Wednesday, May 30, 2012

TAST Week 22

Week 22 - Knotted Cretan Stitch
Knotted Cretan is the stitch this week at Pintangle.  It is simply the Cretan stitch but with a knot made after each slanting stitch is completed - creates a more textured look.  I used just 2 stands of floss - I can see from other samples that the knots look much better with thicker fibers.  Took me while before I was not having to contort my body to manipulate the stitches!  Still not too sure I got them completely correctly, but had fun trying.

Monday, May 28, 2012

TAST Week 21

Week 21 - Butterfly Chain Stitch
According to Pintangle, Butterfly chain is what is referred to as a composite stitch used for decorative purposes on many types of fabrics. You are not restricted to even weave fabric as your foundation. This stitch can also be worked on the curve and in contrasting threads as it is worked in two journeys. You can use the same thread for both journeys, or you can incorporate threads of two contrasting weights or colours.

Friday, May 18, 2012

TAST Week 20

Week 20 - Bullion Knot
This week's stitch at Pintangle was the Bullion Knot - also called caterpillar, worm, coil, post, roll, grub and porto rico rose.  It took me awhile to quit fighting with the thread when I finally realized not to wind the thread so tightly around the needle - much easier to pull the needle through after I caught on!  I had always admired this stitch whenever I saw it on someone's work - now I will appreciate it even more.

40th Anniversary Gift

Reversible Quilt
My husband's brother & his wife are celebrating their 40th anniversary this weekend and I decided to make them a reversible lap quilt.  Her favourite colours are oranges and greens and his are blues and blacks (typical male).  It is about 54" x 40".  

TAST Week 19

Week 19 - Half Chevron Stitch
Week 19 Sharon at Pintangle gave us the Half Chevron Stitch as the stitch to do.  It is a member of the Herringbone stitch family.  One takes a small stitch on the line to be followed and the needle is brought out again halfway, then insert the needle the desired height and out again halfway down.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

TAST Week 18

Week 18 - Crossed Buttonhole Stitch
This week the stitch is crossed buttonhole stitch.  Sharon at Pintangle describes it as consisting of pairs of buttonhole stitches worked at an angle and crossed.  Variations can be achieved by narrowing the distance at the base of the stitch or lengthening the height of the stitch.  It can also be used for couching textured threads.