Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge week 22
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 7:28AM | Sharon B | 50 Comments | in Challenges, Hand Embroidery, Needlework, Take a Stitch Tuesday 
This is now the 22nd week of the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge. As the weeks go on I am noticing that people are struggling to keep up. I sense samples are being worked frantically as busy lives touch us all. This week I have not worked fresh samples, which I usually do. Some of these samples come from details which are to be found here.
Rushing the experimentation process in many ways defeats the purpose of the challenge as to explore a stitch people need time to relax, take their time and fiddle about with needle and thread. In the process people have a chance to discover something new for themselves they don't make these discoveries if a busy life means they can not take the time.
I have a question for the group – leave a comment and I will go with the majority. Do people need a catch up week? A week free to settle back and not feel pressured to make a sample? I do have a stitch in mind for next week and have time to do it but I am thinking of the group. Let me know if you need a week off - as I say leave a comment here on my blog and I will go with the majority.
OK on with the challenge stitch for this week!
The firsts sample at the top of the post is worked on 26 cnt linen in wool with contrasting thread of cotton and the sample above is worked on 26 cnt linen in silk and cotton.
This week I have a chosen a stitch which at first glance looks ridgid but I am sure that its simplicity will lead to many explorations that will delight stitchers. Satin stitch is simply a series of straight stitches arranged in patterns or worked to fill a shape. As one of the oldest and universally used embroidery stitches it is often overlooked as being too simple. It is the very simplicity of this stitch that is its strength.
As you can see you can arrange the stitch in numerous patterns and it is the patterning that delights stitchers. The sample above is worked on 26 cnt linen worked in contrasting threads of cotton and silk.
The stitch can also be worked on the curve (the sample in the stitch dictionary is worked this way) but it can also be worked in a free form manner
The samples above and below are l worked on 26 cnt linen mainly in wool but the freeform sample has a sprinkling of contrasting threads in cotton and silk.
Don’t forget all the tricks you have seen already during the challenge. You can work this stitch in squares- lines on the curve just about any way you like.
If you are enjoying this challenge you may be interested in my latest online class offered on Joggles.com. Sumptuous surfaces is a 6 week online course which will start July 11th. (Details about the class are on the joggles site so follow the link for more information.)
When you have stitched a sample swing by and leave a comment on this post so people can check out your site. To avoid spam you must be registered to leave a comment and all comments are moderated. This means when I have read them and know you are human not a spam bot. I approve them and they are published.
Debra Spincic generously runs a web ring for the TAST challenge and there is also the Take a stitch Tuesday flickr group
That’s the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge stitch this week …as usual experiment, explore and Enjoy!
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Reader Comments (50)
Hi - I'd like to have a new stitch next week. Even in weeks when I don't have time to stitch, I look forward to seeing what other people come up with.
Hi Sharon
I am one of the girls who gets behind now and then(only recently) but I do enjoy seeing the new challenge every week.
Doreen
http://doreeng.blogspot.com/
My choice is for the stitches just to keep coming. I'll catch up at some point; one week won't matter one way or the other.
And I like to see what's still ahead....*S*
Hello Sharon
I am quite happy to catch up without needing a break. THings have just intervened but watch me after the weekend with 3 samples to show - you are inspiring me to try new stitches and it is wonderful - Dale
I look forward to the weekly challenge but will do whats best for everyone else. I think summer will be even busier for alot of people so catching up now may be a good idea.
How about a catchup month...between my daughter's surprise elopement, strept, flu, and the like, today is the first day I feel like I am treading water! I hope to be dropping back in soooooon. CQMadhatter
Hi Sharon,
The satin stitch is one of my favorites. Your examples are great. I'm not behind but I'd be happy with whatever the group decides. If we don't move on to another stitch, the satin stitch could easily keep me busy exploring for two weeks. Or I could be happy doing a week of combining some of the past TaST stitches in patterns or perhaps composite stitches.
Best wishes for all your endeavors and many thanks for all you do for us.
Elizabeth
How lovely, Sharon! This will be a lot of fun this week!
HI Sharon,
I like to have a stitch every week. It is now part of my routine. I don't produce large samplers as I did for the personnal dictionnary of stitches, but I enjoy discovering new stitches and trying new supports or theads.
I know I won't be able to stitch at the end of june (I'm off to Sweden, hurray) but most of the time, I'm in time, and it is part of the challenge. However, I understand that some of us need a break, and will do as asked. No problem. This must be fun, not a burden.
