Two dramatic bands on my hand embroidery sampler are 734 and 735. Both are samples of Threaded Arrow stitch. Above is a band where I worked a line of arrow stitch and then a line of threaded arrow. The foundation Arrow stitches on all rows is worked in a hand dyed silk thread that is the same thickness as cotton perle #5. I then laced every second line of stitches with a slightly thicker thread.
The second is sample of threaded arrow stitch is 4 rows of arrow stitches that are arranged so that duel row face each other. The foundation thread is a linen thread and blue thread is a crochet cotton.
Hand embroidery sampler detail 731 is a small unassuming line of crossed buttonhole stitch worked in a hand dyed silk thread.
Detail 733 is an interesting variation of buttonhole called Fancy Bobbin Edging which I discovered in an old book called The Batsford Encyclopeadia of Stitches by Anne Butler. This book was published in the late 1970’s and looks very dated with black and white illustrations that are not always clear but there are some interesting varieties in it this is one of them.
Detail 732 is also Fancy Bobbin Edging used to couch down some ribbon. The second line is Fancy Bobbin Edging spaced a bit wider. As you can see I was experimenting with it before I realised it looked better with a close spacing and then I hit upon the idea of changing the height of the vertical arms of the stitch in order to create a pattern.
I hope you enjoy seeing these close up details of my hand embroidery sampler which are part of an on going series of articles here on Pintangle. The sampler is only 6 inches wide but it is 96 feet 5 inches or 29.3878 meters long you can read about why it exists on the Sampler FAQ page
Hi Sharon, I have looked at your lovely embroidery and I am in awe. Thank you.
I am always amazed at how you managed to make such simple stitches look so interesting. Will Fancy Bobbin Edging become part of TAST or the Stitch Dictionary? I so enjoy these posts, thank you 🙂
Hi Juno I will add it to the stitch dictionary hopefully will get the tutorial photos done this week so maybe the week after that with luck
🙂 Thank you
Oh I’ve just re read the length of your sampler.. Whew, I was beginning to think you were just too super human.. No doubt one day it will be 100m long.. I just love that it is also such a personal diary.. I hope one day to claim such an achievement too..
Sharon, you so so inspirational..
I finally finished my crocheted scarf – took just over 1 year.
I have 2 cushions, 2 quilts, 1 appliqué bag, .. Oh the list goes on.. Before I can come back to the embellished embroidery sea anaemomie piece I began with you – ahem, a while back.. I just admire how effortless you make your sampler seem. I never say 96 m I say the length of 2 Olympic swimming pools!!
Wonderous and gorgeous ..
Julia do remember it is stitched over a long time as it started in 1996 and is 96 feet. At 100 m I am not sure I could lift it!
I did laugh.. I didn’t think of that..
Anyway it is magnificent!!
It’s always good to review the samples again as a reminder of what can be done so simply. The Fancy Bobbin Edge lends itself to making a decorative center but lovely in itself too.
Maureen you are right about reviewing samples I think one of the reasons I like writing these posts is that I often re-discover a stitch that I had forgotten about.
Threaded arrow stitch is very effective, beautiful examples, Sharon, thanks for sharing.
Hi Janie yes I was a little surprised myself at how interesting Threaded arrow is – yet simple and quick to work up. Great for borders too! Pleased you liked it Janie
Thanks, Sharon. It’s always a pleasure to see samples of your needleart.
JoWynn
HI JoWynn lovely to see you hear! Pleased you liked them
Lovely to find this today and look back to enjoyable days stitching. now I’m too shaky to do any! Thank you Sharon for lovely memories and some small samplers I treasure. Connie.
Connie I am pleased it has given you pleasure