Blackwork Sampler
Hi Everyone
I’ve been busy in the last couple of weeks creating a new Blackwork Sampler pattern – lots of fun:). It took more time than I expected but it is now finished and I am really happy with the end results.
If ‘Blackwork’ is new to you, the following is a brief overview.
Blackwork embroidery is a very old form of counted-thread embroidery. As many of the patterns used are geometric in nature, the embroidery is most often stitched on ‘Evenweave’ fabric e.g. Aida, Hardanger, Lugana and Linen.
The original purpose of Blackwork embroidery was to adorn collars and cuffs on clothing. It was originally worked mainly in black with gold highlights, though blue, green and silver were also used. Some Blackwork embroidery designs can be worked so that it is identical on both sides of the fabric. This makes these patterns particularly suitable to using on collars and cuffs.
Katharine of Aragon is most often credited with introducing Blackwork to England when she came to marry King Henry VIII. As she was from Spain, it became known as “Spanish Work” for a period of about 50 years or so. After Katharine’s divorce from King Henry VIII in 1533, the term “Spanish Work” was dropped and replaced with “Blackwork”.
To purchase the pattern, head over to my Etsy shop here – once your purchase is finalised, it is available for immediate download. The pattern is in a simple grid format. If you don’t feel as though you can tackle the complete project, simply create a smaller project in a 2 x 2 grid format stitching your favourite patterns. Off course, feel free to stitch the design in your favourite colours.
Two of the patterns in the Blackwork Sampler are shown at the right.
In conjunction with creating the Blackwork Sampler, I have created a free download of an additional 30 Blackwork Filler patterns – free for your personal use.
The download, along with a ‘visual’ of all the pattern included, is available on the ‘Blackwork Filler Page’ 🙂