It is always very exciting and a little bit scary to bring in a new line of hand-dyed threads. The first question we are often ask is what pattern calls them? Which sets everyone into a mad dash to recall just which patterns they are used in. Followed shortly by how do they stitch? 

When we saw that TopKnot Stitcher was collaborating  with 25+ designers, using a curated collection of the Cottage Garden Threads we know it was time to bring in a small selection of their threads. 

Join us in creating a cube using six different designers patterns and the Autumn Garden Palette thread kit! On this journey we will share tips and tricks on assembling a cube, working with variegated threads and push our comfort zones by stitching on a variety of fall inspired coloured fabrics. 

There is a small oops in the video, I meant to say 10 threads or 5 stitches. It is also worth mentioning that not all patterns work 60 x 60 stitches squared, should that be the case for your pattern and cube we will be place the uneven side to the left.

As mentioned in the video we will be exploring these threads and patterns on 32 count Wichelt Linen, working 2 strands of floss over 2 fabric threads. We have pulled a collection of 7 fall colour inspired linen to work on: three neutrals to showcase the variations in the floss and four coloured linen to push our comfort zones while complimenting the threads. 

Fabric Colours
Tumbleweed
Sandstone
Halloween
White Chocolate
Riviera Olive
Laurel 
Lambswool

You are probably wondering why seven and not just the six need to complete the cube? Well it was very hard to narrow down to just those seven. However we wanted to everyone to have a little play to work with the patterns currently in stock as well as the ones that are still set to arrive. 

We hope that you will join us in welcoming the Cottage Garden Thread to our store and follow along with our stitching progress. Happy Stitching, Kim and Meagan!

Follow along for a true mystery stitch, while we explore different stitches and patterns to create a  counted embroidery row sampler. 

Over the years we had many request for information on how to do new stitches, or even how to begin stitching. With the Basic and Beyond Mystery Sampler we will explore simple to advance techniques, and our hope is by the end to sampler you will feel more confident in adding new stitches to your embroidery works. 

If you are struggling or would like to learn a new stitch, let us know and we may just add it to the sampler!

This is a first attempt at a project like this, so we will be working out the kinks together 

The Materials 

• 30 linen 10"x roughly 36" {Debutante Pearl} ( I started this knowing I wanted the stitch count to be 60 stitches wide but as of yet have no length mind for ending. Working 2 over 2 threads)
• I would recommend at least six skeins of DMC Floss {I would suggest using a colour family of six floss then you would only need to purchase 1 skein of each colour, using one variegated floss and a complimentary would works as well, a limited palette of two contrasting colours could be fun as well} ( For my work I am exploring the 35 new colours from DMC)
• 1 package of Mill Hill Glass Seed Beads to compliment your colour (I choose 02010)
• Then your choice of needles (I like a size 28, that way I can be as I go), this piece can be worked in hand or using a hope or stand

The First Band

Back Stitching 
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In the chart you will notice that I have only shown a section of ​the full 60 stitches wide that the sampler is. 

Work the second row of back stitch for the Beaded Herringbone the first and last stitch is worked over two fabric threads, while the remaining stitches are worked over four fabric threads. 

*Update*
Colours I used to complete the first band
Back Stitch; 01
Whipped Back Stitch; Back Stitch 01,  Wrapped 03
Beaded Herringbone Ladder: Back Stitch 01, Wrapped 02
Whipped Back Stitch; Back Stitch 01,  Wrapped 03
Back Stitch; 01