Hugs
Vero
I can't wait until Tuesday arrives, but am happy to go with the group.
Your sample stitches this week are lovely.
Maureen
http://crazyqstitcher.wordpress.com/
I think we should keep going, not stop. Annette
I am several weeks behind (the harder stitches intimidate me somewhat) and am now off to my MIL's for several days with no computer access, but I'd still say, keep the weeks coming - I will catch up as and when I can. I may find a different solution - temporarily setting aside the stitches I can't get on with...
Hi Sharon,
I'm one of those who's behind but I don't mind the stitches keeping coming. Even if I'm still doing them next March it doesn't really matter! They are a resource for us to use as and when we wish and I'm grateful for all your hard work.
Hi Sharon. A busy few weeks have put me behind but I have decided not to worry about it and jump in and out of TAST as life permits. I will keep a note of those I miss and do them some other time.
Even when I can't stitch, I take part by enjoying what others are doing, it is equally inspiring.
Unless you could do with a catch up week for your own sanity, I vote you prepare a stitch for next week. Oh, and thank you again for all the work you put into this.
CA
CA
I would like a week off. Though I've worked a few stitches each week, I haven't had time to do a sampler to show for the past three weeks. With a wedding gift for my grandson in progress, I'm not able to keep up with TAST as well. A break would be welcome.
I agree with Elizabeth. Since some of the stitches are completely new to me. Just a row or two is sometimes quite an experiment. I am more in favour of a a summer break rather than one right now. Perhaps a more unusual instruction that we could take or leave to use with the existing stitches ( symetry, net, recycled monotone ....) or a go at a combination....
Even if I cant stitch one week I really enjoy thining about stitching which is why I enjoy the blog and the challenge so much ..thanks
helend
Hi Sharon. I'm a bit behind.........I haven't felt much like doing anything for a couple of weeks now, and this weekend being a Bank Holiday, and me being on the coast, I had visitors who decided to inflict themselves on me anyway. Sneaking off to the computer to see what everyone else had done really cheered me up! Keep 'em coming - I'll catch up eventually! I'll go with the majority.
Well, I have just caught up on all the stitches barr two which I am having problems with and will need to spend a bit more time with.
I am not making anything specific just doing a sampler of a few stitches of each type.
regards and thanks for doing this.
Liz
Well, I have just caught up on all the stitches barr two which I am having problems with and will need to spend a bit more time with.
I am not making anything specific just doing a sampler of a few stitches of each type.
regards and thanks for doing this.
Liz
HOLA Sharon, I think we all do this for fun, and when we are busy we stop for a week or two. But I think you are the one knowing the "pulse" of the challenge, what you decide it is good for me.
I have spent so many years, lets say over 20, doing projects, that it has been a pleasure to play around with the stitches every week. Thank you.
But, I do understand if most people want to catch up so do what you think is best.
Hi all I think the 'keep'em coming' vote is a ahead if I take out those that are willing to go all with the majority - I am still leaving the vote open as those that are behind may have not checked the weekly stitch page yet! But reading the comments I think I was worrying unnecessarily. Unless I get a swag of comments saying its a good idea to have a weeks break there will be a new stitch next week.
Hi Sharon and all the others - I gave myself the freedom some time ago to take a week off whenever I need to. It's happened more often than I wished, but that's life. Maybe someday I'll really catch up - then again who knows. I say keep agoing and I can just enjoy other people's work if I don't have time myself.
hi,
i'd vote for the keep 'em coming option. for me it's good to have a bit of structure to keep going, if not i tend to get lax and lost.
cheers
neki desu
My situation is a little untypical because I am moving house in about 2 weeks! It is affecting my creativity - it is much more of an effort, I'm a bit dried up. So my samples have been getting less for that reason. Also the pc has been on the blink and internet access erratic. A friend thinks he's fixed it now! We'll see. So I don't mind a week off, but would probably catch up ok if not.
A Tuesday without TAST is a day without sunshine. There is a new thread on our Flickr TAST forum. http://www.flickr.com/groups/56846286@N00/discuss/72157600284121317/
I quite share the thoughts so far expressed. Every so often I've had to combine weeks in one piece and will likely be doing that more while I'm away this summer.
It's necessity and for me does not diminish my personal commitment.
This is my first time to add a comment. I have been working on the stitches from the begining I am new to crazy quilts and it had been many years that embrodiery has been coming from me. I have learned many new stitches and love checking out all the urls you mention. It just makes me went to so more things. I plan to take your new class so thought I would start by signing up to comment. Thank you so much for all the work you put in for our enjoyment.
