Long ago, in my pre-blogging days, I used to do a lot of stitching, mainly cross stitch and some blackwork. Back then, it was the sort of pick-up-put-down portable work that knitting has been, for me, lately. Every now and again I find odd pieces mixed in with fabric scraps and I sew them into a cushion or something but I remember the stitching was always slow going and, as I found when I was asked to sew a verse on a bridesmaid’s handkerchief for a friend of my daughter’s a couple of years ago, my eyesight is no longer so keen as it was.
So it has been years since I have felt the slightest inclination to stitch again, let alone embroider something for its own sake. And long may that have continued had I not chanced upon a photo of an embroidery stitch sample book by the wonderfully talented Maya Matthew from Million Little Stitches. Do check out the link and then I’m sure you will be able to understand my unexpected stitching obsession! Then, as happens in blogland, one thing led to another and I found myself at Pintangle contemplating whether to join TAST (Take a Stitch Tuesday)…And to cut a long story short, I have embarked on three stitching projects and I am basically following the TAST stitches – though I am very far behind and may never catch up. I have started my first piece with the 2018 image from my Makery Log and I plan to have this as a ‘Year of Stitches’ project and possibly add it to the Unexpected Alphabet (‘A’ for ‘a year in stitches’?).
The first ten TAST stitches are:
TAST Stitches by number
- Stitch 1: Running Stitch
- Stitch 2: Buttonhole Stitch
- Stitch 3: Fly Stitch
- Stitch 4: Detached Chain Stitch
- Stitch 5: Herringbone Stitch
- Stitch 6: Chain Stitch
- Stitch 7: Feather Stitch
- Stitch 8: Stem Stitch
- Stitch 9: Cretan Stitch
- Stitch 10: Couching
And, so far, I have used half cross stitch (not on the list), running stitch, buttonhole stitch and stem stitch.
And for my second project, I am making a linen stitch sampler book, in which I will follow along with ‘Beyond TAST’ and maybe add anything else that happens to appeal to me.
Beyond TAST
- Season 1: Running Stitch and exploring pattern darning
- Season 2: Isolated stitches
- Season 3: Couching and laidwork
It took a good deal of setting up!
And, so far, I have only done a Running Stitch page…
I should probably mention that I am thinking of this as fun learning project and hoping to improve over time!
Lastly, I have a little secret stitching but here is a little peek. I don’t really have time to do this but I so love this cursive alphabet…
So, all in all, I’ve had some very pleasant sewing evenings.
I wish you a very happy weekend :)
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
RAINBOW HARE 
TextileRanger
You are right, those are some inspirational blogs! I especially love the hand-dyed fabric as a base for stitches on Pintangle. I have been wanting to do more hand stitching too. You are off to a great start!
LikeLike
tonia conner
Love the running stitch page. Such a cute bunny too.
LikeLike
Sigrid (KatKatKatoen)
Amazing!! The handkerchief is such a good idea (and beautifully done)! I love embroidery, but I’m not really good in it. You’re work looks fabulous. Enjoy!
LikeLike
Sue W
I like the running stitch sample with hare and the balloon. It’s taken me back to when I did some stitching following Take a Stitch Tuesday some years ago and might revisit that some time.
LikeLike
Sandra :)
Isn’t it funny how we go in fits and spurts in different craft techniques we try or enjoy – I used to do a LOT of cross-stitch, but then my eyes got too cranky and I gave away all my supplies. Then a few years later I picked it up again to a much smaller extent, probably, IIRC, because I saw such fun freebie patterns online, lol. Bought more supplies, did a bit more, then put it away again :D Eyes AND fingers are too cranky for it now – I’ll probably pass my meager stash of supplies on again, LOL. I did the same thing with paper piecing – went crazy for it for several years, then slowly got out of it for a time, then started doing small projects that I would find online. It’s kind of like picking up a book we’ve read and reread – it’s comforting to work on the tried and true techniques we enjoyed and enjoy :) I love that bunny Running Stitch sampler – it would be a great piece of artwork if Eggbert gets his own book ;)
LikeLike
Celtic Thistle Stitches
I love the idea of TAST Janine, I could definitely get on board with that! When I started an embroidery class a couple of years ago we had a practice hoop for new stitches but a fabric book looks like much more fun to produce and handier to keep by my side. You have made a great start to yours with your running stitch page! I shall enjoy following your stitch explorations.
LikeLike
Tracy @ It's a T-Sweets Day!
How fun to go back and visit our past interests and find that they are still calming and satisfying. Sometimes the break even brings freshness to the view. Your work looks beautiful 😊👍🏻
LikeLike
Carol DeLater
I found TAST a long time ago, when I first tried Crazy Quilting. I used to find serenity in crocheting, but when I rediscovered embroidery my direction changed. Now this Boro Bug has captured my attention. One thing always leads to another. The bonus is stress free stitching. So glad you caught the bug.
xx, Carol
LikeLike
soma @ whimsandfancies.com
I always have hard time deciding between knitting and embroidery, specially since I love to draw my own designs. Such gorgeous embroidery, Janine! Love the idea of embroidery stitch sample book. I can’t wait to see the next page.
-Soma
LikeLike
Benta
Lovely stuff, and the sampler book is a great idea
LikeLike
Pingback: A Little Stitching – Rainbow Hare