TAST 48 & Beyond TAST 48

 TAST 48 - Rice Stitch

  Its time to say good bye to TAST 2020  as this stitch is the last one .  TAST 2020 played a major role in uplifting me during Covid - 19 lock downs.  Looking at the  TAST stitches on Tuesday mornings, was a ritual I enjoyed thoroughly this year.

My sincere thanks to Sharon Boggon of PinTangle for hosting TAST 2020. 

Rice stitch is mainly a canvas stitch.  Two different variations of the Rice Stitch has been worked in the below sample.   I tried adding some beads as well.

BEYOND TAST 48 - Woven Trellis Stitch

This stitch makes beautiful flowers , especially while using thicker threads like Perl 5. The white flower is done with Perl cotton and  the dark pink flower is made using all 6 strands of the embroidery floss.  

TAST 47 & Beyond TAST 47

 TAST 47 - Triangular Buttonhole Stitch & Beaded Triangular buttonhole stitch 

A new stitch to me , both the stitches were fun and easy to explore.  As the name suggests, these two stitches are based on the buttonhole stitch.

The beads could be added to any of the slant stitches , or even to all the slants and the base.

                                              

BEYOND TAST 47 -  FEATHERED UP AND DOWN BUTTONHOLE

This too was a new stitch and fun to try out.  As the name suggests, this stitch is based on both the Feather stitch and Up and Down Buttonhole Stitch.  This stitch is much suitable for creating floral sprays .  

                                                

TAST 46 & Beyond TAST 46

 TAST 46 - Shell Chain and Beaded Shell Chain

This is a new stitch to me.  I tried this stitch with Perl cotton threads.  The beaded version of this stitch is quite appealing to me.

Beyond TAST 46 - Threaded Cable Chain Stitch.

This is a such a fun stitch.  Initially, a foundation of Cable Chain stitch is stitched and then it is threaded in the next step.  With a uniform stitch tension while threading, this stitch would look even better.

TAST 45 & BEYOND TAST 45

 TAST 45 - RAISED CROSS STITCH FLOWER

This is a new stitch to practice.  Such an easy and beautiful flower stitch.   I tried doing this with Perle #5 ,6 strands of anchor embroidery floss and also with  2mm and 4 mm silk ribbons .  As the name suggests, this is a raised stitch and has a texture .

                                                    

BEYOND TAST 45 - Closed Base Woven Picot & Open Base Woven Picot

I have admired this stitch before but this is the first time I tried to stitch.  I wanted to stitch a beautiful sun flower with dark and light shades of yellow color of all the 6 strands of the  floss.  I set out to draw a big sun flower and started with this stitch with much anticipation.   I was able to create only  a narrow and ugly set of petals with this woven picot stitches.  This ugly petals then gave me the freedom to try out each petal with different thread - I have used perle #5, tatting thread, 6 strand embroidery floss and crochet cotton thread (whatever was available in my stash) 

 I should have drawn the petals in a much smaller size.  Though my hands were itching, to cut all the petals and restart from drawing a small sun flower, I decided against it.  This sample will surely keep reminding me to draw small flowers while using this stitch in my future projects.   

TAST 44 & Beyond TAST 44

 TAST 44 -  Twisted Chain stitch & Rope Stitch.

Both these stitches belong to the chain stitch family.  When twisted chain stitches are worked very closely, it becomes the rope stitch.

These stitches are worked from right to left.  The first and second rows are worked in white thin perl cotton thread .   A twisted chain stitch flower in white thin perl cotton and a dark green color stem in rope stitch using thicker perl cotton thread was stitched for this sampler  The vertical rope stitches in orange and green color are created using 6 strands of anchor embroidery floss.

Beyond TAST 44 - Herringbone Square and Laced Herringbone square

Herringbone square is a much familiar stitch to me as the Kutch Embroidery work of India is based on this stitch.  This stitch is the foundation stitch in kutch work on which interlacing is done. The link for my earlier post on Indian Kutch work is here

Laced Herringbone Square is a new stitch to me.  It was  fun to learn a new way of lacing the herringbone square.

There is a difference in the way lacing is done on this stitch and that of the Kutch work.

TAST 43 & BEYOND TAST 43

 TAST 43 - KNOTTED CRETAN

As the name suggests, the stitched is derived from Cretan Stitch. This stitch can be used wherever the cretan stitch isused.  This stitch is very easy to learn, once you know how to do the Cretan Stitch.  

While using a thicker thread, the knotted texture of this stitch is much visible, .  So, my samples are stitched with all the 6 strands of anchor embroidery floss.

