#HibiscusChallenge Part 3: Palm leaf and Monstera

This is the last part of our #HibiscusChallenge!

So, guys, how is it going? Which stage are you at currently? Are there any difficulties?

Don't forget that you can write to me with any questions!

Here are wonderful results from our participants:

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Публикация от Méri Almeida (@agulhasdameri) 21 Апр 2020 в 6:28 PDT

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Публикация от Raynie Schwoch (@raynielovesowens) 18 Апр 2020 в 7:07 PDT

@marvey412

Let's congratulate each other with amazing work!

Everyone is doing great and I love all the improvisation with thread colors. It's hard to source the correct ones in the lockdown, so don't hesitate to adjust this project to what you have available.

Where to find the pattern:

1. If you're not subscribed, you can sign up. In the first Welcome message, you will receive information about Resource Library and a password to access it. The pattern is stored there now, it is free.
2. If you're already subscribed, go straight to the Resource Library, you will find the pattern there.

Instructions will stay on this blog, they will not be deleted. So you can start the project whenever you want!

The previous part was quite easy and I hope it was a relaxing stitching session for you. Now we will go back to a bit more complicated work so roll up your sleeves! Let's get it.

Part 1

Part 2

Today's stitches are:

Split back stitch

Long and short stitch

Today's colors are: G, H, I, J.

Palm leaf

1. Use 1 strand of thread color H and work the central line in Split Back Stitch. Then outline a small leaflet in the same stitch.

2. After you outline a leaflet, fill it inside with small Long and Short Stitches. This post might help but you can take it easy here and stitch intuitively. Don't overthink any technical details here, just make stitches as if you are painting with a brush.

3. Make sure that the leaflet is completely covered inside and that the ground fabric doesn't peek through.

4. Repeat the same steps for other leaflets.

Here's the finished result.

It may look simple and quick... and it IS kind of simple but not that quick, haha. The leaflets are small so it requires extra care and attention, and it is likely to take you more time than you might expect.

If you want, you can try using 2 strands of thread to speed up the process a little, although the leaf will not look as delicate.

Also, if it is more convenient for you, you can outline all the leaflets together first and then fill them one by one.

Monstera leaf

(Disclaimer: some of you might want to make your Monstera leaf in 1 color. That's totally fine, choose the color you like the most and use it for the whole area).

5. Use 2 strands of thread color G and work the veins in Split Back Stitch.

6. Then, using 1 strand of thread of color I or J (doesn't matter), work the outline in Split Back Stitch.

7. Then we start filling the leaf with Long and Short Stitch. Take 1 strand of thread and use color J above the side veins and color I under the side veins. Use guiding stitches here as well to make it easy for you.

8. Long and short stitching here should be a little easier here than when working the flower because there is no change in direction. Most of the stitching is simply made vertical. Pay attention to covering the outline and to reaching the vein at the bottom.

9-10. Look carefully how I place guiding stitches “hugging” the outline at the side. These spots can be very tricky to cover while maintaining the general stitching direction. As you see, I slant them a little at this stage.

11. Work every area separately or you can work every lighter area and then switch the darker color. Whatever is more convenient for you! I sort of alternated both of these ways. Sometimes working each area individually, sometimes working several areas of the same color at once.

12. [Optional] If you have H thread left, you can work Split Back Stitched lines under the veins :)

Here is the final result!

Download instructions in PDF

And that's all, can you imagine??

You can add some lettering to the center if you want: a name, some inspirational quote, important date or anything else that will make you happy. Here and here are posts with some tips and links on this topic.

What challenge did you overcome when working this project?

Take some time to finish this project the way you like, and when it is ready, please send me a picture so that we can have a gallery like after Cecelia Rose and Magnolia and celebrate our results together.

Your thoughts about this project, how it went, what was difficult, what was easy, what lessons you will take with you to your future projects are also much much appreciated!

You can send it to aminakdesigns[@]hotmail.com or tag me on Instagram @stitch_floral, and use #hibiscuschallenge.

Personally, I hope that #HibiscusChallenge helped you to practice your stitching skills in a fun way and maybe learn something new.

A challenge means that you overcome some of your inner hesitations, limitations, and fears. Sometimes we can be afraid of a certain technique, of a certain project scale or just find it hard to even finish something we started. And on top of that, most of us are currently in restricted conditions. So the very fact that you get to the finishing line is already precious. Some of you also tried long and short stitching for the first time, and this beginning is also amazing :)

I applaud you all and can't wait to see your works!

Thank you, everyone, for taking part and let's keep stitching and improving our skills together!