Another Small Project

I'm still trying to get my three small projects ready, and have just finished #2.  I've been wanting to try a stitch I'd seen online [last year!!], so thought this might be something small I could work on.  This little pincushion will be one of my little gifts very soon.  The centre area is the stitch I'd been wanting to try, and is called Chiaramonte Stitch.  I first saw it here:- http://www.tuttoricamo.com/trComeSiFa/Chiaramonte.asp

For those of you who like counted work, and like this stitch, please  make time to try it, you won't be disappointed.   The instructions are very clear, and it works up really quickly.  I applaud these people for the wealth of information on their site, free for all to share.  I hope I am not breaking any rules by copying the pattern, as I'm only making this little trial for gift giving.

I hope this photograph shows just how pretty the stitch looks.  It's simply a matter of making a cut/woven grid from the background linen, and then weaving the little ovals to form flowers.  I have used #8 perlé thread for the woven work.  The sample on the website seems to be a little finer than mine, but I quite like the 'chunky' look. 

I needed a little something to increase the size of the project, so worked out this little woven 'flower' for myself.  Perhaps it's been done before, I just don't have the time to go searching for it.  I have included my crude drawing if anyone is interested in making it.  If I am not the first to fashion this woven/counted flower, then I most sincerely apologize to the person who has also done this. 

The piping, lining and backing have been made from a maroon woven silk.  The maroon seemed to look quite nice under the woven square.

I am still doing my hardanger, but I want to get these little things done, and actually, finishing a small project here and there helps keep me motivated on the big project.