BEYOND TAST 43 - RAISED CUP

This is a very interesting stitch which is a new one for me.  I initially struggled with this stitch and this struggle can be seen in my below sampler.

A foundation triangle is initially stitched, and then the needle and thread are passed through the bars of the triangle without picking the fabric.  This stitch looks better with a thicker thread.

For my samples, I have used all 6 strands of anchor embroidery floss.  Few raised cups are done with a single round around the triangle, more of these raised cups are done with two rounds and  only a couple of these cups are done with 3 rounds around the triangular foundation stitch. 

                                                         

TAST 42 & BEYOND TAST 42

 TAST 42 - HALF CHEVRON STITCH

As the name suggests, this stitch is a combination of half chevron stitch and half  Cretan Stitch.   This is an easy  stitch.

Rows of these stitches can be combined together to form various patterns.   

BEYOND TAST 42 - BEADED HEDEBO EDGE

This stitch creates a very beautiful scallops in between the beads.  This stitch was a bit difficult to learn initially.  The first row of my sampler  shows the initial struggle in my learning this beauty. 

This stitch looks quite good when using thicker threads.  The second row is worked with DMC Pearl Cotton 3 thread.  The third is worked with 6 strands anchor floss. 

                                        

TAST 41 & BEYOND TAST 41

 TAST 41 - Closed Herringbone Stitch / Double Back Stitch / Shadow Stitch

    As the name suggests, Closed Herringbone stitch is just a variation of Herringbone Stitch.  In the back side of the fabric, this stitch creates two back stitch lines.  Hence this is also called as Double Back Stitch.

    This stitch is predominantly used in traditional Indian shadow work named "Chikankari".  This is very popular in and around Lucknow.   In Chikankari, the closed herringbone stitch is worked on the wrong side of a thin , see through cotton transparent fabric, so in the right side of the fabric you would be seeing the double back stitch along with the shadow of the closed herringbone stitch in the backside.  

In the sampler below,  the first row is worked with the DMC perl cotton thread.

  The second row (blue waves) are worked with 3 strands of anchor embroidery floss.

   The  third row is worked in reverse manner where the closed herringbone is in the wrong side of fabric and the double back stitch is in the right side of the fabric.

  My earlier chikankari work with the double back stitch can be seen here

I do have a pretty chikankari salwar suit in pink color.  Double back stitch has been  worked in the black color thread in this suit.

                                                        

                                                      

BEYOND TAST 41 - Fancy Bobbin Edging

This stitch is derived from the buttonhole stitch.  The first step  is to work the buttonhole stitch followed by sliding the needle under the vertical line created by the buttonhole stitch. This creates a knot in the base of the stitch.

When I stitched with 2 or 3 strands anchor embroidery floss, it just looked exactly like the buttonhole stitch.  I could not make out the tiny knot created.  So, thicker threads are suitable for this stitch.   I dont think I would be using this stitch in my future projects.  I would be  using buttonhole stitch rather than this stitch. 

 

   

TAST 40 & BEYOND TAST 40

 TAST 40 - ALGERIAN EYE STITCH

Algerian Eye Stitch is a super easy stitch , as it just involves straight stitches. This is worked in aida cloth.  The variation in the arrangement of algerian eye stitches creates different geometrical patterns. 

BEYOND TAST 40 - EASTERN STITCH

        

                        This stitch is new to me.  Its a very simple stitch.  This stitch is worked on aida cloth.  Various geometrical patterns can be created by varying the placement of each EASTERN stitch

                                                        

Bargello Embroidered Bookmark

 I started following  @berrin_sengoz on Instagram few months ago.   Though I don't understand a single word in Turkish language, I had fun doing this project.  It is always easy to follow her videos without the need to understand the language spoken.

I was delighted, when she announced a tutorial on bargello embroidery.  Bargello is one of my favorite embroidery, though I have never tried it before. 

I bought some woven canvas for doing this project.  As I don't have access to DMC Tapestry wool, I substituted it by using all 6 strands of anchor embroidery floss.

The anchor thread colors used in this are -  158,130,162,164 ,169.  I finished this embroidery as a bookmark..  Attached a delightful tassel too. :)-. 

                                           

  

TAST 39 & BEYOND TAST 39

 TAST 39 - Fancy Herringbone Stitch

This stitch is new to me.  It was fun to explore this stitch.  Initially, a foundation of herringbone stitches are worked followed by working upright cross stitches at the crossings of each herringbone stitch.  Then lacing of each of these cross stitches is done. The lacing of these stitches reminds the way we write down number 8.  :)-.