Wish you would be on the southern east coast while in the states.
Hi Sharon, just catching up after the holiday, I am sure that, knowing me, if you took a break I would still be three weeks behind when you started again, so I guess that puts me amongst the "keep'em coming"s.
Hi, I am a latecomer to, but enjoy the challenge of trying a new stitch every week very much. I am however happy to go with the majority decision. Maggie
Sharon -- I am enjoying the creative challenge of finding something to do with the stitches you post each week -- my satin stitch samples are up in my blog:
www.readingandstitchinginil.com
I look forward to every Tuesday and a new stitch challenge. I am behind - I am in the process of moving from Cyprus back to Canada mid June. But I print out the stitch each week and stash it in a binder which will travel with me as I plan to spend the summer to catch up. Keep 'em coming! I really appreciate your efforts. Kate
Hi Sharon,
Just a line to say that I posted some satin stitch work at http://quietermoments.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">quietermoments.wordpress.com
By the comments, your hard work putting the TAST together is really appreciated by all of us. Thank you. Maureen
My weekly stitches are up at
http://crazyqstitcher.wordpress.com/
I have a couple of projects on the go using satin stitch so I have also included them in my post.
Margaret
http://lifeneedleworkandeverything.blogspot.com/2007/06/tast-22-satin-stitch.html
I didn't like the satin stitch earlier, but You inspired me to try again, and here is my sample:
http://www.isetegija.net/index.php?ind=blog&op=home&idu=2796&singlepost=15799
Thanks Sharon! I would also like to see new stitch every week, I sometimes can't wait till tuesday to see how can I combine it with the earlier stitches!
My satin stitch sample is posted at www.crazyquiltsusan.vox.com and on flickr pool.
Have a great week.
Susan
I had a great time with this! It gave me a chance to try out a bunch of stitching thoughts and ideas I've had floating around in my head for a while. I've posted my sample and some thoughts on my blog - http://blog.orangerugyarn.com/index.php/musings/2007/06/04/satin_stitch_tast_week_22_bargello_and_t" rel="nofollow">Satin Stitch (TAST Week 22), Bargello and Tertiary Colors. I also posted it to the flikr pool.
Glad we're doing another stitch next week!
Julie
My very small satin stitch is on my blog http://backvalleyseasons.blogspot.com
Not my most favorite stitch but I like my little offering.
I do like to do a stitch a week even tho sometimes i am a bit late getting them up, work better undeer pressure!
have uploaded my satin stitch to the Flickr pool site,
a bit late but nonetheless.....
my satin stitch sample is up at http://amovablefeast.blogspot.com
have my Japanese final coming up so life is kind of hectic.
best,
neki desu
I look forward to seeing what stitch you've come up with each weel even though I've got a bit behind. I've posted my latest offerings and just starting on Satin Stitch.
Susan
www.artoftextiles.blogspot.com
Teacher! Teacher! The dog ate my assignment directions!!!
http://mindblogglings.blogspot.com/2007/06/maze-ing-straight-stitch-tast-22.html
or
http://tinyurl.com/2xjtww
I have just posted a small satin stitch experiment at the flicker group site http://flickr.com/groups/56846286@N00/ and on my own page http://flickr.com/photos/helenad/.
Best
Helen D
I started samples for woven wheels and crossed buttonhole stitch, but they are yet quiteincomplete and I want to work on them a bit before posting. But in order to post something close to the correct time, I here offer my sketches for satin stitch variants.
http://tenar72.wordpress.com/2007/06/05/tast22-satin-stitch/
Tenar
A simple exploration in a sample.
http://vivian-institches.blogspot.com/
Sharon,
I was without a computer from May 6, until June 6, so am way behind in my TAST stitching. I will catch up as soon as I can. Thanks for being patient. I do have one group to be blogged and hope to get that one on this weekend.
Hi Sharon, catching up with set of simple satin stitch samples on the blog and the Flickr group -
http://smockery.blogspot.com/2007/06/tast-week-22-satin-stitch.html
Hi Sharon, here's my sample for satin stitch http://faffingabout.blogspot.com/2007/06/tast-satin-stitch.html
satin stitch on watercolour paper
http://fionacupcake.blogspot.com/search/label/satin
padded satin stitch monogramme :)
http://thepingallery.wordpress.com/2007/07/15/tast-week-22-satin-stitch/