What’s a Home in the Country without a few fields in the landscape? In this step, we are adding 3 fields beginning with the center field. These stitches give us the basic structure of the fields. We’ll add more detail to them later.

Please note that directions are added to the Home in the Country Stitch-Along page after they are first posted here on the Artfabrik blog. You can join anytime.

Step #5- Stitching the Fields

• Stitch Chain Stitches to outline the top of the center field shape following the running stitches.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Lime Frappe) and a size 3 hand embroidery needle.
• Stitch to within 1/4″ of the edge of the fabric on the right.

• Stitch lines of Chain Stitches that taper from the top edge of the center field shape down to the running stitches marking the bottom edge of the field using that same thread.
• Stitch to within 1/4″ of the edge of the fabric on the right.

• Stitch a row of Long and Short Stitches across the top right side of the center field to make the right field.
• Use a size 8 thread (like Butter).
• Stitch to within 1/4″ of the edge of the fabric on the right.

• Continue to add Long and Short Stitches across the right field up to the running stitches that mark the top of the field.
• Use a variegated size 8 thread (like Sunrise).
• Stitch to within 1/4″ of the edge of the fabric on the right.
• Remove the running stitches.

• Stitch rows of Lazy Daisy Stitches vertically to fill in the left field.
• Use a size 8 thread (like Peas in a Pod).
• Stitch to within 1/4″ of the edge of the fabric on the left.
• Remove the running stitches.

As we begin the next stage of stitching Home in the Country, I find I’m drawn to this variegated red violet thread called Grape Juice. And I think it will work perfectly to create the bark for that giant tree embracing the tiny home in the design. I mean, who doesn’t love a purple tree?

In this step we outline the tree trunk shape and then fill it in. You’ll notice that the Grape Juice variegated thread gives the tree dimension with it’s light and dark values of purple.

Please note that directions are added to the Home in the Country Stitch-Along page after they are first posted here on the Artfabrik blog. You can join anytime.

Step #4- Stitching the Tree

• Stitch Stem Stitches to outline the tree trunk shape following the Running Stitches.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Grape Juice) and a size 3 hand embroidery needle.
• Remove the running stitches.

• Stitch Chain Stitches vertically in close rows inside the tree trunk shape to fill it in using that same color of thread.

Our first embroidery stitches will define the focal point of the Home in the Country design- the house. We’ll begin by outlining the house shape and then fill it in with colorful threads.

As we begin to stitch, I am reminded of how easy it is to stitch wool or felt. It is gentle on the hands allowing you to enjoy the stitch process and love the result.

Please note that directions are added to the Home in the Country Stitch-Along page after they are first posted here on the Artfabrik blog. You can join anytime.

Step #3- Stitching the House

• Stitch Stem Stitches to outline the house and roof shape following the running stitches.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Aquamarine) and a size 3 hand embroidery needle.
• Remove the running stitches that surround the house shape.

• Stitch Chain Stitches horizontally in close rows across the house shape to fill in the base of the house.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Butter).

• Stitch Blanket Stitches horizontally across the roof shape. Begin at the base of the roof and face the stitches so the tines of the Blanket Stitches touch the stem stitches that outline the bottom curve of the roof.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Aquamarine).
• Continue to stitch rows of Blanket Stitches up to the tip of the roof making rows of box shapes.

• Stitch a French Knot inside each box made by the blanket stitches on the roof.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Red Hots).

• Stitch Stem Stitches vertically and next to each other on the house to make a door measuring about 3/8” high. Stitch just into the threads that make the house not into the fabric behind it.
• Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Aquamarine).
• Stitch a French knot on the door to make the doorknob. Use a size 8 pearl cotton thread (like Red Hots).
• Stitch Stem Stitches  vertically and next to each other on the house to make 5 windows measuring about 1/4″ high. Use a size 12 thread (like Ocean) and a size 5 hand embroidery needle.
• Stitch Straight Stitches around the outside of each window and across each window to create window panes. Use a size 12 thread (like Bordeaux).