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Mary Corbet

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I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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The Peacock Kit – A Give-Away!

 

Amazon Books

Well, since it’s Monday, and since it’s Autumn – which makes me Very Happy! – I think it’s a good day for a give-away!

Besides, we haven’t had one of these in a long, long while, have we?

On Friday, we looked up close at this new Blue Peacock embroidery kit from Canevas Folies. Today, thanks to Laurence at Canevas Folies (for the design kit) and Lisa at the French Needle (for the thread), I’m giving away the design kit with the specialty threads to one of you peacock fans out there!

Peacock Embroidery Kit by Canevas Folies

The Blue Peacock embroidery kit is suitable for Very Determined Almost-Beginners and beyond. If you’ve never picked up a needle and thread and never worked a stitch, this might not be the kit to start with!

But, if you’ve embroidered even just a little bit and you are confident in your ability to look up and figure out stitches, then you can work this kit.

The kit comes with the stitch layout guide, the pre-printed fabric, some text instructions but not very complex stitch instructions, and the specialty threads (by House of Embroidery) needed to complete the design (but not the DMC threads, which you can supply from your local shop).

Give-Away Guidelines

If you’d like an opportunity to win this gorgeous kit, please follow these guidelines:
This give-away is now ended. Thanks for participating!

1. Leave a comment below, at the end of this article, answering the question in #3. Comments sent in via email or left on other articles are not eligible. To leave a comment, just follow this link. It will take you straight to the comment form.

2. In your comment – either on the “name” line of the comment form or in the comment box – please make sure you leave a recognizable name. If you’re name is Sue, for example, you’ll need to qualify it somehow, with a last initial or a nickname or something like that. This prevents confusion when the winner is announced. For example: Sue in Seattle, Sue Parks, Sweet Sue.

3. In your comment, please answer the following:

What’s your all-time favorite embroidery stitch, and why?

4. Leave your comment by Saturday, October 10, 5:00 am Central Time (that’s Kansas time), and I’ll announce the winner that day. The winner will need to contact me with mailing information.

And that’s it! Super easy – so leave your comment now, and before you know it, you could be stitching up this glorious peacock!

Enjoy your Monday!

 
 

(1,025) Comments

  1. Yay! A giveaway! I have a friend who would love this kit!

    My favorite stitch would have to be the stem stitch, because of it’s versatility. It’s an outline, it’s a fill, it’s amazing!

    1
  2. I purely love the zig-zaggy butterfly chain stitch. I doubt that is it’s proper name but I cant remember what it is really called. Ever since I first learned how to do it I have used it in many applications outside of it’s use in creating butterflies. It makes fantastic waves for instance.

    2
  3. I love to do the satin stitch. It’s always a challenge and makes the thread shine. I’m some what a perfectionist when it comes to my stitches. I have stitched for forty four years. I would love to stitch the peacock!

    3
  4. I guess my favourite stitch is the French knot. It might not be a versatile stitch but I love the effect it creates and I love doing French-knot-hair!

    4
  5. Oh yes ! The blue peacock I was dreaming of since some weeks ! what a nice thing !
    My favorite embroidery stitch is satin stitch : it can be just simple satin stitch, or become overcast stitch, or either padded satin stitch ; it can be large or narrow, thick or not, but always shining …

    5
    1. Hi Mary
      It’s got to be the long and short stitch which I first learned with Trish Burr. I do palliative live-in-care work and whenever I stitch this stitch it seems to make the world right so it’s called my therapeutic stitch as its so relaxing to do. I adore peacocks and this kit is gorgeous it reminds me of our peacock on the farm in Zimbabwe called bluey. Have a lovely rest of your day Mary. Love Tish.

  6. I’m currently enthralled with the braided chain stitch. I used it most recently to make the tail feathers on a peacock I stitched in a peacock-themed crazy quilt.

    6
  7. My favorite stitch is the closed Cretan stitch. I know that that’s weird, but every time I use it it feels like magic. You have a bunch of straight lines and then… Leaf! Like magic! Give me lots of little leaves that I can fill in all day long and I’ll be happy.

    7
  8. I don’t need to be in the giveaway, but wanted to answer the question.

    I have two favorite stitches, the French knot and the bullion knot. I think the reason I like them so much is that so many people hate doing them!

    8
    1. I am 74 years young and have taken up embroidery.
      I am totally addicted. I just received the beginners guide to shading by Clare Hanham, what a treat. Because I am so new to this art I do not have a favorite stitch but having a great time learning how to short and long stitch to shade so guess for now that would be my favorite.:) Blessings to all you stitchers Patty Herrera

  9. I would love to stitch this. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch. I love how shiny it is and how soft it feels to the touch. I know it’s bad, but I love passing my fingers over it 😀

    9
    1. THIS ^^^

      (Side note: Please don’t enter me in the giveaway. I’ve got too many projects in the queue already. Someone who is dying to stitch this birdie should win the kit!)

    2. LOL. My favorite stitch is the LAST stitch in a project; then I get to enjoy the satisfaction of “done”.

      Seriously, the plain old stem stitch, the first stitch my Mom taught me.

  10. Ooooh, this kit is gorgeous.

    I would have to say my favorite is cross stitch – because I’ve done so much of it! It is fun, though.

    11
  11. I really love queen stitch, for background, for clothing, for spot samplers, for anything.

    Last week, I was hoping for a giveaway, the kit looks so beautiful!

    12
    1. Hi Donna C,

      What is “queen’s stitch” Is it an embroidery stitch or a needlepoint stitch? What does it look like? Thanks
      Barbara La Belle

  12. My favorite stitch would have to be the Long & Short Stitch as I love to blend colors, especially on my stumpwork flowers!

    13
  13. How exciting. I LOVE the peacock. My mother taught me to embroider when I was a child but I haven’t done much since then. Have been wanted to start again and this would be Incentive!

    14
    1. And I forgot to say my favorite stitch is the stem stitch but look forward to trying others.

  14. I love stem stitch because it works well as an outline on curves and as a filler. It’s so much nicer than a simple back stitch

    15
  15. So many stiches, so little time! Today my favorite stitch is the French knot. Just completed a project and was reminded how much fun they are to do.

    17
  16. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch. Embroidery is so relaxing for me and I love to do most of my work during the wintertime. I have been doing handwork since I was a little girl and was taught by my great grandmother. I love making pillow cases and embroidering along with creating crochet trim. Also I collect old pillow cases and starching and ironing them!

    18
  17. Love peacocks! I had started one in applique and embroidery but only finished the tail section. This kits looks so lovely. I hope I win!!! Fingers crossed for good luck.

    Favorite embroidery stitch is satin stitch. Whenever I use it people always comment favorably on the finished project.

    19
  18. My all time favorite stitch is the lazy daisy because it’s so quick and filling.

    Thanks to all of you for the opportunity of this give away. Very nice!

    20
  19. My favorite stitch?! That’s sort of like asking me to pick my favorite child!
    You know, I suppose this is boring but I like my back stitch. The first stitch I learned – it’s meditative, it’s simple and utilitarian.

    21
  20. My favorite stitch is the Queen Stitch. It has a delicate look to it and is beautiful as a stand-alone stitch or as a filler. It is often thought of as a challenge, but I love it!!

    23
  21. I am fairly new to embroidery, altho I have done cross stitch for years and lots of other crafts, embroidery is fairly new to me but am loving how versatile it is.

    I think my favourite stitch is satin stitch, as it has so many uses.

    Would love to win the peacock kit…and thank you for all the great instructional videos you upload!! They really help a lot.

    25
  22. I love the Peacock. My favorite stitch is kind of like my favorite song. It’s often the one I am doing when asked. My favorite embroidery is shadow work. I love the delicate look on baby and children’s clothing. I have used it on other items also. Diane Pp

    26
  23. My favorite stitch is the turkey stitch. I completed an embroidery piece with a squirrel and the tail required the turkey stitch. I love how it made the tail fluffy and gave the design a much more textured look. It really is a great stitch!

    Thanks for giving away the peacock kit. It is gorgeous.

    27
  24. My favorite stitch is the French knot. I learned to embroider when I was a little girl, and I’ve always thought the French knot the most fun of the stitches.

    28
  25. French Knot -reminds me of a picture done years ago of broccoli – there were hundred of French knots – so no every time I see a stalk of broccoli – I think of French knots

    29
  26. The back stitch if my favorite stitch. Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful kit. Thank you for your website!!

    30
  27. I love this kit!!! I’ve never seen a kit I loved this much! My favorite stitch is the humble back stitch. I love those plump little dashes! There are many fancier and more complex stitches I adore, but I probably use back stitch the most. I use it to do black work style geometric patterns, or as a filling stitch with a textured thread. It’s my go to when I’m doodling around.

    31
  28. One of my favorite stitches is button hole or blanket stitch. It can be used in so many ways for edging, to make flowers or add texture. I’ve been learning stump work and it comes in handy!

    My maiden name is Peacock so I am partial to Peacock designs! I stitched a peacock from the adult coloring book that was featured a year or so ago.

    32
  29. The blanket stitch – so versatile and beautiful – use it on the edges,use it for filling up,use it as flower petals…I am forever thinking of the possibilities with it.

    33
  30. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is so versatile….I use it in many places for outlining and for filling in spaces. Thanks for the change to win this beautiful kit.

    Brenda Schiesser

    34
  31. My all time favorite stitch is the bullion knot. All kinds of things can be made with it.

    I love the peacock kit – it’s beautiful.

    35
  32. I would live to be considered for this peacock giveaway. What a great project for the winter months.

    36
  33. My favorite stitch would be satin stitch. I’m still working on perfecting it but I love the sheen, the coverage, and the look of it.

    37
  34. Hi – love your articles. The buttonhole is really my favorite – so much to do within the family of buttonhole stitches. easy to learn and to teach others!

    39
  35. This would be a lovely piece to work and the finished product will make a lovely gift for a friend.

    My favorite stitch and most used stitch is the stem stitch.

    40
  36. I am new to embroidery but I’m enjoying the backstitch. It is so easy and looks perfect!

    41
  37. I just love the peacock embroidery.
    The colors are very striking and the embroidery is not too large.
    I’ve just started the chicken scrath embroydery and I would love to try this one for a change.

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  38. I love learning new stitches, but my all time favorite stitch is the feather stitch because it is versatile and can be used many ways.

    43
  39. I love the French knot. It is very versiital and can be used in many different ways. You can use any thread or ribbon for the knots. You can use them to make small or large knots depending on the wraps and type of thread. I also like long and short stitch I love receiving your email everyday and can’t wIt to see what you write about each day. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed I have learned so much from you. Also you are prompt in sending guest ion replies. Thanks again. Madilyn dunlap

    44
  40. Well, first favorite stitch that comes to mind is the French Knot. My mother taught me to embroider when I was a small girl, I am 60, now. The French Knot was the one that seemed “sophisticated” to me and I think of her every time I make that stich.

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  41. HI Mary,
    Thanks for the giveaway offer! I like how small it is, making it possible to finish. Plus, perfect time of year for a blast of color, and aren’t peacocks all about color?!
    My favorite stitch? Sounds silly, but I use back stitch probably 90% of the time to add a touch of texture from hand-stitching or attach some beads alongside a cord. Perhaps this kit will broaden my horizons?! Here hoping!
    Thanks Mary.

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  42. My all time favorite stitch – that is so hard because there are so many to choose from. I was going to say the plain Jane of stitches – the stem stitch because it can be used several ways, but I think I will change to the satin stitch. It’s also versatile but so beautiful when done well. I especially love the padded satin stitch for flowers, berries, fruits, etc.

    48
  43. What a funtastic giveaway!

    My favorite embroidery stitch is the blanket stitch. It can be made to look like fencing, a flower, wheels, and can be used as an outline stitch to mimic critters and of course for applique.

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  44. Hi Mary,
    My favorite stitch is the raised stem stitch because it was the first advanced stitch I tried. Thanks to your wonderful video I was able to grasp it the first time out!
    Sharon

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  45. Hello. My favourite stitch is the bullion knot. It took me a while to master it but now my roses can grow almost anywhere!

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  46. The chain-stitch is my favorite, probably because I am a Crocheter. A long time ago i did a butterfly on a pair of my jeans (chain-stitch), I got so many compliments.
    Sister From the South,

    LindY G Sherrod

    52
  47. I love the continental stitch, it is a classic stitch. Because it fills the back of the canvas as it completes the front. I have used it in petite point as well as cushions and large tapestries.

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  48. It has to be the chain stich, simple yet versatile. I’ve done so many things with it from embellishing my jeans as a student to putting my daughters name onto her things, it can’t fail to make me smile.

    54
  49. Yes yes i would love the peacock kit. I have been stitching a long time, not a master at any one stitch. My favorite is probably the bullion stitch, I spent so much time trying to make the bullion beautiful I can’t forget.

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  50. My all time favorite stitch in the running stitch. I learned this past summer in a crazy quilt class how to use it and embellish it in different ways using different types of thread.

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  51. At this point in my embroidery my favorite stitch is the long and short, for I am working on Trish Burr kit, and those are the main stitches used, I also teach this technique and that is the stitch that I am using, it’s nice a freebie once in awhile ,
    Thank you Mary
    Diane

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  52. I just love padded satin stitch, even though it is soooo hard to get it right! But when it is done well (something I’m not very familiar with), the threads all blend together to make a lovely smooth surface. I also like the texture of the padding, which gives a piece some dimension. I managed to work some padding into my last project, which does give it a bit of oomph.

    58
  53. My favorite stitch is long and short. I like it because it is so versatile. You can produce some lovely shading and it makes flowers, animals and birds look so realistic.

    59
  54. What’s your all-time favorite embroidery stitch, and why?
    My favorite embroidery stitch is the Scotch Stitch. It’s versatile, polished, and looks complicated but isn’t.

    I’d love to work on the Blue Peacock.

    60
  55. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. By itself(detached) it can be a leaf, a flower or just a nice oval shape. In a row(chain), it makes a nice seam treatment for crazy quilts. It can be done close together to make texture for a tree. The little holes in the chain are perfect places for beads. Love the chain stitch!

    61
  56. My favorite embroidery stitch…..

    I would probably have to say the stem stitch. You can outline, you can adjust the thickness of the outline by the angle and overlap. And you can fill by making row-upon-row. And you can use it to follow contours.

    And maybe, just maybe, I’m saying it is my favorite, because that is what I am doing right now on my current piece. Who knows, when I move to the next part and do another stitch, that might be my favorite at that time!

    62
  57. Thank you for another giveaway!! I love peacocks and their colors almost as much as I love stitching!

    My favorite embroidery stitch is the Queen Stitch. It can be so versitile. One done as a stand alone stitch can be a lantern, flower or many other objects. Put several together and beautiful texture results. Use different weights of threads to make different sized stitches and a shape can be filled, or a light background can be created. And it can be a very soothing stitch once a rhythm is established.

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  58. I love this site and I love peacocks! My favorite stitch has to be the feather stitch- it’s so versatile as edging and has so many variations, and is easy and attractive as well.

    I would love this give-away!

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  59. back stitch! It’s easy to make it look nice and very useful. Although I also like chain stitch because it’s also easy but looks very fancy.

    65
  60. I’d like to say my favorites are French Knots as they seem to work so well so very often in my pieces, but alas…
    I believe I would have to choose fly stitch as they seem to cover very well, yet still allow the paint to show through.
    Thank you so much Mary for this, and thanks to Laurence and Lisa as well. 🙂

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  61. Would love to win this kit!!! Favorite stitch
    is the satin stitch which really makes the pattern pop!

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  62. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch because it was the first “real” stitch I was successful with.

    69
  63. Lately I’ve fallen in love with the split back stitch. It gives a much smoother line than stem stitch or back stitch. And so much easier than a regular split stitch where you have to come up through the threads instead of down into them.
    Thanks for the chance to win such a beautiful kit!

    70
  64. I like the daisy and the daisy chain stitch
    not sure why I like this one but I do
    the peacock kit is beautiful

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  65. Hi there. I’m a determined beginner with my stitching. In my limited experience I would say my favourite stitch is the fly stitch. No real reason other than I find it enjoyable to do ‘freestyle’.

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  66. Such a fabulous giveaway. Favorite stitch is difficult, so many good ones. I think today it is detached twisted buttonhole. Adds interesting texture and very versatile.

    Thanks Judy

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  67. I have learned so much from Mary. I THOUGHT I knew embroidery, but everyday I learn something new. The Peacock is beautiful. My husband had peacocks a while ago and I have one feather left….

    74
  68. I love the chain stitch. It can curve beautifully, be done in a myriad of threads to make wonderful texture, be used as a single line or fill any shape. It’s easy to do and works up quickly.

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  69. As plain old vanilla as it is, my favorite is probably the back stitch. You can show this to the most sewing phobic person around and in a matter of minutes, they can be embroidering up a storm!

    76
  70. Oh what a gorgeous peacock! Determined beginner pretty much describes me to a “T.” With the videos here on Needle N Thread, it’s not so intimidating!

    I think my favorite stitch (I don’t know too many) is stem stitch, because I can use it for both outline and fill. I’ve gotten pretty good at outline stitches at this point, but those pesky fills still plague me. Stem stitch gives me the best of both worlds!

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  71. Live the peacock give away! As humble as it is, I love the stem stitch. It can fill in or stand alone and it’s just plain fun to do!!!!

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  72. YAY!! A giveaway , how wonderful!

    My favourite stitch has to be bullion knots. They add so much dimension, and they make the most realistic roses imaginable. Plus they look great on butterflies. And they make the loveliest rosebuds. You can manipulate them into so many shapes. They make you want to reach out and touch them.

    Thanks for the chance to win such a wonderful prize, Mary 🙂

    79
  73. Wow!! Would love to grab this. My favorite stitch is chain stitch because of the way it comes out. Its an easy stitch, helps me with decorative borders and curves very well.

    80
  74. Hi Mary, and thanks for the chance to win this lovely kit!
    I’ve got so many favorite stitches- hard to choose just one…
    I’m going to say French knots though. I love to use either a variegated thread or several different shades of thread to fill spaces with French knots. The end result is something like a fancy carpet, and the repetitive action of creating the knots is soothing somehow. Call me crazy, but I really love those French knots!

    81
  75. I love birds, but especially peacocks. They are so magnificent. I thoroughly enjoy doing a lazy daisy chain – it always looks playful and fun.

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  76. The FRENCH KNOT…but I really don’t know why! I use it often, I guess to me it’s a fun addition to a piece!I just made a snowgirl doll, and she has French Knot snowtears at her eyes!

    83
  77. I love give aways, and always think if you don’t try you have no chance of winning My absolute favourite embroidery stitch is without a doubt the simple cross stitch. I have tried and loved many many more stitches over the years, but I always come back to cross stitch. This is what I started with aged ten, when my older sister gave me a wool kit of a collie’s head, as she got bored. I did not have anyone to ask how to do it, and I remember that the back of the picture when I finished it was about an inch thick from all the knots…I had no idea how to finish the threads… I was hooked though, and have done more pictures than I can remember, most of them for my family. I grew up in the very north of Sweden, and there was one single knitting and stitching shop. There was no internet, only one post order magazine. After moving to the UK aged 29, things changed quickly and I have since done a lot of hardanger and some other embroidery, but always go back to cross stitch

    84
  78. My all time favorite embroidery stitch is the Chain Stitch. It is easy to do, covers a lot of space and you can make it look different by varying the length or weaving another thread through it or even adding another stitch along the sides.

    85
  79. I too love peacocks; the colors are lovely. By the way my birthday is Oct. 13, so what a wonderful present this kit would make. My memories of the Lazy Daisy Stitch are very sweet. It always seemed like magic. When I taught it to my grandchildren, they had the same reaction. To be able to make a flower by tacking a loop of thread seemed the height of creativity when I was 5 years old. (I’m going to be 80)

    87
    1. Alycia

      We share the same birthday – October 13th! Hope you day is full of fun and this is your best year ever!

      Happy Stitching – Toni

  80. The chain stitch is my favorite stitch because I can still remember my mother teaching it to me many, many years ago.

    88
  81. My favorite stitch is the french knot. I learned it when I was first learning to embroider as a child and got pretty good at it. In my late teens and early 20’s I started to embroider on clothes (it was the 60’s) and loved to draw the pictures on the clothes , then try to paint the picture in, with shading and all, by using french knots.

    89
  82. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. This is the first stitch I learned when I was 6 years old. The “embroidery lady” who came to volunteer at the children’ s hospital taught me. I worked on a swan with peacock blue thread. That remains my favorite color over 50 years later.

    90
  83. love your newsletter I learned to embroider from my grandmother when I was 5 I do all sorts of hand work always have something in the basket where I sit

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  84. I would love this beautiful kit! I have been away from embroidery and I’m getting back to it after recently retiring.

    My favorite stitch is the lazy daisy. This stitch is so versatile and can be used in most pieces.

    92
  85. I love bullion knots! they become anything, rosebuds, bugs, flourishes! thank you so much for the video library!

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  86. I still have a lot of stitches to learn! So far, I’ve really enjoyed using stem stitch to do outline embroidery instead of just backstitch.

    95
  87. My favorite embroidery stitch is the French Knot, and I had difficulty learning the stitch. I like French Knots best because making them well gives me a sense of accomplishment, they add texture, and they create interesting pixilated effects in needlework.

    96
  88. I love your site and would love to win this kit. I love peacocks and think that they are magnificent creatures. I have done some Stumpwork and love doing all kinds of embroidery stitches. I challenge myself to learn new kinds of stitches. I am a self taught skill stitcher in many of the sewing fields…from embroidery, knitting, crochet, cross stitch and regular sewing.

    97
  89. My favorite embroidery stitch right now is the French Knot! Why? Not real sure! Guess because you can change the size, use it in so many areas of embroidery and it’s relatively easy to do (and mess up!). Maybe once I master the bullion stitch that will be my favorite – it’s beautiful!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win this kit. If I do win, it will still go to my sister when completed!

    98
  90. My all time favorite stitch is the blanket stich. It is versatile and the variations are often stunning. Second all time favorite is the lazy daisy stitch. Love the peacock

    Joyfully,

    Dianne

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  91. I love peacocks and was so excited to see your post on Friday. The scary part for me is that I feel I am new to embroidery. I learned very young to embroidery – mostly cross stitch, and I didn’t pursue it over the years. Now in my spare time, I am learning many new crafts either by doing refresher work or learning new things outright.

    I did take on an embroidery stitch along project, and have fell in love with embroidery. It is hard to believe I can create something so beautiful with thread and needed. So baby stepping along, I am learning embroidery past the cross stitch ability.

    While I love the look of the satin stitch, my favorite so far is the Pekinese Stitch! It is so clever how you can take the two different colors of thread and create a beautiful like of stitch work.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

    100
  92. in one project I learned to to the turkey stitch loved it’s 3D effect and my grandmother apparently did not like French knots she left these for me and I love doing them

    101
  93. I love the french knot!! It looks great I love making it. Thanks for the opportunity to win the kit! All your giveaways are so fun 🙂

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  94. So hard! I would say that the blanket stitch; I love the number of variations. But a very close second would have to be the split stitch so lovely for outlining or fill.

    103
  95. I just love making feather stitches, and all the variations! It would be so special to win this peacock kit; I would make it for my sweet daughter, who is very ill. Thanks so much for sharing your talents, and this terrific opportunity!

    104
  96. The stitch I enjoy doing the most is the chain stitch because it’s one that I can do fairly well and has an interesting look. However, I find a well-done satin stitch is beautiful and really want to master it. One day I will get brave enough to try the couching stitches. I love the way that yours turn out both in the color combinations and texture that it gives your projects.

    Thanks for doing a giveaway – how fun!

    106
  97. Oh dear. That’s a tricky one! I love outline stitches like the stem stitch, but I also like texture. This weekend I was quite pleased with myself over some buttonhole stitching…satin stitching is lovely but I’m not all that good at it yet. I know, I choose long-and-short for its fill and versatility. You can do anything with that stitch!

    Least favorite: french knots. French knots are my nemesis.

    107
  98. Aaack! Picking just one! Fly, stem, cross, french knot, satin. I’d have to say cross stitch because it is the “gateway stitch” for new embroiderers into the lovely world of art-thread-needle.

    108
  99. Can’t deny it that the first stitch that came to my mind as my favorite was the “Lazy Daisy”! All memories return of when I was a little girl and mom bought me my first embroidery pillow case kit– and it was the one stitch I recall her teaching me to make. I love embroidery still today maybe because those are my fondest memories together with my recently departed mom. But today however, oh how I would love to get my hands on that Peacock kit!!

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  100. It’s really hard to pick a favorite embroidery stitch, there’s so many beauties out there! But it would probably be padded satin. I learned it from your website and many projects using it, and absolutely love it. I’m a sorta advanced beginner at embroidering and if I do quickie projects too long I go into withdrawal for padded satin 🙂

    110
  101. Hi Mary,
    My favorite stitch is the French knot because this stitch can be used to embellish so many different things! Such as the sparkle in an eye of a peacock!
    Difficult to do just right, the French knot has embellished many of my stitched projects.

    111
  102. The peacock looks like fun. My favorite stitch is probably the French knot. I’ve just always loved to make them.

    Pick me!

    112
  103. My favorite stitch right now is the bullion knot because I am using it to emphasize some bird outlines and it looks great. For everyday go to stitches, I guess the stem and backstitch and french knot.

    Thanks for the chance to win that fabulous peacock.

    113
  104. My favourite stitch is the buttonhole stitch. I like the way it finishes the edges of applique.

    114
  105. I enjoy doing French knots and the variations you’ve taught me. The peacock would be perfect for my next project. I must admit that I was not grieving the recent loss of the real peacock next door! Quiet is good.

    115
  106. I have always loved the chain stitch, with your videos, articles and information I have discovered so much more that it can do! Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful project. Have a great creative day!

    116
  107. I am an avid embroiderer and have always liked the chain stitch. I like the look it has and the various effects you can stitch. Although it is a simple, basic stitch, it always makes me feel as if I accomplished my goal. Thanks…

    117
  108. There are so many stitches to choose from – I have several favorites. My least favorite is the satin stitch – it’s so hard to keep the threads nice and smooth. I like chain stitch a lot as well as stem. I really like this peacock pattern. Even if I don’t win it I am seriously thinking about ordering it anyway. It’s so pretty!

