Week Nineteen: Fabric move

I was apprehensive about moving the fabric again. I was comfortable living in the Sky Neighborhood and expanding upward for Across the Universe. But it needed to happen, so I moved the fabric on Sunday and a completely blank (basically) canvas emerged. How would I fill it? 

I decided to start working in stitches I haven't used much, either because they didn't really fit into the left side of the piece or because I just don't use them. This week's stitches include the double laced back stitch and the cast-on stitch along with some standards; the chain, split, French knots, and my trustly back stitch. I think my goal with this fabric move is to experiment with the lesser used stitches and try new things with my standards. I'm pleased with today's experiment using the cast-on stitch in a line rather than as flower petals. The effect is really fun. Reminds me of a caterpillar.

Here's this week's recap: 

May 8: a little back and chain stitch with some French knots

May 9: the double laced back stitch is so pretty! I feel like this may be the central stitch of this side of the fabric.

May 10: back and chain stitches

May 11: split and split back stitch. You can sort of see the difference in the way the split is made, but it's very hard to tell. 

May 12: I call this section Blossom. I was trying to make the knots feel like blossoms floating in the breeze.

May 13: Making some shapes with the back stitch.

May 14: the cast-on stitch! I did it as a line instead of as flower petals, which is how it's most commonly used. I love the effect. 

I started working on the next phase of my From the Back series. I don't have any pictures of this one yet, but hope to share some next week. 

Next week, I'll be taking the journal on the road. I'm heading to Michigan for my parents' 50th anniversay extravaganza (I'm the only one referring to the event in the way - no one likes fun anymore). I haven't traveled with this piece before, so we'lll see how it goes. I'm taking it in the large hoop, and bringing a smaller hoop with if it's too hard to work with, especially in the car. Wish me luck!