Take a Stitch Tuesday week 4

Once again I enjoyed seeing the samples created last week. This week the stitch for the Take a Stitch Tuesday challenge is Cretan stitch which can be worked in an open or closed manner. For centuries women on the island of Crete, have used this stitch to decorate clothing. Hence the name.

For those who are new to embroidery you will find aspects of the hand movement needed to make this stitch  are similar to those learnt in feather stitch so indirectly this stitch is related to the buttonhole family. If you cant see what I mean, take a look first at the Open version of Cretan stitch in my stitch dictionary, then take a look at the closed version of Cretan stitch.

Once again the challenge is:

For new hands to learn the stitch 

Or

If you are an experienced stitcher take the stitch and push it a little further in a creative manner. 

Rows of the stitch can be built up to create patterns.

Try working it different threads, or on different fabrics. Play with the spacing of the ‘arms’  working the parts closely together, or work them far apart, change the height of the arms.

You can overlap lines of the sttich to create other patterns.

You can add beads,  or use it to couch down another thread or ribbon.

No matter what you do with it explore the stitch. 

If you have worked a sample in a previous challenge that is great and feel free to post a link in comments as it will inspire people (I am sure folks learn most form the eye candy provided by the community) but if you have time do try another sample and do something different and new!

How to join in

Stitch a sample,  take a photograph of it, put in online in your blog, flickr site or on stitchin fingers page, swing by here and leave a comment with your full web address so people can check out your stitching. 

When you leave a comment 

When you leave a comment leave it on this post. There is a practical reason. People will not find your comment if you dot them all over the blog and this means you will get less visitors for you! That is sad after going to the effort of stitching a sample then photographing it and getting it online. 

How do you know what this post is? Click on the title and you will be taken to an individual page. You can favourite it or copy and paste the URL as a note to yourself so you can return to this page again.

Don’t forget to leave your full web address including the http:// bit as this will then become a live link that people can follow. Leave it in the comment itself so people can just click on the link and they come to your site. 

Visit a few sites of people who have already left a comment. See what they have done. I am sure everyone will enjoy following the links left in the comments. If you have time, let other people know that you have seen their work on their site.

Where is the comments link?

Look under the title you will see comments. Click there to be taken to a comment box.

Any special rules?
There are no rules but I do have a request, please link back here. 

Interesting work will be featured

On Pintangle I will feature samples that participants have stitched as part of the challenge. These feature spots draw attention to particularly creative and interesting work. This will mean some people’s work will be re-published here. Obviously  I will  credit them and link to their website.  I am going to assume that when you leave your link here if you dont say anything, I have your permission to feature your work. If you do not want your work to be featured in the highlights series please state this in the comment you leave.

Other groups and networks

You can also share your explorations with other members on the social network site of your choice. There is a Facebook TAST 2012 page,   stitchin fingers group and the flickr TAST site. All these sub groups are set up at request of members. 

Although I do watch these groups my main focus is here and if you want to contact me do so here as with so much activity I might miss you on the other sites. 

Guidelines to the challenge are to be found here and all posts relating to TAST are in the Take a Stitch Tuesday category

In my side bar I have a feature where you can have PinTangle delivered daily to your email inbox. If you find this a more convenient way to track what is going on here please sign up. 

Have fun! Enjoy the stitch.

Comments

[Julie Castle]

I have tried to leave positive comments on a number of posts for blogs on blogspot and the moderation enabling character identification thing has not worked so that I might leave comments on every single one of them. If you're not getting comments it might be because those outside the blogspot system aren't being allowed. Or something.

I have enjoyed looking at everyone's work so much. Truly inspiring. There are so many real artists among those participating. Espcially those also doing the Crazy quilt journal project challenge at the same time. Amazing!

[Annet]

I already thought this would be the next stitch! I didn't experiment much with it, so it should be fun to do that this week. My old TAST 2007 sampler is here:
http://fat-quarter.blogspot.com/2008/02/cretan-chevron-stitch-en-algerian-eyes.html

[Bernice]

I didn't care for the feather stitch but I did like the way it made a heart when I did a second row.
http://timeusebybernice.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/cqjp-january-and-tast-week-3/

[Debra]

It took me a few weeks to get my act together but here are the first three weeks of my TAST.

http://quiltgal.blogspot.com/

[Diane]

I'm going to have to work on cretan some more, I think...
<http://yarngoddess.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/stitching-cretan/>

I agree with Julie on the comments on blogs - there were about half of the 80 posters on the last stitch that I couldn't comment on. I tried over and over. I'm using Firefox and I usually don't have so much trouble. Sometimes the word ID box would flash on for a moment and then disappear. So like Julie says, if you aren't getting comments, test out your comment settings.

