#yearofstitch

I just can’t stop myself. One of our #YearOfStitch friends asked me to please add Queen Stitch to the mix because she was having trouble with it. I can’t say no. This is a tricky stitch. I tried stitching it a few different ways and this stitch is really temperamental. I thought if I started with the backstitches and then wove the vertical stitches through it would simplify the stitch - it did but it also distorted the stitch. This is just one of those stitches that has to be done in a specific way. I’ll talk you through it. 

The photos will help...

Key: Don’t pull this thread taught yet!

The first horizontal stitch is meant to tack down the vertical stitch 

Now you can pull it taught.

Regal right?

So you can use this as a border but I like it as a filler. Here’s how they all tetris together.

Rad right?

Enjoy your bonus!

I CAN’T BELIEVE WE DID IT! Congratulations to us!!! 52 stitches (a little more than 52 weeks but that happens). 

This just means I’ll have more time to work on turning this into a book for you and post free patterns more often. <3 

I adore you and I’ve LOVED this project. Please send me any photos you have of your #YearOfStitch work. I plan on including your work in the book. You can email them to me: [email protected]

I’ll demo with the “individual” stitch within a family of stitches so you can see how they fit together.

and a bunch together...

I’m applauding you!

xo

Morning humans! Couching is so much fun. It’s super easy to do but you can do sooooo much with it once you get creative. You do work with two threads for this one. The thread you are laying on top of the fabric and then the thread you are using to basically staple the top thread to the fabric. In the illustration, I use two different colors to mark that. 

...and photos:

You start with the thread you are going to be stapling to the top of the fabric

In this case, I know where I want it to end so I’m going to bring that top thread down and tie it off on the backside. However, if you want to make a curved line or just freestyle that shit then allow this thread to stay on top and don’t bring it down through the back until after you have stapled it down in all the ways you want (see final examples below)

Now, start couching with the next thread

simple right?! Now it’s time to play...

For this one I used a piece of quilting cotton and some yarn. I pulled the pink up and then just let it lay on top. I used the blue to staple it down into this shape and when I decided I was done I pushed the pink through to the back and tied it off.

Same here. Just free-styled this one. The black thread just lay on the top and the green staples it down. 

Have fun!!! Only 2 stitches left. =`(

xo

Friends! Thank you for all your emails and messages. I am trying like hell to get through the year of stitch while it’s still 2015! If I don’t make it, don’t worry...I’ll still get you 52 stitches (even if it bleeds into 2016 a little). 

I have an announcement!  I’m turning the #YearOfStitch into a book! All of the stitches and tons of patterns in one spot for you and your friends. I’ll keep you updated on that but 2016 is all about the #YearOfStitch book. I hope that fills your stitcher hearts with joy. 

This weeks stitch is pretty darn special. I had the pleasure of spending time with a delightful fellow this week who has a phenomenal collection of antique and vintage quilts, weavings and embroidery pieces! I was totally inspired by a few of the unique stitches I encountered. I went looking for them on the good ole internet but didn’t find anything. 

So.... I took it upon myself to reverse engineer this one and name it. I’m calling it the New England stitch since the quilt is from New England (I worked hard on that name you guys ;)~

If you know this stitch hit me up with the actual name otherwise, it will forever be the New England stitch. 

Here’s the quilt:

(check out that feather stitch border too! Remember that one from week 5?!)

Here’s the illustrated tutorial:

Now for the photos which I think will be necessary to master this particular stitch:

8 across, 10 down

I thought I would show you some variations as well.

Here it is using a cotton thread on a linen fabric:

and a thick cotton thread on a burlap fabric:

Happy Stitching My Friends!

xo

I mean...it’s named after my favorite utensil...how could I not?

It’s a lovely filler pattern that I actually prefer in two colors versus one. 

And now for photos

Happy Stitching!