Specialty Stitches

#30: What is the most challenging specialty stitch you have ever stitched?

Ascending & Descending Montenegrin: Had no problem following a diagram with numbers; however, when I used a pattern (honeysuckle graph) -- and had to figure out the stitching on my own -- it took quite a while. I was thrilled to finish this needlework band. (click on photo to enlarge). This sampler is a WIP & is loaded with specialty / challenging stitches. Update: this is part of a band sampler from an EGA course. EGA in sidebar -- course English Band Sampler. I have a lot of areas to embellish before posting a photo.

Bullion Rose is a close runner up because I had a difficult time winding the fiber around the needle in a consistent direction. Once I got the hang of it -- the bullions improved. I prefer using a straw needle (applique needle) + pc#8 for bullions (ie. DMC 107) . The bullion roses were done on a stretchy black fabric -- then made into covered buttons. I have not sewn the buttons on anything yet. can click the photo to enlarge.


#29: Do you stitch for events like weddings, engagements, or other things that might not last? If you have been unlucky and the two people broke up, what happened to your stitched gift?

I stitched a sachet bag for my daughter when she was 16 & had her first steady boyfriend. Knowing this was a first crush .... I put their first names on one side of the sachet bag inside a heart & the reverse side had a floral design. It was on my daughter's shelf with the floral design showing until she packed for college At that time, it still had the flower petals, from her first Homecoming dance tucked inside.

#28: Which way do you stitch (/// and then \\\, or \\\ and then ///) ? Can you (or if you haven't done it before, do you think you could) change the way that you stitch temporarily if it is asked of you?

I learned how to stitch by ///, then \\\. That was how I was shown, initially, and kept stitching that way. If I was asked to stitch a certain way, I could do that. In the round robin I am currently in, 5 stitch one way and 2 stitch the other way. I didn't notice until I read this question!! These are my friends & however my project is stitched is ok with me.

#27: What do you use to hold your fabric while you stitch? A hoop, a q-snap, a scroll frame, something else, or do you stitch in hand? Have you always used just the one thing or have you tried one or more of the others? Which do you like best? Why?

I have tried all of the above. I prefer a scroll bar/frame for samplers -- qsnap for smaller things like sewing smalls -- in hand for over one stitching. (Why? For in-hand small stuff I need a magnifier & it is easier for me to do in hand.)

Why? I prefer using my lap frame which supports either scroll bars / q snaps / or stretcher bars & one of my magnifier clips on (if needed). I put the frame on my desk and use hand weights (like the small ones from the gym) to keep the frame from falling over! This way I can pull the project close to me and use TWO hands for stitching. I use K's (side bar for link)