    118
  109. My favorite stitch is long and short stitch. I love how one can use it to create subtle shading in the petals of a flower or the feathers of a bird. It forms such a lovely contrast to more textured surface stitches like French knots, chain and outline.

    119
  110. Love, love, love your emails…and this one is just perfect!!

    I adore the Drizzle Stitch! It’s kooky, funky and just plain fun and easy to do! You can give such a wonderful expression of hair, tail feathers or craziness to just about anything you’re stitching! Of course, there’s nothing I don’t love about embroidery because it’s such an expression of who you are!

    Thanks for loving and sharing your embroidery with everyone!

    121
  111. I have tried and enjoyed all types of needlework. I was searching for Brazilian Embroidery kits and information when I found your wonderful website. So many valuable tips and stitches available with excellent instructions. If I should win the peacock stitching kit, on completion I would frame it and hang it on the wall, next to my huge vase of peacock feathers… fascinated by that bird!!

    122
  112. I haven’t been following you for very long Mary, but I’ve been embroidering for over 50 years! Not very expertly it has to be said – I’m looking to you and your site to help me remedy that, especially now I’ve retired from my midwifery job.

    My favourite embroidery stitch of all time has to be Spider’s Web stitch. It is the first stitch I remember learning back that half-century ago but it took me over a quarter of a century to realise how very versatile it can be and how much ‘bang you get for your buck!’

    123
  113. Dear Mary Corbett,

    I’m very excited about The Blue Peacock Embrodery kit giveaway. Our youngest daughter move to the west coast, over 2,000 miles away, and loves Peacocks. To win this kit and to embroider this for her would give me such delight and would make me feel like I was giving her a lasting memory of our love for our daughter. Please know that your gift would mean so much to me and the appreciation of your kind consideration would bring such joy.

    Kind regards,
    Lee Ann S. From, KY

    124
  114. Thank you for the chance for this beautiful kit.

    I love the lazy daisy stitch. I thought it was a funny name when my grandma taught it to me and it reminds me of her.

    125
  115. My favorite stitch is eyelet stitch as it adds a delicate touch to any embroidery piece

    126
  116. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, probably because it was the first stitch I ever learned, and because it has a nice flow to the pattern.

    127
  117. Pick only one? I guess I’ll pick the basic running stitch because it’s the first one I learned as a child and it got me started on a lifetime of enjoyment.

    128
  118. I love giveaways, especially when they involve fiber! My favorite stitch would be the Lazy Daisy stitch. Probably because it almost always involves sewing a flower. That makes me smile.

    129
  119. Many people will think I am crazy but I love French knots. I usually have a Teresa Layman project in my rotation. I find the knots so relaxing and I can look forward to a knotted project when I want something relaxing.

    The Blue Peacock project is beautiful. Thank you for writing your daily post and the great give-away.

    130
  120. Sally A
    The peacock kit is so beautiful. I bought the Embroidery Stitch Bible and have been trying new stitches. I like doing the couched lines. It’s so easy to do and work around curves, also, it’s very unique looking. Thank you for a giveaway.

    131
  121. When I was 18 I bought a gross of peacock feathers. My plan was to put them on the skirt of a long dress I was making. I didn’t do that, and isn’t that a shame? But I loved the feathers anyway. My favorite stitch is the bullion stitch, because it can be so many things, including stumpwork which hovers above the ground cloth.

    133
  122. How fun! What a beautiful pattern! My favorite stitch is the double running stitch. It lends a clean line to intricate blackwork designs. I’m not always successful in getting it completely reversible, but when I do I sit back and feel a great amount of accomplishment.

    134
  123. My favourite stitch is Stem Stitch.
    It is so simple and very versatile.
    It can be used for outlining, filling and of course stems. On several occasions I have used it in preference to long and short stitch and the like.

    135
  124. I would love to make this for a friend for next years Christmas present, it’s never to early to start right?

    136
  125. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch because it’s so versatile.

    Thanks for the chance to win!!

    137
    1. The fly stitch seems to be at the top of my favorites. Able to change length of the stitches , thus so many variations available

  126. That’s a hard question as there are so many great stitches. I would say the long and short. It is a great filler, goes pretty fast and you can do wonderful color blending with it.

    138
  127. My favorite embroidery stitch is button hole stitch! It is so versatile – little stitches, big stitches, you can make it round or square or something in between. My grandmother taught me to embroider when I was 5-6 and I have done hand embroidery to one degree or another ever since. I have just started doing crazy quilting and this would be a lovely motif to work into a block!

    139
  128. Gorgeous. Challenging. Maybe more doable than the
    Hummingbirds but just as lovely. I especially like satin stitch
    for its smooth and Luxurious look. I hope I win. I need a Lucius temptation to pick up my Needle again after so long. Thanks for the opportunity.

    141
  129. My favourite stitch is the french knot – because I’ve only just mastered it and I’m so pleased that I don’t have to avoid them any more!

    The peacock kit is lovely, keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you for the opportunity 🙂

    142
  130. My favorite stitch is the backstitch because I’m been using it a lot on vintage dishtowels. No counting or deep thought required while working it.

    143
  131. Thanks for the chance to win. My favorite stitch is the feather stitch. Always (try) to find a way to use it on every project.

    144
  132. The peacock kit is so beautiful I love the colors! And the French Needle is a wonderful site. Good service and lovely products. My favorite stitch has to be the stem stitch. It is versatile, like a fill stitch or for an outline or even a stem.

    145
  133. I think my all time favorite stitch(so far) is the chain stitch. It has so many variations, and can be embellished in so many ways, and, it is a challenge too sometimes.How many strands of thread to make it look good, how short of a stitch to go around that curve? As well as being a great stitch for heavy borders, it can be used as a fill stitch with those endless variations. It can be smooth, or filled with texture. What more could you want in a stitch.?

    146
  134. Thanks for the giveaway, Mary!
    I very much like long and short. One can be so creative, and can have different effects with long and short.

    147
  135. I think my all time favorite embroidery stitch is long and short. It is a real challenge to me to get it to look just like I want when I am blending colors and it yields a realistic look. I am a realist in my stitching.

    148
  136. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I like it because it can be used to outline, to show definition, to make a subtle shadow or as a filling stitch. It is sort of a no brainer stitch to use when you can’t figure out any other stitch for a particular area on a pattern.

    149
  137. I am a beginner…..but love learning all I can from your site! So far, I’m thinking the stem stitch is may favorite, as I can make it look good. Thanks for a chance to win.

    151
  138. My favorite stitch is the padded satin stitch. I never liked doing a satin stitch because I could never get it to completely cover the fabric underneath and it looked flat and terrible. Then I started watch your videos and the old light bulb appeared and I tried it padded and watched how my threads lay down and now I’m a convert.
    Thanks for a wonderful website, especially those fabulous videos.

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  139. What a wonderful give away Mary! I am an almost experienced embroiderer. I do many different types of needlework that use various embroidery stitches. My favorite is satin stitch. When done correctly it produces delicious results. I have been following your articles on tips for starting a big project and I am inspired. Keep up the great work! Your blog is invaluable! Jobidd

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  140. wow, that’s such a wonderful kit!
    thank you Laurence and Lisa for the opportunity! and thank you Mary, if it wasn’t for your devotion to peacocks this giveaway would have never sparkled
    picking a favourite stitch seems like an impossible task, there are just too many! I love working French knots, Bullion knots, Lazy Daisies, Bargello, Satin stitch, backstitch, .. are something I love to add whenever possible.
    but after much thinking I realised I knew which stitch I liked best even before you asked the question: cross stitch, but more precisely the second half of the cross stitch. the one that crosses the stitch and makes it full.
    I always get a feeling of accomplishment once I cross that second leg, it gives the stitch its “sense” and true colour, volume, direction – and makes me feel like I’ve DONE something, almost like crossing an item off the list.

    154
  141. My favorite stitch – and I’m still learning to use it – is the long and short stitch. I love the realistic look of it. I’ve not been embroidering for long, but I am learning quickly, thanks to your instructions. I wish I’d found your site years ago!

    155
  142. I adore French Knots! It is very versatile indeed. You can fill in lovely flowers, create beautiful hair, and so much more! Stitch on!

    156
  143. My alltime fave embroidery stitch would have to be the stem or outline stitch. It is easy and soooo very useful. I can use it in all of my embroidery projects from plain embroidery on a pillowcase to beaded embroidery on a victorian style handbag to crazy quilting and it is all good. It is the first stitch that I teach to my students and it gives a lot of bang for the buck and for the beginner it looks really nice with a little bit of effort. I really like it when looking at vintage linens with embroidery, especially red or blue work where the embroiderer just used the stem stitich to do the whole design. All in all useful, pretty and confidence building in one stitch! Who could ask for more…..

    157
  144. Love the kit…My favorite stitch is the stem stitch…my Mom showed me how to do it when I was a very little girl.

    158
  145. French knot – they’re fun to do, add texture to the piece, or they can be used to work an entire piece.

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  146. Mary:
    Well, this is fun!! I have two favorite stitches – the French knot because it’s fun to do and makes pretty accents and neat fill. The other is the feather stitch because it is just so cute!
    Thanks for bringing sunshine to this dreary, foggy day.
    Leeanna

    160
  147. My favorite stitch right now is probably beaded palestrina stitch. Beautiful texture and not too hard to work! Plus I love that you can space beads quite evenly with the stitch. Love it!

    Thanks for doing a give-away, Mary. We sure do love this community in this corner of the web!

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  148. I am not sure I have all time favorite stitch but I do like the bullion. You can create so many wonderful flowers with it.

    163
  149. I like the blanket stitch, but really really like the hungarian braided chain stitch you taught a while back. I have used it in several projects in place of a running stitch which added more definition. thanks for your videos and your inspirations.

    164
  150. OH BOY!!! It’s so much fun to participate in your give aways, many thanks. This kit is scrumptious!
    Gotta say the French knot is my favorite; it feels like dancing when I’m filling up space with bunches of those pretty little knots.

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  151. My favorite embroidery stitch is the Palestrina knot because it gives a nice finish to an edge. It is so beautiful and I love to do them

    167
  152. The fly stitch seems to be at the top of my favorites list. Being able to vary the length of stitches there are endless variations of stitches.

    168
  153. I think my favourite stitch is the split stitch… I use it allllll the time and I was surprised when you had that post a while back about how it gets a bad rap, because I love stitching it. I recently finished stitching a piece that didn’t use any split stitch at all and felt like I had somehow betrayed myself by not using it 😉

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  154. I think my favourite stitch is the split stitch… I use it allllll the time and I was surprised when you had that post a while back about how it gets a bad rap, because I love stitching it. I recently finished stitching a piece that didn’t use any split stitch at all and felt like I had somehow betrayed myself by not using it 😉

    170
  155. My favorite stitches? Both the satin stitch and the French knot are my favorites because they must be done meticulously to look their best! The winner, I suppose, is the French knot. I use it for many things! It can enliven a rather ordinary embroidery work. I love seeing it and I love adding it to my embroidery!
    Thank you for the opportunity to win this gorgeous prize!
    Sheryl

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  156. I’m just a simple gal. I love the chain stitch. And I would love to win the peacock kit, so thank you for a lovely giveaway!

    172
  157. Well…for a long while now it has been the “satin stitch”…Throughly enjoying using it for padding/fill and finish…Working on a Strawberry and it makes me smile!

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  158. My daughter loves peacocks!

    My favorite stitch is the chain stitch because of its variations and ability to tie together the different parts of a design.

    174
  159. My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion stitch used in dimensional embroidery. It can make the leaves of a rose bud, or the petals of a daisy! It can make the body of a bumble bee or a scalloped border! It adds dimension to any piece it is used on; I can imagine the possibilities on a peacock pattern….

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  160. My favorite stitch is the humble stem stitch. It’s easy, but there are so many things you can do with it. Not to mention, it was the very first stitch my mother taught me.

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  161. I am thrilled that you are giving away this kit. I love peacocks!! Being mostly a crazy quilter my favorite stitch is the feather stitch in all of its forms and varieties. This stitch can be tightly regimented of very organic. It can follow a line or a seam or wander from patch to patch. It’s wonderful as a base for further embellishments. It’s great to accent with beads. I love the feather stitch. Thanks again for all you do!

    Sarah

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  162. I love the peacock in this kit I have been practising the long and short stitch which I find challenging but it has become my favourite stitch. I used to stitch with my mom and have recently began to stitch again I would love to do this peacock.
    Thanks
    Susan

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  163. My favourite stitch is the lazy daisy. It’s such a pretty stitch and easy to do. Thank you for the generous giveaway and the chance to win.

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  164. My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch followed closely by the French Knot. Both have wonderful rhythm as you stitch – love that!

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  165. I would love to embroider this for a friend in Australia who loves peacocks. I learned to love them when my grandparent’s elderly gentlemen neighbors purchased two who woke me up every morning of my visits with a “WAKE UP” scream. It was their tails I loved and not their raucous noise!

    My all time favorite stitch is the satin stitch for its beautiful sheen and the challenge of getting a smooth even finish. That is followed by the cute French knot because it’s so much fun to make. Then there’s the darling daisy stitch and the meandering feather stitch. That’s why I love to embroider. It can take a few or many different stitches to create a lovely finished piece.

    I’m new to this site which I found on Pinterest. I love the daily inspiration and information. It must take a lot of work and I heartily thank you.

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  166. My favorite stitch is the French knot. It was something I loved doing as a kid. All of my older relatives embroidered including my mom. The knot was just fun to do and still is.

    182
  167. My favorite stitch is the buttonhole stitch. It very versatile. You can embroider a seam or make a wheel,make it double and vary the sizes of the stitches. I love the peacock kit. Thanks for the give away.

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  168. My favorite stitch is the French knot. I had trouble with consistently producing this stitch as a beginning embroiderer. I was therefore a bit intimidated by it. With practice, though, it became one of my favorites!

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  169. I like the split stitch the best. It can be used in many ways, going in any direction you want. I was only taught a limit of stitches when I was young and am now at 63 I’m branching out to new stitches thanks to your site.
    This would be a wonderful kit for me to branch out and learn more stitches.
    Thank you for the chanch to win, and so much information you give.

    Sondra

    185
  170. Hi, Mary.
    Thanks for this peacock kit give-away. It’s gorgeous.
    My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It’s easy to do. It’s neat. It’s textured. It can be embellished with wrapping. It can be an outline, a monogram, a filling, etc. What’s not to like?!
    Beth

    186
  171. My favorite stitch is the bullion. I love to embroider roses
    On all kind of things and then use stem stitch for stems
    And often leaves. The bullion, once you get into rhythm
    Creates all kinds of images from small animals, baskets
    Etc. it can keep me amused for hours.
    I looked at the peacock and resisted but would love to work on it as I
    Recover from end of month hip surgery.

    187
  172. Oh, I don’t think that I could pick a favorite stitch. Every time you do a new sample with a stitch that I’ve never done before then that is my favorite!
    I’m just getting back into embroidery, but love a challenge. I do make quilts and doll clothes too.

    188
  173. My favorite stitch (today) is the split stitch. It’s a great stitch for outlining and as a fill stitch, and much easier than the chain stitch.
    Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful kit.

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  174. Hi
    I love stitching the bullion stitch and next favorite is the stem. I can use the stem stitch almost any place I stitch.
    Nora D

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  175. I would have to say it is the humble backstitch. It is eminently useful, plus you can dress it up with whipping it/weaving it etc! Great for defining/outlining areas.

    191
  176. I have always loved peacocks too! Their colors are breathtaking. What a beautiful project. It is hard to choose a favorite stitch, but I do love the satin stitch.

    192
  177. I love giveaways! My favorite stitch is a Jessica stitch. They are so cute and easy to do. I love the finished effect.

    193
  178. I love peacocks (they are part of one of my SCA badges, and a memory of my father)!

    My two favorite stitches are the stem and chain stitch. I use them in embroidery projects ranging from modern and medieval clothing embellishment, pouches, pillows and quilting.

    Plus the chain stitch was the very first fancy stitch my mother taught me, when I was as old as my daughter is now (4).

    194
  179. Hmm, tough question…for surface embroidery, probably stem stitch. For counted work, maybe queen stitch. It’s so hard to choose!

    195
  180. The stright stitch, is my favorite as this basic stitch starts beginners to the joy of handwork.

    196
  181. I LOVE the peacock. My favorite all time stitch is the fly stitch. Why? Because it is so versitile by going outside the applique you can give it one look or flipping it you get another. It is great with solids or variegated. It is my go to stitch

    197
  182. Oh my goodness!!!!!! I would so love to win this kit!!!!!! I love the colors of peacocks!!!!! Honestly, my favorite stitch is an outline stitch!!!! I love the back stitch in cross stitch!!!! I love outlining the items in a stitchers!!!! I love taking my black marker and outlining items when I draw and color!!!!! I like the way an outline sets the elements off!!!!!

    Thanks,
    Brenda Kuss

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  183. Love the look of satin stitch when I get it right. Finally got my cataracts taken care of and can see to stitch again, so makes spending time in the hospital with sick husband much more enjoyable and I get to finish my last project started last year before both eyes went south on me!

    200
  184. Have been embroidering since a young child and I am now in my 70’s. Only knew basic stitches but favorite is the Daisy stitch. Now I am in the process of learning more stitches, especially the Brazilian Embroidery.

    202
  185. My absolute favorite stitch is the bullion. You can do so many things with it. I got hooked on bullions when I did the Grandiose Mum Brazilian embroidery design by Threads in Bloom. Some of my mum tendrils ahd 200 wraps. I fell in love! I would love to do this peacock as a stitch -along while I am still home bound because of foot surgery.

    203
  186. I love chain stitch best, because it can be used plainly or dressed up with multiple threads or colours into fancy work, it outlines nicely but is also great for filling, and it’s a good easy stitch for busywork when watching TV.
    (French knots come a very close second however)

    205
  187. Recently learned to do the long and short stitch from Susan O’Connor with follow up instructions on your website. I was intimidated at first but the pinkeep turned out fabulous! So my favorite stitch and one I want to continue to pursue is the long and short stitch. I have been doing cross stitch and smocking for years and dabbling in embroidery. This kit looks like a bit of a challenge but I believe I’m up to it.

    206
  188. I love stem/outline stitch and I use it all the time! Love to vary the length, colors, thread weights/textures, packing the stitch-love all the different looks!

    207
  189. I lived for nearly 20 years in Miami, Florida in a neighborhood where wild peacocks roamed freely. I’ve always loved their beautiful plummage but did not care for their noise during mating season. When I first heard the call I thought one of my neighbors was beating a child.
    My all-time favorite embroidery stitch is four-sided. I use it both in counted and free embroidery. And I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my birthday [October 10] than to win the peacock kit.

    208
    1. Hi Adrienne. I know what you mean about the peacock’s cry. My husband and I were staying on a resort on the Bay Islands of Honduras when I heard the cry for the first time. I couldn’t imagine what it was and went hurtling outside to see who was being tortured. As soon as I saw the peacock strutting around with his tail dragging behind him, I realized who the culprit was. One of my favourite children’s books is The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston, and in that, the only thing that saves the little hero is the cry of the peacock warning of impending danger.

  190. My all time favorite embroidery stitch is the back stitch. Although it takes up more thread i like the concentration it demands and with a little careful stitching, I can get a gorgeous effect with simple designs. I use it more often than I should ……

    209
  191. Mary, thank you for all you do to continue the love of needlework! My all time favorite stitch is the Chain Stitch. I love how the Chain Stitch allows fluid movement.

    210
  192. This is such a beautiful kit and I would love to win it and improve my stitching skills. My favorite stitch is the very most simple stitch…embroidery back stitch. It gets me going on a simple project and I can complete it. Thank you sew very much for your amazing blog posts that are filled with such great information. Creative Stitching Bliss…

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  193. My favorite stitch is the Lazy Daisy stitch and the chain stitch. But the more stitches I learn the more they all become a favorite stitch. Thank you for this chance to win.

    Have a super great sewing and stitching day!

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  194. My favourite stitch is the bullion knot
    I’m not very good at ….yet!! but I’m working on it but really I just love all stitches its fascinating to me that there are so many and thats why I like Mary’s page as it shows me loads!!
    hope I win that kit is amazing!

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  195. I really love the long/short stitch. It makes filling in large areas so much easier and better looking (I think) than a satin stitch. I used this stitch on a hot air balloon and it was wonderful.
    I love peacocks too, they are so beautiful, especially in flight!!!!

    215
  196. My favorite stitch is chain stitch with a tambour hook. It’s fast to do once you get used to it, but it’s still an incredible challenge for an embroidery beginner. It may not be the loveliest of all stitches, but I’m a terrible quitter, yet I haven’t given up on learning this. The tambour beading is gonna take a little more perseverance.

    In non-tambour embroidery, I love satin stitch, because it’s so hard to get it perfect, but worth the effort.

    216
  197. Thanks for the opportunity of wining this colourful and varied kit. Yours looks just wonderful. My favourite stitch is usually the one I am using at the moment, and currently it is Bayeux stitch, as I am working a piece about the Battle of Stamford Bridge, which preceded the Battle of Hastings.

    217
  198. That is an even fight between Palestrina (so pretty!) and the frenchknot. I especially love French knots en masse.

    218
  199. My favorite embroidery stitch is the Lazy Daisy (detached chain) with all of it’s variations. I like it because it is easy to learn and the numerous variations give stitchers a wealth of ways to use this one stitch.

    219
  200. My favorite stitch is the chain-stitch, because it was the first one taught to me by a dear friend – who has since passed on – many years ago while camping. Overnight I chain-stitched every shirt sleeve and collar that I had with me!

    Thanks for the opportunity, and happy autumn!

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  201. Peacocks. Oh those cocky males. So beautiful. My favourite stitch is stem stitch. It’s easy and rich. Thanks for this.

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  202. Without a doubt my favorite stitch is the French Knot – let me count the reasons why…
    1. I can use lots and lots of them to texturrely fill an area.
    2. The make simple organic flowers.
    3. I find it therapeutic to continuously wrap the thread around the needle when making my French knots.
    4. It makes a nice contrast to the flat stitches usually done in hand embroidery.
    5. Finally it can look like a fancy embellishment by changing the floss.

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  203. My favourite stitch is the leaf stitch because no matter what kind of thread you use (Brazilian, DMC, silk) it looks beautiful.
    Karen R

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  204. Picking your favorite stitch is worse than choosing your favorite child. Every new stitch is like a new friend to welcome and enjoy! Did I mention we live on Viaje Pavo Real? That loosely translates to peacock road.

    226
  205. WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEWONE WHO DOES CHURCH NEEDLEPOINT AND EMBROIDERY. I WOULDD FEEL SO BLESS IF I WAS THE LUCKEY ONE.

    THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL ARTICLES, HINTS TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS. TO LEARNE SOMETHING NEW EACH DAY IS A BLESSING. AUDRENE

    227
  206. My favorite stitch is the french knot/colonial knot. I use it not only in emboridery but needlepoint for the wonderful texture the stitch adds. Thank you for the chance to win. Norma W

    230
  207. I enjoyed reading through everyone’a favorite stitches. My favorite stitch of late is the fly stitch. What a beautiful leaf it makes!

    231
  208. I was actually going to make my husband buy this kit for me, but if we can save the $55 after shipping I’m down.

    My favorite stitch, so far, is the Hungarian braided chain stitch. I love the texture it gives when worked in rows right next to each other. Also it’s pretty darned fast to work up.

    232
  209. What a beautiful peacock to embroider! I love surface embroidery. My favourite stitch is the stem stitch because you can “sew” it.

    233
  210. French Knot. I’m relatively new at embroidery, but have done French Knots for many years and am proud of how nicely they turn out. Recently I started Japanese embroidery and did my first Japanese Knot. Imagine my surprise to discover I have probably never done a French Knot – always Japanese knots! (I believe you wrap the needle in opposite directions). This is the kind of discovery I make all the time being a lefty. I love embroidery!

    235
  211. My favorite stitch is the padded satin stitch. Not that I have mastered it by any means, but it is still the one that I gravitate to. And honestly it is the one stitch that people seem to notice and comment on.

    Love your website and look forward to your blog every weekday!!

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  212. Stem stitch is my favorite stitch. I have used it for lines and fill. It is so versitale.

    237
  213. The back stitch. You can draw a picture or write a message. The rest are just embellishments that make the work sensational.

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  214. My absolute favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. It’s my base. Its my outline. It’s my zen stitch.

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  215. Sweet I would get a chance to blow it up for crewel work! Lazy daisy stitch Is my fav. It is so easy and give a great 3D effect. Works with most thread.

    240
  216. Other than the oldie but goodies – Stem & Fishbone – I would have to say my “new” all time favorite stitch is the Hungarian Braided Chain. It makes a beautiful stem, it is a great filling stitch for leaves or other areas, it isn’t too hard to learn (especially with your tip of leaving the working stitch loose until you have the needle placed for the next stitch) and it’s fun to work. And – it’s soooo pretty!!

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  217. Mary,
    Thank you for a chance to win this beautiful kit!

    My favorite stitch is the bullion. I love to watch it develop as I do the wraps. Also, it is so versital because it can be used in so many ways…wooly insects to curved flower stamens. I must admit that anything beyond 20-30 wraps is still a challenge for me.

    Will you be doing this kit also? I hope so. Your instructions and advice really help to keep my enthusiasm at a high level.

    Sally

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  218. My favorite stitch is probably the long and short stitch because I find it can be applied in so many ways! I appreciate when someone takes the time to do it well as it can make your work absolutely shine!

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  219. My current favorite stitch is scroll stitch but I have learned so many more on needlenthread that it is hard to choose just one. The peacock kit would be a thrilling challenge.

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  220. I love peacocks! I used to have them as pets. My favourite embroidery stitch, believe it or not, is bullion knots. I used bullion knots to make flowers, bear, boat, bee and bee hive, etc. I love to twirl the threads around the needle and make designs using bullion knots.

    Susan Low

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  221. I have peacock feathers I bought at a Farmer’s Market a long time ago sitting on my desk at work because my sweet little girl cat won’t leave them alone.

    My favorite stitch is the backstitch – sturdy and useful.

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  222. My favourite for looking at when finished: satin stitch for its shine. My ‘use most often stitch’: stem stitch for its versatility.

    But my favourite for actually stitching has to be the be the Hungarian braided chain stitch. I love the moment when you tug on the thread and it closes around the needle!