In the first row, the foundation herringbone was worked with 2 strands of light green anchor floss .  This does not show up much after doing the lacing.

In the  third row, the lacing is done with 6 strands of anchor embroidery floss.

BEYOND TAST 39 - Triangular Feather Stitch

This one too, is a new stitch for me.  This belongs to the feather stitch family.   This stitch reminds me of the Turkman Stitch which was done a few weeks back in TAST 2020.   

                                              

TAST 38 & BEYOND TAST 38

 TAST 38  - Woven CROSS STITCH

This is a new stitch for me.  Its a simple, easy and fun to work stitch.   This stitch would look pretty when worked on an aida cloth.  This stitch creates the effect of stitching a small flower.  The foundation for this stitch is the regular cross stitch.

 BEYOND TAST 38 -  CHAINED CROSS STITCH

This is a new stitch to learn this week.  Its a very simple stitch - a combination of cross stitch and the chain 

stitch.  This stitch can be used to create decorative edgings.

                        

TAST 37 & BEYOND TAST 37

 TAST 37 - WHIPPED WHEEL

 This stitch is also known as Ribbed spider wheel stitch.  This is one of my favourite stitches.  This starts with a foundation of fly stitch (fly stitch can also be replaced with straight stitches towards the centre of the circle).  In my sample, I tried working this stitch with stranded cotton, thicker perl cotton and thin perl cotton threads.  The purple wheel is worked with all the 6 strands of anchor stranded cotton.

BEYOND TAST 37 - WHIPPED SPOKE STITCH

This stitch is also called as woven filling stitch.  It was really fun and easy to experiment with this stitch. 

The first row is worked with thicker perl cotton thread for weaving .  In the second row, I tried this stitch with a little curved line which did not yield the desired results.  I guess , working the spokes a little closer would have helped.  The third row is done with all the 6 strands of varigated cotton embroidery floss and I have used French knots to fill the centre of the circle. 

                                                           

TAST 36 & BEYOND TAST 36

 TAST 36 - FEATHERED CHAIN STITCH

Feathered chain stitch is derived from Chain stitch and in appearance it can be compared to the zig zag chain stitch.  This is a variation of long tail Chain stitch.

In the first row, I worked the stitch with a single color.

In the second row of my sampler, initially I worked this stitch with yellow color, followed by working this stitch in red color, in between the spaces created by the yellow color stitches.

In the third row ,  I have packed the stitches with 4 different colors to give a dense appearance ,as if the bark of a tree entwined in the fall color leaves before shedding them.  I have used light green, dark green, red and golden colors here.

BEYOND TAST 36 - Long Tail Chain Stitch

This is derived from Chain Stitch . As the name suggests, this stitch is tied with a long tail of the chain stitch.  This can be used to create patterns, by varying the number ,length and direction of the stitches.  

TAST 35 & BEYOND TAST 35

 TAST 35 - Whipped Chain Stitch

This is derived from chain stitch family.   As the name suggests, it involves the whipping of the initiallt laid chain stitches.

Two different type of whipping variations can be done as seen in the below pic.

In the first one, I have worked the foundation chain stitches with the green thread and the whipping is done with the yellow thread .  The thread was passed under each of the foundation chain stitches.  I have worked two such rows.

In the second one, I have worked the foundation chain stitch with the yellow thread and the whipping of one side of the chain stitch was done with the red color thread which was followed by whipping the other side of the foundation chain stitches with the same red color thread.  Next, I worked the foundation chain stitches in green thread and followed the same whipping process like before with  the red color thread. 

                                                          

Double Whipped Chain

Two rows of foundation chain stitches in red color were worked which was then whipped with a yellow thread in the middle of the chain stitches.  This stitch creates a thicker line due to two rows of foundation chain stitches.

BEYOND TAST 35 -  Magic Chain Stitch (Checkered Chain)

I had used this stitch before in my previous projects, so I chose to do a simple leaf shape with this stitch, just to include in my TAST Sample book.

TAST 34 & BEYOND TAST 34

 TAST 34 - Crossed Feather Stitch & Plaited Feather Stitch

As the name suggests, both these are derived from Feather Stitch.  Crossed & Plaited Feather stitch are almost similar, just that in Plaited Feather Stitch we take the working thread under the cross bar created by the initial set of feather stitches.These stitches can be used for Crazy Quilting Seam Treatments.

                                                        

BEYOND TAST 34 - Spiked Knotted Cable Chain.

A new stitch to learn in this series of TAST challenges.  This creates a knotted stitch and is derived from Chain stitch family.  I tried practicing this stitch in a circle.

