Toned Down Sampler Part 8

Wha-hoo! Coming to the end of the third row. I did a bit of editing on this next circle. The pattern shows 19 Fly Stitch creating the inner circle. I knew right off the bat that I was not going to be able to stitch that many Fly Stitch and have them recognizable. I felt lucky to get 11 stitched.

 

 

The blue water-soluble marker is a life saver for placement. A dab of water from a cotton swab makes it disappear.  For the outer circle the pattern shows 28 Fly Stitch; I was able to stitch 24.  The inner circle has Bullion Knot Stitch nested inside the Fly Stitch. On the outer circle Bullion Knot nests inside alternate Fly Stitch and I used the Colonial Knot instead of the Double Cast On Stitch. The latter stitch is very wide and I thought it would simply be too bulky. A Colonial Knot finishes the center circle.

 

 

More fun with creatures ahead. This charming little owl has Chain Stitch circling the outer edge and the eyes; Colonial Knot fills in the eyes. The wings and nose are constructed with Woven Picot Stitch; feathers are Fly Stitch; Bullion Knot Stitch creates those charming little feet; and Drizzle Stitch provides the crazy little hair do. That is quite a fun little stitch, the Drizzle. It is constructed using a cast on stitch and building to the desired length. The stitch curls a bit on its own because it is not stitched in place but is three dimensional.  So this little guys hair is literally standing on end! Too funny. I’m betting I’ll be using that stitch in future circles.

 

 

And here’s the start of the fourth row – more fun with nature. The butterfly is stitched using Bullion Knot, Bullion Loop and Pistil Stitch. I was glad to be experienced with the two Bullion stitches because the metallic thread was pretty challenging. Colonial Knot Stitch decorates the edge of the circle and Rosette Chain Stitch encircles the outer edge. The Rosette Chain Stitch is another new one for me.

 

 

Whoops, better get out the cotton swab for the blue marks. Time to get stitching again!

Be strong. Be patient. Be kind.