I was thinking of finishing the bear I was stitching a while ago, using sewing thread instead of embroidery thread. The problem is: I'm not quite sure where I put it. It's quite small too so it really could be anywhere. Anyway, when I was looking for my Bear project, I came across lots and lots of unfinished projects, try-outs and doodlecloths. Including the one pictured above. I remember taking out some stitches and damaging the fabric by accident, creating a small hole (above the pink round thingie). Which is why it ended up in a drawer most likely. The good news is: the hole is now covered with the Heavy Chain Stitch!
The Heavy Chain Stitch is a new to me stitch, I saw demonstrated when I was attending the Crewel and Goldwork class at the Royal School of Needlework. The stitch isn't new of course, I just never got around to trying it out. Possibly because I'm not a huge fan of the regular Chain Stitch, I find it hard to keep the stitches even and round and usually just ignore it. :) The Heavy Chain Stitch however is a very tidy looking stitch. At least when you practise it a bit. Mine still looks a bit clumsy (it's the tentacle-like shapes on my doodlecloth) but I've got the hang of it now, I think.
I experimented with colours, different number of strands and making curves. If you have an embroidery handbook, look the Heavy Chain Stitch up and give it a try. It's also sometimes named the Braided Chain Stitch.
