Tuesday, September 15, 2015

TAST Week 10: Running Stitch

TAST Week 10: Running Stitch


I tend to use the running stitch as a flight path for butterflies and dragonflies and as a trail behind snails. So, I challenged myself to find a new way to use the running stitch for TAST this week. It was the perfect opportunity to gather up my courage and attempt my first embroidered treasure chest. (I have used crayons combined with stitching to make them in the past, but never actually stitched the wood.)

I sketched a treasure chest onto waste canvas with a pencil. The sketch was inspired by Carolyn Phillips' tutorial to paint a treasure chest published in the Summer 2015 edition of Crazy Quilt Quarterly.  

Using 2 strands of DMC 611, I outlined all the treasure chest with a stem stitch. Then, I removed the waste canvas. The outline was filled in with a stem stitch using various combinations of 2 strands of DMC flosses 611, 612 and 613. A single strand of DMC 610 was used to outline the boards, using stem stitch. And the running stitch was used to add darker grains of wood.

I also used a strand of Impressions by Caron #0000 to add a staggered running stitch beneath the treasure chest. Then, I wove a strand of Watercolors by Caron #000 through the running stitches to create a wavy line of sand.

Below are a few examples of my use of the running stitch from the past.




The flight paths for the butterfly and dragonfly on the camera block I created for a dear friend were created with the running stitch.

The snail trail on the "snowball" I created for Andrea was also created with a running stitch.

TAST stands for Take a Stitch Tuesday. It is a personal stitching challenge offered by Sharon B. on Facebook and on her blog, pintangle.com. You may read more about it here. This week, the running stitch was introduced. If you follow the TAST Facebook group, you know there are some incredibly inspiring examples of these stitches being shared. Thank you, Sharon, for offering TAST!

Thank you for stopping by!
Renee

Post edited 9/16/15 to note the waste canvas was removed after outlining the treasure chest (so it could actually be removed!)

11 comments:

Pamela said...

Great examples!

Anonymous said...

Yay! It's up! I was checking all afternoon and evening. =) Wonderful use of the running stitch. I love your treasure chest and can't wait to see it in context.

Christine B said...

Beautiful ideas for using the running stitch Renee! I just love all your blocks... you are so talented! Christine x

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

As soon as I saw this picture in my blog roll I regognized your work before I looked to see who's blog it was. From me, that is the highest compliment that I can give you, probably because I am in search of my own style.

That said, I think your chest is perfection and the hanging pearls are a perfect touch.
xx, Carol

Katie said...

I've been way behind on reading blogs. Oh I'm so glad I saw this one. I LOVE treasure chests. Wow!!!! Love it!!!

Createology said...

You have definitely stitched treasure with this beautiful very wood looking treasure chest. All your examples of running stitch to show flight paths are adorable. Great stitching dear...

Magpie's Mumblings said...

You have created such amazing texture - there's no question your treasure chest is wooden. Good job!!

SuperMomNoCape said...

Oh Renee... your treasure chest is amazing!! I like all the texture you've added using the various stitches. And the "treasure" beading is great too.

Running stitch is not one of my favorite stitches because I can never seem to get the stitches as even as I'd like.

crazyQstitcher said...

You have created the best treasure chest I've yet seen. Great proportions, stitching and beautiful treasures inside.

Sheryl said...

What a lovely treasure chest and stitching. I never seem to get my running stitches even but like the use of them. Your blocks are very pretty.

FlashinScissors said...

Wow, that is an amazing treasure chest! Such beautiful stitching. Barbara xx