Leaves sampler

Leaves sampler
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I just had to sit and try this. I marked the outline with pencil and filled in using different stitches. For the top row I used cretan stitch on the left and on the right I used herringbone stitch. The bottom row I used my old favorite the fly stitch and then the chevron stitch.
I sat down and did the cretan stitch and fly stitch to compare them. I had a little time yet and decided to catch up on some blog reading. While at Jo's blog I saw a leaf she did in herringbone stitch and loved it. I just had to try that one also. And then the chevron. Unfortunately I can't do this all day but I will hopefully continue trying this shape with other stitches. So, thanks Jo for the inspiration! What fun!!

Cretan Stitch Sampler

Cretan Stitch Sampler
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I think this is the first time I have ever sat down and started and finished something in one evening! This is my Cretan stitch sampler. Cretan Stitch is for week 4 with Sharons TAST. I very rarely use this stitch as my brain just can't seem to grasp it. I have to have the directions in front of me and even then I have to do some frog stitching. However I do like the first row I've done here for CQ. It is great with the spacing to add sequins, beads etc.. and then the point going up or down is great for adding onto.
To do this sampler I had to pull out Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano. I could have used any of a few other books I have but this one was the first that caught my eye. I'm so glad that I did. On page 50 is the directions for this stitch but on page 51 was directions for using the cretan stitch to make a leaf. I love the way these came out. I tried it with three different spacings. I have always used the fly stitch to make leaves. I'm going to try to make some more today both ways and compare them.

Detached Chain Stitch Sampler

I finally finished my detached chain stitch sampler. This is week 3 from Sharons TAST. I am trying to stitch to one stitch on each sampler. This is getting harder and harder to do. I think I'm going to have to make up some CQ blocks that I can work on simultaneously. I really didn't want to do start that since I know just how distractable I am. While I make up my mind I'll go start my next sampler.

Buttonhole Stitch Sampler

Buttonhole Stitch Sampler
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Sharons TAST for this week is buttonhole stitch. I use this stitch frequently in my CQ also. There is so much you can add to the bar of this stitch. Here is a picture of my sampler so far. I'm not adding anything for this sampler (I think). I am trying to stick to working just the stitch for a fabric book of stitches. I have so many ideas of what to do with these but so far I am leaning towards this one. Perhaps make another one with stitch combinations. These are only 6 x 4 so if I sit long enough I can finish these up. Sounds easy huh!! LOL

Herringbone Sampler

Herringbone Sampler
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I finished my Herringbone Sampler. I only used DMC Pearl Cotton #8 for this sampler. I was trying to keep it simple and just show the stitches. I used a varigated green and then added a little yellow and purple. My outline is very crooked. I went the lazy way and didn't mark the edges. Oh well, live and learn.
This is a great stitch and I like to use it in my crazy quilting. It has lots of openings for other stitches and beads or especially sequins.
I'm looking forward to the next stitch!