Apr 6, 2019

The People's Choice -- Specialty Stitches

Today is the first Saturday of the month and the lovely Jo has done it again with another fabulous SAL for us all to join in on. This time each month we get a theme and we make a post with whatever we think fits that theme.

Stop over here to see what the other participants have posted about.

The theme this month is Specialty Stitches.

Specialty stitches for a lot of people are anything other than just a normal X. Earlier in my stitching "career" I was real into learning a lot of different stitches. Now I notice I pretty much stick to the normal X's when I cross stitch. Let's have a look back real fast at some of my older pieces.

I did these two Seka's Hearts. I found a few for sale online but not near as many places as long ago. I did this one in 2005...
It was called Dragonfly Heart. It used some really pretty expensive threads and 10ct fabric. Then I did this one for Jeremiah in 2006...
It was called Patriotic Heart. Neither of these are finished. I don't even know where they are right now. Rolled up hidden away. They would sure make beautiful pillows if I could find them again to finish off.

I did a piece that was called counted thread or canvas work in 2005 called Promises. I can't find any information on it online though. Here is how it turned out...
It's on thick canvas that was stretched with stretcher bars. Fun but a lot of work to keep track of where I was supposed to be next. Two friends did this pattern and we all did different color choices. It has a lot of different threads, beads, and heart charms.

2006 I did this Elizabeth's Designs piece another one I can't find online now...
I know I also took a hardanger class once but I can't find the pictures of what we made. I really didn't enjoy it. Anything with hard and anger in the word just isn't meant to be fun haha.

The recent retreat I just attended we had a class from Jeannette Douglas and I learned to make some specialty stitches for that piece. Then I remembered I have another WIP in my tubs from Jeannette...
I haven't worked on this one since 2014!! You can go over here to read more about this piece. I enjoy working on it just haven't in a long long time. I bet the new piece I bought from Jeannette Douglas has specialty stitches in it but honestly I haven't looked yet.

Well that's a look into my history with specialty stitches. They are fun and I always enjoy learning something new. Next month we are to post on the theme Flowers. Come on and join in.

10 comments:

Mini said...

Soem really lovely pieces with Speciality stitches . It would be nice to see them FFOed. My fav is Promises.

Rachel said...

You've stitched, and are stitching, some beautiful pieces with Speciality Stitches. I agree with Mini, Promises is my favourite too. Looks like the JD one is about half done (although if I'm honest I think it would look just as nice without the final outside border).
But you've created more work for yourself now by admitting you don't know where some of the UFOs are; your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find them! :)

Janet said...

I am in love with those hearts lady!!!

Ariadne said...

I don't do specialty stitches but I love the last photo with the boat. AriadnefromGreece!

Julie said...

Promises is really pretty.
I have a few Elizabeth Designs in my stash, must look them out.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Thanks for taking part in The People's Choice this month. I love the first Heart you shared, what a clever way to make a patchwork effect of all the different stitches.
I do hope you track these pieces down and FFO them for Rachel's SAL now.

Cathy said...

I'd forgotten, but I did several of the Sekas' hearts years ago and I haven't seen them recently either. As usual I love your stitches.

Faith... said...

WOW what beautiful work you did on the specialty stitches! I am to chicken to do more than admire someone else's and your are definitely gorgeous.

Meari said...

It was really nice to see all your specialty stitch pieces... I didn't even know you did specialty stitches!

Astrids dragon said...

All lovely stitched pieces. You should finish your WIP, it's wonderful!