TAST week 4 - Cretan

This weeks Take A Stitch Tuesday stitch is the Cretan.

Other than new stitches, I've learned a couple new things already from this challenge.

1. The world will not end if I use my stash. Seriously, I had no problem dipping into my fabric and pulling out the biggest piece of linen I had on hand (18"x27" of 32 ct. Belfast linen), but working with threads other than ones I was sure I would use any time soon, oh the horror. Needless to say, I'm over it. Thread can be replaced, easily. Especially DMC.
2. I'm really need to find me a good embroidery stitch book. One that has easy to understand descriptions of how to do each stitch (detailed pictures would help too). Anyone have any suggestions? In the meantime, I'm making due with the Internet, and thought I'd share.

• Needlemaid Stitch Library: This came from Susan of Crazy Quilting for Fun. PDF file that you can printout to keep in a journal or such. From what I've seen of the pictures in it, very helpful.
• Needle 'N Thread Video Library: Mary Corbet has videoed and explained a wide list of stitches. (Consider yourself hugged and kissed for this Mary) AND she is taking part in TAST too. I'm hoping this will mean more stitch videos from her. Because of the way I learn (watching others), this is my favorite resource.
• Rissa's Pieces Stitch Dictionary: Great detailed pictures here (such as come up at 1, down at 2). This has been the second place I go to, to figure out a stitch. Not all the pictures are numbered, but those that aren't are still detailed enough to figure out how to do a stitch.
• STITCH with the Embroiderers' Guild: I'm sure everyone is familiar with these pictures, but The Embroiderers Guild couldn't be left out.
• Last but not least Sharon B's Stitch Dictionary: And shame on me for forgetting to add it in the first place.

Do you have a favorite online or offline (i.e. book) reference or resource? Feel free to share!

Also, can anyone out there tell (or show) me how to start a tailor's buttonhole? I think I have the 'form' down, but can't figure out how to start it. Where does that needle go?

*****************************************

I did get creative this week and did more than practice my form.

The first couple of rows are the basic stitch, starting with a close Cretan and gradually widening it. On the second row, I didn't pay attention to spacing and just went with it.

Now my son inspired this second part when he, after watching Lilo and Stitch, attempted to hula around the room. My daughter got involved with this one too and suggested I add coconuts to the tree. I had to take them out (LOL), they just looked vulgar.