DAYLILY: A Shadow Stitch Cyber Class!

 

Sometimes it's fun to work on something small, isn't it?  I tend to do so many large and involved pieces that every now and then it's a sheer relief to have a smaller, easier, and more manageable project!  And this small cyber class project definitely fits the bill.....

 

It's my DAYLILY: a  shadow stitch project, which is a small 6" x 6.5"piece that can be done in either ORANGE or YELLOW. As a bit of a splurge, I've used Splendor silk threads for the piece, as well as #5 pearl cottons for the padded outer border.

If you've ever wondered about applying shadow stitching to a canvas, this is the perfect project to try working a few simple stitches on a flower image that has been printed onto 18 ct. white mono canvas.  The stitches that are done on top of the canvas are designed to create a bit of texture and pattern, but also to let the canvas colors to show through and blend with the stitching.  It's great fun to work on - not too easy, not too hard - especially in this compact design. Here's a look at the yellow version as well:

 

And once you've done all your flat stitching, there's a fun padded border to add around the edges to give it more color and texture.  Finally, a bit of stitch embellishment on the central daylily adds definition and detail with bullion and outline stitches to make that big daylily POP!  Here's a look up close, where you can see some of the simple stitch patterns, as well as the border work: 

So if you've ever been curious to try shadow stitching, this might just be a fun beginner's piece for you!  Please visit my website to see all the class information....

It's PUMPKIN PATCH Time!!

 

 

Oooooh, the air is getting cooler and the nights are getting longer... Fall has arrived and that means it's time for pumpkins....   Hooray!!

So I figured it's the perfect time to release this popular design I've only offered as a cyber class for the past two years -- PUMPKIN PATCH:

Yup.  It's got everything fun about this time of year - a festive pumpkin patch surrounded by a split rail fence, filled with loads and loads of pumpkins, black birds, and a cute smiling scarecrow.  It's a small piece, only 8" x 8" on sandstone 18 ct. canvas, but it packs a LOT of fun threads and stitches inside.   Here's a look up close at the central scene, plus you get a glimpse at the easy-to-stitch pumpkins, blossoms, and leaves that fill the squares around the center:

 

I've listed several different types of variegated threads like Gentle Art Sampler threads and #5 Painter's Threads (used for the brick walkway and the green/gold/brown foundation grids) but you can definitely pull threads from your stash to use instead, in whatever Halloweeny colors you have on hand.

So Stitchers, if you LOVE working on Halloween projects, this is definitely one for your stash.... and hey, it's also a fun piece to keep hanging up through Thanksgiving, until you start decorating for the next big holiday!

If this little piece of pumpkin heaven calls to you, please hitch up your wagon and drive on over to my website to see the information for this fun PUMPKIN PATCH design.