[Miriam Klaassen]

In 2008 I made this one for TAST http://borduurblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/open-kretasteek.html . but of course I will make something new this week.

[Audrey]

I started early this week!
Thanks for organising this, I am really enjoying learning these stitches and experimenting with them :)

http://hetkabinet.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-2012-4.html
&
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hetkabinet/6753954711/

[Masha (Ashenka)]

Шэрон, мне очень понравился этот стежок! шила его первый раз, еле остановилась :)
вот что получилось http://alovchany.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-week-4-cretan-stitch.html
Спасибо!
Маша

[Christina]

http://christinaroland.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-week-4.html I didn't really think this would be a stitch to experiment with, but it surprised me. I'll defenitely use it for chestnut leaves someday, or for fuchsia petals. I also saw ways to use it in paisley patterns, and I like those. Or maybe even in an upcoming week in this challenge, as I've used buttonhole pinwheels to finish of this experiment.

PS: I would like some comment if any of you visiting need translations. I think babelfish or google translate work well enough, but a translation into English would not be very hard for me to provide.

[Niina]

I decided to join TAST last week after I read about it on Smallest Forest. I've done the first one now (because the OCD side of me commanded to start from beginning) and the result can be found here:

http://thriftyfinn.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/tast-1-lilac-botanical-fly-stitch/

P.S. I'd like to be on the Participant list too!
P.P.S. Thank you for organizing this!

[Angela]

Hi
I really enjoyed learning this stitch. I will definitely use it again. I used it on my crazy quilt journal project (finally have an idea for that). You can see it here
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2012/01/take-stitch-tuesday_24.html
Thanks for looking!
Angela

[chitra gangadharan]

Hi Sharon,
this challenge is so interesting, so many people , ideas,thank you for doing this .
My earlier exploration of this stitch on my blog-
http://jizee6687.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/tast-2012-week4-cretan-stitch1-1/
my flickr page-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22818176@N07/6755243529/
Chitra

[Linda Mageske]

I have posted the blanket and feather stitch on my blog.

[Lakshmi Sadala]

Sharon here comes my cretan stitch trials..

http://sadalas.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-2012-week4-cretan-stitch.html

[Cyndi L]

I love this stitch!
http://www.beading-arts.com/2012/01/tast-week-4-cretan-stitch.html

[Linda Mageske]

I have posted the Blanket and feather stitch on my blog http://quayceetatter.blogspot.com
Linda in NM

[Savitha]

I liked to stitch Cretan Stitch, And I have posted somepictures in my Blog.
http://magicwithhands.blogspot.com/
Thank you for visiting my blog

[Linda Calverley]

My sample is on another journal page. One of my old favourite stitches.
http://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com/2012/01/cretan-stitch-tast.html

[Cathy L in IA]

My first attempt at Cretan stitch which needs a lot of practice! Yikes!

http://saneandcrazy.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-2012-weeks-3-and-4-feather-and.html

[Diane]

sorry my link up above doesn't work... try this one, please.
http://yarngoddess.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/stitching-cretan/

Diane - yarngoddess

[Erin Vaden]

Here's my little Week 4 work:

http://artesdomesticasmiztontli.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/stitch-challenge-week-4/

Visit my facebook page, too, if you feel so inclined! :)

http://www.facebook.com/artesdomesticas

[Sandhya Srinivasan]

this is the first time i am working with cretan stitch and i am very pleased with my work though i really wish i could have nicer patterns to work with. waiting eagerly for next tuesday, and i really hope i become more creative as the weeks go by! this was done by tuesday night so am obviously well on the way to becoming addicted to this. thanks!

[Sandhya Srinivasan]

this is the first time i am working with cretan stitch and i am very pleased with my work though i really wish i could have nicer patterns to work with. waiting eagerly for next tuesday, and i really hope i become more creative as the weeks go by! this was done by tuesday night so am obviously well on the way to becoming addicted to this. thanks!

[Kay Warner]

Hi Sharon,

cretan stitch done and sample on my blog!

[Jackie K]

My latest stitch play is up on my blog - Feather stitch and Cretan stitch...

http://blissfullyimperfect.blogspot.com/2012/01/take-stitch-tuesday-yes-i-know-its.html

Also posted to the Flickr group...you can link to them through here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jckirner/6760542751/in/photostream

Now...off to see what others have made!!

--Jackie K

[Annet]

Today I wrote about a new Cretan border and some older experiments:
http://fat-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/01/cretan-border.html

[Luiz Vaz]

My first attempt at Cretan stitch. I liked it! Thanks all!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/luiz_vaz/6761516875/

[konnykards]

Not a favourite with me but I enjoyed creating a 'tangle' this week.
For some unknown reason I can't upload a photo on my blog just now so link is to Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23261611@N04/6761799543/in/photostream
Connie.

