Melitastitches4fun's Blog

Ruby Razzle Dazzle by Ann Strite-Kurz

A few years ago, quite a few members of the ANG New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter (NJNA) stitched Ruby Razzle Dazzle by Ann Strite-Kurz. They came up with some great colorways (https://njneedleartists.org/njna-workshops/sotm/2015-sotm-ruby-razzle-dazzle/).

I have had these instructions for a year or so. After reading Ann’s books and seeing Diane’s completed piece at the NJNA Holiday Luncheon in January, I decided to try the patterns. But I can’t commit to doing the whole piece – maybe sometime.

By choosing the shortest ribbon to work first as a stand-alone piece, I was able to test the waters. Ann explains her thought process and logic for stitch paths, which is much more detailed than in other counted designs. It’s like taking a design class from her.

I completely understood and followed the logic of the shifting direction of Smyrna stitches because I went into that in my Crescent Journey design.

Ann describes how she developed the variation for this diamond lattice from a Scotch Stitch. Then, she explained how she placed the pattern. Wow! This may be too much information for some stitchers, but I think it is fantastic and brings together the concepts described in her books.

However, her recommended path and pivot concept to conceal the traveling path on the lattice reminds me that I did not do well in organic chemistry whenever I had to go from one compound to another in over 10 steps. Seeing 5 or so steps was my limit. No threads show through. I never would have thought of her efficient stitch path.

While the sequence for filling in the units made sense, Ann made it sound like it could be done in 2 paths, but I needed 3. My threads weren’t long enough anyway. Still no threads showing through, though, which is good.

The blackwork pattern used 2 strands and was easy enough to follow. My canvas is pewter a light blue gray, but since this is such an open pattern, a more colorful canvas might be better.

The last step is also a blackwork pattern used a double running technique, which also made sense to me.

I used some different theads than recommended, such as Pearl #12 for the Smyrna stitches, because none of the Pearl #8 in my stash was the right color. I had a Petite Very Velvet. I went with one strand of Watercolours instead of a Pearl #5 and two strands of Weeks Dye Werks instead of 2 strands of DMC Floss.

I wonder what the next band will be doing?

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