Speaking of stitch guides I just wanted to write about them today adding in my two-cents to other cyberspace conversations. I have long since known my talents lie elsewhere when it came to deciding the right stitch for the right place. For instance, take the kimono on the left. I began this canvas without a stitch guide about 10 years ago. Back then my idea was to use as many different stitches and as many different threads as possible in one little canvas. The kimono demonstrates this concept better than anything else I've ever stitched. I disliked how this was turning out and must have stitched it 5 times over because I made so many faulty stitch decisions; so many that I put it down and didn't stitch anything for several years. A few years ago I finally finished it and made the kimono into a kimono and I vowed never to stop stitching again for any reason under my control but I was still gun shy when it came to making stitch decisions. For one thing the whole process is very time consuming, taking up precious stitching time, I concluded I was better off leaving it to the experts.Then I found the canvas on the right which is testimony that perseverance in learning, observation and practice can break through even the hardest head. I fell in love with Patt and Lee Designs' canvas even though it didn't have a stitch guide at the time. I had to create my own if I wanted to stitch it. So I began flipping through all my stitch books and decided to let Father B's Book of Stitches guide my way. Years ago (like maybe 20) I stitched his Tale of the Chinese Plate and remembered there were 12 stitches recommended for Asian themes. I picked every stitch on the Geisha canvas and every thread too as I recall. I am so proud of this fact because I didn't think I would ever attempt doing it again, and it turned out I actually could choose stitches to my own satisfaction. Now I wonder if I should? I'm a stitcher. Even so, recently I was encouraged to expand beyond my reach. Who me?
Creating a stitch guide is an art form and while I feel more confident in my ability, the professionals (you know who you are Judy, Ann, Robin, Sharon, Amy et al) that have devoted much of their careers to designing painted canvas and charts have gained my attention and earned my respect. I'd have it no other way. How about you out there, do you decide on your own stitches to your own satisfaction? And to the exclusion of using professional stitch guides? Sharon G has wisely pointed out that they are only "guides,' suggesting they can be used together with our own judgment. Not bad advice Sharon. As for me, I really like having a stitch guide, but I'll keep dabbling with stitches taking in what I can glean from you all and asking for advice along the way.
Wishing you all well this hot steamy weekend. Take good care 'til next time.
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I've pretty much been a basketweave person -- lots of different thread types, but not very many stitch types. I also am drawn to VERY detailed canvases (like Angel Cat) where lots of patterns would be Wrong. I know I would do some of my previous canvases differently now, but they were what I could handle at the time. I am always impressed by your padded and random stitching. It is so beautiful and so much beyond what I could do. I do have a stitch guide for several Melissa Shirley Halloweentown canvases that I will stitch Some Day, though even there I know I will make some changes because of how they were stitched at The Status Thimble where I bought the canvases. (Kreinik #60 makes a beautiful night sky and blending filament in a loose streaky pattern is great for windows.) Generally I move forward and once decided, go for it.
ReplyDeleteI think of stitch guides as a conversation with a stitching friend about one's current piece. Your friendly guide gives you suggestions and ideas and guidance from the privacy of your own home and stands in if you have no stitching friends around.
ReplyDeleteThey are very popular these days, but then we all need stitching friends!
Jane Jane Jane, very sage verbage (to use the vernacular) from one of the most creative and imaginative stitchers around! I know everyone in blogville and beyond already knows about your wonderful stitch guide endeavors, but my fingers need exercise this morning so I'm going over to www.chstitchguides.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSee you all there!
Hi Kathryn, I am in awe of you for choosing the detailed canvases requiring the patience of Job. There are several canvases by designer-Jon Johansson (melissashirleydesigns.com)that I have coveted for years, (his Madonna series: Sunflower, Lake and Winter) but have never been brave enough to tackle. Is Angel Cat one of his? This morning I feel very energized to consider one of these, we'll see if it lasts. I hope it does because it leaves me out of many of the painted canvases I'm attracted to. Not to mention that it all started with tent/basketweave. Thank you for commenting today.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on WHO does the stitch guides. Those who promote "goop" should not be doing this. There is a difference - some stitch guides are well done - but very few, and by reputable stitchers.
ReplyDeleteI have recently received my first stitch guide and found it difficult to interpret. I took it to my LNS for help and will follow her suggestions/interpretations. After stitching for more than 40 years I expected to be able to read and use it. A diagram or a few more clarifying words would have been helpful.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon, I'm glad you commented. It's a shame your first stitch guide experience turned out to be a hassle. For most of us I'm not sure we would recognized in advance of doing the actual stitching whether we had a quality guide. I know I just assumed the writer would know what they were doing; and I might even blame myself for any problems that arose.
ReplyDeleteHi all, Thank you for raising these issues. For someone that has expressed a preferred reliance on stitch guides, I am happy to see dialogue about them.
ReplyDeleteI think if I like and admire a designer's work, chances are I'll like their stitch guides. I don't know that there are any steadfast rules to help make the determination other than personal taste? Also sneaking a peek to see if there are adequate diagrams, color keys, etc. might also help. Hope everyone is keeping cool today.
Oh, what an excellent post! It took me far too long to accept the fact that I am just NOT adept at stitch and/or fiber selection. Once I embraced that and asked for my very first stitch guide, I was free! Now, I'm loving every minute of my time with my canvases, and I find that I'm learning "what goes where" and "what does what" when I think about trying it on my own. I still have my training wheels on, but I'm convinced that using these stitch guides will eventually get me to the place where I'll be able to select things for myself.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I stitched a gorgeous Jon Johansen. All in tent. Not one specialty stitch in it. It took me a few years, but now I love it and realize that not everything I have needs to be blinged out to within an inch of its life!
Can I just say a very big woo hoo again for this topic!? Thank you for such thoughtful commentary!
Hi! Love your stitching. Such a variety of work and you do it very well. I'm wondering if you do your own finishing?? It's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Hi Coni, seems that stitch guides are on our minds more than we might have guessed lately. I'm with you, learning but still rely on the guides in an effort to avoid the "Goop" ensues. This SharonG triptych is great because you can incorporate the stitches and threads into all three (I only have two) creating a very cohesive trio with only one guide.
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad to learn that you're a Jon Johansen too-if you're into whimsy and charm, what's not to like! He's been calling my name for several years and with all the different shops and websites having their Christmas in July sales.....hmmmm. Maybe! Thanks for writing today. Pets to Stewey.
Susan, many thanks for your kind words. As for finishing, I can and do some things, but I am usually better off leaving this to the experts too.
ReplyDeleteYou'll laugh or perhaps be appalled, but I finished the kimono myself because the back of the canvas showing all the raw threads, etc. was a shameful muddle of deranged knots and trusses, not fit to be seen by genteel society. In other words I was too mortified for the finisher to see how messy it was. Sad but true. Thank you for stopping in today.