May Round-up

It's funny how unwilling summer is to come and share its warmth here. We've had probably a week or two to enjoy the summer heat, sunshine and clear blue sky, and now it is +7°C again and we wear warm socks and sweaters even at home. Well, but any weather is fine, isn't it? There's always something to be happy about. For example, it's a good excuse for a cup of tea with delicious pastry ;)

No matter the weather, summer is finally here and the last month of spring already waved goodbye. So, it is a good opportunity for summing up everything that happened on StitchFloral during May.

Stitches

This month was dedicated to knot stitches. We've talked about french knot and its relative – pistil stitch, mentioning along the way some of the aspects stitcher should pay more attention to. French knot's twin – colonial knot – is a well-known stitch, which, however, is a little trickier to execute. I explored the differences between the two stitches and their similarities. It all boils down to the fact that they look identical for the most part, but some people might find colonial knot easier and more practical to work.

As for me, I normally use french knot just because I got really used to it. The process of making it is imprinted in my mind so strongly that I can probably make it with closed eyes. But I have true respect for the colonial knot and I believe it has advantages over its french twin: like, its sturdiness and the fact that it can be unpicked more easily.

Some sources say that the french knot appeared in Europe from China, where embroiderers have been using their own version of this stitch – chinese knot. The two stitches are quite different both in execution and appearance, but I find it likely that Europeans could be impressed with the mysterious “forbidden stitch” and thought of an easier version of it.

Another stitch that was in spotlight this month is bullion knot. Apart from a usual “how-to” post about bullion stitch and its version of pistil stitch, I elaborated more about it in the Bullion knot Crash course, where I've listed all of the things I find essential for its successful execution. There is also a tutorial for a cute bullion knot rose, so be sure to check it out :)

Finally, extra attention was paid to chain stitch this month with the post about 6 tips for its better look.

Projects

The reason I was so into chain stitch this month is that I've been stitching the “Mint Tea” pattern of my own design. It had a special purpose – to embellish the summer bag that I finally sewed. You can see it in the picture above with the framed poppies from this post.

It is the third project in my challenge to get rid of the fabric scraps (they were utilized as the inside of the bag). The other one that I completed this month was this needlebook. I'm actively using it and enjoying it a lot! Not only is it practical and convenient, but also soothes the eyes with bright embroidery. And it's so cutely soft!

By the way, there is a tutorial for the twig worked in feather stitch, which I used in the embroidery for the needlebook. It's really quick and easy to make :)

I didn't have as much “small” stitching practice this month as I hoped. Mainly because the chain stitched pattern consumed more of my time than I expected. Nevertheless, at least one practice bit was worked with spider web roses.

Lastly, I shared with you the “Crewel heart” I stitched a while ago. It features a large variety of elements and stitches, and although it can't really be called crewel since it is not stitched in wool... still, I like to call it like this because this style was what inspired me :)

I hope your May was great and you had some lovely stitching done :) And if not, then I have good news for you! I decided to dedicate June to buttonhole stitch – there will be 4 lessons with a free design for practice in the end of the month. Look forward to the buttonhole posts on Wednesdays :)