Needlequest October - 3D Stitches

A new month and a new Quest.  This month it's 3D stitches, embroidery stitches that in themselves, without padding, wiring or other 'external' support, have a 3D effect.  They're not stumpwork as such, (although I have seen pieces worked from 3D stitches labelled as 'stumpwork'), but are often used in stumpwork designs.  They're also used prolifically in Brazilian embroideries, such as the only one I ever managed shown here!!

To be honest, I'm no expert when it comes to 3D stitches, so I'm looking forward to learning a lot over the next month.  I've tried some before and not got along well with them, so I hope to learn more and improve my relationship with ones I've tried such as bullions and cast on stitch.

Here are some other examples to whet your appetites to join in!  The first sample is mostly of ghiordes knot/turkey stitches, but there are also french knots in both stranded cotton and ribbon.  Yes, many knot stitches qualify.=)

After that comes padded satin stitch.  Although this has padding, it's an integral part of the stitch itself, being worked in the same thread.

Here's a dense bunching of French knots worked in metallic threads which provide some texture in the piece.

I can't quite remember the name of this fourth one.  Something like ribbed spider's web wheel.  It was one of the stitches back in 2012 in TAST.  Definitely a useful looking one, I think.  I want to have a go at developing it further.

More bullion and french knots in an old favourite piece.  I wish I could find more designs like this.  I suppose I should have a go at creating some myself...

So, my plan is to try and work a small sample each week, both developing my experience with stitches I already know and enlarging my repertoire

Blogging plans for this month are:
Mondays - NQ post featuring my 3D stitch samples
Wednesdays - WIPW post with the previous week's work on the Paradise Island cross stitch picture
Fridays - Update on the Helen M Stevens' Painted Ladies picture.
I'm not promising each one every week, but that's the goal.

What are your stitching plans for this month?  Why not leave a comment, with a link to your blog if you like, and share your goals.=)

Text and images © Elizabeth Braun 2014