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  223. Hi Mary and greetings from the Uk.
    My favourite stitch is Palestrina because it’s difficult enough that every time I come to do it I have to remind myself how by looking in your stitch guide but I so love to do it and trying to get it right with the tension and just enough pull on the thread. Also, it serves so many purposes as a filling stitch or as a linear stitch or for decoration.
    Jacqui Wirral, U.K.

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  224. What a lovely thing to do, especially on a Monday! My favorite stitch has to be the simple cross stitch as that is what I seem to be spending a lot of my time doing of late.

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  225. My favorite so far is the bullion stitch because you can do so much with it. I think my favorite application is as an edging because it creates such a beautiful scalloped trim. I love however to learn new stitches!

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  226. Oh I love this kit! Thank you for the chance to win one.
    I guess my favorite stitch is the chain stitch, as there are so many ways
    You can use it and also change its appearance. I did a crewel work pony
    That used rows and rows of chain stitch for the tail and part of the mane
    And it turned out so nicely. I like peacocks with their gorgeous colors
    And would love to stitch one. sue in Bermuda.

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  227. Hi Mary!

    What a beautiful kit! Peacocks are one of my favorite animalls, and I have a lot of peacock stuff, so I was really pleased to see this kit.

    My favorite stitch is the outline stitch, because of the lovely flowing lines you can make with it, suitable for stems, lettering, etc.

    Thank you for the giveaway!

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  228. I am very new to surface embroidery but already I can tell you that I love doing long and short stitch used in silk shading. I can blame you Ms. Corbet for this new addiction! I am totally hooked!

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  229. First of all, I love peacocks. I have stitched one so when I first saw this one on your site I checked it out but found it cost too much for me to buy. I would be delighted to win this draw. My favourite stitch is the French knot. It is fun to do an I love the effect. I stitched your crewel rooster and especially liked how it worked on his comb.
    Happy stitching everyone, now that the colder weather is here, I can sit and do it without feeling guilty about not working outside.

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  230. My all-time favorite stitch is the satin stitch!!!! I love feeling the smoothness of the stitch once completed. I would put myself in the beginner category though I am not an absolute beginner. I could never get a neat satin stitch till I read your article on how to get it right. And now I just love the beauty it creates!!! I feel very happy every time I finish something in satin stitch!!! Thank you!

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  231. my favorite stitch is the chain stitch, because you can use it for anything: outlines, fillings, straight shapes, round shapes, you can whip it or cross it for interesting textures

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  232. would love to stitch this kit!!! love the chain stitch it is so fast and easy for me and fills a lot of ground. thanks for the give away!

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  233. That’s a difficult question. There are many stitches that are fun and interesting, but an all time favorite would need to be a stitch that you rely on, use frequently, and enjoy the results. Although I like making the Queen Stitch, it’s the CHAIN stitch that would be the choice for me. It is so versatile and can be used in almost any situation. Thank you for the opportunities you give us to advance our stitching knowledge and to win glorious prizes.

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  234. My favorite stitch is buttonhole. It is a challenge to work correctly with even tension, but it definitely packs a whallop when you do Elizabethan embroidery or, in other words, detached embroiderly.

    I have a second favorite and it is stem stitch. I learned it at my grandmother’s knee and enjoy working it with small stitches to make an evenly flowing uniform line. I hear her voice in my head when I am working, exhorting me to make the back as neatly as the front!

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  235. Good Morning: Thank you and your sponsors for the opportunity on this give-away…hands down it is the CHAIN STITCH. Oh my gosh what a lovely stitch and so adaptable. I just finished Helen Blomkamp’s Jacobean Twist and the chain stitch on the branches made them look like real branches…and it is a stitch, when taken slowly and precisely, looks flawless….Joanne

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  236. I love doing the double herringbone, I embroidery on linen for medieval activities, viking is my persona.
    Tammy Huls-Trenton, SC

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  237. I love peacocks! My favorite embroidery stitch is chain stitch. I like the way it flows as you stitch it.

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  238. I love to laugh until I am in ‘stitches’ so I adore all the stitches. Your tutorials are so good that I can chuckle instead of cry as I poke away. Thank you.

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  239. My all-time favorite embroidery stitch is Chain Stitch. There are so many variations of this very easy stitch, e.g., heavy chain stitch, cable chain stitch, raised chain stitch band, checkered chain stitch, rosette chain stitch, double chain stitch, crested chain stitch and many more.

    The peacock is beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  240. My all time favorite stitch (so far) is the Hungarian braided chain stitch. I love it around curves and I love the weight and I love that it looks a little complex but isn’t terribly difficult to do.

    Peacocks are fabulously exotic and it sounds as though this kit would give the perfect amount of guidance for me

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  241. I love french knots. They’re just so satisfying when you get them right. And I love the texture when you run your hand over your piece of stitching.

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  242. What a hard question to answer, I love all the stitches, but I suppose the one I do the most is Split Stitch ( I know it is a simple little stitch but it gives some amazing results) My all time favourite though is the little french knot……….Sort of Monet.

    Lovely give away, thanks Mary

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  243. My favorite is the fishbone stitch because it makes such nice leaves.
    Somehow the regularity of its filling is satisfying.

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  244. Portuguese knotted stem stitch
    I love this stitch because it has such texture and I find it great fun to do! I often embroider onto my paintings – directly onto the canvas (though it is often tough to go through all the layers of paint and canvas and whatever else I have affixed to the work)and so I want a stitch that has some oomph! I will work it in all 6 strands of floss or pearl cotton to get even more beef to it.
    And thanks for your blog. I love it, even though I seldom sit and just stitch, I always get a chuckle and some great info from reading it.

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  245. I love, love, love the French knot. It can be used for so many projects and I love to see it when the FK’s are used for an entire top of a tree or someone’s hair. It’s a happy stitch for me but it is hard to pick just one. Thanks for the wonderful give-away – I love peacocks too, they are so beautiful.

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  246. What a gorgeous kit. I’d love to have it to stitch through the winter with it bright colors.

    My all-time favorite stitch is probably whipped chain stitch because it makes such a lovely textured line. If you whip it with a different color from the chain base you get a lovely bi-colored line. It makes a fine candy cane on a Christmas piece. I use it mainly for initials, most recently on a wedding purse for a cousin using a dark champagne for the chain whipped with white. It was decorated with flowers like your set of letters.

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  247. I’m a newcomer to Needle ‘n Thread, and I love it!

    I love the beautiful colors of peacocks. I even use an incredible photo of a peacock in a tree (Bing photo) as my computer desktop background because it’s so breathtakingly gorgeous to me!

    My favorite stitch is the basic backstitch because it’s the first stitch I ever learned——and I use it on virtually everything. (I also love the basic blanket stitch and the French knot.)

    Thank you for your wonderful website!

    In love and light,

    Lynn

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  248. A Peacock kit would be wonderful…I never did much embroidery until I started watching your FB page and blog. Thanks for the inspiration.
    My favorite stitch would be the back stitch ….because you can do so many things with it…it is the foundation for the wrapped backs stitch and several others.that make it look really complicated

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  249. I guess cross stitch, because I do more of that. I have been doing some bullion knot and drizzle stitches lately that I really like. Wonderful giveaway, just love the peacock!

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  250. I love the queen stitch!! It is really easy to do once you get the hang of it. It is a connection to past needlework which I like as I am a history buff!!
    Love this kit as I have a friend who owns peacocks and loves them!!!

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  251. I love love love the chain stitch. When I embroider I like to get into the zen zone where combining colors with this most basic stitch is the focus of my creative decisions. Simplicity shines !

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  252. I think my favorite stitch will have to be long and short, because needle painting my favorite thing to do.
    Satin and split stitch were close to winning, though.

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  253. The Chain Stitch! It was the first “fancy” stitch I learned as a child and it’s a fairly versatile stitch.

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  254. I don’t usually do this, but my sister just made a gorgeous peacock quilt and I would love to make this for her. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, but I love to try new ones. And thank goodness for your site. It’s much better than looking it up in a book!

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  255. I love the queen stitch. I know, lots of stitchers scream at the thought, but, I just love it!!! There!

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  256. My favourite all time embroidery stitch is the feather stitch. It is so versatile .

    Hope I win!

    Judith

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  257. A beautiful giveaway – thanks so much! There are actually two stitches I enjoy doing – satin stitch and French knots. Satin stitch can be so beautiful (when done well! Oh, to get that outline exactly even!), and French knots are just fun. I’m longing to try long and short stitching, too.

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  258. My favorite stitch is the back stitch, it is the first stitch that my Grandmother taught me back in the early 1970’s for outlining my designs. Then I am also partial to the french knot. I love seeing all the different stitching projects and stitches that you share with all of us. I try to practice using most of them in my embroidery projects.

    Good Luck fellow embroiderers!

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  259. My all-time favourite stitch is chain stitch. You can do so many things with it, different whipping, different thread, 2 needles. And it goes on and on.

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  260. My favorite stitch is the blanket stitch. It can be used to finish edges in sewn items and it can also be a decorative stitch. I love dandelions because you get two flowers for one and I love the blanket stitch for the same reason.

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  261. hello from France ; my aka is lilipaon which means in french lilipeacok ; I collect everything on peacock especially brooches but also posterstamps etc.

    I have made some work with chain stich and satin stich, I love every kind of embroidery.

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  262. I really like long and short satin stitch. It is a very nice filler and worked correctly you get an amazing graduation of colour.

    Tania

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  263. My all-time favorite embroidery stitch is the CHAIN STITCH because it is strong and useful in its elemental form and it is the sturdy, healthy, enduring basis of a wealth of other stitches–both substantial and delicate. Hurrah for the CHAIN STITCH!
    Thank you Laurence, French Needle, and Mary Corbet.

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  264. I like the rya stitch because of its versatility After it is stitched it can be left loopy or cut to make it fluffy. I made a pillow using yarn with this stitch for my Mom back when I was in college and she still has it! Shhh, not telling just how long ago THAT is! 😉 Beautify peacock kit! I think it will be even more beautiful to actually see it in person.

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  265. Wow..my favorite stitch, that is hard as I am happy with the creation as I progress using the appropriate stitch to get the look I am trying for, however if I really narrow it down I would have to say the satin stitch. WHY…because it allows one to shade in other colors bringing the subject to life.

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  266. I’m a very determined almost beginner, so I don’t have a lot of stitches in my repertoire. So far, my favorite stitch is the lazy daisy stitch. It’s an easy stitch to create, and has a pretty end result. The Blue Peacock is a beautiful kit with some stitches I would be excited to try, such as the chain stitch. Also, I love the blues in the kit.

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  267. Algerian eyelet.
    I love all counted stitches, but this one is so easy, and the result so spectacular.

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  268. What a beautiful and colorful piece – I have lately been working on mostly on painted canvases and it would be fun to switch back to an embroidery piece, especially one such as this. I think one of my favorite stitches has to be the brick stitch, but I also love colonial knots. Anyhow, thank you, Mary, for such a generous offer.

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  269. Well, since I have been stitching for many years, and have taken classes from many teachers all over this country, I know many stitches. Having said that, the most versatile, dependable stitch I know is still basketweave.

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  270. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch. I enjoy doing it and I love the sheen of the fibers when the light hit it.

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  271. I have to say my most favorite stitch of all time is Nyzanka, a heritage Ukrainian stitch. It is my favorite because I am 100% Ukrainian (all 4 grandparents) and I just found my living relatives in Ukraine this past year. In honor of my heritage I took it upon myself to learn Nyzanka and I did and I was able to share it with my relatives. This is what heritage is all about – culture, family, and tradition. It made me happy that I conquered the stitch and that I was able to share it with my EGA guild and with my relatives. (I tried to attach a snapshot of my Nyzanka, but couldn’t make it work.)

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  272. My favorite stitch is the lazy daisy because it makes me smile every time I use it.I am going through breast cancer treatments right now and I grab any bit of joy to get through this.

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  273. My favorite, so far, is Portuguese knotted stem stitch. I just recently used it to outline a cat I stitched as a gift for a friend, and I love the way it feels. To me, embroidery is something not to just look at, but to touch, to run your fingers over and appreciate the variations among stitches that way as well.

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  274. My first impression of the Peacock
    It should be done in mostly silk thread
    to bring out the beauty in the brightness
    of the feathers
    I would choose satin stitch
    because it would blend all the colors
    in a spectacular array of many color to
    give it that shimmer it well deserved
    It will be my first masterpiece
    thank you so much Mary for all the daily
    info–have saved all in a (MaryCorbett) file

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  275. Right now I’m really in love with the interlocked chain stitch. This kit is utterly gorgeous and I love all things peacock, so I hope I win! eeeee!

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  276. I love the cast on stitch and I live to embellish especially with beads. I love it when friends ask, please show me that. Thye would love to see a peacock stitched.

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  277. This kit is gorgeous. I have only been embroidering and cross stitching for 5 years when I retired at 65 and recently started Goldwork. I taught myself by searching the Internet and, of course, your website has a tutorial for so many embroidery stitches. I think my favourite stitch is stem stitch as it is so versatile and looks so nice.

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  278. My name is Bobbie Warren, my favorite stitch is a french knot cause it took my awhile to figure out, then alight came on

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  279. Hmmmm…satin stitch? Or maybe the detached buttonhole. Don’t forgot the stem stitch. Oh, I give up! I like too many to pick just one.

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  280. Thank you for offering this giveaway. This is a beautiful kit and the colors are wonderful. I haven’t done this type of stitching for quite a while, but it doesn’t look too complicated and would be a great refresher.

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  281. My favorite embroidery stitch is the CHAIN stitch. It’s super easy, super fast & looks super nice on a project.
    Thanks….Elaine Gregory

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  282. Embroidery was the first handwork that my mother taught me when I was young. There are so many wonderful stitches to learn. My favorite is the satin stitch because it is so smooth and makes such an impact on any project. I love to add a little satin stitch to a redwork project. Peacocks are gorgeous and I love The Blue Peacock!

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  283. My favorite stitch is sadly a bit dull. It’s the split back stitch. Don’t get me wrong I love using lots of the other fancier woven, braided and detatched stitches but some how I always come back to the split back stitch. I find its economical with thread, you can do fantastic detail in it and it shows off the natural sheen of the threads.

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  284. Love this kit. Mt favorite stitch is french knots. Love to see them mounded with small seed beads sprinkled about

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  285. French Knot has to be my favourite. The sense of fulfilment I got when I did it right for the first time was great and now it is my go to stitch whenever a little something extra is needed on a project.

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  286. I love peacocks. My husband will not let me have them where we live. If I can’t have them live I would enjoy stitching a peacock.

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  287. I have a peacock decorated dining room.
    My favorite stitch is the buttonhole or blanket
    stitch because it has so many uses and variations

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  288. This is such a gorgeous design. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.

    My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. When I was in college I did an entire tapestry on the back of a suit jacket in chain stitch. It’s still awesome.
    (Reverse chain is currently overtaking my favorite, though. I find it’s easier to keep the stitches an even length.)

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  289. My favorite stitch is the Vandyke. I like the way it makes a neat tie-down with minimal effort, and that it is so versatile. It makes graceful Jacobean leaves and petals, and also geometric filling. That peacock is sumptuous!

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  290. There are so many to choose from, but among them I believe the chain stitch is one of my favorite. It is so versatile, you can use it to fill in, to make strait or curve lines, you can embellished them. Well I been embroidery for about a year now and the more I learn, my favorite change. Thank you for teaching us.

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  291. I recently I learned the colonial knot and it has become my favorite because it is more dependable than the french knot. I also think it has more definition.

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  292. Embroidery stitches are great because of the varied effects you can create with them. I have always liked the French Knot because of the texture it creates and the fact that you can make them larger or smaller. The French Knot would have to be my favorite.

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  293. My favorite stitch is the simple stem stitch. I use it a lot on tea towel designs; especially the vintage ones. I use all one color to have a red work or vary the colors to create fun color combos to match my decor. I really should be brave and try more stitches. Winning the Peacock kit would force me to expand my range of stitches.

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  294. Oooh. It’s a toss-up. Plain old chain stitch for versatility – fill, outline, detail… But I feel guilty for not saying “double running,” without which almost all of my projects would be bereft.

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  295. I love the blanket stitch. It challenges me every time in keeping them the same length and the same width apart. It is not the most exciting stitch but I love the challenge every time I use it.

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  296. I love the chain stitch – it was the first “specialty” stitch I learned as a beginner in the 1960s. I made many daisies with this stitch! The tablecloth I am working on now has some chain stitches in the pattern. Love it!

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  297. Trouble with update. Message was sent before my stitch was sited. Bullion is my favorite. I have made so many I have need to rest my shoulde!
    Thank you.

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  298. Beautiful design! My favorite stitch (so far!) is the buttonhole stitch. It can be used for so many different applications–my favorite is lace making!

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  299. Hi Mary, My favourite stitch or is it stitches? is long and short. I am totally in love with needle painting and this is the ideal stitch for it. You can bend it, curve it, do shading, add highlights and some times even embroider over a little mistake. The peacock will go nicely with the peacock head I have already done. Oh well one can dream 🙂
    Kind regards, Elza Bester Cape Town xxx

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  300. I absolutely love feather stitching! I like all forms of it! I like using in on children’s wear, on crazy quilting, on adult garments, on the borders of samplers….I just love to do it everywhere! It was challenging to learn, and to make it even. Although I’ve done it many times, I still need to practice it on a scrap before I work it on an actual project, just to make sure my rhythm is consistent, and my stitches are even.
    I hope I win this kit. I LOVE peacocks! So much color on one creature! I know I would have fun stitching this!

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  301. Exciting – thanks Mary!

    Hard to pick one stitch, but I love the rhythm of the coral knot in Schwalm whitework. Once I get going, it’s so relaxing. And if you aren’t relaxed, the stitching will show it!

    Thanks, Sarah

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  302. OK, Mary – you’ve finally done it! I WANT THIS ONE!!! I do have a peacock-theme in my life. In fact, about 6 moths ago I “installed” (only word I can think of) a full size taxideremied peacock in my entry-way (tail down, not out!!) — his name is Beaumont (beautiful mountain, because we have Mt. Rainier in our backyard). So he needs an accompanying embroidery!

    My favorite stitch? I DO like a lot of them. Most of them, in fact. But the stitch that popped into my mind was Portuguese Stem Stitch. I just really enjoy doing that one!!! Somewhere high up on the list is the Fly Stitch, as well. It is fun, easy, and SO versatile!

    Happy Monday, Mary.

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  303. I believe my favorite is the feathered chain stitch. It can add character to a design, and can be used alone for a border.

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  304. What a fun give-away… I don’t think I really have a “favorite” embroidery stitch. For the purpose of today’s post I’ll say I like the bullion knot stitch. For me, they’re fun to make. You can shape them to create flowers, insects, all types of things. Perhaps I’ll have a chance to make a few if I win the ‘lottery’ of the Peacock design…otherwise I’ll just go practice on my scribble-cloth. Thanks for the give-away Mary (& “friends”).

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  305. I’d have to say my favorite stitch is the satin stitch but i am still fairly new to embroidery. I love the way it makes the thread shine and it looks beautiful when i embroider eyes and lips onto my handmade dolls. Thank you for the chance to win such a gorgeous embroidery kit!

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  306. Oh, that’s tough! I love stem, but I think tent (petit point) is probably my all time favourite, as I keep coming back to it.

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  307. My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion stitch. I Love the many uses for this stitch, especially beautiful bullion roses and other flowers.

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  308. My favorite stitch is the Queen Stitch (Rococo Stitch). I learned it about 20 years ago in a Lauren Sauer class–green thread on the same green linen. A challenge, but so pretty–the texture, the way light reflects–and fun to do.

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  309. My favorite embroidery stitch is the French knot. It the first stitch my grandmother & mother taught me. I enjoy the beauty and simplicity of the stitch. It is also a constant reminder of them. They have gone since I was 20 years old. I am not 47. Thank you! Cathy Moro

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  310. I love the padded satin stitch, and the fact that a very simple stitch, the split stitch, can make it look so good! I like the smoothness you get when you place your threads just right. I like the fact that it starts small, then keeps building layers until the last layer is stitched, just outside the split stitches.

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  311. Such a beautiful embroidery piece! My favorite stitch has always been the bullion stitch. I find it so elegant and eye catching. I need to improve mine but still like seeing it done on embroidery pieces.

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  312. My favorite is bullion stitch. I was a hard stitch for me to master for some reason, but once I did I fell in love. I have had lots of little girls around me in my 67 years. I love to work bullion roses to the delicate little baby dresses and trims as they get older.

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  313. Hello…
    Love peacocks..I worked in a garden center that had several peacocks and loved their peculiar call almost sounding like an over sized annoyed cat. It made laughter come alive in the drudgery of our day.
    I am enjoying many new stitches and love the short and long satin stitch that is used to fill large areas like bird feathers and the subtle shading that can be achieved and am fascinated with the weaving stitches that can done with assorted colors. My embroidery knowledge has been pulled up many notches with your tutorials. Thanks for the great information.

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  314. I love the French Knot! I think that it brings the piece to life. I really like the dimension it adds to the piece too.

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  315. Generous giveaway – so lovely!

    My favorite stitch is the tried and true satin stitch – what would our beloved flower, bird and leaf projects be without it?

    Maryjo in California

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  316. The embroidery stitch that I prefer is the cross stitch… because everything is possible with this stitch , modern or classical, romantic or not … I have been practicing it for years and years…I learnt it when i was a child and I’m a grand-ma, now….

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  317. Hi Mary, I would love to receive this peacock kit. I am an intermediate level stitcher, and have been wanting to try a peacock. And blue is my favorite color.

    How does one pick a favorite stitch?? I would say that the straight stitch is one of my favorites, in a 5 stitch fan configuration. Very effective done with two different colored threads in different weights, add French knots, lazy daisies… I use these all over!

    Thank you,

    Nicky

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  318. Thank you for the give-away! My all time favorite stitch is the Queen stitch. I think it’s my favorite because I worked so hard to learn how to execute the stitch well. I love the look of those wonderful little diamonds in flowers and other fillings where a little bit of WOW factor is needed.
    I would also love to do the Peacock…the colors are amazing!

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  319. I am sure that I love peacocks as much as you do. I would love to have a chance to win this prize.

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  320. My FAV embroidery stitch??? That’s a difficult question, cause the last stitch I learned usually becomes my FAV. So with that in mind … SPRAT’S HEAD and using Caron’s Watercolours threads. It looks fabulous!!

    Mara Aditajs

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  321. Hi Mary.

    That question #3 is a toughie but I think I have to say that most recently, my favourite stitch is stem stitch. I have invested recently in a whole series of Bayeux Tapestries from The French Needle, and while two of them seem to be x-stitch, the others are the full size wool-stitched kits. Each item in the latter type has to be outlined in stem stitch before it can be completed with Bayeux stitch. It sounds like a lot of work – and frankly, it is – but it adds so much to whole design that I find myself positively looking forward to doing the step stitch around whatever part of the design I’m up to at the time.

    I have to say that I also really like long and short stitch even though I’m not really proficient in that too. I’d never heard of it till I started reading your blog but the way you can blend one colour into another is very appealing.

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  322. My favourite stitch is the French knot. At school I used to doodle vines and leaves along the edges and in the blank spaces of my books and paper. I always finished them with a cluster of dots representing a spray of flowers. It took me a long time to master the French knot, but now I can recreate my childhood doodles in embroidery, and it works as truly beautiful edging on anything!

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  323. It’s not very sexy, but it has to be the stem stitch. It can be used for so many purposes, and it’s such an encouraging stitch because a beginner can make something beautiful right off the bat using only stem stitch.

    370
  324. Thank You for the chance to win this lovely kit. The colors are just incredible! I’m not a very talented stitcher – but my favorite is the French Knot – I think you get a lot of bang for your buck! Also I am old enough (63) to know all the words to If You Know Susie. My Mom played piano in a little dance band from the 40’s on. We had lots of music in our house growing up and I’m thinkin this was an Al Jolsen from the 30’s. Best line – There’s none so classy as this fair Lassie. Thanks Again Toni in Oregon

    371
  325. My favourite stitch is Bayeux point – I’ve just had to learn it fir a community embroidery project in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry, and it’s utterly absorbing!

    372
  326. My favorite stitch is the Holbein stitch or double running stitch. It’s very quick and easy so I don’t have to think after a long day at work. More importantly it puts less stress on my wrist than other embroidery stitches.

    373
  327. My favorite stitch would have to be feather stitch because it makes for great dragon/dinosaur scales!

    376
  328. This peacock kit is lovely and I would love to give it a try! I haven’t done very much embroidery, but I’m hoping to be able to spend more time on it as the winter weather blows in. I don’t have a favorite stitch per say, but I guess I really like stem stitch because I really hate back stitch and stem stitch is a good alternative :-). I also really like to use feather stitch when doing leaves or flowers.

    377
  329. My favourite stitch has to be woven wheels, such fun to stitch and the results are always amazing whatever type and texture of thread is used.

    Wow, I would be thrilled to win the peacock kit. Thank you for the opportunity of entering.

    378
  330. I like the long and short split stitch …you can make a face a bird a flower really come alive…almost anything look really great!
    marie nigro

    379
  331. I’ve been getting back into embroidery and look forward to new challenges!
    My favorite embroidery stitch is chain stitch!
    The variations are endless and it is a quick filler with an interesting texture.

    380
  332. My favorite stitch is actually a combination of stitches collectively referred to as “the Bayeux Tapestry Stitch.” I love the textures I can achieve with this stitch, as well as the “quick fill” I can get when covering a large area.

    381
  333. Picking a favorite stitch is like choosing your favorite child. Each one is unique and special. Although, I must say that one of my favorite stitches is the corel knot stitch. It makes the best spider legs you have ever seen! LOL threadartist4 @ gmail.com

    382
  334. My favourite embroidery stitch is long and short stitch. I learnt this about 20 years ago with an inspirational teacher who was also a brilliant designer. I am afraid I cannot be near real birds as I have an (irrational) fear of them, but love to embroider them, and would love to work the peacock.

    384
  335. My favorite stitch right now is stem stitch I just learned. It makes the overall embroidery look so much neater. Its has me stitching more than cross stitch that used to be my favorite now I can explore surface embroidery. Thanks for giveaway
    next is queen stitch a pain but worth it.
    Audrey

    385
  336. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch, I look for places to use it. I think why I like it so much is the fullness of it, used in the right place it gives an extra ZIP to the work.

