Inspired by her mother's exquisite embroidery, Ruth began stitching
her designs over one linen thread several years ago. Most of her
designs may be
stitched over two linen threads, but Ruth prefers the delicate
appearance of the smaller stitches. Her technique of stitching over
one has been taught throughout the country at shops, retreats,
sampler guilds, and trade shows. If you are right-handed, the
natural way to do a stitching method is
from right to left. The first trip /////// across is from bottom to
top (known as a continental or tent stitch). This creates an
elongated diagonal stitch on the back of your linen and it is this
stitch that locks each stitch in place. The return trip \\\\\\\ is
from top to bottom. To keep your hand and wrist in a natural
stitching position, turn your linen one turn
counter-clockwise.
When using hand-dyed fibers, Ruth still uses this method. Ruth
doesn't like how the stitches seperate when completing each stitch
as you go. The effect of the hand-dyed fibers is a bit more subtle
with less stripation...and I like it!
It is so very important that we all stitch over one...because we
are running out of wall space!
