Patterns: Indian Spice

Photo from September House

I can see so many possibilities with this lovely new pattern set by September House; a set of seamless designs so you can create your own embroidered fabric, as big or as small as you want. I can imagine some people picking and choosing just one of the motifs as a discrete accent on say a pillow case and others using the patterns to embroider a whole cushion cover, the possibilities are pretty endless. For me personally (I could not resist purchasing this pattern set), I plan to embroider some patchwork squares with both designs, to use in an Autumnal patchwork bag.

Skeleton Dance Mania

This excellent piece by the amazing Penny Nickels is based on a print from 17th century German engraver Matthaus Merian. I think it's even better than a print because it's embroidered! I also love her original choice of subject which made me want to read more about it. It appears that St. Vitus Dance was a rather odd medieval phenomenon where large groups of people would dance in a bizarre fashion. In Basel in 1536 for example. Some people died during those dance outbreaks. From this image we learn that that didn't stop them from joining in anyway.

Movie Swap

Hi everybody! There was a movie-themed swap at the Phat Quarter recently, and I thought I'd share some of the awesome stuff that was made for it.



Let's All Go to the Lobby by paghababian



Ode to Shaun by Ponyinarope



PeeWee's Big Adventure by Vegkat

Don't miss the next swap - join the Phat Quarter today!

Girl + cats = beautiful

Stitched by kittytown

As if kittytown's stitching isn't already amazing- she stitches her best friend's art to make something even more amazing. Gorgeous, Megan!

Did somebody say stitched whales?

Better yet, Kurt Halsey stitched whales??

Carina's beautiful post reminded me of a quilt block I made a while back. I just wanted to share it while we're all enjoying the whale-y love.

The world needs more stitched whales

Kurt Halsey tug boat hoopla details, originally uploaded by canamharris.

And this is an awesome example!

More Doll Quilts

The Doll Quilt Swap (9) on Flickr is wrapping up, and I thought it was a good time to share some of the many quilts featuring beautiful stitching. As usual, the creativity and talent that oozes out of this swap is simply jaw-dropping. So sit back and enjoy the show.

First up, another amazing mini quilt made by the talented cathygaubert:

Here's a detailed shot of some of Cathy's stitching:

This amazing piece of art was made by Louise (lululollylegs) ... quite fittingly, for cathygaubert!:

Here's a closer look at the detail of Mr. Big Bad himself:

And here's the quilt being enjoyed by Cathy's daughter (I LOVE this picture):

Here's a fairy-tale themed quilt made by Sylvie (Vivie95) with some of Heather Ross' Far Far Away 2 line of fabric:

This beauty was made by Sunny (onetexsun):

Here's a close-up of the heart detail:

This one's by Dolores (DeeRoo G):

Here's a beauty made by Krista (lolablueocean):

This more traditional quilt block features an amazing embroidered center, stitched and quilted by Marilyn (marilynkb):

Kelly (redcleo) featured little elves in her doll quilt:

Karen (crazyfun01) quilted this up and sent it to her partner with some fun extras:

Finally, here's a sweet little quilt made by Dena (Denawayne):

Patterns: Foxy Felix

Foxy Felix by Digital Misfit

I saw this embroidery popping up on Hoop Up! pool a little while ago, so I was really excited to see that it is now available as a free pattern over on Digital Misfit's blog. I think it's perfect for getting into a little early Halloween mood because this guy looks like he's going to get up to some mischief!

Hidden Elephant

 

Can you find the hidden elephant in this picture? Poppy and Lime combined vintage fabrics with funky prints, hand stitching and impressive amounts of fill stitching to form this colourful creature. The fill stitching is done by using the Stem Stitch and lots of French Knots.  If you haven't mastered Le French Knot yet, head over to this tutorial by Jenny Hart, there is even one for left handed embroiderers!

Remember last weeks post about the Lazy Daisy Stitch? It inspired me to make this Lazy Daisy Peacock Feather Stitch.  Which is actually a confusing name because it isn't a Feather Stitch at all, just a stitch variation to create a Peacock Feather!

Patterns: Crafty Like a Fox

Crafty Like A Fox by Penelope Waits

As Essie from Penelope Waits says in her blog, this is a perfect piece to hang up in a workroom or to give from one crafty friend to another. I know I'd love to see this on my wall. You can get the pattern here.

Lazy Daisy

Last week I wrote about 'Especially useful stitches to know' and Kelldandy commented that the Lazy Daisy Stitch should be added to the list. And she is totally right! The Lazy Daisy stitch is also known as the detached chain stitch. Another name for this stitch is the Tied Loop Stitch and that pretty much tells us how this easy-to-master stitch is done. But if you'd like a little more information check this video tutorial. Very often the Lazy Daisy Stitch is used for embroidering flowers. Lisa created this beautiful flowery piece using mainly Lazy Daisy stitches. However the Lazy Daisy Stitch is not just a 'flower' stitch, it's actually a very versatile stitch. I used it just a couple of days ago to stitch some mossy plants for example. It's also great as a fill stitch and wonderful in combination with other stitches like the French Knot. Hope this inspires you to explore the Daisy Stitch a bit more!

Colourgirl

Stitched by Sarah Walton

Just posted this on FB, but I thought you guys need to see it, too. Isn't it gorgeous?

Patterns: Vintage Owl

Kedra's Owl by Shemp 3

I love this owl embroidered by Flickr user Shemp3 for her soon to be sister-in-law's birthday. I like how the embroidery pops out against the delicately patterned fabric. Shemp3 found the vintage pattern here at Mrs. Stitchy Britches'.

Hello, Totoro

Stitched by three critters crafts

I am in pain, this is is so fabulous.

Especially useful stitches to know

For this beautifully stitched portrait of a Bearded Lady (pattern by Badbird), Angie used a wonderful selection of stitches.  I spotted a back stitch, stem stitch, french knot, satin stitch, seed stitch, a chain stitch and a fly stitch.  I consider these stitches, with addition of the split stitch, as especially useful to know and a great starting point for any stitchy repertoire. What stitch do you think is essential to know?

Stitching in Public Day Giveaway!

Hi everybody! Mr X Stitch and I have always had a special place in our hearts for stitching in public places. Mr X started stitching because he needed something to keep him occupied on a long plane trip, and he often stitches on the train when commuting back and forth to London, as you can see here.



And I've learned to enjoy it as well.



So of course we just HAVE to spread the word about Stitch in Public Day, which is happening tomorrow - Friday, September 3rd! *Cheers! Fanfare!*

We're both going to stitch in public tomorrow, and we'd love it if you would, too.

What if you can't make it happen tomorrow, you say? That's okay, because really, EVERY DAY should be stitching in public day, don't you think? In fact, we created this new Flickr group as a way to celebrate stitching in public. There's already some pretty awesome shots in there already, like this one from Lisa's Tea Time:



but we'd love to have more. :) AND we're going to make it worth your while, because one lucky person who adds a picture to the group before the end of the day on Friday, September 10th will receive a set of holographic threads, courtesy of Kreinik Threads! The winner will be chosen at random from the pictures in the group (excluding myself and Mr X of course) and will be announced that weekend at Mr X Stitch.



Pretty! :) So stitch in public, snap a pic, and add it to the Stitching in Public group - you'll be glad you did!