    386
  337. Thank you for this give-a-way; the Peacock design has a nice variety of stitches.
    My favorite stitch changes – but probably the one that remains constant is Cast-on & Cast-on Double Stitch. I probably use it somewhere in all my Brazilian Designs. It can be the base of a compound stitch or on its own for bugs, bees, mushrooms and lovely flowers. I especially like the braided look on the edge of the Cast-on Double stitch
    I wish everyone posting here good luck ~ but mostly I wish me good luck.
    Sharon Shetley in Modesto, CA

    387
  338. My favorite all time embroidery stitch is the chain stitch. For a few reasons! It is the easiest stitch to rip out if I have to, it is firmly implanted in my head…I never have to look it up, and it lends itself to so many ways to embellish it!

    388
  339. Wow, This is a hard question, but I am going to say long and short stitch, because so much can be done with it. I think that it is a stitch that can challenge and make us reach for the beauty that can we can produce from just one stitch. I love many other stitches also, like french knots, bullion, chain etc. I just love embroidery.

    389
  340. I have learned so much from this site – love it. My favorite stitch is theversatile chain stitch. Thank you for your clear instruction. Ellie

    390
  341. I really love the long and short stitch. I’m super into the ombre look and that stitch really allows me to bring that look to life. It’s also the best for doing real looking flowers.

    391
  342. Yeah! A peacock kit give away. I loved it but the website said it was sold out. So double yeah for a giveaway. This is a hard question because I love so many. But if I have to choose it would be the French knot and the bullion stitch. You can do so many interesting textures and animals/insects/flowers with these stitches. I once did an entire sheep in French knots. Love your blog. I look forward to it each day.

    392
  343. I am just beginning to learn embroidery. So happy I found your blog this past week end. Love what I am learning from you.

    Back stitch. I have started a project and used this all day yesterday on a project I am attempting. It seems to be working for me now. But, I look forward to learning more.

    393
  344. I would love to give this kit to my 90 year old mom who does Brazilian embroidery.

    I just learned the reverse chain stitch and really like the way it outlines.

    394
  345. Thanks for having a giveaway!

    I love the satin stitch. It is challenging getting all the stitches just right, but when it is done correctly, the result is beautiful!

    395
  346. I like the blanket stitch. It can be a frame, an edging, a twirly little pathway among the trees – any sort of straight or curved line. It’s simple and doesn’t take forever to do.

    396
  347. Fantastic give away.
    My favourite stitch has to be a French Knot, a whole bunch of these can give tremendous effect.

    397
  348. I love the raised chain stitch band–I love the texture and it’s so orderly that it can be easy to work while in an almost meditative state!

    398
  349. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, I learned it as a little girl and find it so relaxing to do. However I am enjoying learning new stitches and brooding my skills.

    399
  350. My favorite stitch is the split stitch, because it makes such pretty lines and it looks like a tiny chainstitch which is perfect for dollclothes (I’m a dollmaker too). Love this website and the newsletters. Thank you 🙂

    400
  351. Right now my favorite is stem stitch. I used to battle to get it even and disliked it immensely. I have been taking Kathy Shaw’s CQ classes and she has a stem stitch tutorial on her blog, Shawkl.com which helped me correct my problems with even stitches Now I really enjoy the stitch; such a simple fix can make all the difference! Love the peacock kit.

    401
  352. I’m a huge fan of the chain stitch. I love the way it can fill or outline as needed, and I particularly like using it in crewel embroidery. I find it very meditative to do. I’m also a fan of the Palestrina stitch. But that being said, I only started doing embroidery a few months ago so I’m still trying out lots of new stitches. I’ve found your blog really helpful as I’ve been learning. Thanks for the giveaway!

    402
  353. I love the Rhodes stitch! While relatively simple to stitch, it lends sophistication and a 3-dimensional aspect to every project. It would be excellent as the “eyes” in the peacock’s tail!!

    404
  354. Peacocks have intrigued my imagination since first encountering them at our zoo. They roamed free and I scurried about to find lost feathers to treasure.
    The colors are my signature in most of my designs.
    My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is fluid to out line or add emphasis where needed. I also depend on this simple stitch to create a base from which I’m able to experiment and explore the adventure of free embroidery.

    405
  355. I love doing chain stitch it. They are good as a filling stitch or creating various patterns combining it with other stitches. It’s been a while I am not stitching but I am in love with the colors of this peacock.

    406
  356. Love this kit! My favorite stitch to admire is the feather stitch but mine never look like I want it to.

    407
  357. Lazy Daisy as it was the first one I learned and lead me to others…Thank you for the awesome give away that is awesome.

    408
  358. My favourite stitch is the French knot … single, double, and in a bunch! I do a lot of crewel and Japanese embroidery. The peacock is absolutely beautiful and would be fun to stitch.

    409
  359. My favorite stitch is the seed stitch. It enables me to be creative and flexible and not worry too much about perfection. I can use this stitch in many designs and love the way it can go in so many directions . A beginner can pick it up easily and it makes a super filler. Thanks for the opportunity to win a kit, have some fun with a quick break from work Mauri

    410
  360. Hi Mary, thanks for the giveaway! I love the feather stitch. It can be straight or follow a curve, plain or adorned with other stitches, and can be a single, double or triple feather. It is delicate looking and adds a lot of visual appeal even though it is a simple stitch to do. Looks good on bird and angel wings and lots of other places too.

    411
  361. I love the bullion stitch. It can be made in various colors and lengths. But most importantly–it has movement! I like having fun in my stitching!

    412
  362. Dear Mary,
    One of my favourite’s is the bullion knot. I find it so relaxing to get the wraps right to create perfect roses.

    413
  363. Hey cool ideal,
    Let’s See my favourite stitch….
    To be honest i really can’t decide between the split stitch, which i love and use most of the time
    And the german brick stitch, which i just came to try and like for It’s beatiful style
    Whish everyone good luck

    414
  364. Awesome! I fell in love with this kit as soon as I saw it. Thank you for this chance Mary!

    I think my favorite stitch would be the satin stitch. I love monograms using this stitch. There is nothing more soothing to me than using white silk thread on a soft white handkerchief. The white silk truly gleams in the light and gives the light material that subtle weight at the monogrammed corner. Other stitches don’t seem to have that feel nor the gleam. I can spend hours getting the threads to lay “just right”. It’s almost meditative for me. I know, I’m weird like that.

    415
  365. OMG, this kit is gorgeous. Just the right size too! I guess my favorite stitch would have to be the stem stitch. I use it a lot and love how versatile it is. Thanks for the chance to win this gorgeous kit!

    416
  366. que c’est beau ,tout pinterest le met sur son site mais au point de croix et au ruban ,celui là je ne l’ai pas encore vu mais si je le voyais sur le mu de mon salon quelle joie

    417
  367. I love peacocks – they are amazingly beautiful and of course I want the kit! (What a surprise:)
    In my opinion the combination of different stitches gives great result.

    418
  368. I have a hard time choosing which stitch I like the most. It depends a lot on what I’m creating at the time. Today I would say I love the lazy daisy and the French knot. Have you seen the book about creating entire pictures with French knots?

    419
  369. I am a old (person) but new at embroidery and I just love it. I love making ai lot of my own designs. I especially enjoy all the helpful hints everyday
    From this website. I love knowing at the end of most days I can relaxe and take up whatever project I’m working on. I love making fun dish towels for my family & friends.
    And I love a give away although I seldom win anything ever!

    420
  370. It has to be chain stitch. It’s quick to do, useful for so many things, and shows off thread beautifully. I would love to have this peacock. In our guest casita we have a tile mural that is a peacock and this would be awesome to accompany it.

    421
  371. Hi! I would love this kit!! My favorite stitch–do I have to choose just one?–is well, I guess the French knot. It’s easy, beautiful for filling out flowers, and shows all different angles of the thread.

    422
  372. The Peacock Embroidery is beautiful. I have never done a kit before, but this looks like something I can work on and have a wonderful finished project. I like the french knot stitch the most because it is three demential, fills an area easily and neatly, and most of all , because I think it is dainty and pretty!

    423
  373. I would LOVE to win this. I love peacocks… well looking in them anyway. Recently we had some break loose from a local farm and come by out yard. So beautiful. I don’t really have a favorite stitch… It depends on what I am doing. Lately I have been do a lot of applique and use the blanket stitch a lot which I find satisfying. But I also enjoy learning new ones.

    425
  374. Your photos of this peacock are so enticing, and I’d love to work it. I especially like satin stitch because of its versatility, and it’s especially useful for monogramming.

    426
  375. My favorite is the cross stitch, especially if it is holding down a bead. Thanks for the giveaway.

    427
  376. I love the bullion stitch. There are so many things you can make with it from roses to bees, to frogs, and other wildlife. It’s so versatile you can look so skilled without knowing much of anything.

    428
  377. My favorite stitch is probably the feather stitch. I had a difficult time learning how to do it comfortably, but now I love the versatility of the stitch and its light, lacy look. The peacock is wonderful…thanks for the chance!

    430
  378. Rather than having a favorite stitch (which are generally blanket, back, & straight!); I’m trying to improve and perfect my bullion stitch and the Cretan stitch.
    This seems the “perfect” project to work on all those stitches and I would love that opportunity to do so.
    Thank you,
    Susie j

    431
  379. My favorite embroidery stitch? Wow! That’s really hard to say! I love the chain stitch for it’s lovely thickness, the satin stitch for it’s shiny smoothness, hardanger’s picot for its whimsy, and the little x’s of cross stitch because they can, like the alphabet, convey so very much. I don’t think I can choose just one. I love them all!

    And thank you, Mary. I also love peacocks!

    432
  380. My favorite stitch is the split stitch. It is great as a fill, and often has the appearance of knitting. It can also be used in place of the chain stitch.

    434
  381. My favorite stitch is the back stitch. It packs a punch and gives a final touch to an embroidery.

    435
  382. Hi Mary,

    What a beautiful kit and in my favourite colours! My favourite stitch? It would be a toss up between reverse chain stitch and tailors buttonhole.

    436
  383. Ooooh. I love peacocks, and I definitely qualify as a Very Determined almost-beginner. I’ve done counted cross-stitch, as well as lazy daisy and stem stitch, but my absolute favorite is making roses with the bullion stitch in what used to be called Brazilian embroidery. Such texture! Such shine!

    Many thanks to you and the generous folks at Canevas Folies and the French Needle for the opportunity.

    437
  384. очень люблю вышивать французким узелком для меня это универсальный шов + шов рококо. недавно научили вышивать картины в 3d формате. очень увлекательно и красиво

    439
  385. I love Drizzle stitch, because it’s quirky and easy and enjoyable to stitch. Also it always brings lemon drizzle cake to mind which is my favourite cake. So yummy thoughts while I’m stitching.

    440
  386. Beautiful peacocks!

    I think the satin stitch is my favorite due to it’s versatility – it comes through when other stitches just won’t work.

    441
  387. Hi, My all time favorite stitch would have to be The French Knot. It is every easy to do and I think it is a fast stitch. Another reason I like it best is because it can be so versatile just by using extra threads to make it bigger, or two different colors together to use for blending in an area. It can also be used for filling in an area. Thank you!

    443
  388. My favorite stitch is the french knot. I love working this stitch because I get into a rhythm while working them that is very relaxing. I also love the texture they provide and their versatility.

    444
  389. mon point favori est le point compté, je l’aime, je l’aime .Alors celui-là,je serai heureuse de vous suivre -sachant que je ne le ferai pas aussi bien qu’il faudrait- mais avec tout mon coeur

    446
  390. My favorite stitch is the crescent stitch. I really like the depth,texture and the variety of ways it can be done. I too love peacocks and the fabulous coloring they have. This kit is beautiful and its size makes it doable!

    447
  391. I’m not an experienced stitcher, so haven’t tried a lot of stitches, but the Hungarian beaded chain stitch has really caught my interest. It looks amazing but doesn’t seem too terribly hard, so I will be trying it one of these days.

    448
  392. I do love to stitch queen stitches, but I have no idea why: the rhythm or the lovely texture?

    449
  393. I love peacocks and feather stitch – it has so many variations and just flows wherever you want to go!

    450
  394. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is my best outline stitch and I am beginning to use it as a filler.

    451
  395. Oh my! YES! I bet you’re going to have a lot of entries on this, but I love peacocks, so I MUST enter anyways! I’m still waaaay beginning, but I’m sure I could figure it out and make you proud if I won it.

    As for you question, my favorite? That’s hard to choose since I still have little experience. I really liked the shisha embroidery with the little mirrors you did recently. I’d love to do something like that. Create dragon scales! So shiny and pretty.

    452
  396. Another wonderful giveaway! Thanks!
    My favourite stitch is the french knot. My grandmother showed me how to do it many years ago, and I recall using it with reckless abandon on everything … jeans, cup towels, aprons, t-shirts … everything had french knots for a while! It brings back fond memories of her and her kindness and patience.

    453
  397. My favorite stitch is the Lazy Daisy stitch. Mainly because it’s the first I learned, and who doesn’t love an easy flower? 🙂

    454
  398. I totally get peacocks! Why use one color where 20 will fit?

    Seriously, how can you bear to give this away? My fingers would be literally twitching to put needle to this piece.

    My favorite is the ribbed spider web. It’s fun. it’s fiddly, it looks more complicated than it is.

    455
  399. Hello Mary. Just popped into your website for a quick tutorial on couching, and saw this lovely give-away. Thank you! I’ve loved reading the comments about favorite stitches.
    I have to say my favorite stitch is the humble eyelet. I just love the way it adds interest and texture.

    456
  400. Love give-aways what a special way to start the week. THANKS 🙂 My all time favourite stitch has to be button hole because it is so versatile – can be used to decorate, edge things and also for needle lace and have so many many variations….

    457
  401. My favorite stitch is the backstitch because I do a lot of word embroidery. I also like French knots! Love this kit, so beautiful.

    458
  402. What a lovely kit! Thank you for offering it to some lucky reader! My favorite stitch is the outline stitch; it’s the first stitch I learned almost 50 years ago and it’s the one I use the most.
    Jenny

    459
  403. My granddaughter loves peacocks, I would to stitch it for her
    My favorite stitch is the bullion, and it’s many variations

    460
  404. My favorite stitch is the Lazy Daisy, because my Grandmother taught it to me when I was four years old and it is pretty and it is easy, and I always think of her when I do Lazy Daisies.

    I raise peacocks and currently have about 30, but I have never embroidered one.

    461
  405. My all-time favorite embroidery stitch is the running stitch. The reason is this basic stitch can be used in so many ways creating a beautiful sampler by using the different variations of the stitch using the whipped running stitch, looped running stitch, laced running stitch and the double threaded running stitch. When using different colors floss the designs you can create are endless.
    Patricia Peoples

    462
  406. My favorite stitch is the detached chain stitch or the lazy daisy stitch. My mom taught me this one when I was pretty young, and even now it reminds me of my mom…..and I’m 65 years old!

    463
  407. My favorite stich is French Knot, because it looks nice and cute once I got it right and it wasn’t very hard to make.
    Thank you for your generousity Mary.

    464
  408. It’s so hard to pick my favorite embroidery stitch but I guess I’m partial to the French knot. I like how you can change the size of it and how it can be used to create texture.
    Thanks!

    465
  409. Well, it is a happy Monday indeed when you are giving away such a beautiful peacock kit. I was drooling on your post about it earlier. My favourite embroidery stitch is – gasp – French Knot. So much fun when you’ve got it under control.

    466
  410. My all-time favorite stitch is the straight stitch. It has a multitude of uses. Alone it can be a seed stitch, strung together it becomes a running stitch or an outline stitch. Several lined up beside each other become the satin stitch or Bargello or long and short satin stitches. When used as an x it is the cross-stitch. It is the foundation stitch for all embroidery.

    467
  411. Thanks for another lovely giveaway!

    I love the detached buttonhole stitch. I’ve always loved its texture and once I mastered the rhythm of the stitch it became a joy to do!

    Thanks!

    468
  412. my all time favorite would be that little X in Cross stitching I am amazed of what that little X can do in picture to linens.

    469
  413. I really like the split stitch because it is bold when It’s time to make a statement. A cupcake looks cute with some bold chocolate frosting! I find it a good fill as well as outline. Thanks for the chance!

    470
  414. My all time favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It can be used for outlining, filling, and lots of other things! I have done at least one entire project in nothing but chain.

    471
  415. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It is such a versatile stitch. Add a little extra and you’ve got a lazy daisy stitch. I often run perle cotton through the chain to, in some cases, make a more substantial chain; or in other cases, to add color. When sewn in a straight line or a curve, it’s a wonderful stitch; simple, but elegant! Janet Steele, a/k/a Sew Hooked!

    472
  416. My favorite stitch is the feather stitch. It is the first stitch my grandmother taught me when I was about five. Whenever I use it I think of my loving grandmother and remember her with love and appreciation.

    473
  417. My all time favorite. I don’t know if I would call it my fave, but I do really favor using it.
    Stem stitch. It just does almost everything.
    I just love the ropey, textured look.

    474
  418. Only one? I don’t know if I can do that. I love the way different stitches work together in all their many combinations. I really like the basic stitches … while other more complicated stitches look fantastic, it is the old standbys that provide the background, add dimension or outline contrast. Since I have to choose just one, it would have to be the stem stitch because it looks great by itself or in combination with other stitches.

    475
  419. My favorite stitch is french knots. When I was a child the neighbor’s Grandmother came to visit 3 or 4 times a year. She used to teach me a new sewing, knitting, embroidery or crochet technique each time she would visit. The french knot was the first one she showed me. After much practice, she said I was VERY good at it. It sure did make me feel good. I was so proud. I made french knots on everything my Mom would allow. I still think of her every time I do a french knot.

    476
  420. My all time favorite stitch is the bouillon stitch. I find it very satisfying to make. When I am making it at first I think it is not going to turn out and then all of a sudden, after pulling the thread through, it looks great and you can do a lot with it. You can make it long and couch it down or short and make gorgeous flowers with it. Love, love, love it!

    477
  421. I love the French knot. It makes the most beautiful designs! My sister makes the most beautiful cat-tails! I finally am able to make them myself now & love them for so many designs.

    478
  422. Hi Mary
    What a lovely kit! And from a Swiss company! I lived in Switzerland for a year as an au pair and my mother was born and raised there in Zurich. My mother was a very talented embroiderer and taught crewel embroidery classes. I was stitching samplers at about 8 or 9 yrs. One of the first stitches she taught me was the simple French Knot and I still love that stitch. It’s so unassuming; yet when arranged together, those simple little knots become something wonderful. They add texture and are so fun! So that’s my favorite stitch – the simple, yet powerful French Knot!!

    479
  423. I would love to have this kit–absolutely love peacocks. My favorite stitch is the bullion stitch because it looks so pretty for flowers.

    480
  424. I have two all-time favorite stitches, French knot and blanket stitch. I had problems for years trying to learn these stitches. Now that I know how to do them I use these stitches every chance I get. Thanks for the giveaway.

    481
  425. My favorite stitch would be the stem stitch, because I’m a quilter, I use it for red work, in crazy quilts, on my embroidery label, for filling it a tree, it’s just great stitch! Would love this to be a center of a crazy quilt piece!

    482
  426. Must admit that usually it’s the embroidery stitch I am currently working on.The most used, as they are usually the most versatile, is stem stitch (especially for borders), satin stitch for perfect fill ins & the ever versatile straight stitch. Oops, that’s 3 types of stitches but the cover a lot of embroidery usage.

    483
  427. My favorite stitch would have to be the lazy daisy stitch. It was probably one of the first more ‘complex’ stitches I learned as a young child. Obviously used for making flowers, I love that it can also be used as a border or leaves, or many other applications, yet is so quick to create in all types of threads.
    And speaking of peacocks – the beautiful peacock design makes me think of a tray that I inherited from my grandmother with a tinsel-painted picture of a peacock that I’ve always loved.

    484
  428. I love your giveaways. Thank you in advance for your generosity. My favorite project was a 9-page counted cross stitch project of An Old Woman in the Shoe. I now do a lot of redwork and enjoy doing stem stitch. Although the boullion stitch looks so beautiful, I’ve yet to use in any of my projects. Thank you again for your blog, tutorials, and giveaways.

    485
  429. Hi

    I’d love to win the Blue Peacock. It’s beautiful.
    My favorite stitch is the satin stitch because
    it gives a shiny and clean look to any piece.

    Thanks
    Peggy of White Plains, New York

    486
  430. favorite stitch is buttonhole. Versatile, can go straight or all around and upside down. In a single row or layered. Love the rhythm of it looping around.

    487
  431. My favorite stitch is the french knot. I just love piling them up to make beautiful stumpwork hydrangeas or using 1 or 3 to make a loveley flower center or fill in some space. They are just so much fun!

    488
  432. This peacock stitchery is so lovely! It is going to be my gift to myself when I retire early next year from my winery office manager job….to win it would be frosting on the cake!
    My favorite stitch is the outline stitch – it’s almost instant gratification and is so versatile. I love teaching it to youngsters using variegated thread…..

    489
  433. I like the challenge of new stitiches when I start a new project . I particularly like the bullion stitch. You can create so many lovely objects using it….like the flowers & figure in the book A Z Of Embroidered Motifs.

    490
  434. I have had so much fun learning all the stitches you have on your site. It is hard to pick just one! I guess it would have to be long and short stich! But a good second would be satin or maybe stem or maybe bullion… There are to many to choose from!!!!

    491
  435. My favourite stitch is the long and short. I find it a difficult stitch but I have persevered, practising for months and now feel it is a little above acceptable as far as finished results. I love this stitch for its versatility and the beautiful shading that can be accomplished with it on any project.

    492
  436. My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch. I just love the way it looks and it is fun to make! I enjoy bird designs and the chain stitch is a natural to use. Makes great tree limbs!!

    493
  437. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It is so versatile and can be modified in so many ways. It also can make a nice filler or left open, makes lovely butterflies, flowers and so much more.

    I think peacocks are amazing and they are definitely one of my favorite birds. I sure would love to work on an embroidery project with the peacock as the centrepiece.

    Maria

    494
  438. Um-m–favorite stitch — that depends often on the day. However, if I were to pick just one, and only one, I think I’d say the Rococo stitch. It’s quite old – I love the texture resulting with one color, the progression of color available when using more than one.
    And the Blue Peacock is gorgeous! I’d love it for my living room!
    Thanks….

    495
  439. I love the blanket stitch because it works up fast. You can really get into a rhythm with it if you’re using it as a hem or decorative trim, but it also has many variations that can create other interesting effects.

    496
  440. My favorite embroidery stitch is the basic stem stitch. It was one of the first stitches I learned as a child, and I still love it.
    The peacock is amazing, and I would love to win it. Thanks for the chance!

    497
  441. Love peacocks – India’s national bird.
    This is an intriguing kit…my favorite stitch is long&short AKA realistic technique AKA needlepainting – capturing nature as close to possible with needle and thread is fun and challenging!

    498
  442. My favorite stitch is criss-cross hungarian. When I first started needle-pointing I took a big Santa canvas to one of my dear friends (the one who started my needle point addiction 🙂 ) and asked her for recommendations on some interesting stitches to use. She showed me the criss-cross hungarian stitch and gave me some Neon Rays and Kreinig threads to get started. After repeated tries, undoes, and a few bad words, I FINALLY started to “get” the pattern and the stitch! Since then I’ve come to love using the stitch not only because it looks great but also because it helps me to remember not to give up when a stitch or compensation or pattern is hard. If you keep on keepin’ on, eventually you can do it!! Love, love, love that peacock!!!

    499
  443. Who doesn’t like a glorious strutting peacock?
    My favorite stitch is the bullion knot. They make wonderful flowers.

    500
  444. My favourite stitch is the buttonhole stitch. It is very usefully generally, but mostly I do it as detached buttonhole in Elizabethan embroidery and I love how even it is and how quickly it can fill an area. and when it’s padded …

    501
  445. your embroidery work is most beautiful. i learned to simply embroidery and never saw such beautiful stitches before. it peeked my interest so much that i am looking for a book that will help me learn this new, old way. i have kept all of your daily posts as learning tools. ( i can only afford to purchase one book) do you you have any suggestions?

    i would love to win this peacock. it would be a perfect place to begin exploring this old, new to me, world of embroidery

    all the stitches are my favorite.

    thank you for making this available. kt

    502
  446. Hi Mary

    Another great give-away! I absolutely love any form of stitches that can be used to outline, but my real favourite is stem stitch. It is so versatile. It can also be used for filling in areas also.

    503
  447. Mary I am so interested in this giveaway. I have been working on my needlepainting because I love the look of it. I’m still working on making it looking smooth but getting better all the time. This would be an awesome opportunity to do more.
    Thank you for your generosity.

    504
  448. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch. Sometimes it is challenging but the smooth soft look is very relaxing to me. It’s the first stitch I look for in an embroidery project.

    505
  449. Favorite stitch is the French Knot. It is so versatile. Can be used side by side for outlining, here and there, fill in, combined with and to enhance other stitches using all types of threads, yarns and ribbons. I have used it to do a total picture in nothing but French Knots and it was such fun and different.

    506
  450. I love to embroider in all kinds of styles, but my favorite stitch type is probably the long and short stitch known as “thread painting.” I discovered this stitch because of a friend who has a technique for using it over photo cloth. It is kind of like doing a paint by number picture only using thread instead of paint. Needless to say, I had to try it and did my own bird picture over photo cloth. It came out great for a first time attempt and I was hooked! The long and short stitch is just so fun and can be used in so many applications.
    In Christ,
    Gail J.

    507
  451. I love the chain stitch. It can be used by itself or in lines, make flowers or even do a whole picture in just chain. The lengeth can be varied and of course it looks lovely in any color out there. I would love to have this kit as it is so cheerful and I am in a surface embroidery phase.

    Tanis

    508
  452. My favorite stitch is the feather stitch, from the first time I made this stitch a few months ago I just loved it.

    Thank you for hosting this give a way and for your wonderful website which I and many others would be lost without.

    509
  453. I love this peacock! Favorite stitch? Hmmm… I enjoy backstitching on a cross-stitched piece, I like doing French and colonial knots, and I love Rhodes stitches, especially Rhodes hearts 🙂 Depends on what I’m working on at the time.

