http://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com/index.html
It may or may not have been invented by her and I don't know the stitch's name since the July/August 2009 issue of Needlepoint Now where this stitch appears doesn't give it a name. Let's just call it Alternating Cashmere Pairs, ok? That pretty well describes it, after all.
The first thing you do for this stitch is three stitches in a vertical row, each a thread longer than the last (or a tent stitch followed by a stitch over two threads, then a stitch over three threads). Looks like a triangle balancing on its tiptoes, doesn't it? This is the starting point of each of the cashmere blocks that make up this stitch.
Then you repeat the longest row four more times, for a total of 7 stitches, the last 5 of which are identical. Then you finish with a stitch over two threads and then a final tent stitch to make this cashmere block.
Next you make a second cashmere block, identical to the first. Note that this block does not touch the first. There is one empty vertical row of needlepoint canvas threads between them. These two cashmere blocks are the first pair.
For the third cashmere block, start with the same three little stitches, this time under cashmere block number one. Note that the stitches for cashmere block three share holes with the bottom of cashmere block one.
Cashmere block three is oriented horizontally. Do the same stitches but working left to right instead of from top to bottom.
Cashmere block four goes under block three but this time you skip a row of needlepoint canvas threads. Each pair of cashmere stitches have an empty thread between them.
To continue the stitch, do horizontally oriented pairs next to vertically oriented pairs, and vice versa.
If you like, you can fill the empty spaces between pairs with tent stitches. I haven't decided if I will do this or not.
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
10 comments:
Jane --
I love this stitch and I'm so glad you diagrammed it. Doing it in a think thread on that black plastic canvas makes the stitches so clear -- great idea!
Keep Stitching,
Janet
Jane - I have noticed that on your canvas, as opposed to your tutorial, you have horizontal blocks beings stitched a different direction than your vertical blocks. I do like that better. When do you stitch your compensating stitches? Thanks, Pamela, Tucson, AZ
Pamela, I'll explain a bit more about this tomorrow. But the short version is that I am constantly interrupted when I stitch and I also mostly stitch at night when I'm tired and I make a lot of mistakes like this. The long version is tomorrow!
Janet and Pamela, glad you like this stitch. I tried diagramming this stitch but it seemed really more confusing that stitched models, so that's the route I went. It's a pretty stitch. I would love to know if Wendy invented this variation or if it lives somewhere in a stitch dictionary under another name. If it does, I haven't found it.
Jane - I have always been a fan of scotch and cashmere stitches. I really, really like this one and I love the directional change on your canvas. I like that it gives some background interest and, like you said, does not take away from the mask. The reason I asked about compensating stitches is that it really looks like an easy stitch for them, and I'm always looking for a way to save myself a little work and still look good. lol
Pamela
Pamela, this is a lovely stitch and as you say, compensation is easy. What isn't easy is figuring out when to switch from light brown to dark brown. Do you match the paint color or not? More about that tomorrow.
you have the best blog by far!!! your stitch guides and design ideas and all the labor you put into it are beyond belief!!! thank you so much - so very much - i have learned more from you than you can imagine!! thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Monica. It is very kind of you to say Blog is the best. I've gotten a lot of help from other stitchers and this is my way of passing around knowledge. I am glad you have found it helpful.
Jane - Lots of times I do match paint color but sometimes I take artistic license. Sometimes I use the paint as a base and put a lacy stitch over that in a lighter color. This gives better depth of color I think. Most times I pick a canvas because of the talent of the artist, so defer to her vision. I also agree with Monica. You DO have the best blog ever. I always use your blog as an example of a great blog no matter who is asking about blogs. I, too, have learned a great deal from you, even before your blog. I've been reading your posts for many years. Thank you for your untiring love of the stitch!
Pamela
Thanks for the lovely compliment, Pamela. You just made my morning!
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