After tracing stencil shapes (from Christen Brown’s Darling Motif Collection) onto silk fabric, each shape is outlined using my size 12 pearl cotton threads. Size 12 is a fine thread but covers the traced lines nicely. It glides through silk easily, has a bit of a sheen, and sits on top creating a textural surface. Stem or chain stitches work best for outlining.
But why stop there?
I took the opportunity to play with stitch and thread color combinations. My favorite filler stitch is the chain stitch. It makes solid shapes like the birdhouse and sun. French knots add pops of color. And lazy daisy stitches create soft flower petals in our happy garden.
Next, we’ll tackle the lower part of the garden.