    510
  454. Thank you for creating this wonderful work and for having the giveaway. That’s so very nice! My favorite stitch is Holbein stitch also known as blackwork. I also like assisi work known as long armed cross stitch . Thank you again!

    511
  455. Wow, gorgeous peacock. I love straight stitch versatile and great for thread painting and filling in space

    512
  456. My favorite stitch is the long and short stitch. It is very challenging for me and I am constantly practicing it, because one day I want to make a gorgeous chasuble. I do not know who the actual priest it is going to be made for, but I know I have to make it. Another reason for it being my favorite stitch is because it is used in Stumpwork which I want to learn so badly and who could not help but fall in love with the beautiful thread painting of Trish Burr which uses the long and short stitch extensively? I live in Wisconsin and have not find a source for a beginning class. I am still practicing and teaching myself but someday I would like to be able to stitch human figures. It is a goal for my chasuble.

    514
  457. AHHH! Which do I love? I will have to go with the French Knot. No matter the type of thread or the size of the knot, they always make the embroidered piece more beautiful and elegant.

    515
  458. My favorite stitch is the one I’m currently doing. In other words, I love them all and the joy they give me.

    516
  459. Hello: It took me about 5 seconds to decide – the french knot. I love how it looks in both DMC stranded cotton and also in ribbon. I love to make little tiny flowers, buttons, eyes etc out of it, and I also love to leave it very loose and make it look like hair or leaves on a tree……

    517
  460. I put the peacock on my wish list as soon as I saw it last week! Just beautiful!
    My favorite stitch is the chain stitch…. Detached chain for flowers, chain for stems and leaves. So versatile!

    518
  461. My current favorite stitch is buttonhole, it seems to make many things from flat to dimensional, leaves, flowers and clouds.

    519
  462. I LOVE the French Knot. It’s great for all types of filling or decorations and I am working on several miniature designs for rugs using entirely the French Knot.

    Thanks for the opportunity. Deb

    520
  463. Well, it is hard to decide. I think I would have to say eyelet is my favourite. It can be done so many different ways. The layout can be changed and the tension….I guess I get a lot more possibilities from just one stitch.

    521
  464. Chain stitch is my favorite. I love all the variations that can be done with it – great fun to work with.

    523
  465. What a gorgeous peacock. I love fly stitch – it is a terrific filling for general embroidery and the shapes that can be generated on a counted grid and then embellished (think Wessex) are endless. Thank you Mary for another wonderful giveaway.

    524
  466. Hi Mary ,
    I have a few favourites stitches but my number one has to be fly stitch .
    It suits so many embroidery projects from crazy patchwork to decorating an embroidered doll i am making ! Love to meander along ,attaching beads ,ribbon stitch ,french knot roses ,it always looks so pretty .
    Kind regards Michelle .

    525
  467. Choosing one stitch is hard!
    I think my favourite would be blanket stitch. This is the first stitch I mastered as a child and it stuck with me through many years of mending and “making do” and is still with me as I enjoy embroidery.
    My second favourite might be the next stitch I learn… off to find out what “Queen Stitch” is…

    526
  468. As a newbie to embroidery , I find the simple blanket stich anything but simple.
    If executed with creativity, it’s uses are mind boggling. Not only is it practical in edging or joining fabric, it can also produce intricate and diverse decorative stitches just by changing the colour of the threads or adjusting the length and angle of the stitches.
    The peacock is simply stunning and I would really like an opportunity to do it!

    527
  469. the Bayeux stitch ( or couched satin stitch) I love the way it fills in and it hold up to hard wear. I also love that it conserves thread.

    528
  470. Mary, my favorite stitch is the buttonhole stitch for its versatility. I like to make buttonhole flowers, stitch it close together for a bold outline, applique, hardanger, use it as a basis for creating a lacy effect with thread weaving, and many more. It can be heavy with perle #5 or dainty with floche or one stand of floss. Oh, yes, and if one is so inclined, one may make buttonholes! I would love that peacock kit. Thanks for the offer and, as always, for you blog. Best, Charlotte

    529
  471. French Knots . I like being able to use different threads and colours and covering a small or large area of fabric.

    530
  472. Do I have to pick just one? I love the queen stitch especially when it’s worked using just one strand of floss. Second favorite would be the 4 sided stitch.

    531
  473. I love the peacock pattern. It works beautifully with my favorite stitch the long and short stitch. I like the way I can play with color with long and short stitch. I can make the piece fit the colors in my decor. The size of this one is great as well. A very doable project. My aunt had peacocks who roamed the yard and I loved it when they spread their tail feathers.
    Beautiful.

    532
  474. My favorite Stitch is the bullion Stitch. It certainly wasn’t until a few months ago when I stitched a Punto Antico kit by Kathryn Drummond. It was a table centre cloth and it had a gazillion bullion knots! By the time I finished it I could do them with my eyes closed. It also made me realize that you really need to use milliners needles. The result is perfectly formed bullions.

    533
  475. My most favorite embroidery stitch is the Chain Stitch because it can be used in so many different ways.

    SandyB of SW Coastal OR

    534
  476. I think my favorite embroidery stitch is a blanket stitch. It finishes so pretty and is so versatile.

    535
  477. I think the split stitch – I like using it as an alternative to the backstitch. It handles curves so much better. Thanks for the giveaway!

    536
  478. Wow. What a treasure to do this. I remember seeing a white peacock in the Grand Cayman as well as in Nevada a long time ago. The Blue are truly a work of art by our creator.
    I love the stem stitch and the cousin split stem ,for its versatility in following shapes of odd sizes, for fill , outline, kids blocks for crazy quilting and more. Thank you for your website and this opportunity.
    Sherry M. at Superstition Mtn.

    537
  479. HI Mary
    Gosh I love that kit! mainly because I love peacocks and my favourite colour is blue (I am a simple soul).
    As to a favourite stitch, I am sure that I should refer to some fancy stitch so I can pretend to have more talent than is the reality, but actually I would have to say long and short stitch. This is because I love silk thread painting. To me the best embroideries are those of scenes or animals and flowers and nothing brings them out better than long and short stitch (although satin stitch is also a requirement.

    Regards, Lucy

    539
  480. My favorite embroidery stitch it the padded satin stitch. I like this one the absolute best because I think projects worked in this stitch look so very rich, lush and full and it’s not that easy to make a project using the padded satin stitch look goon unless one is careful to keep the stitches extremely close together when stitching.
    Thanks so much for the chance to enter!

    541
  481. Hi Mary,
    My favorite stitch is stemstitch. I love the rhythm of it when you stitch it and it gives such beautiful curves.
    Elly

    542
  482. Wow what a beautiful giveaway.

    My favourite stitch used to be cross stitch which I have done since a very young age, but the the last two years I have been introduced to such a variety of different embroideries it’s difficult to choose. I would have to plump for long and short stitch as you can make magical pictures with this.

    543
  483. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch for it’s versatility and elegant look whether flat or padded, in cut work or in white work, for a fancy scalloped edge on your embroidered piece or the center of a flower. Relaxing to stitch with rewarding results.

    544
  484. My favorite embroidery stitch is the French knot. My grandmother used to make pillows from kits where the whole design was filled in with French Knots. It was my first exposure to embroidery and the first stitch I learned. I felt so grown up when she let me help embroider one for the first time. To this day, I think of my grandmother when I make a French knot.

    545
  485. I love the feather stitch. The slightest change and the stitch looks different. You can do so much with it.

    546
  486. my favourite stitch would have to be chain stitch – with its variations it can be a whole embroidery all by itself – especially those lovely crewel colour graded fillings.

    547
  487. My favourite is probably the stem stitch. It can make lovely tendrils, outline shapes and even fill them in. And I can do it! Thanks for the giveaway.

    548
  488. What a perfect give away! I would love to this for a friend but cannot afford it at this time.
    My all time favourite stitch is detached bullion stitch. A stitch used in Brazilian embroidery. It is very difficult but looks quite impressive. I was really impressed I could even do it!

    549
  489. My favorite stich is the long and short stitch. It’s a great fill stich and makes needle painting a breeze!

    550
  490. I love the long and short stitch. I love blending my colors, and sometimes even different fibers to create an image with movement and realism. My goal with stitching is to create a realistic, seamless image.

    551
  491. I love padded stitches, it gives a nicer, more professional finished look.
    Never win anything, in line or otherwise, but what the heck, why not enter. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a beautiful designed piece.

    552
  492. What a great giveaway! I’ve been drooling over that embroidery kit since you showed it last week.

    My favorite stitch is the stem stitch only because I was so excited to finally figure it out (I’m a fairly beginner embroiderer….)

    553
  493. I would love this kit as my maiden name was Peacock and I love them! My favourite stitch is long and short because there is no shape I can’t fill in with glorious colour and make it look amazing or life like.

    554
  494. The satin stitch is my favorite stitch. A properly executed satin stitch (especially with a silk thread) has a polished look that is hard to get any other way.

    555
  495. Hi Mary,
    My favorite stitch is the mosaic stitch. It moves along quickly and is easy to compensate . The peacock is my 88 year old BFF’s favorite design and I would love to stitch it for her 89th birthday! Needlepoint is my passion!

    556
  496. What a beautiful kit. I have so many stitches I love doing- how to choose??? I guess stem stitch with its variations (eg Portugese stem). There are so many ways to use it and it is so versatile.

    557
  497. My favorite stitch is buttonhole. I find the rhythm of the stitch to be so relaxing. Thank you for the opportunity to win this lovely kit.

    558
  498. Oooh! Huzzah!

    So hard to choose which stitch I love the most. Let’s see:

    I love satin stitch for its versatility (and it’s hard for me to screw that one up!).

    I love bullion knots and French knots because they’re perfect for 18th and 19thC costuming, but they’re a challenge to get them looking perfect. It always takes me a few tries.

    I love split stitches for their utilitarian purpose if I’m hand-sewing clothing.

    And I love feather stitches for how neat they look in groups.

    559
  499. I would love to make this kit for my 3 yr. old grandson who loves “beaky-bocks”!
    Naturally, I love the feather stitch!!

    560
  500. Chain stitch has to be my favourite – an ancient and wonderfully versatile stitch – it can be flat, twisted, interlaced, thin, heavy, braided and then you can stitch a few together to make a pretty flower with background leaves

    561
  501. My favorite stitch is the Spider Rose. I love it in Silk Ribbon, large or small, in braids, Perle, even in floss if it fits into the right spot.

    562
  502. That is a tough question. Would have to say the simple ole chain stitch. Can be used detached for leaves, flowers, can be used as a filling when you don’t want a completely solid fill. Can be used to vines etc. So all in all a simple but varied use stitch.

    563
  503. I find it very satisfying to sit and sew back stitch for hours, not very interesting but incredibly soothing 🙂

    564
  504. I’m mostly a counted cross-stitcher so I have to say cross stitch. But I also like double-running blackwork!

    565
  505. That’s a tough one! My favourite stitch is stem stitch as it is versatile and an easy one to get people started with. It works for outlines, filling in areas, letters, etc.
    The peacock is lovely – and timely as I just recently finished a multi-media piece that used peacock hurl, the individual barbs from a peacock’s feather!

    566
  506. Love French knots — delicate little circles that bridge regular embroidery and stump work. My birthday is the 12th of October and I will be 65. Hopefully the time will finally be there to pick up a needle and create beauty for the sake of beauty.

    567
  507. Am getting back to hand embroidery after being primarily a quilter during the last few years. I have found that I like incorporating both in my projects. My favorite stitch is probably the satin stitch right now.
    Never liked my outcomes using this stitch until I learned the correct way to execute it using the tutorial on “Needle N’ Thread”!

    568
  508. Hi, I love peacocks & that is such a beautiful piece. I’d love to win it.

    My favorite stitch is the French Knot.

    Thank you for such a great website.

    569
  509. MY FAVORITE STITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE THE FRENCH KNOT. I LOVE THE WAY IT MAKES YOUR PROJECT STAND OUT SO NICELY. AND CAN BE USED IN MANY WAYS. LIKE IN THE PEACOCK KIT……. IF I WIN OF COURSE. FRANNY KAY H. FROM CONNECTICUT.

    570
  510. Hi Mary,
    My all time favorite stitch is the bullion stitch, it is very versatile, i can make flowers with it, and even little animals, the possibilities are endless !!!!! I have been admiring the peacocks kit at the French needle, it would be like winning the lottery !!!

    571
  511. What a difficult question Mary!!

    I think my favourite would be the Colonial knot. I am currently making 9 candlewicked squares which will form a quilt. I will intersperse the squares with my own hand-made bobbin lace!!

    One of these days it will be completed!!

    572
  512. Oh my goodness! Peacocks are my favourite! I’m working a cross-stitch peacock at the moment, but you can never have too many.

    I love all kind of lattice stitches; I think they make the most stunning fillers.

    573
  513. Hi,
    I have to say that I love embroidery so much that I had to think carefully to make a choice. I decided that Satin Stitch would be my favourite. It is so beautiful to look at & so lovely to do. It is like painting with thread. When done properly it is gorgeous.

    June

    574
  514. My favourite stitch is buttonhole. It’s a very versatile stitch. It looks great on its own, but also underpins many decorative techniques like needlelace, stumpwork, and cutwork.

    576
  515. Hi
    Love peacocks, especially the vintage ones.
    My most favorite stitch would have to be the long/short stitch as the color blending possibilities are so lovely.
    Thanks

    577
  516. Favorite stitch is the split stitch. So easy to “move” the thread from side to side incrementally so it can lay just right! If I elongate it, it approaches the long/short stitch. Very versatile!!

    578
  517. I think the stem stitch is my go to stitch. It’s versatility slows it to be use side by side fill stitch and using this for an outlining stitch is my favorite use of the stem stitch.

    580
  518. Besides loving them all, French knot just might be my fav… Stands alone, or in a crowd.

    583
  519. My favourite is the bullion stitch. I love them made into roses. But they can make all kinds of things, and can be all sizes. They take a little bit of practise but they are great.

    584
  520. My favorite stitch is the bullion stitch because it is fun to make and they give so much texture to the piece! I am going to try this stitch on some newer pieces and see how it goes. I love peacocks and would love to stitch this out!

    585
  521. I love to do split stitch, buttonhole stitch, stem stitch and the coral stitch. I can’t really pick a favorite though.

    586
  522. The split stitch is absototalutely my all-time favorite, because it’s easy enough for kids to learn in a flash, but is also so sophisticated and versatile that it’s the preferred stitch in Byzantine church embroidery for creating the faces and hands in embroidered icons. When I worked in a Montessori school I taught the kids split stitch so they could monogram their cloth napkins ~ they did a great job and even the most energetic (as in hyper) ones would focus beautifully on what they were doing. Love love love!

    587
  523. That peacock is really elegant! My favorite stitch is the raised stem stitch, especially when I combine two or three strands of different colors in the outer layer and vary the width and heft of the padding. The stitch adds a “three-dimensional” quality and keeps me interested and challenged.

    588
  524. My favorite stitch is the bullion because you can use it in almost any project to give dimention ,like flowers,stems ,legs on abird etc

    589
  525. This peacock is gorgeous!
    My favourite stitch is long and short. I just love how realistic things can look with this stitch, and the grading/shading of colours that can be created.

    590
  526. My all time favorite embroidery stitch is the straight stitch. It allows me to cheat my heart out when I’m having trouble figuring out how to make unfamiliar stitches that I just cannot seem to learn. A few straight stitches and a lotta fake-it-til-you-make-it and usually the straight stitch will let me come up with something fairly close to the stitch I was trying to make. I tend to look at recipes as “mere suggestions” also. lol.

    591
  527. The backstitch is my favorite because it can be used for
    its basic purpose as well as the basis for so many other stitches.

    Zelma S.

    592
  528. I like the button hole stitch because of its diversity. I was intimidated with it at first, then once I got the hang of it I realized that I could use it for so many things. I plan on using it this winter getting more comfortable with it and stump embroidery/bead work.

    593
  529. Thanks for another great giveaway. I love the idea of the small format for an intricate design.

    I like the bullion stitch, mostly because it was such a struggle when I first encountered it, until I read about straw needles. Proof that the right tool makes any task easier!

    594
  530. My favorite stitch is the French Knot. Because it’s just fun, and besides the outline stitch it was the first stitch my Mom taught me.

    595
  531. Hi Mary, love your blog and all the teachings, I am pretty new to embroidery and would love to enter for the peacock embroidery.
    My favourite stitch is Bullion stitch, I love the roses and lavender with bullion, so effective and my friends love the gifts with this embroidery stitch.
    Thank you again Mary
    Sue

    596
  532. I love the feather stitch. I am a crazy quilter and I just love how the feather stitch looks along seams, especially when little beads and flowers are added to the tips of the feather stitches.

    597
  533. I saw this gorgeous kit in your previous story and loved it. My favorite stitch is the Stem stitch which is as versatile as Jennifer describes in her comment. You could do a very pretty small embroidery just using this stitch in multiple ways.
    Thank you for the chance at winning a Giveaway.

    598
  534. This kit is amazing!! Peacocks are one of my favorite animals!
    In thinking about my favorite stitch, I would have to say Split stitch and Chain stitch. I find that they are great for so many things. Outlining, filling in and for texturing.

    599
  535. Hi Mary!

    What a beautiful piece the peacock is! I’m probably a little more advanced than you describe but I would love to do this one. A day without stitching is, well, just not a day!

    My latest favorite stitch has been the dove’s eye because it’s such a delicate stitch. It took me a while to figure out that the needle goes Over the thread but once that made its way into my brain, I just love doing them! I’ve been in to Hardanger lately so I’ve done a lot of them.

    Thanks for this chance to win such a lovely design and threads!

    Susan

    600
  536. I use the blanket stitch a lot, I work with wool in many projects. In the process of learning all the beautiful embroidery stitches and am having so much fun. Started a notebook of all the wonderful stitches that I have found on the net, didn’t realize there were so many. All the peacock’s I have seen are gorgeous and would love to win the kit. Thanks for the chance.

    601
  537. French knots– I learned to embroider at the age of 6 and that was a stitch I just couldn’t do. For the longest time I just did a small straight stitch, as I got older and mastered the French knot, I loved the way it looked, much better than the straight stitch!

    602
  538. My favorite stitch is the buttonhole. It just feels so good when I am stitching it, especially on wool.

    603
  539. I love stem stitch. I find it a therapeutic stitch rather like hand quilting. It calms me and its very versatile. I use it all the time.

    606
  540. My favourite stitch is the herringbone – I just like the rhythm of it and the way it fills in a space and can be embellished so many ways. (although satin stitch is a close second….)

    607
  541. Hi Mary it’s a bit tough to only pick one stitch but I guess I would have to say the french knot…thanks for having this wonderful giveaway!

    608
  542. I would love to win this peacock kit and use it in the middle of a quilt I am making from old embroidered dresser scarves and pillow cases. My favorite embroidery stitch now it the feather stitch, I find I can use it in many ways both as outline and center designs and I love all different ways and styles of this stitch. Plus how it works when you add stitches to it.

    609
  543. I have just started doing embroidery again after many years of doing counted work. The project I am working on now involves a LOT of backstitch. I learned about whipped backstitch from your posts and I am in love. No matter how bad I think my backstitch looks, I can almost always make it look MUCH better by whipping it. Thanks Mary!

    611
  544. I like all kinds of stitchery and probably my favorite stitch is the chain stitch. I taught myself to do a bullion stitch and used it for petals on flowers. I enjoy using beads on my stitchery. I use the blanket stitch a lot also.
    Betty Bondeson

    612
  545. I LOVE peacocks… and I have been saying for about three years now, that I am will stitch a peacock some day. So Yay for this giveaway!

    My favorite stitch is the bullion stitch, especially when I can teach someone how to do it when they think they can’t. And how excited they get when they’ve made one!

    614
  546. i like so many stitches it’s hard to name one but I think, because it can do so much, I’ll call chain stitch my favorite. Use it plain, as a flower, as a leaf, as a fill stitch, wrap it or whip it- the possibilities are almost endless. I love using it.

    615
  547. Have embroidered for years, but recently have been expanding repertoire of stitches beyond basics. I guess at this time split stitch would be my favorite. New stitch to me. Great filler.

    616
  548. Mary my all time favourite stitch is ta da, Stem Stitch!

    Not only is it suitable for beginners but advanced embroiders as well. You can use it to outline a design, infill a stem or a flower, create beautiful monograms.

    Move your thread and you change the shape. Use two threads and you change the the width and used with other stitches it can create new and interesting patterns.

    My favourite stitch, unbeatable!

    617
  549. I love the bullion knot because u can make it as long as you need to create a flowers. I love that this creates dimension and fun.

    619
  550. My favorite stitch is the Palestrina stitch. I like the name, I love the texture, it just looks so very lovely to me. And I never even knew it existed until you shared it with us, Mary! Every time I use the Palestrina stitch, I feel like I am accomplishing something of note. Weird feeling for a simple embroidery stitch, but, there it is.

    620
  551. My most used stitch is back stitch- love the ease, speed, and bold outline. My favorite stitch looks wise is chain stitch or padded satin stitch, and I LOVE clustered French knots.

    621
  552. Hi Mary,
    My all time favourite is the chain stitch. It’s one of the first few embroidery stitches I learnt when I was 7. Back then it always makes me feel so happy & proud when my chain stitches comes out well and I get A+ with praises from my teacher. Now in my fifties, whenever I use the chain stitches it never fails to bring back wonderful memories of my early embroidery days 50-odd years ago. Needless to say the versatility of the chain stitch too!

    622
  553. Mary, I really enjoy the blanket stitch. Close together and stitched on both edges of a monogram it’s very effective. You can stitch it around applique…any applique. Wool applique is enhanced with blanket stitch especially done in black. Match the color of the wool with your thread and you have a softer maybe classier look. Cotton applique or broderie perce can also be enhanced with black for effect or color coordinated thread. Or then you can always edge a blanket. My Great Aunt taught me this stitch when I was 6 years old and I still find it effective and interesting at 68. There are so many ways that you can adjust this stitch that I never grow tired of using it. I had to give this a great deal of thought as I love embroidery and my old copy of Stitches A to Z helps me make sure to have variety in my work.

    623
  554. I would love to win this peacock kit! My favorite stitch is the drizzle stitch because I like the dimension it can give.

    624
  555. My all time favorite stitch is the French knot. They are fun to make and can be used in many different ways.

    625
  556. I love the Bullion Stitch because it is very versatile. It can be used to make flowers, leaves, bees, butterflies, etc. It’s length can be varied. I love it. Thanks for your wonderful website and this lovely giveaway.

    626
  557. My favorite embroidery stitch is the woven wheel or circle. When you use perle (silk or cotton) solid, it looks 1way and another way when you use variegated thread. Then, surprise, when you loosely use silk ribbon it turns into the most beautiful woven r

    627
  558. I really enjoy the appearance of multiple french knots so they are definitely a favorite of mine. Thank you!

    628
  559. My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion knot because I thought I’d never be able to master it but with lots of practice, I finally have the hang of it. Thanks for this opportunity!

    629
  560. my fav stitch is the outline stitch. It makes all the beautiful stitches look better. Very versatile.

    630
  561. Hi Mary, I just love all the information you share will all of your readers. And a give-away! How exciting! My favorite stitch (so far) is the french knot. I know it’s not very exciting but I love the effect. Hope to learn more stitches soon!

    631
  562. It’s so difficult to narrow down to just one. A few years ago I took an embroidery class. One of the new stitches I learned was the padded satin stitch. I love the way this stitch adds depth and texture. It seems very veristile with regards to materials that can be used and how it can be used to enhance any piece. This stich gave me instant gratification which only made me want to learn more stitches!

    632
  563. It would have to be the blanket stitch. You use it to surround and finish, suspend it in air and create all kinds of things when repeated together, and well it was one of the first things I learned to do.

    633
  564. My favourite stitch would have to be the colonial knot, also known as the pioneer knot. I love the way it doesn’t stick up like the french knot often does. I have just finished a stitchery all done in colonial knots and it looks fantastic! Love the peacock stitchery, one of my favourite birds! Love your give aways!

    634
  565. My favorite stitch is the colonial knot, because I can use them to replace French knots and they do not come apart or sink through the fabric. Whenever I need a refresher on techniques and stitches Needle and Thread is my go to site!

    Thank you Mary, for your dedication, expertise, and willingness to share everything embroidery with us!

    636
  566. I love the colours in the peacock, and have been looking for a design to explore more stitches.
    My current favorite stitch is chain stitch due to it versatility. Can be used as a border or filling.

    638
  567. My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch, because off it’s versatility. It makes a nice line with thread, but can also be used detached as a lazy daisy. With silk ribbon, there are many variations of the detached stitch. It can be used alone or as the basis for many flowers.

    639
  568. What’s your all-time favorite embroidery stitch, and why?
    I can’t promise it won’t change, but right now it’s one called Sprat’s Head in the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches book. It makes a nice little triangle, perfect for the spears I’m embroidering on a tunic.

    640
  569. I love rice stitch because it makes such great texture in a large area. Thanks for doing this giveaway!

    641
  570. So many stitches. I think my favourite stitch is the one I’ve just mastered. There’s nothing quite like getting a stitch consistently right for the first time.

    Other than that it depends on what I’m doing.

    Would love to win the peacock. It’s beautiful.

    643
  571. My favorite stitch is the bullion stitch. I haven’t mastered it yet but I’m amazed by everything you can do with a bullion stitch

    644
  572. My all-time favourite stitch is the stem stitch.
    It is very versatile, can be used as a filler, is more dimensional than say
    the backstitch and a bit more forgiving:)
    thank you for a great giveaway

    645
  573. Thanks for the great give-away!

    I love chain stitch! It’s the first stitch I learned to do and it is so versatile!

    -Heather

    646
  574. I would say of my very limited time embroidering, I like the French knot because I can put “roses” anywhere!

    647
  575. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch because you can fill up any shape with it. I started doing embroidery when I was 10. I have been doing mostly cross stitch lately so if I win this kit it would be a most welcome challenge. Thank you for the giveaway.

