Season Greetings

Thank you for stitching along with me this year. I am still stitching but it is on other projects, Christmas gifts, new class projects. I hope to get back to my crazy patch soon. Today I wanted to share a vintage piece that just had to come home with me.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 119 combo stitch

This time of year is sew busy. I am hoping you are finding a few moments to breath and stitch.

Todays stitch is a combo. Fast and easy. It takes longer to select colors and thread the needle...lol..

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 118 cloud stitch

Todays stitch is a woven stitch called the cloud stitch. Not sure why it is called this but it is used as a filler stitch also. Start with small straight stitches that are used as anchors. Weave your second thread through the anchors.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 days of Thankfulness

That is my goal. To always be thankful 365 days a year. I truly am Blessed and don't want to take it for granted. I am sew blessed to be able to keep stitching which brings joy to my life. This is a turkey a stitched or outlined earlier this month.

Have a very Blessed Thanksgiving

and keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 117 double zig zag chain

Saw this stitch and realized that we have stitched a single row before, but look at how 2 rows look. Just beautiful. Added a french knot to the center and call it done. Remember to go back into the same hole while making the chain stitch.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 116 closed blanket variation

A variation of yesterdays stitch. Simply add a straight or regular buttonhole stitch in between the closed buttonhole stitch. Our finished blocks are continuing to pile up. Yeah!

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 115 closed blanket variation

Well it is official. I am hooked on the blanket stitch. Today's is another variation. I am amazed at how many combinations are coming from this one simple basic stitch. Today we combine a regular blanket stitch with a closed blanket stitch. After stitching the straight stitch, go back into the same hole and stitch a closed stitch. This is just a closed blank stitch on a angle.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 114 blanket finishing stitch

This stitch is usually on the hem of a tablecloth but can be used anywhere you want to add interest. If using in a hem, place your stitches close together so no fabric shows. Can''t wait to try this on a linen project. Once again, I used the trusty graph paper to keep my stitches even on one edge while curving the bottom edge.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 113 closed feather

Todays stitch is a closed feather stitch. Start on the right side or it won't work. Bring your needle back to the base of the last stitch and skip a line on the graph paper keeping the thread under the needle.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 112 maidenhair fern

Todays stitch is usually done in one strand for an airy delicate look. I choose to stay with with my 3 strands and am happy with the look. When stitching this, be sure to keep all the tops of the fawn branches even and the thread beneath the needle.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 111 zig zag chain

Todays stitch is a very simple one, zig zag chain. Instead of stitching in a straight line, simple zig zag. Too fun.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 110 double blind stitch

Just saw this one in another old book and loved the look of it. Fast, fun and done. Stitch two rows facing each other slightly off set. First row, I used the line on the graph paper. Second row used the half space between the lines.

Have a great weekend,

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 109 Straight stitch

This is a straight stitch variation that also could be stitched in several colors. I choose one today. Again, using my trusty graph paper, this is a quick one to stitch. I started with the center stitch, added the wings and then decided to make the straight stitches along the seam line the same color.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 108 - V loop flower

Can't believe we are in the hundreds. That means there are over 100 stitches posted. Wow.

Todays stitch is another variation but then that is what crazy patch stitching is all about. Start with a large V adding a lazy daisy loop on the bottom for a tail. Next add a star stitch at the top. I started with a slightly longer straight stitch in the center, then added an X on top of it.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 107 -straight flower

What a wonderful weekend we had. We drove thru the country side enjoying all the fall color.

Todays stitch is a straight stitch flower with french knot tips. Could also be a pistol stitch using one color. Your choice. I like the two colors today.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 106 threaded herringbone

Saw this stitch in an old book and it was called threaded herringbone. It is really not threaded. I tried to thread it and it didn't work. Stitch a regular herringbone pattern. Then go back with a straight stitch and cross the x's.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 105 -double curved blanket stitch

Well I am still on this blanket stitch kick...lol... There are so many possibilities. Todays stitch is a double curved blanket stitch. Again, I used the graph paper putting a dot on every 6th center block and every 3rd block to the right. Connect the dots and away you go. I didn't draw the second row on, just free handed it.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 104 - curved blanket stitch