                                                            

TAST 33 & BEYOND TAST 33

 TAST 33 - Cloud Filling stitch

This is one more new stitch for me to learn .  As the name suggests this is a filling stitch and it is fun to do.

I should be careful with the stitch tension  as pulling it too tight results in a flat stitch (as seen in the first row)  instead of curving shapes.

                                                        

BEYOND TAST 33 - Slipped Detached Chain (Tulip Stitch)

This is a great and such a lovely stitch to learn.  As the name suggests, this creates Tulip kind of shapes and is adaptable for creating beautiful petals and leaves.  

My inspiration for the sampler, came from my imagination.  I imagined myself walking along the path of a beautiful and colorful Tulip garden.

TAST 32 & BEYOND TAST 32

 TAST 32 - Alternating Up and Down Buttonhole

This stitch is derived from buttonhole stitch and in particular from Up and Down Buttonhole.  I was wondering about such a long name for this stitch.  Can you believe this stitch has totally 30 alphabets in its spelling.  :)-.  Anyhow the stitch is not too complex to learn.  I tried to adapt this stitch for floral elements like stems by slightly varying the direction 

BEYOND TAST 32 - Triple Chain stitch

Though this is a new stitch, it was fun , easy and simple to learn.  This is derived from the Chain stitch family.  Therefore it follows the curve very well.  This can be used as a decorative stitch with beads for Crazy Quilt Seam Treatment.  This stitch very well adapts itself in creating floral elements like vines and stems.  

TAST 31 & BEYOND TAST 31

 TAST 31 - Woven Detached Chain

As the name suggests this stitch is derived from detached chain (or lazy daisy stitch).  But this creates a textured shape and this makes it suitable for floral elements like flower petals and leaves.  I

  In some of the Indian households, there is a  bunting made of green plastic  with pictures of  Gods and Goddesses and this is hung on the house entrances. The bunting picture is below. 

  This was my inspiration in creating this sampler and I wanted my stitched bunting to have the  the fall colors. :)-

                                                       

BEYOND TAST 31 - Woven Zig Zag chain 

As the name suggests this stitch is derived from Zig Zag chain stitch and it creates a textured stitch.

  

TAST 30 & BEYOND TAST 30

 TAST 30 - Lock Stitch

Lock Stitch is a very new stitch to me.  Feeling happy to add this to my known stitches skill set. Initially a row of vertical straight stitches are stitched .  Then the lacing of these straight stitches are done by alternating the lacing in the left and right directions.

There are few variations available with this stitch.  The lock stitch can be a single lock stitch or double lock stitch.  In the double lock stitch, the lacing is done twice once on the upper side of the straight stitches and again at the bottom of the straight stitches.  Beaded variation of this stitch is available with the name Beaded lock stitch.

I tried single lock stitch with black straight stitches and blue lacing.   Tried out the double lock stitch with white straight stitches followed by lacing of the stitches with the black thread.  Beaded lock stitch is done with white beads.  I tried creating a stepped pattern with beads by offsetting a stitch.

  

BEYOND TAST 38 - TURKMAN STITCH

This is one more new stitch to learn and practice.  A very easy , simple and is a quick stitch .  This stitch is derived from Chain stitch family.

                                                            

TAST 29 & BEYOND TAST 29

 TAST 29 - PEKINESE STITCH

I have used this stitch before and this TAST challenge is a good refresher to stitch it again .  Initially, a row of back stitches are stitched which are then laced with another thread.  While lacing the stitches, the thread tension has to be managed carefully, if pulled too tight, the beauty of this stitch is lost.  This stitch is also called as chinese stitch.  This works great as a decorative edging stitch.

 

BEYOND TAST 29 - SCROLL STITCH

This is a new stitch for me to learn in this TAST challenge.  This was very simple and easy to learn.  It creates a knotted stitch,  the effect is more spectacular when stitched with thicker threads.  This stitch follows the curve well.

                                                    

TAST 28 & BEYOND TAST 28

 TAST 28 - BRETON STITCH

Breton Stitch is derived from Herringbone stitch.  So, its pretty easy and such a straight forward stitch.  This follows a curve well and can be used as a decorative edging stitch or a filling stitch.

BEYOND TAST 28 - Diamond Stitch

As the name suggests, this stitch creates a diamond pattern.  But its a complex stitch involving a sequence of steps.  It was difficult for me in the beginning, then I referred Mary Corbet's video in youtube videos and got the hang of it.  The struggle is worth to see the end result of the diamond stitch though.