    649
  576. Scrolled thru those below & surprised my favorite Double Cast-on Buttonhole stitch not mentioned. I’ve had some fibers set aside in peacock colors for ages: I think this pre-printed fabric peacock design might get such a long range goal done! Chris in SF, Unafraid of Brazilian dimensional stitches

    650
  577. Favorite stitch I would say is the French Knot. Years ago I did a lot of candlewicking patterns and got good at doing it so I really liked the stitch and I want to do the tree that Mary posted several weeks ago..

    651
  578. I’m a beginning embroider and I think that the satin stitch is the best stitch for me. It is so great looking when I can get it right and can really make or break a project.

    653
  579. My favourite stitch is the French Knot. I know that might sound not to out of the ordinary, but first off, it took me forever to master that stitch, and secondly every single time I see French Knots in a finished project, I am mesmerized.

    Thank you for giving me the opportunity to win such an amazing kit.

    654
  580. I like the Colonial Knot because it saved me from French knots that were often uneven in size, crocked, or went through the background fabric.

    656
  581. I would love to tackle the colours in this beautiful peacock…I have never done one….and my favourite stitch is Coral because I can get into a lovely rhythmn when stitching it and work and creativity flows…

    657
  582. I would love to work on the peacock embroidery piece. It looks both fun and challenging.

    My favorite stitch is the French knot (isn’t everybody’s favorite stitch the French knot?). Here’s why, not only is there texture and form to the French knot, but my grandmother taught me to embroider when I was six years old. She had a very delicate hand with the thread and she was also precise. Little did I know it then but I had to earn the French knot through diligence in perfecting my simple stitches. When she showed me the French knot I thought I’d found the pot of gold. That was over sixty years ago and, although I am much more heavy handed than Grandma was, I think about her every time I pick up a hoop.

    Thank you for your wonderful articles and this opportunity,
    Deborah Palladino
    dpalladino@mac.com

    658
  583. Love give aways. So hard to pick a favorite stitch. I love stem stitch as it is so versitile but I also love cross stitch. Thank you for the chance to enter.

    659
  584. The feather stitch. Not everyone’s favorite, but I love it’s airy look.—Pat B. from Portage, MI

    660
  585. I enjoy the bouillion stitch It adds texture and shape to numerious things The silky thread really makes this stitch pretty.

    662
  586. I love the French Knot! It adds texture and interest standing alone, clustered together or added to other stitches. It enhances any project and is delightful to master. I remember how tickled I was when I did my very first French Knot when I learned to embroider when I was 12 years old. My Mom & Great Grandmother were so proud!

    663
  587. I love Peacocks. I am retired and have had to cut down on my stash spending. Please consider me as a recipient for this wonderful kit.

    664
  588. I love the feather stitch. I love using it in crazy quilting. I love using it to stitch plant life. And I love using it on wool applique.

    665
  589. I love Peacocks. I would love to work on this beautiful kit. I am retired and stitch mostly cross stitch, but I would have to say that I have two favorite stitches, Bargello and spider/whipped spider. they are just so much fun to do.

    666
  590. What a nice giveaway! To answer your question- not easy to choose just one! However, I love the French knot because It gives work a really nice texture.

    667
  591. What a beautiful peacock! I think my favorite stitch is the french knot it gives an embroidery lots of texture.

    668
  592. Hmmm… I would have to say favorite is French knots – the effects can be amazing for fills

    669
  593. Long and short stitch for sure! It is so satisfying watching dimension and details come to life with minor color changes using just one stitch. I always loved coloring with pencils when I was a kid, and this is how I color now!

    670
  594. Thank you Mary!! I love your site and your teaching style. My favorite stitch is Stem stitch because it’s one of the few i know how to do. I’m still working on the hummingbird project and there is a lot of stem stitch! I like the way it looks.It has movement and flow and rhythm! 🙂

    671
  595. Absolutely love peacocks!
    My favorite stitch is a combo….
    the griffin stitch is alot of fun for fill work!

    672
  596. Honestly, it is very hard to pick my all time favorite embroidery stitch. For me it is a three way tie between the Chinese stitch, the Cretan stitch, and the maiden hair stitch. I love these three stitches because they give an intense emotion and personality the piece you embroider. They are very unique, whimsical, almost fantasy look and feel that I absolutely adore.

    673
  597. My favorite stitch is the split stitch because it is very forgiving. It was the first stitch I used in an ambitious (for me) project and to my delight it actually looked pretty good!

    675
  598. My favoritest stitch is Herringbone … I love all the variations including interlacements. Great fun!

    🙂 Linda

    PS My Mom raised peacocks when I was a kid and I can’t resist a peacock pattern. 🙂

    676
  599. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I love the texture and the fact that it can be used to outline, fill spaces, shade, etc. It’s just a great stitch!

    678
  600. I love doing a blanket stitch because it is so easy and doesn’t require much attention or effort. It is a good stitch to do while you are watching television, waiting at the doctor’s office, or while riding on a trip.

    679
  601. Hi – You have over 600 replies so far – obviously everyone loves the peacock! Me too….

    My favourite stitch currently is the Romanian Stitch – so simple, and so clever! I am using it on my current project from “Crewel Intentions”.

    680
  602. My favorite embroidery stitch is the braided chain stitch. I love the peacock pattern and I hope that I have the opportunity to work on one of these kits. Thanks for hosting this giveaway, Brittney- Little Rock AR.

    682
  603. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch, because I can mix up different colored threads when I am creating flower blossoms, landscapes,etc. I can create depth and deepen perspective by mixing the colors. It is fun to get away from solid colored satin stitches!!!!

    683
  604. My favorite has to be french knots. You love them or hate them, require tons of practice (teaching me lots of patience),but nothing looks quite like them on fine fabric. They provide great memories of a dear Auntie fibbing and praising my glorious haphazard girlhood tries. I’m in the gotta love em camp.

    684
  605. Dear Mary,
    My favourite stitch is the one done when I can relax for the day. It rarely happens. It is true when I am stressed none of my stitches are any good and that doesn’t make for enjoyable stitching of any kind.
    I like many stitches but good old stem stitch is a favourite, especially when the stitches are so well done they look like a laid thread.
    Thank you.

    685
  606. Such a beautiful kit. My favorite stitch is the herringbone stitch. I love those little criss-crosses. And it looks so pretty doubled, or with little embellishments.

    You have the best embroidery site ever. Your videos are so helpful. Love it!

    686
  607. Wow, I looked at this kit & wondered if I could stitch it as I love peacocks. I’m not sure I have an all time favorite stitch. I love them all. I will pick the Rhodes stitch because it’s easy & versatile since you can make it in many shapes.

    687
  608. My favourite stitch is the French Knot. I find it a very versatile stitch and most relaxing to work.
    I would so enjoy stitching the peacock if I should be the lucky winner!

    688
  609. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch because it is so versatile. You can outline and fill in a space.

    689
  610. I think my favorite stitch is the long and short stitch. You can create some really beautiful accents and it is really forgiving. I have made some boo-boos before and you can stitch over it and never see it. When using a variegated thread, the stitches are especially beautiful.

    690
  611. My all time favourite stitch is the Maltese interlacing stitch which is commonly used in embroideries in Kutch , India . It gives me many options for colour combinations and though relatively simple gives a richly worked effect . It is also very forgiving in that it always looks good even if it has not been marked out on the fabric first . I usually just wing it, keeping a visual sense of top and bottom lines . It works up fast too . Great for impatient types like me

    691
  612. I just love peacocks!

    French knots are my current favorite stitch.

    I am recently retired & I am now finding that I have time for stitching by hand! I am working on improving my padded satin stitch & bullion stitch. I used to do a lot of smocking & crazy quilting, way back when my children were babies. It’s good to be getting back into stitching, even having to learn to compensate for nerve damage in my left hand is not going to stop me!

    Thank you for you wonderful, caring instructions!

    Teresa B in IL

    692
  613. Thank you for this opportunity! I love the raised chain band, I use it for everything that needs a little extra texture and as an alternative to the outline stitch.

    693
  614. Stem stitch is the first one i learned, and still one I use all the time. I guess it’s my default outline stitch. Part of the reason I would love to win this kit is because it would force me to broaden my horizons. Then I might find a new favorite stitch!

    694
  615. I would say that my favorite stich is a padded satin stitch. It took me so long to get it right! My feeling of accomplishment was so satisfying.

    695
  616. I like peacocks and to my surprise when we first moved to our house the farmer next door had them and it was common for them to visit our yard. My favourite stitch is Palestrina Knot stitch because it can be used in many ways, with arms, in a line, as an individual stitch and as a finishing for the edge of pieces of work to mention a few.

    696
  617. I love the bullion stitch! It is so much fun to make roses from this stitch, and it isn’t that hard to master. Whenever people see this stitch they are amazed at how pretty the flowers are and think they are so hard to do. Plus it is a stitch that begs to be touched because of the texture.

    698
  618. I have to say when I saw this kit on Friday, I started to salivate! Its beautiful!

    My favorite stitch is the button hole stitch. When I was in high school, I embroidered a tablecloth that had bouquets of violets and this awesome pink ribbon running the length of the tablecloth. The stitch for the pink ribbon was the buttonhole. The stitch was so relaxing to do, I loved how the thread would glide into its place next to the previous stitch, the raise portion just oh magnificent! I loved stopping to run my finger along the stitch and feel the texture. I saved the ribbon for last as it was the stitch I didn’t know at the time. I savored every movement that I made with my needle and I cried when I finished the last stitch. I still have this tablecloth, only used a few times as I never have had a table it would fit. But I bring it out to admire and to show others as it is so beautiful, I still cant believe I did the work and the joy of said work!

    699
  619. My all time favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I have used it for skinny stems, for fat stems, for the flowers at the end of the stems, and for most other things. One thing I’ve never used it for is to outline an area I plan to cover with straight stitches like a berry. I think I will start using it for berries now.

    700
  620. beautiful kit!
    My favorite stitch is long & short stitch because it creates the most beautiful pieces ever.

    701
  621. My altime favorite stitch is the montenegrin stitch. It took me a while to figure it out but once I did I really did enjoy it. I would love to do the peacock project. I have enoyed this web site quite a bit – seems I’m always headed this way when I need some inspiration.

    702
  622. I have so many favorite stitches.. But if I have to choice one it would be the blanket stitch.. It has so many ways to be used.
    The kit is awesome. I have my thread in a peacock box in my sewing room, I would love to have this hanging on my wall.. Thank you for the great giveawat

    703
  623. My all time favourite stitch is stem stitch mostly because it is so versatile, reasonably easy to do and it looks good! I keep thinking I will use another stitch but I invariably end up taking it out and going back to stem stitch. This is a stunning kit – it really leaps out of the computer begging to be stitched!

    704
  624. Love the peacock!
    My favorite stitch has to be the hem stitch. I love pulled stitches. I also enjoy the bullion stitch. Pulled and drawn work feeds my soul.

    705
  625. My favorite stitch is the blanket stitch. It is a great all around stitch and I use it for more than embroidery. I love this very versatile stitch. I have used it to make flower outlines. It is rewarding to see when I can get my stitches all the same size, makes for beautiful work.

    706
  626. Hi Mary!

    I am new to your blog….just signed up about a week or so ago…and am LOVING IT!

    Thank you for all your knowledgable and informative posts. I am learning so much.

    And now I get a chance to win a prize! This is awesome! Well, my favourite stitch is the “stem” stitch. It may be a boring staple stitch but it really does make lettering pop and look just gorgeous. Sometimes the reliable “workhorses”, are the stitches that shine!

    Thanks again!
    Rose Ruffolo

    707
  627. Hi Mary – the peacock is gorgeous, thanks for another great give away! I love the look of fly stitch leaves, and the many variations to the fly stitch. Saw it used in a repeating fashion as a filler stitch and it opened my mind to other possible uses.
    Lots of fun!

    708
  628. I love making French knots the most. They look hard, but aren’t and they give a lot of texture to a piece.

    709
  629. I like the French knot the best. It looks hard to do, but isn’t. It gives a piece texture which is something I like. Thanks for the giveaway.

    710
  630. Turkey stitch/knot .. I love how this stitch can give such depth and texture to your work with little effort and depending if or how you trim the stitch you can achieve some wonderful results

    711
  631. Mary,
    My all time favorite stitch is satin stitch. I also want to tell you why I would love this kit so much. Back in the very early 70’s when I was in SR. High Youth Group, we were making things to sell to raise money for a ski trip. This was when many people male and female were wearing chambry shirts with embroidery on them. I had several I had done for myself. You can go to Etsy and find many vintage patterns put out by the 3 major pattern companies with transfers of the time. A number of the girls were embroidering shirts to sell, mainly just doing stem or outline stitch on the designs so they could do them quickly. I chose to do a shirt with a large peacock covering the entire back of the shirt, it’s beautiful tail swirling at the bottom of the hem. You always wore them untucked! I worked on it constantly, taking it to school with me, while watching TV at night, and always to youth group. My friends could not believe I was putting so much work into something I was going to give away, sort of. As time grew near to the sale our leader asked me if I would like to buy it? Well of course I wanted to! Most of the shirts were going to be sold for $13-$15. She said that she was going to put $30 on mine. If it didn’t sell then I could buy it for $20. I asked my parents if they would buy it for me at the $30. (Can you believe that price now?) They wouldn’t but said they would buy it for me if it didn’t sell. The first day of the sale was on a Friday so of course none of the teens were working it. Parent and the leaders ran it that day. The next day I was there early. I ran over to the rack that held the shirts, mine was GONE. The leader came over to me and put her arm around my shoulder and gave me a squeeze. Then she told me about a young mother who had walked over to the sale pushing her baby in a stroller. She had looked around at all the tables and had picked up a number of inexpensive things and then had come upon the shirts. When she came to mine she stopped and unhung it and just looked at it. Then she put it back and walked the circumference of the room again coming back to my shirt which she took out and looked at again for a long time. Then she went and put back all of the things she had picked out and left. About 2 hours later she came back pushing her baby going straight to the shirt. She looked at it a long time. Then she left again. 1 hour later she came back wreathed in smiles went strait for the shirt, got it, came to the table and wrote out a check for the shirt. She told the person taking the shirt that she had been telling her husband about it and even though it was a lot of money for a shirt she had never seen a better one and he had finally told her if she wanted it that much they would find a way to make it work into their budget that month. I was so disappointed yet glad at the same time. I had really thought that nobody would pay such an exorbitant amount on a shirt. I really felt I was going to get it. But then again this woman was going to be making sacrifices that month just so she could own it. I have never embroidered another peacock. I would like to again. It has been 42 years next month since I have worked on one and I so want to again. Thank you so much for the chance. Thank you for the walk down memory road.

    712
  632. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is so versatile I can use it for many different items. It works so well for stems, straight lines, curves and circles, outlining and filling. i use it on most of my leaves. PS I love your site.

    713
  633. Ooh I love these colours.

    I love knots of all kinds especially French Knots. They look great on their own and in clumps. You can get into a real rhythm sewing them too.

    715
  634. Hi Mary, thanks for the chance in this giveaway. Mmmmm how to answer this question? My favourite stitch is such a hard one to choose, but I really love drizzle stitch, especially when tiny pearls are used on the tip of them, so yes this is my favourite!

    716
  635. I like the satin stitch because you can make it any size. I love needlework and that is a blessing because I have Multiple Sclerosis and don’t get out much except to walk my dogs. I recently married a man who I met on a dog walk. He is in a wheelchair but makes me so happy. The dogs love him too.

    717
  636. My favourite stitch is blanket/buttonhole stitch. Its so versitile, i use it everyday great for embroidery and applique and of course blanket/quilt edges. Its a very quick to do and i find so relaxing to do it.

    719
  637. What’s your all-time favorite embroidery stitch, and why?

    My favorite embroidery stitch is satin stitch.

    720
  638. I would have to say that my favorite stitch is holbein/double running stitch. It’s reversible and makes wonderful embroidery on clothing!

    721
  639. what a lovely idea! I really enjoy making bullion stitches, now that I have mastered them !

    722
  640. Ohh – this kit is gorgeous and would be ideal to start me stitching again… I have been away from it too long, but now I have had surgery I am ready to stitch again. My favourite stitch – french knots or colonial knots – I just love them – no particular reason 🙂
    Thanks for the chance to win
    Blessings
    Maxine

    724
  641. I’m in love with reversible Holbein (blackwork) stitch. I love how neat and tidy my embroidery looks when you can’t tell the difference between the front and the back.

    725
  642. I just LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this kit!! My favorite stitch is the Vandyke Stitch. My Grandmother taught me to embroidery when I was young (9 or 10). She would put this stitch around the edge of her needlework as a border, and it was like her signature. I still remember her when I use it. I often times use it as a border also.

    726
  643. My favorite stitch is stem stitch because it can be used in so many projects. I love to write with that stitch. Sure would enjoy working on the peacock kit. Have a great day everyone.
    Dianne

    727
  644. Lovely kit .. Well my favourite stitch is the Kasuti ( kashida ) .. Which is of Indian origin .. It is intricate and a beautiful stitch ..

    728
  645. French knots, long and short and bouillon knots. They’re delicate, require neatness and careful attention, but they’re distinct and unique by themselves.
    Fingers crossed!

    729
  646. For some reason buttonhole jumped into my head when you asked about favourite stitches. Where did that come from? But I guess it brings back memories of my very first embroidery project at school. A funky 60’s towel – white with red spotted cotton borders. I worked for “years” (felt like it!) outlining the red spots with buttonhole stitch! And then used it . . . never. No idea where it went. Would love to win the peacock – and if I don’t win then maybe I’ll buy it and add it to my stash of things to do on the dark winter nights.

    730
  647. Gorgeous kit. Cross-stitch is where it started for me, and while I am now branching out, I still love the look of cross stitch.

    731
  648. My Grandmother taught me to embroider when I was a young girl. The stitches I know we’re so limited, I was very surprised when I learned there were so many more. In the last few months I’ve been going to the Needle & Thread website and learning some really beautiful stitches. I’ve really enjoyed making flowers with the cast on stich, they turn out so pretty. I tried to learn from a book but your tutorials make them so much easier. Thank you for such a wonderful website.
    Cheryl

    732
  649. I love the stem stitch. Why you ask? When there are so many you can change just a little and it becomes something else wonderful. Well it’s simple Mary, showed me to and made it so my own stitch would look great also. I know it is so basic but consistance makes it good for me. It seems I’m always drawn to this stitch when it is my choice in a straight to chose.
    It wouldn’t stop me from doing all the stitches in the peacock. This I would love to do. One could only keep there eyes closed a wish though. Starting know to close my eyes. . . .

    733
  650. Hi Mary,
    I myself do Swedisch embroidery, most with woolen yarn on traditional woolen fabric. Lot of flowers and birds.
    I like the peacock very much. Looks so great.
    To answer your question: I like the French knot. This little stich can lift up a project. When you have a little boring space left, 1-3 Franch knots can help it flourish.
    Thank you for your beautiful embroidery pictures, stitch videos etc.
    Best regards, Dita (from the Netherlands)

    735
  651. What a lovely giveaway – its so beautiful! My favourite stitch is stem stitch – perfect for small lines or can fill areas with it!

    736
  652. My all time Favorite embroidery stitch is Smyrna stitch (Turkey work stitch)…because it makes lovely tufts on the surface and i am just obsessed with any stitch that can give a Fulffy carpet like look and feel.Besides the possibilities of tufted designs with this stitch are endless…

    737
  653. Hi Mary,
    Indeed, it is a long time since your last giveaway. This one is super – lucky the winner.
    My favourite stitch would be long and short stitch – although, up to now, I don’t think I’ve mastered it. It always look so neat and how I would love to embroider something in Trish Burr’s books – the birds or the flowers. Weeeeell, maybe one day.
    Enjoy the autumn.

    738
  654. I was thinking of buying this kit as I am doing a cross stitch peacock and thought that would make an interesting combo. My favorite stich is a toss up between the French knot or any variety of the chain stitch. Thanks so much for offering this beautiful kit as a give away.

    739
  655. Well I would have to say the cross stitch since that is what I have the most experience with. I have done some other stitches but it’s been a long time. I enjoy cross stitch because it’s easy to do. I would enjoy working this kit, however, always willing to try something new.

    740
  656. My favourite stitch has to be blanket stitch. It is very difficult to articulate just what it is about this darling little stitch that makes me love it so. Perhaps the clue is in “darling little stitch”? Blanket stitch provokes an emotional response in me and I find it altogether pleasing to see, especially around 1920’s 30’s applique. I don’t find it easy to make this stitch look good on both sides of the fabric – technique I know – but it’s still my favourite.

    741
  657. I have lots of stitches I love, but for vercitility I think chain stitch is invaluable. I can be worked in Roy’s apart and together for different effects. I can be used singly for flowere, raindrops etc an even two coloured “magic chain” . It lends itsel to other stitches for variety.

    742
  658. I think my favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I find it to be versatile. You can use it to outline or pack in a number of rows to fill an area. You can also wrap it. And I really like raised stem stitch. When I was at RSN the tutors taught that stem stitch had the loop on the right — it was “up right” (vs. outline stitch).

    743
  659. Barbara J from East Texas
    I love the Queen Stitch because it is so lacy looking.
    I especially love the little strawberry that is made with the Queen stitch.
    Or incorporated into lovely little lacy flowers !

    744
  660. Hello! Thank you so much for this pleasant give-away.
    My favourite embroidery stitch is the stem and back stitchs. I learned those stitchs when I was very young at school and I did very beautiful projects at the time, and today… when I want to make a different stich I look for your blog… all the answer are there.
    Rosa

    745
  661. My favourite embroidery stitch is counted cross stitch because I make gifts throughout the year for friends and family on several occasions, despite my full time work as editor and animal rescue worker, and cross stitch renders it so easy, versatile, and unassumingly beautiful, and the ones receiving the gifts are ever so overjoyed!

    746
  662. There is something about peacocks and this one is very special. I would love the opportunity to stitch it. Thanks to the generous donors.
    I have 3 favourite stitches – straight, stem and chain. I think I would have to pic the straight stitch as my favourite because it can be used in so many different ways to add definition or as an infill stitch: large, medium or small. Then again, tomorrow my favourite might be stem or chain depending on the project I am working on. 🙂

    747
  663. Thank you for the giveaway. My favourite stitch? Chain stitch, definitely. It’s easy, decorative and can be used in many different ways.

    748
  664. I’d love to win. My favourite stitch is backstitch. You can do so much with it. Most of my stitcheries are in backstitch with a sprinkling of others.

    749
  665. The double chain stitch, saw it on your newsletter one day and have been using it every since. It curves, bends and fills in and very versatile.

    750
  666. I’m a big fan of filling things in with a blanket stitch instead of a satin stitch.

    751
  667. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, it’s a nice simple stitch that can be used to outline and leaves a nice clean edge or it can be an elegant looking stitch as well.

    752
  668. The long and short stitch ! Because I love painting and that embroidery stitch is close to it. And I find it easy. And I feel good when I make it !

    Diane from Montréal in Québec

    753
  669. I always thought the chain stitch and the back stitch were my favorites because they worked up quickly and gave a nice affect. But I am reading of so many new stitches that I want to try and I feel that I will soon have a new favorite.

    754
  670. Chain and Satin stitches – very versatile – can do amazing wonders with both.
    I want the kit for my mom who loves peacocks, if I win this my mom will be thrilled.

    755
  671. I now it sounds crazy but I love French knots. So much texture, and just by varying size I can do sooooo many things with it. Easy to use different threads for shading….simple but tedious..but I love the results!

    756
  672. I love goldwork techniques. I’m all about the bling, for none goldwork I do like stem stem stitch a lot.

    757
  673. This peacock kit is stunning! I’d have to say my favourite stitch is the chain stitch, because it is so simple and clean looking. Of course, the long and short stitch is also up there on my list, because I love shading and blending colours with it.

    758
  674. I really like the French Knot but there are so many lovely stitches to learn I really could have many favourites.

    759
  675. This peacock kit is gorgeous! It would be a challenge for me, but I am definitely up for it. The satin stitch would have to be my favorit stitch. It fills so beautifully. Thank you for the opportunity!

    760
  676. My favorite embroidery stitch is the Lazy Daisy stitch. My mom always made perfect daisies and I’m always trying to make mine look like hers. Depending on the colors, they can look old fashioned with pastels or new with bright or mixed colors. And it’s a flower. One can never have too many flowers!
    Cheryl D. from the FL Keys

    761
  677. I love the bullion knot – it makes the cutest little bumble bees.

    And the detached chain stitch – to make flowers for the little bumble bees.

    And stem stitch – to make stems for the flowers for the little bumble bees.

    ……..

    762
  678. When I first saw the peacock I thought what a perfect addition to my shelving area that is painted turquiose. Since I follow your site daily I have mastered about 15 stitches. I focus on embellishing applique with the decorative stitches. The perfect project to begin needlepoint/embroidery would be the peacock!
    I recently demonstrated stitches at a quilt show here in Maine and it was then that I renamed the double cast-on stitch the ‘happy stitch’. One of my very favorites!! And every time I demonstrated it there were ooooos and ahahahas and smiles from the passers-by. We made stems, flowers, bugs, dragonflies with great glee.
    I would Love! to win th peacock embroidery because it will be perfect beginning to add a new skill to my love of stitching! Blessings, Meg Coughlin

    763
  679. I’m using the chain stitch as a base in several different ways for contrasts and layered effects.I would love to do the peacock project since I see real peacocks in this area!! Thank you for your informative articles and your great sense of humor.

    765
  680. My favorite is the satin stitch. I do Hardanger cut work and the satin stitch is key to the kloster blocks and other designs. When I make a mistake, I know it!

    766
  681. The button hole stitch is my favorite because it is so useful. I use it in quilting and embroidery. There are so many variations for it that one stitch can seem like many different stitches.

    767
  682. I have recently re-discovered the joy of embroidery. Love adding beauty to simple cloth.
    Right now I love the French knot, because it takes patience for me to get it right, but adds just the right touch and doesn’t look like a knot unless you look really close. Also, when you do many close together the effect is a nice texture.

    768
  683. Its so hard to pick just one, but my favorite would have to be blanket/buttonhole stitch. It makes a lovely line or filling, and can be varied and combined in so many fun ways. And in the end its ultimately a utilitarian stitch when used to edge blankets or buttonholes. Its hard to think of a project that couldn’t benefit from this stitch 🙂 Thanks so much for the giveaway and kicking off such a great discussion!

    769
  684. That’s a gorgeous peacock, and I’m always on the look out for peacock designs.

