Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge week 50
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 6:52AM | Sharon B | 24 Comments | in Challenges, Hand Embroidery, Needlework, Take a Stitch Tuesday, Take it Further challenge Gosh we are at week 50 of the TAST challenge. I can' quite believe it. This week could people make an effort to leave a comment if they are still stitching even if you are running behind it would be nice to see who is still left. I know I am still stand but just!
I have been asked if I am going to keep the TAST page up next year as some people discovered both TAST and my blog as late in the year as October and November and would like to work the stitches. Yes I will keep it up and for anyone doing this as you work samples feel free to drop by and leave a comment I am sure people will love to see what you have done.
These late discoverers are more than welcome but what is interesting is that people are still discovering the challenge. It illustrates the importance to linking back to the challenge page frequently.
Of course I am busy organising next years Take it Further challenge in between Christmas preparations. Apart from comments and mail that have come in over night an updated list of the challengers. Later this afternoon I will be updating again so watch that page.
I would like to announce I have my Christmas shopping done but it is not yet wrapped. I am running late this year!
The stitch for week 52 falls on Christmas day. As much as love blogging and my readers I will not be blogging on that day. So I will post that stitch early. I am not sure quite what day as I will make a judgment closer to that time depending on how busy I am but I thought I would give you all a heads up on that. I will also be taking between Christmas and New year off to return on the first day of the new year with the first challenge post.
OK on with this weeks stitch. It's a stitch that can be used easily in Christmas motifs as it makes berries! Its called Berry stitch which is also known as double lazy daisy stitch or double detached chain stitch and can be worked on any type of fabric. Its an easy stitch ideal when everyone is on a busy time table and has to do lists miles long.
You can work it as an isolated stitch, in patterns or substitute it in places where you might want a fatter detached chain stitch. It can be worked close together in a line, or massed. Since it consists of two detached chain stitches you need to know how to work detached chain. A twisted thread, such as pearl or soft cotton, is ideal as it will help hold the shape.
Start by working a single detached chain stitch
Insert the needle back just above the top of the first chain stitch.
Take the needle through the fabric behind the first chain stitch bringing the point of the needle out a short space below.
With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through the fabric to make the second chain stitch.
The completed stitch looks like a fat chain stitch.
You can use it as you would detached chain making flower shapes.
You can also work this stitch in two steps the first round of chain stitches being in one weight of thread and the second being in a heavier or slightly textured thread. You work the first round of detached chain in one colour and the second detached chain in another.
Berry stitch worked in two steps in silk ribbon can be very effective.
You can also substitute the first chain with an oyster stitch to produce some really interesting results
Well that's it for this week as usually swing by and leave a comment and the address of your blog so that people can follow the link and see what you have done and there is a Take a stitch Tuesday flickr group which you can browse. Have fun this week and enjoy your stitching!
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Reader Comments (24)
I'm still here and printing off every single stitch for my, by now, thick file of stitches that I dip into fairly occasionally.
I know I'll be using more and more of these as the new challenge begins.
It's been a real learning experience for me.
I'm still stitching - running behind, but hoping to catch up before the end of the year.
Can you please add me for TIF.
Sharon -- I'm going to try and work on this in 2008 -- do you still want us to post things on the flickr group or just report back .... where? (sorry, I'm confused -- too early!)
Maryjo
I am still stitching, somewhat late of present but I'll get there. Having a date for my gall bladder op, 7th Jan, has given me the impetus to finish. Posted the latest of my catch up on flickr. Thanks for the kind comments Sharon, certainly hoping to rediscover some good health.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/margaret_steeden/
I'm still there. The last blog pic was Nov 28, arrow and knotted cable stitches. http://www.embroideryoverlaps.blogspot.com
I have done some pistil stitch (49) but not organised a pic of it on the blog yet. Have just made notes on this week's stitch and will do some this evening I expect. It looks like oyster stitch again - I must investigate! It is interesting how stitches run together, one small deviation turning one stitch into another e.g. cretan and buttonhole stitch worked alternate sides?
Keeping it seasonal, Berry stitch up on Flickr and http://alteringthoughts.blogspot.com/
I follow your challenge ;I have created a blog(finally);What should i do to get linksetc.I tried pressing some button;but the whole thing looks quite formidable now.I hope I learn sooner.
regards,Sita
Hi Sharon I'm early this time --I loved this stitch and I will definitely use it again.
I have posted it on my blog and another link for next years challenge
Doreen
http://doreeng.blogspot.com/
Hi, I liked this stitch , easy and nice to use. Thanks again, I never came on the idea to double a lazy daisy ;)
It's on my blog now.
Hi Sharon, I have done all these 50 stitches and am really happy about it. The berry stitch made a nice nice vine with knotted feather stitches.
I really wonder this year, I have been busy with my work and family and got enough time to try these stitches. You have inspired me a lot, thank you.
Helina in Finland
http://www.flickr.com/photos/helinacq/
Dear Sharon, first of all, thank you for this challenge. Without you, I would not be able to work now on my first real crazy blocks. I had to stop for some time, for personal resons, but I will post soon my work, with a lot of the stitches I learn this year from you and from all the great ladies I meat in this virtual space.
I've caught up with TAST. I've finished up to week 49 and in the middle of week 50. Thanks Sharon for setting this challenge and I look forward to 'Take it Further' in the New Year.
Hi Sharon, I too am early with my berry stitch but it was a relief to quietly pick it up in the midst of a frantic day. Not a lot done but it was very satisfying. I would also like to add my thanks to you for this years challenge and look foreward to next years.
on my blog
http://backvalleyseasons.blogspot.com
I posted my TAST 50
http://vivian-institches.blogspot.com/
I think I've been doing this stitch without realizing it was anything more than a double stitch!
My 50th week has been blogged. I learnt this stitch by watching my mother embroider cloths with two thread colours and the double Lazy Daisy stitch. I didn't know it had another name. One more feather to my bow.
Maureen
http://crazyqstitcher.wordpress.com/
My WK50 can be seen on my blog
http://aufildujardin.blogspot.com/2007/12/postcards-and-tast.html
or my Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/verobirdie/2112646854/
Several of the recent TAST stitches have been added to my blog, including this week's berry stitch.
http://everydayrevelations.blogspot.com/
Here are my berry stitches:
http://www.isetegija.net/index.php?ind=blog&op=home&idu=2796&singlepost=24283
I replaced the first stitch with oyster.
Thank You, Sharon, for this challenge! I've enjoyed it throughout the year, never missed a stitch, and I'm so sorry that the year is ending and there's only two stitches left.
Hi Sharon,
I'm still stitching and posting at http://quietermoments.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">quietermoments.wordpress.com
Many thanks for this year's challenge.
Hi Sharon, this has been a wonderful learning experience for me. With the death of my hubby a few months ago these stitches gave me a challenge to focus toward happier moments and new memories. Thank you. My stitch journal is packed and you can find my berry stitch samples here: http://normasneedlez.blogspot.com
Hi Sharon
My weeks 49 & 50 are up on my blog. Thank you, as always.
Cheers
Mary Anne
http://magpiesmumblings.blogspot.com
Sharon, I have put the last 3 stitches together, I have really enjoyed this year. And I look forward to the new challenge.
Thank you so much. You are a very special lady.
http://flickr.com/photos/81133706@N00/
I not very computer literate, but I just found your website and I am a crazy quilter. And I am interested in learning more and finishing more. I will be checking this site every Tuesday but have no idea how to post anything, doesn't mean I won't do the stitches though.
Mary Ann
My Berry stitch sample can be found here http://faffingabout.blogspot.com/2007/12/still-behind.html. Just 2 more to go!