Well after letting a jammed finger rest for a few days, I am back to stitching. Today's is another blanket variation. This time in a curve. I put a dot on the center line of my graph paper every 6 blocks. Then put a dot every 3 on each side of the center line and connected with a curve. Finish with a straight stitch flower.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 103

Another blanket stitch combo. I used the half spaces on the graph paper, making 4 stitches covering 2 full lines on the graph paper. This is definitely one time the graph paper will keep your stitches neat and orderly.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 102 -

Today is absolutely gorgeous. A bright sunny fall day and that is my mood today. It is one of those days when you get lots of things done. This is a combination stitch of a large blue V and yellow lazy daisies. Where would we be without our fall mums adding color to our gardens?

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 101 - blanket/french knot

Todays stitch is another blanket variation. Yes I am still on this kick...lol... Start with the basic blanket stitch and add french knots in between.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 100 - blanket stitch flower

WOW! 100 days of stitches.

Todays stitch is a blanket stitch with a V flower and french knot center.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 Stitch a long - day 99 - blanket stitch

This week we will be focussing on the blanket stitch. There are so many variations and we have already stitched several but there so many more. Today's stitch is a grouping of 2 blanket stitches close together.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 Stitch a long - day 98 V + flowers

Todays stitch starts with a large green V. A flip flop lazy daisy combo is next. Then pink angled lines are added. I switched to a pink lazy daisy "leaf" on every other one.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long day 97 stick flowers

Todays stitch looks like stick flowers so that is what I am calling it.  Start with the gold straight stitches, then add a green base and french knot top.  After stitching this and tearing the paper away, I think I would reposition the stitches closer to the seam line.  Your choice.

Keep stitching,
Janice 

Today's stitch is another combination of lazy daisy's.  Stitch 4 in the shape of a flower.  Leave a space and stitch 2 blue lazy daisy's for leaves.  Add yellow centers with French knots.

Keep stitching,
Janice

365 Stitch a long - day 95 V flowers

Todays stitch is a large V stitched in orange. The smaller v is stitched in blue with a center added. Top it off with some french knots. Looks like a football team colors....hum.....

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 94 diamond straight stitch

Todays stitch is basically all straight stitches. Easy easy. Start with the large pink diamond coming up in an empty spot and going down into one with thread. Your stitches will be neater than coming up through a hole with thread already in it. Next stitch the side stitches in green and add yellow centers.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 93 - lazy daisy L's

Here is an easy stitch to get us back in the groove. Just lazy daisy's in the shape of L's, then flip flopped. It does make a pretty pattern. Remember to always keep the thread under the needle.

For those just joining in, our pieces are cut 2 x 5"and sewn with 1/4"seam. This is also the time to stock up on graph paper at the back to school sales. I prefer the cheaper thinner paper at the discount stores. It tears away easier.

Keep stitching,

Janice

Starting back....

Today our quilt guild had a wonderful trunk show from one of our very talented members, Sheryl du Barry. Wish I had taken pictures to share with you. Maybe she will see this and send one over. Her crazy patch stitching is just beautiful. She will not be seeing my work close up...lol... Anyway, I am encouraged to get back to stitching. To get started, I pieced another stack of blocks ready to get going. It was interesting to me that Sheryl starts with a planned number of blocks. Me, I just start and see how big it will get. Still not sure how I will finish this, but I am sure it will come to me.

Start stitching again with me,

Janice

365 stitch a long - Summer break

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that I am taking a summer break. Too much going on at the moment. If you are any where near Dallas, come and see me at Martha Pullen Arlington. With lots of traveling, designing and restoration work, time is at a premium. Life is exciting and busy.

I am still picking up a needle when I can and hope you will too.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 92 flip flop fly stitch

Todays stitch just sounds summery. We are breaking heat records here so flip flops are in order. Stitch a fly stitch one way, then flip for the other way. Add a cute little french knot and hit the pool.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 91 vertical lazy daisy

This is another version of our favorite lazy daisy. Simple stitch 3 together vertically.

Will try to make a tutorial and post it.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 90 stars

Todays stitch is stars that are off set. This would make a pretty border on a little girls dress...mmmm. Will have to get busy on that idea...lol...