    Favorite stitch is a tough one. Probably the cross stitch and its variations, especially the reversible ones. Next up I want to work on the piece at the back of ‘Exhumed: Autopsy of the Montenegrin Stitch’.

    770
  685. my favorite stitch is the French knot – why? because its like a zipper of sewing – people are scared of it until learned – I was never scared of French knot and taught people how to do it and once I tell the secret of a good French knot everyone is happy.

    771
  686. Long and short has to be my favorite embroidery stitch. I love the ability it affords me to beautifully blend and shade colors. I like to add and subtract threads in the needle to give the section a very realistic and natural look to a petal, leaf or feathers. The obtains are endless.

    772
  687. Hungarian braid is my favorite stitch because it has such versatility. I love how it can be use to outline, to add a “stripe” of detail, or even to make fun and chunky swirling curly-qs.

    774
  688. What a lovely kit! I’d have to say my favorite stitch is chain stitch. I find that it comes most naturally to me. It’s versatile, too – just a bit more or less tension, and you get such a different result. I’m working on recreating an 18th century embroidered pocket right now, and chain stitch seems to be the default! Many thanks for such a wonderful and inspiring website, by the way!

    775
  689. Stem stitch. My mom embroidered pillowcases and tea towels with it. She’s been gone a long time but some memories are very vivid. This is one of them.

    776
  690. My all time favorite is Chemanthi(chemanthi means chrysanthemum) stitch. I love this stitch because chrysanthemums are my favorite flowers, and stitch is easy. When I first introduced this stitch online it fetch me some good friends online and in real too.

    Thanks for another give away
    Lakshmi Sadala

    777
  691. My favorite is the buttonhole stitch because it is easy and versatile. I can use it for hollyhocks or fences, for stumpwork or needlepoint.

    778
  692. My favorite stitch is the Raised Fishbone.
    I had done some basic cross-stitch and embroidery as a child, but as I grew up felt I had no creative talent or skill so stopped. Two years ago, I saw a class at a local shop for basic embroidery classes. I surprised myself and signed-up and loved it. Someone in the class recommended your website for the stitch tutorials. I went home, found your site and spent the whole evening looking at your tutorials. I loved the way the raised fishbone stitch looked so decided to give it a try. I drew a little leaf and carefully followed your directions. That first little embroidered leaf came out beautifully. The next week in class I showed others how to do it. For the first time in years I felt like I could be creative, that I could learn and experiment and get things wrong and try again. I have enjoyed my embroidery time ever since. It has become a companion that is both fun and soothing.
    Thank you for your website and for this fun contest to win a new project!

    779
  693. I like every stitches, it is not easy to choose. I love colonial knot, i like to do it, and it is so attractive. It look like a little rose. Excuse the way i write in English.
    Nicole

    781
  694. My favorite stitch is the french knot because it can stand alone or in bunches or added to other stitches to enhance them. It’s small but powerful!

    782
  695. Wow, what a great give away! Thanks so much.

    My all time favorite stitch is chain stitch. I love the look it brings to any project. It’s so simple and yet so elegant when used to fill in flowers, etc.

    783
  696. I’ve been a stitcher all my life….but it wasn’t until a couple years ago that I discovered how much fun it is to use the bullion stitch in making a huge variety of motifs. I’m certain that I found my inspiration for this stitch on Mary Corbet’s website. A book she described…A~Z of Embroidered Motifs first introduced the versatility of this amazing stitch. Flowers, animals, veggies….you name it….the bullion stitch does it all!

    785
  697. I like doing the fly stitch! This is a lovely kit. The lucky winner will surely enjoy this kit!

    786
  698. Hi Mary
    I LOVE satin stitch but that doesn´t mean I master it-on the contrary- but when it´s done professionally it just makes the piece! I´ll keep trying….

    787
  699. My favorite embroidery stitch is BUTTONHOLE!! I know it’s not the fanciest or most challenging, but it’s everywhere! I use it in almost every craft I do….including making real buttonholes in clothing. I know!? Crazy, right? I’ve even duplicated the pattern in paintings and pottery. It makes such a nice edge. I love the simplicity.

    788
  700. My favorite stitch is the bullion because I use it in wool applique for edges, ladybugs, and bees. I really enjoy your website and refer it to all my hand embroidery students.

    789
  701. A beautiful design.

    Very difficult to choose a favourite stitch but l do love chain stitch – it can be used for outlining and filling in, detached or close together and vary so much with differing threads

    791
  702. I like the long and short stitch. I also like to paint and this stitch allows me to make needlework look like painting.

    792
  703. Wow! Peacock ! That would be an amazing project.

    My favourite stitch is Katchi stitch (an Indian embroidery stitch). I love it as it can be used to enhance the look of just anything… A bedsheet, pillowcase , a saree, a traditional Indian dress, a frock or even a purse or clutch. I have even done peacock in Katchi stitch.

    793
  704. I’d have to say that the stem stitch is my favorite. It was the first stitch my mother taught me, and I have so many memories of sitting on our sofa trying to achieve perfection.

    794
  705. Looks like a wonderful giveaway. My favorite stitch I is colonial knot. It adds wonderful texture to an area and satisfying to complete.

    795
  706. I’m loving the look of this pattern. I like the fishbone stitch, it makes the pattern look so neat. And the fact that I love making leaves has nothing to do with it 😛

    796
  707. Well now, a favourite stitch? I love French knots. So do many others, as I see in the comments. I also love buttonhole stitch, especially used in needlelace. I love velvet stitch, so fluffy and cute, if a little time-consuming. But I’m going to plump for split stitch.
    For years if the instructions said split stitch I did reverse split stitch. I found it easier, and they looked the same. Then I read your article, Mary, and I looked more closely and I realised they DON’T look the same. Shock, horror! So I decided to practise proper split stitch, and I’m gradually finding it quicker to do, and not as scary as it used to be. Thank you, Mary. So, it’s my favourite stitch because I am proud of myself for persevering with it!

    I now intend to look up Jessica stitch and Queen stitch, which are favourite stitches of others who have commented, and which I have never heard of before!!!!

    Thanks, Mary, for your wonderful blog.

    797
  708. This piece is spectacular and suits my home perfectly. I’d love to win it!

    My favorite embroidery stitch (this week!) is Woven Filling that i learned right here on Needle ‘n Thread. I used it in a small heart and it is just the sweetest thing!

    798
  709. Hi – Thanks for the giveaway. This is so beautiful. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It can be used for lines, as filler, for padding under satin stitch, for encircling bullions, etc. It can be used singly or in long groups. You can alternate colors. It is ver versatile and it is easy for beginners too.

    Judy

    799
  710. My favorite stitch is the brick stitch. It is an easy stitch to work vertically or horizontally, it can be small or large depending on the area to be filled, it can be expanded to a double or triple brick pattern, and it is the stitch which when used as a couching stitch over a laid stitch creates a variety of Burden stitch patterns which can again vary in size and create closed and open patterns.

    800
  711. I love the long and short stitch. I am still learning but hope someday to be able to “paint” with a delicate stitch or convey substance with a specialty thread and strong color. Long & short is versatile and elegant.
    As a new stitcher one of the many things I struggle with is getting a good image on the cloth. Yep, your tutorials are soooo helpful but I still struggle and it does make a huge difference in the finished product. I would love to start with a kit and jump this hurdle. Besides the peacock is awesome.

    801
  712. Hi Mary,

    My favorite stitch is the plain and simple stem stitch. For me it is my go to stitch and can be used is such a variety of ways. Thank you for this peacock kit giveaway, I love peacock’s even my bedroom lamps have them on them!!

    803
  713. I would love to have this! Not sure what my favorite stitch is- maybe French knots because they are challenging but fun.

    804
  714. My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion. For some reason, I just love making it. I find it useful in so many designs and seam work in my crazy quilting.

    805
  715. I just love, love, love the Scotch stitch. It is my absolute favorite. I use it in backgrounds, and also to cover larger areas in designs. Perhaps my favorite class that I ever took was by June Moes – an iris, all done in Scotch stitch. I find it very easy to get intricate shading with it.

    806
  716. Greetings from beautiful Duluth, MN. The kit is lovely and the colors are absolutely beautiful. My favorite stitch is lazy daisy, but I really enjoy trying new ones. Pam

    807
  717. Thank you for such a generous giveaway offer. My favorite stitch is feather stitch. It has so many variations, and can be embellished in hundreds of ways and look good in every one. It’s also very easy to stitch, even to make wavy or curvy.

    808
  718. I’m fairly new to embroidery but so far my favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I absolutely dislike french knots!!! The stem stitch seems to be useful in many ways. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your wonderful giveaway!

    809
  719. I love all the stitches I have learned to do over the past almost 70 years. I think I love whatever one I am currently using.

    But since I have to pick, I will pick basketweave stitch on canvas. I don’t care which side is showing, just depends on the effect needed.

    810
  720. Now that I’ve had carpel tunnel surgery, I can get back to neddle work. This peacock looks fun and interesting. I loved doing knots, especially French knots. I love the look and dimension they give a project.

    811
  721. Whether it’s through this giveaway or some other way, I have to get my hands on one of these Canevas Folies kits! Too beautiful!
    For my favorite stitch, I think the French knot, with Palestrina stitch coming in a close second. I just love the texture of french knots. Palestrina stitch is just so magical to work, coming out like a pretty string of beads, as well as sharing the name of one of my favorite composers 🙂

    813
  722. I enjoy the chain stitch which can be used is so many different ways. Thanks for the chance to win the Blue Peacock embroidery kit!!!

    815
  723. That’s a hard question! I like several stitches, and dislike a few too, but I guess I’d have to say the lazy daisy stitch is one I enjoy doing more than most others. I think it’s because it’s one that I remember stitching on pillowcases when I was a child. I’ve never liked plain pillowcases and I can only say it has to be because of all the lovely ones I stitched so long ago.

    816
  724. My favorite stitch is feather stitch. You can meander it around and it’s great to use with beads.

    Lovely giveaway, Mary. Thank you.

    817
  725. My all time favorite embroidery stitch would have to be the satin stitch because when using this stitch and stitching layer upon layer for flowers in either wool or floss it is so stunningly beautiful and makes it appear 3 dimensional. I wish someone could help me with Dala Floda embroidery for my Swedish Costumes I wish to make my dolls. It is even more exciting when it is your own ancestral roots.

    818
  726. Oh, there’s too much choice. I love counted thread stitches, and the useful chain, stem, buttonhole and French knots, just for starters. One day I hope I shall properly master long-and-short. (I keep trying!) The first ‘interesting’ stitch that I fell in love with, 50 years ago, was Palestrina (aka Double-knot stitch). A lovely chunky, knobbly line. So I’ll choose that.

    819
  727. I love this peacock – the colors are simply gorgeous.

    My favorite stitch is the herringbone stitch. I need to use a filler stitch quite often and it does the job for me.

    820
  728. I like the chain stitch because of its’ versatility. You can change direction and threads for a totally different look.

    821
  729. I don’t know that I’ve done enough embroidery to have a true Favorite, but from what I’ve worked so far, I’d say, I like split stitch. To me, it makes a very forgiving line for outlines.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Carrie
    PlaneNut

    823
  730. Hi Mary
    Beautiful peacock design!My favorite stitch is stem stitch . I also like chain stitch with tambour needle.
    Thank you for your wonderful and informative website.

    824
  731. My favourite stitch is the chain stitch – reminds me fondly of the embroidered rug of my (long-ago) teenage years – easy and reliable to do. Still in the aspirational stage of surface embroidery and chain stitch is the one that I never have to look up and always comes out as expected. Would LOVE to win this kit, thought it was lovely when it featured on the French Needle’s newsletter.

    825
  732. The peacock is gorgeous and I have never worked with a kit before so winning would be a great learning experience. My all time favorite stitch is the button hole stitch. It is my go to, I love the it can be used so many different ways and with so many different mediums!

    828
  733. My favorite stitch is the reverse chain stitch. I love how it flows and how unlike regular chain stitch, you can stop and put it away easily without having to worry about the loop floating there easy to snag.

    829
  734. My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch because it can be used for filling or defining an area. Also, since the length can vary it makes versitile.

    831
  735. I would have to say the lazy daisy stitch is my favorite. Probably one of the earliest stitches I learned, but always fun and can really be great with silk ribbon.

    832
  736. I love the chain stitch. It can be an outline stitch or a filler stitch. Because it is so versatile makes it my favorite stitch

    833
  737. I love french knots. They are so adaptable, they can be used as an accent, or they can be used to create a whole picture using various thicknesses of thread. I know a lot of people hate them, but once you have the knack of creating them they are really quite easy.

    834
    1. Should have said my name is Gill Cook. 🙂 but unfortunately after posting I can’t edit my name.

  738. Long and short stitch! Beautiful texture is achieved with a simple stitch. And yes, I LOVE PEACOCKS!

    835
  739. The Peacock Kit looks divine. But to name my favorite stitch is a hard choice. I love the french knot but also the chain stitch. but if i have to pick just one it would be the padded satin stitch… gives a little more depth then just the satin stitch.

    836
  740. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It’s super versatile and I love the texture of it!

    837
  741. My most favourite stitch is “Arraiolos” stitch. It’s a kind of the long-legged stitch and it’s stitched with hand dyed 100% wool on jute.
    I think it’s very important to keep one’s heritage and being Portuguese I like to help preserving it… then embroidering big rugs by hand it’s fantastic, mostly when we see the final product.
    I’m starting to stitch my 4th rug, which is 1,65 m x 1,30 all in tones of blue and grey based on a 17th century tile.
    thank you for the giveaway.

    838
  742. I would have to say stem stitch is my favorite. For all of the reasons already mentioned plus I find it to be the most relaxing stitching I do.

    839
  743. Hi Mary,

    I would love to win the peacock kit, but I know the chances are slim!

    My favourite embroidery stitch is the French Knot. Depending on the type of cotton it is stitched with, the French Knot can look so different and can be used to depict so many things or just be decorative. I love stitching French Knots in perlè cotton – makes them so tactile!

    I am in the UK and don’t know if I can be included but, if I can be included, I thank you for the chance to win!

    Barbara W. xx (Flashinscissors)

    840
  744. I love peacocks and I love to embroider. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, it is so versatile.

    841
  745. My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It’s my default stitch when I cannot decide which stitch to use.

    842
  746. It is so hard to have just one favourite embroidery stitch but it would have to be a running stitch. I taught it to my boys and when working on quilts they would stitch as they told me about their day.Their stories are stitched into the fabric and they remember the stories I shared with them.

    843
  747. My favorite stitch it the French knot. Love the texture and feel. It’s a lot more versatile than people think. Great give-a-way.
    Thanks

    844
  748. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It can so easily be varied to give many different looks. A circle of chains can be used to make a flower. A series of long stitches provide a textured line. Best of all chain stitches work with other stitch to form interesting combinations.

    845
  749. I am in love with peacocks! We just moved onto 10 acres and I am trying to be patient and wait until Spring before I have those precious birdies in my yard!
    My favorite stitch of all time is the Turkey Rug Stitch. My favorite completed project of all time was a rustic log cabin with pine trees and deer that I stitched for my father-in-law, and after hours of searching, the Turkey Rug Stitch made the most beautiful pine trees ever!

    846
  750. I love Palestrina Stitch! Probably because it took a decade to learn, also because my most favored teacher said “You can do buttonhole, but then, you just have button hole!

    847
  751. Ooh – what a nice giveaway! Thanks!

    I can’t stitch anything without at least a few chain stitches. They’re just so happy! I love them in a nice long chain, like baubles – or made into flowers – or fans – or as a filling – or a base for a spiderweb – or interlaced – or…

    848
  752. I have done cross stitch for years but a few months ago I decided to get back into embroidery. Your website has been invaluable. My favorite stitch at this point is the Palestrina stitch. I used it on a Fuchsia pillow as the stems I stitched for my father on his last Birthday. It was fun and jazzed up the stems a bit. I have to be honest, when I saw your article about the peacock I ran right over to the French Needle website and ordered the kit to make for my sister who adores peacocks. But this way I would have one for myself and the practice of all the stitches would be good for me (hint, hint). Thank you.

    849
  753. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch. It is a bit difficult for me to keep even at times on big areas, but it is such a lovely stitch when done. I looks very pretty. I kind of stands out better than some stitches.

    850
  754. My all time favorite stitch is the cast-on stitch. It packs a lot of power for an easy stitch. In minutes I add interest, depth and texture to any project.

    Maria in NOLA

    851
  755. favorite is chainstitch
    – can be linear yet graceful – can be worked as small and delicate or bold w heavier thread – can make mini flowers or outlines – beads can be included for embellishment

    852
  756. My favorite stitch is the herringbone stitch. I use it a lot in my wool crazy. Thank you for peacock giveaway. I know we would all like to win.

    853
  757. Ohhhh, this is a difficult one: O

    I suppose my all time favorite stitch is the buttonhole. It can be use for edging, on surface, pointing in and out, and detached. They are all so unique and create a different look. It can be used in simple hemming, or to make a beautiful stumpwork piece.

    854
  758. Ah Mary whatever I am stitching is my favorite stitch, at the moment stem stitch is my favorite, I can do so much with it lovely winding tendrils, elegant straight lines, good filling, soo much!! The peacock is a bit of a tradition in our family.My grandmother apparently sat at the zoo for hours to make sure she had the play of colours correct on her needle painted peacock. My Mum remembered it with awe but it has disappeared within the extended family so she found a beautiful -difficult- kit and did her own peacock,which I now have on my bedroom wall and I have been promising myself to do the next generation peacock in a salute to two wonderful needlewomen.Your generous giveaway is a terrific spur to get me going. Thankyou for the opportunity Chris Australia

    855
  759. My favourite stitch is the fly stitch, you can use it closed up or far apart and it is a really easy stitch. I would love the peacock, I cant stitch atm as I have a shoulder injury but what a lovely kit to look forward to.

    856
  760. Hi Kathy

    Just love the Blue Peacock. My most favorite stitch is the satin stich because it looks so shiny and is clean and even.

    Thanks again,
    Peggy of White Plains, NY

    857
  761. Hi,

    My favorite stitch is the antique hemstitch. I like stitches that are complicated and difficult to do but I love the functionality and simplicity of the antique hemstitch. It can finish off the most ordinary fabric with nothing else on it but the edges done in hemstitch and it turns out very classy.

    Fell in love with it the first time I tried it.
    Thanks,

    Cyndi

    858
  762. How can I choose just one stitch? There are so many really versatile stitches but I think French knots have to be my preferred stitch. They are so pretty, look impressive and can be used in so many ways. Thank you for offering such a beautiful kit.

    859
  763. Such a pretty kit! I love satin stitch because it gives you big, full blocks of shiny color to work with.

    860
  764. I love to make bullion roses. They are challenging, but so pretty and delicate. I’m so happy when they turn out well!

    861
  765. Hi Mary!
    Thanks for this awesome give-away… It’s hard to say which is my favorite because I do love to stitch, but I would have to say stem stitch…very satisfying.
    Love your blog!

    862
  766. I love your daily blog. I don’t see such beautiful patterns in the USA
    Thanks for being available on the Internet.

    Sue in Cincinnati Ohio

    863
  767. My favourite stitch is Palestrina Knot/Old English Knot/Double Knot stitch,call it what you like it is my favourite stitch because it has a lovely rhythm to it as it is worked, can be used in frequently in line stitches and is relaxing to do, easy to do well and looks good when finished.

    864
  768. I think my favorite stitch is a Rhodes stitch as it can be varied in shape but still has a dimensional quality.

    Runner up is probably a French knot as it adds emphasis and dimension. Can you tell I enjoy textures?

    865
  769. I am enamored with the stem stitch. It has great texture, curves so nicely and looks very elegant. For wool work, I really like the blanket stitch. (I’m so fickle.) Thanks for the amazing give away opportunity.

    866
  770. Hi Mary,
    My favorite stitch is the French knot and its variants, because it allows you to embellish elaborately, such as with beads, or simply. It can even be used to decorate around negative space for a beautiful effect.
    Best wishes,
    Josephine Orta

    867
  771. The peacock is stunning.
    By far and away, the stitch I love most is the chain stitch. There are so many variations. It is lovely when used in a line, as a fill, as a design element. It is fun to stitch also. I have used the chain stitch on clothes, bags, wall hangings, just wherever and whenever a stitch is needed. It just works for nearly everything.

    868
  772. Thank you Mary for the opportunity.

    Stem stitch is the very first stitch I learned and used exclusively in my first embroidery project. I like it a lot for its simplicity and elegance.

    Lately I completed the project based on your Alphabet Sampler. I think Buttonhole Stitch: Up & Down is very pretty.

    869
  773. I really like the feather stitch; it is a very versatile stitch. I use it for flowering vines, underwater scenes, etc.
    Cheryl N in Dracut
    Chermoose

    870
  774. I have watched this kit since it came out. I was almost relieved when it sold out. Now a chance to win it. I have several of the Canevas Folies pieces.

    My favourite stitch is the stem stitch. My usually looks even and depending on the thread it can look all different ways. Love to stack it also.

    871
  775. HI!
    I enjoy the stemstitch the most.
    For fine single thread work and then as a filler for leaves and such or as the stitch suggest for stems from very fine to very thick. When I don’t know what stitch would work on a project and I am at loss it is my go to stitch. I also think it is a favorite because it was the very first stitch I learned and I felt so acomplished as in job well done. LOL… Thank YOU 🙂

    872
  776. My most favorite stitch is the French knot. I have used it as filler and it has great effect. I love the colors of those threads for the peacock kit! Thanks, Mary.

    873
  777. Yeah for the giveaway! I love peacocks. They are such screechers as I discovered visiting Queen Beatrice’s summer home in Holland on my dream trip years ago.
    My least favorite stitch is the long and short. So my favorite couching to make various shaped flowers and flower centers on Jacobean style pieces. Thank you for asking.

    874
  778. Thank you for the chance to win this very fun kit!! My favorite stitch is for sure the simple chain stitch. It is my go to stitch – I can use it for straight areas, curved areas, to give texture in the middles of anything … I just love it. And I am excited to read through the comments to see what stitches other people love — so thanks for this question too!!

    875
  779. My favorite stitch is… well…I’m not really sure, part of the reason I like embroidery is because of the diversity of stitches. However, the French Knot just might be my favorite because of its potential for a little drama and texture. A close second for me would be the back stitch for the complete opposite reason. It is simple to execute and hard to mess up, and it makes a clean line whether curved or straight.

    876
  780. Hi Mary!
    Such a lovely peacock piece.

    Not sure if I have a favorite of all time stitch….it depends on what I am stitching at the time. I like texture, so probably something like a chain stitch would rank up there at the top!

    877
  781. The peacock kit is gorgeous. My favorite sick would have to be stem stitch. There is just something very satisfying about a smooth curve of stem stitch.

    878
  782. What a gorgeous kit! Thanks for the giveaway.

    It’s hard to pick just one stitch but guess for me it would be the good old stem stitch. Probably because I have mastered it and therefore it usually turns out pretty good. Oh, and I like the French knot, but haven’t mastered it. Someday.

    Thanks Mary!

    879
  783. When I first saw this Peacock on your daily newsletter I said to my husband I must have this one and was about to order a kit when your Give Away came in so decided to enter the give away and wait and see.
    My favorite stitch would be long and short, I guess because it is so forgiving and changes the look of your project. I had a lot of trouble with this stitch in the begining and would steer clear of it until a friend gave me a bit of advice, so now I am hooked.

    880
  784. My favorite stitch is the feather stitch. It is such a free form design and a great filler. Although, lazy daisy is fun, too! Hard to pick just one.

    881
  785. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It outlines, fills in, and you can further weave into it. It’s a good stitch in to hqv in your tool belt.

    882
  786. My favourite embroidery stitch, hmmmm a hard choice between satin stitch and French knots. I think I have to go with the French knots I guess because whatever I stitch I usually try to add them somewhere, they add so much and each style of embroidery has it own version of this stitch whether English, Japanese or Brazilian embroidery. Just love them in montmellick.

    884
  787. It used to be leaf stitch, but lately I’m exploring french knots. I think they work great in blending colours or make a gradual change.

    885
  788. I love palestrina stitch (or double knot stitch) because it is so versatile – a beautiful outline stitch, even a filling stitch (alternate the knots in rows of the area being filled) but best of all it looks absolutely beautiful when used around the edges of a hand sewn poach or purse.

    886
  789. My favourite stitch is the french knot – it adds texture to a piece in a way that no other stitch can and is also extremely useful for adding little touches of another colour to a piece.

    887
  790. Michelle w in hull….my favourite stitch is colonial stitch. This knot is so neat and tidy. It is an easy alternative to the French knot. I love how they give texture to a piece of work. I also love the history around candlewick embroidery dating back to the American colonies. The women were so skilled and imaginative using the meagre materials at hand to create beautiful decorations.

    888
  791. My favourite stitch is the daisy chain as it’s the first one I learnt as a child, it makes me happy and it’s one of the first ones I have taught my daughter. The daisy chain of life continues on.

    889
  792. I really like chain stitch, you can get so many variations including dear old lazy daisy stitch. You can use chain stitch as a filler, or as a lovely edging, I find it very versatile.

    I would love to stitch the peacock – it is just beautiful. I did a cross stitch peacock including beads many years ago and would like to try another using a larger variety of stitches and threads.

    890
  793. My favorite stitch is the van dyke stitch. It is beautiful to use for leaves, trees and motifs with a “backbone”. I particularly like to do it with two different coloured threads – small gold and silver christmas trees were really fun.

    891
  794. My favorite stitch is the Queen Stitch. It is so lovely and makes such interesting texture and fills the space nicely.

    893
  795. My favourite stich is the chain stich. It is so versatile for outlining, filling or stand alone.

    894
  796. Hi Mary,
    I actually have 2 favourites and it all depends on what I’m stitching with. If I’m using DMC floss or other stranded fibres, I love stem stitch. I love how it works up pretty quickly, stacks beautifully and takes curves well. I love how it looks when stitching lines of different shades of a colour. But when I’m using wool, I love satin stitch. A padded satin stitch works up so beautifully when using wool. It gets nice and plump and the wool spreads so well in the finishing stitches. Using wool for satin stitch is more forgiving then 1 thread of floss…. Maybe that’s why I love it :)!

