I've been busy...

...but have been amiss in posting. This summer is really hectic! I do have 4 more stitches done, except for sewing on the beads. My goal is to do that this weekend and post...keep your fingers crossed.

However, one of the projects I've been steadily stitching on is a one-block swap that was revealed tonight. So, I can share photos.

The block was created totally by me for a friend in Texas...

She has two beautiful grand-daughters so I stitched a mystical garden when them in the center (the photo is from a card, and not of them)...

Hope you enjoy the shots...and I'll include some closeups of the critters and such.

TDiTM Stitch 54

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This is a simple little 3-loop stitch…and I’ve added a round bead nestled in a cup sequin.

You might not be able to see the cool lime green…but it really is fun!

Gosh, I’ve sure leaped away from my favorite pink!!

TDiTM Stitch 53

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Now, orange is not my favorite of colors…but I had some funky little orange beads…from a vintage necklace I found in my aunt’s costume jewelry.

It’s a little different with the rounds and the boxes…but I like it.

TDiTM Stitch 52

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

I just love this aqua color! After stitching the detached chain stitches, I remembered that I had some aqua dagger beads…so overstitched one on top of the chains. And seed beads were used instead of the French knots.

TDiTM Stitch 51

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

We’re going to continue our chain half circles for a few more…and experiment with a few accent beads.

This version substitutes the French knot stitches for tiny bugle beads. And a simple cup sequin and bead accents the circles. Also a larger bead is at the intersection.

TDiTM Stitch 50

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This stitch has more length than the previous ones, simply by adding more French knots. I also amended the pattern by adding a 3mm crystal between the base chain stitch and the fan. It is a little hard to see in this photo, but really sparkles in real life. I think dropping the fan a tiny bit more and even adding a flower bead or a pearl would be really cute with all these French knots.

Try it and let me know what you think!

TDiTM Stitch 49

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

I think the Christmas colors in stitch 47 put me in a holiday mood…and I stitched this one in Orange with black accents for Halloween apparently! The strong contrast in colors does a good job in defining the elements of the stitch…and if the large lazy daisy stitch was done in black…that would change it up again.

This stitch is basically stitch 48 with a large lazy daisy added at the "V" of the curved chain base. Keep you daisy semi-tight if you want a long slender stitch as shown her, or very relaxed if you want a “fat” more tear-drop shaped stitch.

TDiTM Stitch 48

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This time, stitch the half-circle chain base..and drop down a little space and stitch the five pointed fan…all the same color. Insert a seed bead in the little space between the chain base and fan…and add a seed bead at the end of all five of the fan “blades”.

Isn’t that a cute little stitch!

If you don’t have seed beads, or are working on a project that wouldn’t look good with beads (although I can’t imagine one!)….just work French knots instead!

TDiTM Stitch 47

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Let’s continue to build on our chain stitch half-circle seam with the five pointed fan. This version is stitched in Christmas green and red…and looks very festive! Of course, you can use any color combination you wish.

The five French knot stitches at the inside top curve point, and the one between the chain base and fan, could be omitted...and replaced with beads as a more lively variation.

TDiTM Stitch 46

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Here's the first in our series of circles, half-circles, and ovals!

You will recognize the five pointed fan...as we have used it many times in the past with our zig zag base. The half-circle base is chain stitched; but could be done in a straight or stem stitch if you prefer.

The previous post gives you a location for the circular templates...or you can use a simple object (spool of thread, coin, etc) to help you draw your half-circle.