By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches. You could alternate colors or finishes by column or within a column. Stitching every other pair of stitches within a column will accentuate the original directional flow I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. I think it would make an adorable sweater with two colors. Alternate matte overdyed floss with a solid floss for a floor or roof. Frankly, the first thing I thought of as I stitched it was how this stitch would make a fantastic cathedral window, or any large window that demands attention. I’m thinking the picture windows from Sandra Gilmore’s room canvases. I would use two metallics with the Upright Crosses in a slightly darker hue. It will make an interesting fence with two matte threads, such as Impressions or Elegance.

Considering I stitched this with whatever threads happened to be next to me, my accent choices were limited. In a perfect world, this would be stitched with a larger bead or pearl added over two rows in the center of the open diamond. I would love to see this as a young girl’s dress with pink Silk Lame and a beautiful white pearl. It would also make a great Halloween pumpkin with orange ThreadWorx metallic, and a sequin/bead combo in the open diamond. Yum. It would be a great addition to any striped area, such as a wall, floor, roof, clothing…the list is really quite endless. If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books. I embroidered the eyes onto my cake because that’s just me, but she would have looked just as cute with safety eyes. I also used DK weight ( Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK) and a 2.75mm C crochet hook to make my cake smaller. One thing I love about Lauren’s patterns is how fast they work up! I crocheted all the pieces in one sitting and embroidered and attached everything in a second sitting. So simple!If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com has a book for you! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint. For more information, visit here.

As you can see, the layered diamond I shared last week was the jumping-off point for this week’s stitches. After some trial and error, I added some space between the layered stitches at the tip of each diamond so I could have more fun with the stitch inside the diamond. It was so much fun to play with stitches in either of the open spaces created by the layered diamonds (yellow lines) that I ended up with two stitches for today. In all honesty, I love the layered diamonds all by themselves without any accent stitches. To be honest, I had forgotten about this stitch. I stumbled across it looking for something else (naturally). The texture and the contrast against the white caught my eye. Voila! I have a blog post. (Seriously…that happens way more than you realize). It had been a long time since I had tried to crochet anything, but the clear directions and the charming photographs inspired me to try. I made the Tomato creature, using red sport yarn and a size C hook. It came out so cute, smaller than the pattern (only 2 ½ inches), because of the change in yarn and hook size. It was easy, I learned some new skills, and ended up with a darling finished product. This book will spark your creativity to craft your own unique creations.You are in the right place for free get : Whimsical Stitches: A Modern Makers Book of Amigurumi Crochet Patterns Amigurumi is a Japanese art of crocheting, or sometimes knitting, small stuffed yarn creatures. In Whimsical Stitches, author Lauren Espy shares patterns for a number of super cute, easy to make creations. She organizes her book into sections such as In the Garden, At the Aquarium, Down on the Farm, At the Bakery, and At the Market. Beginning with the basics of specific materials needed, basic stitches, and adding features to finished projects, Espy combines photographs and clear explanations to guide the novice or the expert. Her unique way of starting a “Magic Ring” to begin a project is so easy and works beautifully, creating a smooth flat surface. She even shares her technique for changing yarn colors to create a single color stitch while crocheting in continuous rounds. Each project begins with a comprehensive list of materials, finished size measurements, stitches used and pattern notes. Saguaro Cactus, Octopus, Bunny with Carrot, Mug and Donut, and Cupcakes are just some of the amigurumi creatures included in this wonderful book. Be descriptive: Incorporate words or phrases that convey what you offer, such as "crochet," "stitches," or "yarn," to help customers understand your business. As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.