    895
  797. I like the stem stitch. I always get confused when I start it ( thread top or bottom?) but I like the effect it gives.

    896
  798. Couching. I love the way you can couch down beautiful threads that would not work well if they went through the material. You can also use a lovely thread to couch with so it is a double whammy for me.

    897
  799. My favorite hand embroidery stitch is French Knots. You can use them for added designs and you can fill with them. They create so much texture.

    899
  800. Hello, all!
    I do love peafowl. The peacocks are so pretty.
    My favorite embroidery stitch is chain stitch, I think. It’s so versatile: filling, lines, flowers–and no doubt our esteemed hostess knows some more uses yet!
    Second favorite, for me, stem stitch. After that come buttonhole stitch.

    900
  801. Hi Mary,
    Since I am still learning and exploring all kinds of different embroidery styles, I could not say right now which stich is my favorite.
    I’ve only started in a Guild two year’s ago.
    But the project you are giving away seems fun to do.
    I wish I will be lucky this time.

    901
  802. I would love to win this beautiful kit and would enjoy completing it. Thanks for all the work you put into your log.

    902
  803. I love to try new stitches but looking at my work I see that long-and-short stitch is my workhorse. Good for feathers, fur and flowers. (Wow! 902 Comments. Is this giveaway going to be a record? There must be a lot of peacock fans out there, lol.)

    903
  804. I have several favorites but The alternate twisted chain stitch and the palestrina stitch are the ones I like to use the most because they really add so much beauty, texture and a bit of elegance to any design. Love peacocks by the way.

    904
  805. I think chain stitch is way at the top of my list of favorite stitches (tied with buttonhole stitch). I love it because it was one of the first stitches I learned as a child — lazy daisy made such cute flowers on all of those tea towels and pillowcases. More recently, I visited the newly designed Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., and as I read the labels I was surprised how prominent a role chain stitch played in textiles from around the world, and from the earliest known works of embroidery. Truly a universal stitch, and one that everyone can work with ease.

    905
  806. The peacock kit is beautiful with many stitches I haven’t done.

    My favorite stitch is back stitch. The first one I learned and very soothing to me.

    906
  807. I love the queen stitch. It provides such wonderful texture. Second favorite is the stem stitch for its versatility. Thanks for the chance to win this really pretty kit.

    907
  808. I really enjoy using Ribbed Spider Web Stitch. It is a stitch which adds texture, and is suitable for all thicknesses of thread – just make the spokes longer for a tick thread. If the middle of the stitch is untidy I add a French Knot or a small bead. Thank you for all these lovely give-aways.

    908
  809. Ooh thank you Mary, Laurance and Lisa for such a lovely give-a-way.

    My favourite stitch is stem stitch as it is so versatile and quick to do. It can be a closely stitched line or spread out with minimal overlap and you can add beads to it. Although I am not sure what my “friends” feather stitch and chain would think, as I use them a lot as well.

    910
  810. The ever versatile chain stitch is my favorite stitch–with so many varieties and functions the Needle worker is ready to take on any project. Besides outlining, filling and padding on linen and canvas, chain enables depth, different textures, and needle weaving to bring a piece to life!

    911
  811. Thank you for the give away. After a lot of debating with myself, I would have to say back stitch is my favorite stitch. It seems like I use it every chance I get.

    912
  812. I LOVE chain stitch for it’s versatility. You can make it wide or narrow, long or short, decorative or plain. It can be a filler or an outline.

    913
  813. I loved this peacock when I first saw it. Was almost relieved when it sold out. Now it’s back.

    I love the stem stitch. So versatile. It looks even no matter what. Love it as a filling stitch.

    914
  814. Peacocks remind me of the beauty of things ,colors playing with each other!! So many stitches I love but when I look back I learned many stitches from my mother Nona, and my all time fav is the French knot. Mom would show me and she taught me to have fun doing stitches and she always had fun making a joke or two on the French knot and having French blood !! Lol. I truly am so thrilled that I just found your site today and have already loved watching many videos of stitches. Thank you for keeping this craft going as it is near and dear to my heart with memories of mom!!! Also I adore give always !! How fun and thank you for the chance to share and win !!!

    915
  815. My favourite stitch is the blanket stitch. It makes a really neat filling, wonderful edges for stumpwork, a great place to start needle weaving. Super handy to know.

    916
  816. My favorite stitches are the french knot and the drizzle stitch. I have always enjoyed making the french knot for hair, sheep and the like. I recently learned the drizzle stitch and it is so fun to make and looks delightful. I thought it would be impossible to make but Mary taught me how. Cindy Maki

    917
  817. At this moment I am totally in love with Mountmellick stitch, it is the newest one I’ve learned and am so happy with the results. Thank you Mary for the tutorial on it, so easy to follow =)

    918
  818. My favorite stitch is the lazy daisy stitch. It can be manipulated so many ways to achieve many different looks. Only in the last couple of years have I allowed myself to play with the standard stitches. What fun it’s been.

    919
    1. My favorite stitch is the lazy daisy stitch. It can be manipulated so many ways to achieve many different looks. Only in the last couple of years have I allowed myself to play with the standard stitches. What fun it’s been!

  819. I love doing satin stitch.
    That looks like a wonderful pattern to work. I do love peacocks.

    Linda Kay

    920
  820. My recent projects were cross stitch and I work presently on a cushion of chain stitch. I guess my favorite stich is …chain stitch. I’m better since all the fabric is covered of them.
    So I would like very much the peacock kit and try others stitches.
    I’m a subscriber of your blog for almost one year and I learned a lot. I like your humour and it’s always a nice moment to read you.
    Thanks MM

    P.S. I’m much better at reading than writing.

    921
  821. I love peacocks!! Thank you for having the giveaway. My favorite embroidery stitch is the raised stem. It adds dimension as well as texture and looks great when embroidering letters.

    922
  822. I enjoy your blog. I found it through Nordic Needle. I guess my favorite stitch is really a style (black work). I would enjoy the peacock kit and do many different stitches.

    923
  823. I love the split stitch. I like the ease of creating a straight or curved line that has some texture due to the split and you can use it in so many different ways.

    Heather

    924
  824. I love love love doing the French knot. I just think it looks really lovely especially in bunches. And it’s fun to do.

    925
  825. Really only one favourite stitch? That is a big ask, as there are so many wonderful colours.

    If I have to pick one it will be long and short stitching as I love to blend colours.

    926
  826. Well, that is one doozy of a question. I am torn between satin stitch and french knots for my answer.
    I will go with french knots, they are fast and they add great texture.

    927
  827. Beautiful peacock kit! My current favorite is the feather stitch, although the french knot is a close second. It can be used in so many ways – great for crazy quilting.

    928
  828. My fave stitch is the stem stitch for its versatility and because it was the first stitch I was taught as a child.

    929
  829. My favorite stitch, humm, so many to choose from. I like the french knot, bullion stitch, satin stitch, and sooo many more. I really enjoy doing the long and short stitch – you can do so much with that method. I also like using the buttonhole stitch since I do a lot of wool projects. Lois A in ID

    930
  830. I love Blue Peacock.
    I never work on such a nice kit i would like to try it.
    My Favorit embroidery work was my Japanees embroidery fan working with tradion Japanees slik trheds
    I can a sure you that after fhinishing the kit i will send you a photo of it.
    Thanks Elian

    931
  831. Oh what a beautiful giveaway!

    My favourite stitch is drizzle stitch. I love how it wiggles and twists. I love it in bunches at the centre of a flower. I love it in singles as the extended tongues of saucy caterpillars. I love how it does what it wants to but still looks cool.

    933
  832. I like the stem stitch. I like it because it’s a simple stitch. It’s easy to make, very pretty, and surprisingly flexible!
    Gianna

    934
  833. Wow, what a nice giveaway. MY favorite stitch is the button hole. I use it mainly for quilt projects with felted wool and it can be embellished so easily. Thanks. Anne in Bend

    936
  834. What an amazing give-away! It’s so difficult to choose just one stitch, especially since it tends to change with age and project. When I was (much) younger my favorite was the French knot and I really enjoyed candlewick pieces. Chain stitch is always fun, but right now I would say my favorite stitch(es) are the various Elizabethan braid stitches because of the detail and dimension they add to the historical pieces I am working on. Thanks, Mary, for this opportunity to enter!

    937
  835. I love colonial knots. they are so much easier than french knots and always look so neat. Honestly though, I havent found any stitches that I dont like. Embroidery is such a pleasure. I just dont think that I will finish all the things that I would like to try. Could fill about 3 lifetimes and then some. Thanks for the opportunity to win this cute kit.

    938
  836. I would LOVE this kit! How to choose a favorite stitch? I love doing fancy stitches that other people hate!! Queen stitch, French knots, hardanger (including cutting!!)!! My mom started teaching me how to embroider when I was around 8 years old. She drew small motifs on fabric and gave me a bag of loose floss, a hoop, needles, scissors! And away I went!! I keep hearing how many people are scared of certain stitches. I never was!! It might take me a bit to learn a new stitch, but it never scared me! So you might need to cut or unpick a stitch! So what! Just sit back and enjoy the ride! Mom has been gone now for 3 years, but she has left me a large collection of finished projects, and I have done the same. My grown children know the time and work that a piece entails and I am blessed to know that they will treasure their stitching heritage! Linda McL from NC

    939
  837. It is a lovely kit and I would enjoy working it.
    I like bullion stitch. They can be long or short, tapered or not, looped back to make flower petals. Little tiny black bullion stitches with two strands of yellow thread over the top and a metallic lazy daisy stitch or two makes a lovely little bee.

    940
  838. My favorite, favorite, favorite stitch is the Nobuko. It is so versatile as it can be stitched horizontally, vertically and diagonally; it can be used as a single set of stitches, doubled, tripled, etc.; and it is a fantastic background stitch.

    941
  839. Just have to quote Margaret Boyles, heirloom embroiderer extraordinaire. “My favorite embroidery stitch is whatever stitch I’m doing at the time”. I do love making tiny, bullion rosebuds. Thank you so much for a chance to win the peacock kit.

    943
  840. Awesome giveaway! Thanks! I would just love this kit. My favorite stitch are French Knots. I love to do them in wool – 2 strands – 3 twists. I love the texture when a lot are done in an area.

    944
  841. Jean Duchesneau of Cumberland, Maine. I like the daisy stitch . I’m new to embroidery. I’ve just re-acquainting myself to it. I haven’t embroidered for over 30 yrs. I like the stem stitch, it’s and all around stitch for me, but like the daisy stitch. Flowers make me smile …. Happy, happy happy!

    945
  842. My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. Before I learned to love embroidery, I had crocheted since I was a little girl, and the chain stitch was the first embroidery stitch that “made sense” to me, because though the tools used to make it in embroidery are different than crochet, the structure is the same in both. Plus, it it used quite a bit in Schwalm, which is my favorite style of white work.

    946
  843. Gorgeous peacocks!
    My favorite stitch is probably the Algerian eye. I think it’s a pretty stitch, it probably appeals to my geometric senses, and it’s one of those intricate and eye-catching stitches yet it is so easy to stitch.

    947
  844. I think of all the stitches I’ve done, I really like French knots. If they are done correctly, they usually add character to the piece. Thank you for this opportunity.
    Cris Salmon

    948
  845. My favourite stitch (as a fairly new embroiderer) is split stitch. I like how versatile it is, as a filling stitch, an outlining stitch, and also for adding fine details like on faces. Depending on the thread type, the number of threads etc, it has lots of different ‘looks’.

    949
  846. My favorite embroidery stitch has to be the padded satin stitch.
    It make the work a piece of art beautiful to look at and luscious to the touch.
    It coveys the feeling of richness to any piece of embroidery.

    950
  847. My favorite embroidery stitch has to be the padded satin stitch.
    It make the work a piece of art beautiful to look at and luscious to the touch.
    It coveys the feeling of richness to any piece of work

    951
  848. My favourite embroidery stitch is long and short stitch. I like this stitch because it has enabled me to produce realistic looking embroidered pictures of flowers, or birds – which is great as I can’t paint or draw at all!!

    I would love to try to embroidered a peacock.

    952
  849. The stitch that comes to mind as my favourite stitch is fly stitch. The reasons are numerous but high in the list is the rhythm to the stitch, the variety of ways to vary the look of the stitch such as length of the stitch, width of the stitch, the ease of changing direction, it can be orderly or random, be a single stitch, straight row or branching in different directions using different numbers of stitches and the tips may at times cry out for a knot such as French knot to finish them off. Then there is the effect of the thread makes whether it smooth or rough or thin or thick.

    I would love the opportunity to stitch the feathers of the peacock using it if I was lucky winner of such a generous prize.

    953
  850. My all time favorite stitch has to be the satin stitch. A well laid satin stitch is a work of art. And, sometimes I achieve that! It can be used to fill any number of spaces quickly and easily. But I must admit the French knot comes in at a close second. Probably because I can remember my mother’s hands as she taught me how to make the knot.

    954
  851. I guess I would say the stem stitch. It can look dainty or elegant and creates a lovely effect when filling in a design.

    955
  852. I love Chain Stitch, in all its permutations! My mother introduced me to embroidery when I was 7 using the chain stitch, and it has stuck with me ever since. I use it for *everything*, and can’t wait to teach it to my kid one day.

    956
  853. My favorite stitch is the feather stitch since it can be used in so many ways, built upon and embellished and always looks great!
    Ann

    957
  854. So hard to choose, but I guess today it would be chain stitch. It can be a filler, an outline, a flower with the lazy daisy variation and even make a zig zag embellishment on a seam for crazy quilting.

    958
  855. That’s a really, really tough question!:)

    For surface work, I love stem stitch: it’s quick, versatile & adds texture without losing subtlety.
    For drawn work, four-sided and the one for borders (Italian, I think it’s called.

    But I love love love needle-lace although I haven’t mastered it yet!
    Thank you for an interesting simple question, and for the giveaway!
    Tessa in JHB (formerly Stellenbosch)

    959
  856. My favourite stitch is always the one I am just learning from one of your tutorials! But I do dream about devoting my time to a project made exclusively of french knots. Thanks for the give away- keeping my fingers crossed.

    960
  857. My favourite stitch is the wonderfully versatile French knot! You can outline with them, fill with them or create flora and fauna(who hasn’t seen a fluffy sheep with a fleece made up with tiny white French knots or a flower with a perfect circle of knots at their centre?) You can make them tiny enough to be the glint in a birdies eye or big enough to be the bobtail at the end of a rabbit. I love, love, love them!

    961
  858. My ever favourite stitch is the actually just the backstitch. It’s so easy, yet so effective and beautiful. You can do outlines, and fill up with satin stitch or some of that kind. Or just let the outlines be enough. There are so much possibilities!

    962
  859. I love this peacock design, its absolutely fabulous!

    My favorite stitch is the french knot because it can be used to punctuate (literally) an embroidery or it can be used to fill a larger space and create a lot of texture and depth to a piece.

    965
  860. I love the outline stitch, I do a lot of redwork with 1 thread so it is more delicate looking. Love learning new stitches and have discovered the bullion stitch and working with silk ribbon and have fallen in love.
    Would love to win the peacock kit, thanks for a chance.

    966
  861. Hi Mary:
    First, thank you for your wonderful site… I look forward to it everyday.
    Like many I find it difficult to chose one stitch but my first thought was the spectacular satin stitch. I would love this kit because blue is my favorite color, I love peacocks and it would be a wonderful kit to bring to Florida on my annual stay there. I am a Canadian snowbird and enjoy completing some embroidery during my five to six month stay… this would be perfect. Thank you for the opportunity to enter.

    967
  862. Mostly stem and outline stitch but love to challenge peacock
    Thank you for taking time to read misao

    968
  863. My all-time favorite embroidery stitch is … I’d have to say is the stem stitch. You can do an awful lot with that stitch depending on the length of the stitch.

    969
  864. I would love to work this very beautiful kit. I love the satin stitch. It’s beautiful. I also like the stem stitch. I actually love most stitches.

    970
  865. Love, love, love your blog. You share such wonderful information. I can’t wait to check out the Italian youtube videos. Sounds like fun! I’m not sure what my favorite stitch is. I use the backstitch most of the time since I like to do the blocks that are colored in using crayons and then outlined and highlighted using embroidery stitches. The embroidery always brings the picture to life.

    971
  866. Like so many others, I find it hard to pick just one stitch. Mom taught me a few basic stitches when I was about 5 – stem, lazy daisy, and french knots. It is only in the last few months that I have gotten back to embroidery, It is amazing just how many stitches and variations are out there. I love doing the colonial knot. It is so rhythmic and soothing and I love the seemingly endless variety that I can achieve with chain stitch and it variations.

    Thanks so much for such a fantastic embroidery resource. I’ve learned so much from your reviews and the clear and sometimes funny explanations of how to get the best results and why you do things the way you do. It is easy to find how to do a stitch but you go further and tell us how to change threads and end off. Thanks for explaining all the little things that most take for granted, but that we need to know!
    Dara Wamsley in West Virginia

    972
  867. My favorite stitch is the satin stitch. There are so many ways it can be used. With silk it is so shiny. With Hardanger it forms the kloster blocks. Thank you so much for offering the Peacock. It is beautiful!

    973
  868. The peacock is lovely, I have one living down the street from me! 🙂
    My favorite stitch is the split stitch, I use it for everything, especially filling!

    974
  869. I just love the daisy stitch! It never gives me any trouble and can be used many ways:side-by-side, in a fan, in a single-file line and with many colors.

    975
  870. My favorite stitch is: ALL of them! Since I just started more complicated embroidery stitches, I’m just fascinated with the all the different stitches you can create. It’s too much fun!

    977
  871. My favorite stitch is the bullion. It can be used in many ways. You can make it loose or tight for a different look. Even using different threads and the size of the needle causing different changes.

    Mary in Oregon

    978
  872. What a gorgeous Peacock! Would love to win this one.

    My favorite stitch is basketweave for its precision.

    Keeping my fingers crossed!

    979
  873. Straight stitch is my all time favorite — right now, most of the embroidery I’m doing is on quilts — and this stitch can do for trees, leaves fillings, etc. Second would be French Knot — also used on quilts for an amazing variety of vegetation, or just for “interest” and texture.

    I only began to live when I found your blog!! Great Stuff!

    980
  874. I have to say my favorite stitch is the French knot. It was what I was researching on the internet (trying to do it right) when I first found your tutorials and then your website. What a happy beginning for me. The Peacock is a beautiful kit and I would enjoy doing it!

    982
  875. My favorite stitch is the detached buttonhole stitch because of the amazing number of things you can do with it and the number of variations of it.

    Thanks for you informative blogs!

    983
  876. My favorite stitch is the Stumpwork, it gives me the impression of doing a painting and the possibility to create nature out of my canvas.

    984
  877. I love doing embroidery. I belong to the Central Coast Embroidery Guild and we meet every Monday. We sometimes have tutors come in and teach is something new. I enjoyed these tutorials. I have learned Stumpwork, Elizaberh embroidery, working with beads (a small box), a variety of stitches, How to frame our finished articles. And many more.
    One of my favourite stitches is long and short stitches. Lately I have been making gifts for my family using flower embroidery. My latest one is a picture of some pansies. I am pleased with the finished article and the colour of the pansies stand out beautifully.
    I would love to do the Peacock. The colours would be outstanding.

    985
  878. I am a competent beginner, and haven’t branched out into some of the more exciting and exotic stitches in my stitch dictionary, but I’d have to say split stitch is quickly becoming my favorite, especially for filling. The subtle texture it gives and the relative fluidity filling asymmetrical and odd shapes are what I really love. Plus, it reminds me of all the medieval work that uses split stitch to fill which gives me a rush of nerdy excitement because there’s so much history behind a stitch. I hope I can get as good as those old masters…

    987
  879. It’s hard to pick a favorite stitch, but when pressed I guess I would say it would have to be French knots. I love the textural effects you can produce with this stitch, and one of my favorite vintage pieces features the knots prominently.

    988
  880. I love trying all types of embroidery stitches. I mostly use stem stitch and buttonhole stitch for wool applique. I recently tried a stitch I quite like. It is a laced or threaded running stitch. It makes a beautiful border.
    I would love the peacock kit because I love peacock designs. They are so very elegant, and their colors are my favorites.

    989
  881. I do so love this kit,and after having a look at their site there are several others I may need to order as well, but would love to start off with winning this kit. I love surface stitchery, and many stitches, but I think stem stitch is my favourite, it is so versatile, it can be used for outlining, and filling and drawing and doodling. Fun!
    Cheers Judy

    990
  882. Mary,

    I think I have a new favorite thanks to you and your website. It’s the Woven Wheel or the Woven Spider Web. I was recently completing a kit and I discovered the kit instructions for the spider web stitch did not match the picture of the completed project. I came to your website and discovered the Woven Spider Wheel and it looked just like the picture. I tried it out and I was very happy with the results. The regular spider web would not have looked as nice as the woven one.

    Thank you so much.

    991
  883. I love the split stitch. It makes the patterns that I’m finishing up on look so neat and tidy. It is like when coloring a picture ending up with a darker outline.

    Of course all of the other stitches and newer ones too. I love too. However, I always come to my split stitch,that is one is my favorite. Hope this help.

    Thanks,
    Jann Yandel

    I always have a project going. Mary, love your site and your dedication and your kindness you to share with all who love to embroider.Again, Thank You…Jann

    Btw(I’m not trying to butter up to win.No, really, I have always wanted to write you thistle you.It is the very truth. I promise you that. You give so much of your time?)Do Not take this note here as trying to win points either) Jann Y

    992
  884. Choosing one stitch is almost impossible but I love stem stitch. I’ve spent years just going along thinking I was doing ok but I couldn’t figure out why it just didn’t lay down right. I took Kathy Shaw’s beginner crazy quilt class thinking I’d pick up some design ideas. Instead, I finally understood the stem stitch. Hard to believe I’ve been stitching for way too many years and I am happy with my stem stitch. You have to love the internet and how much it’s opened learning tools for all of us.

    993
  885. My favourite stitch is backstitch. It can be used in so many ways! I love doing blackwork, and it’s one of the key stitches fot that. I also love doing bead embroidery. Back stitch is used for sewing lines of beads on to the background in patterns. It’s also a great stitch to start children with, as they can enjoy stitching around outlines and easily get a great effect. Thanks for doing the giveaway and making me take the time to think about my stitching a bit.

    994
  886. I think my favorite stitch(es) are the Colonial Knot and the Bullion Stitch. I could stitch them all day.

    995
  887. Love the colors of those treads. Wow!

    My favorite stitch is the French knot. It’s fun and can quickly fill in an area and has a great texture. Since I love to stitch flowers, it is essential piece of my “stitch repetoir.”

    996
  888. My all~time fav is the French knot. Why? I honestly don’t know why. I fell in love with the stitch centuries ago when I first learned to embroider and have loved it ever since. I use it as filler. In borders. In flowers. In lettering. With ribbons and lace. In fact, I cannot not knot ~ it has become my signature stitch. Perfect for a peacock!

    998
  889. Right now my favorite stitch is the cross, with lazy daisy a close second. I’m looking forward to using a lot more – if I should win the kit! Thanks!

    999
  890. Chain stitch is one of my favorite stitches. When I first started making crazy quilts, I opened Judith Montano’s book and worked on “that” stitch until I could stitch it. That is how I learned how to do the “harder” stitches. I try it learn something new everyday. I love the Blue Peacock kit.

    1000
  891. I so enjoy your email tips – have learned a lot! And I’m always up for a freebie. I am learning to love the Scotch stitch, as well as exploring what I can do with a darning stitch on a painted canvas . . .

    1001
  892. This week, split stitch. It’s wonderful for filling, it’s a great foundation for satin, it can be used for marking and outlining and easily become lost in a pattern if you don’t want it seen, or it can delineate and highlight the things you do want seen.

    1002
  893. My favorite embroidery stitch is cross stitch. And it’s because the only other stitch I know is back stitches. One all my kids are in school I’m definitely taking a class to learn more.

    1003
  894. I love the long and short stitch which was shown to me by a friend when I asked her if she would teach me. She stated no but I will show you and is still showing me and is really my mentor which I am very greatly for. I started stitching in my late 60s and have so much to learn. This friend has been a very patient friend showing me and I would love to be able to win the peacock to be able to give to her to show her my thanks. My friend loves peacocks and her maiden name was Peacock so you can see why peacocks mean so much to her and that peacock is so georgeous.

    1004
  895. Oh wow, what a gorgeous peacock! Thanks for the giveaway, Mary. I have fun just entering and considering your questions.

    My favorite stitch is the long and short stitch. When I was about 12, having learned only the very basics of embroidery from my mom (who, it turns out, isn’t really that much of a stitcher), I embroidered Pluto, the cartoon dog, on one leg of my bell-bottom jeans. I did it in massively LONG satin stitches, and he was about six inches tall, so you can imagine how that turned out! Actually, considering, it wasn’t too bad, as I remember, but still. Then I was away from embroidery for a long time until I took a class here in town a few years ago. I was amazed, completely awestruck, to discover long and short stitch. Dear Pluto, if only I had known!

    1005
  896. Wow, I love this kit!

    I do not have favorite stitch. It depends on what I am stitching at that moment. I like an effect that one can create with many different stitches.

    Agnė

    1006
  897. My favourite stitch is chain stitch, have found it to be very versatile, always looks good-as long as I don’t make a mistake ! 🙂

    1007
  898. Bonjour,
    I don’t want to be in the giveaway.
    Je voulais seulement participer à ces très nombreux commentaires et remercier Mary pour ce blog et ses nombreuses initiatives telles ce giveaway.La lettre quotidienne de Mary me fait sourire souvent, m’apprend des tas de choses, m’intéresse part la diversité de ses sujets.
    En broderie, je suis plus technicienne que créatrice et j’aime apprendre.
    Mes points préférés: le point de tige car c’est je crois après le point de croix, le premier appris, le point de Fes car il demande une attention et une géométrie rigoureuse, le point de Bayeux car il est rustique et très solide.
    Cordialement

    1008
  899. just one stitch??????? so hard to chose! but I like french knots, just because I figured out how to do them consistently LOL

    1009
  900. I’d love to say I like every stitch… however… I think my favorite stitch is the last stitch, of a thread, line, section, area or project!!! It is the goal, so to speak! And a whole project can be a goal, which makes me feel productive!!!

    1010

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