TAST 2014: Lock Stitch Variations

Two rows of single lock stitches are laced for the first sample, followed by a row of double lock stitches and a row of beaded double lock stitches.

Tast 2014: Beaded Herringbone Stitch

I used heavy-duty craft/button thread instead of embroidery cotton in order to fit it through the narrow eye of the needle I used for beading.  I have a difficult time keeping herringbone stitches even - and found it almost impossible with the added challenge of beading.  DH suggested that I should have used my magnifier, but I'm not sure it would have made much of a difference...

Back to the Stitch Along Sampler

I made a little more progress on the chain stitch portion of my band sampler. Here, I stitched a floral motif inspired by a charming book I received for Christmas, Felt Wee Folk, by Sally Mavor. I used oyster stitches (my favorite chain stitch variation) to make the flowers and buds. Embroidering on felt is pure joy…

I Can’t Break Away from These Chains…

Here are three more chain stitch variations. The first is aptly named the magic chain. I think the magic must be the way the alternate color thread slips to the back as the stitch advances. It is also known as the checkered chain and two-colored chain.

Next is the Singalese chain stitch. I really struggled to learn this one. But, it’s funny how easy stitches seem, once you learn how to do them.

Lastly, is a row of threaded chain stitches.

Back to My Stitch-Along Sampler…

It’s been awhile since I did any stitching on this. Here is a detailed image of a row of alternating half-buttonhole wheels (with fly stitches) and a knotted buttonhole band. Oh boy, am I out of practice… I’m sure there are plenty more buttonhole varieties to explore, but I think I’m going to move on to chain stitches which are similar in execution.

Buttonhole Stitch Floral Motif

I wanted to break up the rows of stitching on my sampler, so I cut a piece of felt, basted it down and used buttonhole stitches to appliqué it to my ticking background. I used buttonhole wheel stitches to embellish the felt flower shapes. The fern-like stems were done in my favorite variation of the fly stitch.

Still More Buttonhole Stitch Variations...

The first row consists of reversed buttonhole bar stitches. Next, I worked a row of rosette of thorn stitches. The last two rows are fly stitches used to couch down novelty yarn. I still have lots more buttonhole variations to go…

Band Sampler Start…

I decided to make a band sampler for the “stitch along.” I added muslin strips to the sides of a piece of red and green ticking stripe, so I can conveniently work with a hoop. I’m using the entire width of the fabric, selvedge to selvedge – approximately 56 inches. I’ll probably still be working on this baby well into my dotage…

I’m beginning with the buttonhole stitch. (I left some room at the top in case I want some sort of header.) So far, I‘ve worked a row of laced buttonhole stitches, a row of up and down buttonhole stitches and a row of closed buttonhole stitches.