – my favourite stitch is the double herringbone stitch. Just a thought – Why not keep it in a hoop and hang on the wall to show you the different stitches where you do your artwork.
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I enjoyed the double herringbone too. It had enough of a challenge to keep my brain happy, but not too much! It certainly needs to be somewhere to be seen and used as stitch inspiration.
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Your sampler is wonderful. And don’t minimise the importance of choosing a colour of thread – the overall effect is just as important as the close up view of each stitch. I can easily get round cushion pads here so I imagine it will be easy for you too. Do show us the finished article please.
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I don’t think I will have trouble getting a round insert. However, at the moment the shop I would go to, Spotlight, is closed because of our lockdown. I would browse online, but it is at the lower end of things to do! I will show the finished thing, but don’t hold your breath as it may be a long wait.
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I shall look forward to the ‘reveal’ but like you have a lot of things waiting to be finished so I am in no position to chivvy you!
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Fantastic! This should also serve as an inspirational Wheel of Stitches – a reminder of the tools you’ve mastered in order to create future projects.
Well done!
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That’s my intention. I enjoyed learning the new stitches, and I hope to use many of them in my work. In fact I am planning a bag, and will look at the wheel to see which will be suitable.
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Happy dancing along with you on this beautiful finish. No matter what you decide to do with it will be wonderful. Awesome stitching 🙂
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Thanks Sharon. I am grateful to Cathy’s good descriptions for making the stitches so clear.
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What a gorgeous stitch sampler – so pretty. I particularly like the double herringbone stitch.
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Thank you. I like the double herringbone too. It would be interesting to play with different weights of yarns, different sizes and so on.
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It can make quite a difference.
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This is beautiful! I like the cushion idea. It will definitely be a conversation piece. I am looking forward to seeing what beautiful stitching you decide to work on next.
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The cushion will take a while…partly because I enjoy the process of making more than the finished object. Which means I am getting excited by my new project, which I think will include varying a few stitches ~ different weight yarns, colours, size etc. Another sampler of ideas!
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The coral knot border sets it off a treat. Enjoy you happy dance! Depending on how dense your cushion insert is you could buy a square one and draw a circle on the front. Baste the circle and then zig-zag sew all around before trimming.
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I am glad you like the coral knot border, Avis. And thank you for the reminder of the square cushion. I was going to hunt out an insert that I may (or may not 😉) already have.
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Beautiful!!! I love seeing all the different stitches in one place. As for finishing, I have two round embroidery pieces in my “what to do with this?” box because I also don’t really know how I want to finish them — so I look forward to reading more of the ideas that come in!
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I am happy to let the sampler sit for a while, although I would like to have it finished. I know just what you mean about the “what to do with this?” box. However, an idea usually comes along at some point.
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well done Anne – lovely & bright ^^
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Thanks Claire. I like the tactile nature of it too. It’s one reason a cushion appeals.
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That is exquisite – well done! I appreciate the diagram to label the stitches!
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I hoped the diagram was going to be useful to others, but really I did it for myself, so that I have a record of what stitch is what, and the link to the explanation.
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Well done! I love your bright colors.
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Thanks Kathy. I knew that the colours were going to be important in unifying the whole thing.
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Anne, I’ve really enjoyed watching your progress on this sampler. I like the idea of a follow along project. Perhaps one day I’ll have the time and the discipline. I hope you do create a pillow/cushion with your handiwork. I hope you are doing well.
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I love seeing what other people are up to too. It is often quite inspiring. You do so many lovely, creative things. You deserve to be able to sit and enjoy others!
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You are so dear, Anne. Thank you.
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It is always a joy to see other people’s gardens.
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I agree! I once fantasized about traveling the world and meeting gardeners everywhere.
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Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing. It must be lovely to look back on that special trip you made to NZ to see Pauline.
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Yes!
Our trip to New Zealand is among the most special times in my life. It was extraordinary in every way. I’m so glad the timing worked out when it did, too. Who could have predicted a pandemic followed by Pauline’s untimely death. It’s certainly yet another lesson about living in the moment. xo
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One Happy Dance for you! That ring with the Coral knot is a great idea!
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I am pleased that the coral know border works for you. I wanted to finish it off…and maybe a part of me couldn’t let it go just yet!
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Well done on completing the project so beautifully!
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Thanks Emma. It was a lovely, and useful thing to work on.
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The sampler is simply lovely, Anne. Much too nice for a cushion! I wonder if you could find/have made a round picture frame? My aunt did tapestry and gifted me with a couple of beautiful pieces. I had them framed [with glass] and now they hang on my walls, safe from moths and wear and tear.
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Those tapestries would be lovely to have, Meeks, and to be able to enjoy them each day. Framing is a good idea, as pieces like this are prone to moth and insect damage, and dust (especially in my house!).
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‘moth and insect damage, and dust’…in my house too! lol
I was just thinking that if you can gently flatten the embroidery, you could frame it in a square frame instead. Much easier to find, I’m sure.
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Beautiful finish. I have seen a few of this design and with each choosing there own colours and many adding their own touches they are all so individual. xx
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Don’t you love how we take something that could well be the same as everyone else’s and make it our own. It is a joy to see how crafters do that.
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[…] Three weeks ago I showed you the square I was stitching. I had no firm idea about what it was going to be as I was just playing with stitches I learnt form my stitching wheel. […]
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