Yesterday I started the little reticello piece by Casa Erba. I am really enjoying this technique. It is very similar to Ruskin Lace, but I think it is prettier and more delicate looking. To start, I chose a linen. The tutorial calls for a 38 count, but I only had a 36 or 40 count. I went with a 36 count Edinburgh by Zwiegart in Cream.
I cut a square of linen approx. 7.5 inches by 7.5 inches, and then zigzag stitched the edges to prevent fraying.
I also added basting stitches to mark the horizontal and vertical centers of the linen. The tutorial doesn't instruct it, but it's become a habit, and basting did help me when it came time to withdraw threads.
To baste, first I folded the linen in half one way, and then the other. I threaded my needle with a bright colored thread, and stuck the needle through the center hole. I left a long tail so that I could use this end to stitch the other direction.
Then it was time for the fun stuff! The tutorial also called for Pearl Cotton in sizes 8 and 12. I picked a pretty rose pink by DMC. I also gathered an embroidery hoop, a size 26 tapestry needle, size 8 embroidery needle, pins ( to help count threads), embroidery scissors and a milliner's needle (for the bullion stitches.)
The tutorial starts with a Punto Quadro stitch (also known as a square stitch or 4 sided stitch) There are gif demonstrations that the tutorial uses to show how the stitch is executed. At the corners of the square motif, there are groupings of 4 square stitches that are also demonstrated by gif demonstration. After having to wait for it to loop around a few times to be able to follow it, I finally had the great idea to just screen shot the steps so I could follow it at my own pace. . . I wish I had done that from the beginning as it would have saved me 20 minutes. lol
There are also Bullion stitches that cover the corner square stitches. They are very pretty and remind me of little pink blossoms.
It's a great tutorial that I am really enjoying it. I am definitely going to be buying some Reticello books in the near future. :-)
Well, it's about time to make dinner. I hope you all enjoyed your day. . .
'Til Tomorrow
Happy Stitches!
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