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 89 lazy daisy loops

Todays stitch is fun and fast. Simple stitch 3 sets of lazy daisy stitches and flip every other one.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 88 weave with flowers

Todays stitch starts with a woven base. Start with a straight running stitch. Weave thread back and forth through the straight stitches. Add straight stitch flowers and french knots.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 87 double fly stitch

This is an interesting variation of the fly stitch. Simply stitch two rows over lapping the tops of the fly stitches. Mine could have been overlapped a tiny bit more ....next time maybe.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 86 pistol daisy stitch

So happy to be back in blogger land. This stitch is a variation of a pistol stitch and a lazy daisy stitch. A straight stitch is added in the center of the lazy daisy to give more color.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365stitches - computer trouble

Well I thought I had been hijacked but I think I am back up and running. If this works, today's stitches will be posted shortly.

Thanks for all your patience,

Keep stitching,
Janice

365 stitch a long - day 85 star flowers

Still planting flowers here and they are well watered in with all the rain we had last night. Yeah!!! These little flowers have big lazy daisy leaves and little orange star flowers. Stitch a X and add a cross bar to finish the star.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 84 more flowers

How does your garden grow? Here I am stitching pink lazy daisy flowers to add to my garden. Finish with a bright blue french knot.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 83 spring flowers

Planting spring flowers this week....finally getting to it. Love having flowers all around in pots, and in the ground, hanging and on the table. My stitching today is also spring flowers. Start with a green V, and add a hot pink little v on the tips. Finish with a lazy daisy in a peach/pink color.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 Stitch a long - day 82 Lazy Daisy flowers

Oh how a little sunshine would be nice. Don't think I can take one more dreary day. These flowers are stitched in bright yellow to help with lack of sunshine. Add french knots as accents.

Hope the sun is shining in your part of the world.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 81 French knot blanket

Trying to catch up here. I have been distracted piecing a quilt. Do you ever get lost in your latest project? I always have several going on at once.

Todays stitch is a blanket stitch with french knot at the tips and a french knot every other post at the bottom. Stitched with two shades of purple.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 80 X and turkey track

This is a simple combination but with impact. Start with a large X and add small straight stitches that resemble turkey tracks.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 79 Cretan stitch

This stitch would probably be prettier a little closer together but I followed the graph paper. Sometimes free form just suits me better. Keep the thread under the needle. Finish with a french knot.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 78 Herringbone

Todays stitch is a herringbone variation. It could be stitched in 2 colors but I chose one for today. This one is definitely easier to stitch after sketching on graph paper and stitches up very quickly.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 77 - turkey tracks

Maybe I am thinking Moose Tracks ice cream while stitching this but thought turkey tracks was more appropriate. Stitch straight lines in blue. Add your turkey tracks in hot pink. The graph paper makes quick work of this one.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 76 feathered lazy daisy

The feather stitch is one of my favs. This is a feather stitch with a lazy daisy on each tip. Always start the stitch with needle directly across from the bottom of the last stitch.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 75 MD flowers

Flowers for Mothers Day. I am sew thankful and blessed to be a mother to 3 wonderful children. Cannot imagine my life without them.

Stitch a stem and add two sets of lazy daisy leaves. Use two blocks on the graph paper. Finish the flower with a row of 3 french knots, then 2 and 1.

Happy Mothers Day,

Janice

365 Stitch a long - day 74 crossed variation

Today I think I took out more stitches than I put in....lol... Think I will clean house or work in the yard today...lol.. try stitching again tomorrow.

Start with a fairly large cross stitch. Again I stitched this in 4 steps so threads would be less likely to catch when finished. Add a three step yellow straight stitch flower to every other point. Add a blue diamond in between using straight stitches.

Keep stitching,

Janice

365 stitch a long - day 73 laced with x center

This is a laced stitch that starts with a running stitch in purple. Use the eye of the needle to lace the yellow through the running stitches. Place a purple X in the centers and finish with a french knot. This one does show the graph paper at the bottom. Tear the paper off before doing the lace part for less distortion of your stitches.

Keep stitching,

Janice