Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge catch up

I joined in the TAST challenge, [click here for details] but so far have only put one photo on Flickr and week 9 starts tomorrow! I have been doing them [not always in the same week], but I wanted to do something with them, my original idea was to make up a picture with the stitches as I did them...but I couldn't think of what to do. A friend gave me a book about the Victorians, and it sparked something. As I like doing altered books too, I thought I would combine both the samples with extra bits of lace and ... and alter the book too. I didn't want to alter it too much as I still wanted to be able to read it, so mainly just paint effects, the sample and a label.

Of the eight so far, I have had most trouble with the first stitch, diamond stitch. Some of the problem was that I didn't read the instructions properly, but I've done it a few times now and I've not taken to it. I was quite embarrased that I had so much bother with it as I have done City & Guilds Embroidery, although this is the first time I've done this stitch. I tried lots of different stitches on the course, but not all and most so far on the challenge have been new to me, it is good getting back to basics. I find I tend to stick to the same old stitches so I'm enjoying taking part in the challenge.

This is the sample on Flickr which is made up of knotted loop stitch and diamond stitch.

I hope to put the next 4 on tomorrow