[konnykards]

I struggled with my blog but have now managed to upload, so the link is;
http://konnykards-musingsofaseniorcitizen.blogspot.com/ Connie.

[Luiz Vaz]

one more. I' m loving this stitch!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/luiz_vaz/6762405517/

[ani]

Hello...I have been posting my stitches over at the flicker group page but thought I should also show what I have been doing via the comments here. I will be showing my work on my "wordless wednesday" post on my blog: http://zanirawfood.blogspot.com/ (81/2x11: thread readings) and over at the flicker page. I've done all four so far but they are part of my other stitching projects. Thank you.

[Jenny Ross]

I have posted my Cretan stitch samples on my blog at

http://www.readingandstitchinginil.com/2012/01/tast-week-4-cretan-stitch.html

and in the TAST Facebook group.

[Nathalie L]

My Cretan Stitch, really difficult for me this week, It's not easy stitch ... thank you. http://labastidane.fr/journal/?p=1813

[isabelle]

hello,
Here are my first embrodery with Cretan point, and the first stitchs of my daughter Pauline:

http://pierrespapiersciseaux.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-semaine-4-le-point-cretois.html

[Cy]

Cretan stitch now completed and on my blog

http://free-form-stitching.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-week-4-cretan-stitch.html

Thoroughly enjoyed this stitch, even when the knotted cretan wouldn't stay knotted, lol. I shall be very impressed with anyone who does the knotted cretan without any problems. If there is a 'knack' to it I certainly don't have it, lol.

I 'played' with the raised cretan stitch a bit too.

[Christine]

An other nice stitch! a little bit difficult..... You can see pictures here http://6stem5.canalblog.com

[Kathy R]

I'm still working on my stitches. So far I must say I am inspired by everyone, Kathy

[luiz vaz]

Hi All,
my experiences with this lovely stitch!

http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/photo/tast2012-cretan-stitch-lv?context=latest

Sorry, but the image is high-contrast and saturated. My monitor was not calibrated...

[Blu]

I continued my Doodle Sampler.

http://therapy-by-thread.blogspot.com/2012/01/creative-juices-stagnated.html

[Queeniepatch]

Two weeks in one. Here are the Feather and Cretan stitches.
In spite of having had very little time, they were fun to work with.
http://web.me.com/queeniepatch/Queeniepatch_Quilts/Blog/Blog.html

[ani]

I had tried posting here yesterday but I don't see anything here so I will do this again, hopefully with more success. I am new to TAST but have been stitching most of life thanks to the wonderful examples and teaching of my mom. I have posted on the flicker group page some images of the stitching i have done for the last four stitch "assignments" and now am trying to also had my name into the comments. my blog has some updates too if you would like to take a look. http://zanirawfood.blogspot.com/ thank you.

[Nancilyn]

My Cretan stitches can be seen
http://mindblogglings.blogspot.com
or http://www.flickr.com/photos/playswithfibers/6766637445/in/photostream

[luiz vaz]

Hi Sharon! this is my final post for the week.
Thanks for all.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/luiz_vaz/6766871289/

PS Sharon, Its possible to change the photo I posted today in stitchinfingers without losing the comments?
This link in the flickr (above) is more correct.
If possible, tell me how.

[Arlene]

Cretan stitch is probably my very favorite stitch. I've been trying hard to combine stitches, so was pleased with my attempt there, combining cretan, detached chain, and fly stitch, then adding some beads.

http://arlene-thefoodoflove.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-week-4-cretan-stitch.html

[Liz Adams]

Here's my take on Cretan stitch. I found it puzzling to differentiate it from feather or running fly, but it was fun working on it anyway. I included it as usual, in one of the bigger pieces I'm involved in.

See it here: http://beautifulmetaphor.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-week-four-cretan-stitch-i-think.html

[Henrietta (aka ani or zani)]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69022257@N06/

I'm trying to get my comment up for my progress Hope to be successful

[celle qui rêve]

Cretan stitch was difficult for me, I never used it before. I completed my exercise in the evening and have posted it on my blog
http://j-en-revais.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-4.html
Please, be indulgent with me ;o)

[Savitha]

Hi Sharon,
I have posted my completed picture of the motif. I have used Cretan stitch as a filling stitch. Thank you.
http://magicwithhands.blogspot.com/
Savitha

[Petra Weiler]

Hello everybody,
I liked so much experimenting on the Kretan stitch - was not aware that it would be so funny. Here you will find the results: http://www.my-cuddly-quilt.blogspot.com/
Have a good night
Petra

[Bernice]

The Cretan Stitch was a challenge for me to do. I find I prefer the Buttonhole Stitch. Even so I have enjoyed the January TAST.
http://timeusebybernice.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/cqjp-january-and-tast-week-4/I have enjoyed t