Fancy laced running stitch

Fancy laced running stitch is one of the popular borders in kantha embroidery.

I just thought y'all might like to learn it so here it is..

                                                  

Step 1 - Work 5 rows of non-aligned kantha stitches.

(click on the images for a better view)

Step 2 - Start lacing with a second color or shade thread by passing the needle and thread under the diagonal row of stitches as shown.

Step 3 - Continue lacing as shown.

Step 4 - Go back down and fasten the second color/shade thread as shown.

Step 5 - Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 with third color/shade thread and next set of diagonal stitches.

Step 6 - Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 with fourth color/shade thread and next set of diagonal stitches.

Step 7 - Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 with fifth color/shade thread and next set of diagonal stitches.

Step 8 - Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 with sixth color/shade thread and next set of diagonal stitches.

Step 9 - Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 with seventh color/shade thread and next set of diagonal stitches.

                                     

Have you stitched this border before? Please let me know if you know this stitch by any other name.

Happy stitching!

Anita.

Sal kantha - final stitches

I was not happy with my color choice for the birds at the bottom of the design. I wanted to change it because the green shade looked kind of washed out and before deciding on a different color I tried another green shade.

                                                    

I'm glad that I tried because am very pleased with result now. It looks a lot better in real than in photograph,thanks to my great photography skills.

First I had changed the paichano lines of the bird from green shade #239 to green shade #229.It's the same green that we've filled the calyx of the bud. I have filled the gaps between the bejod bands (red kantha stitch bands inside the bird) with diagonal kantha filling stitch lines using 2 strands of the same green.                                                    

The diagonal line is created by a slight forward movement of the kantha stitches.I also changed the angle of the lines I each space just to add a little interest.I also worked a row of kantha stitches between every two diagonal green filling stitches with shade # 926.The eyes are done with kantha filling stitch using black.

Today is the last day of our kantha SAL. I'd like to thank each one of you for participating in this SAL.

A special thanks to the girls who have really stitched along with me, gave suggestions, shared thoughts and ideas.

Did you pick up a new stitch/technique/tip in this SAL? Of all the stitch techniques we have covered in this SAL which one is your most favorite and least favorite stitch? Did you like the slow pace of this SAL or would you have preferred a faster pace? 

 I'd appreciate if you could spend a couple of minutes to leave a feedback.Please feel free to leave both positive and negative feedback.

Happy stitching!

Anita.

Sal Kantha - triangle border, dots and flower center

I have filled the triangle borders with kantha stitches using red shd # 047 and the dots are filled with kantha filling stitch using purple shd # 0112 .

                                                      

I have also filled the center of the crown flower and the kantha booti with a couple of kantha stitches using yellow and red. I've managed to fill the tiny gap at the bottom too and I think it looks okay now.

Thank you for leaving your opinion/suggestions about changing the bird color ..both here and via e-mail.A couple of you said that it looks good and I shouldn't change the green.But I think I'll go for a change..But remember that it's okay if you don't have to change the colors, it's after all your project and you are going to live with it so as long as you are happy please go ahead and leave it as it is.

See you all next week with a final update.

Happy stitching!

Anita.