Blackwork Embroidery

A beautifully presented book with clear instructions and patterns. The photos are styled nicely and show all the elements of the stitching, which is really helpful for reference whilst making up any of the patterns. I particularly like the french table mats and the elegant little mouse. Because of the way blackwork is done, you could easily adapt any of the patterns to suit a different project.

-- Simmi Duffin * Amazon *

Blackwork is a Moorish style of embroidery which came to Britain via Spain with Catherine of Aragon. In this book are sixteen modern projects using the traditional stitches, showing how it can be updated and reinvented for the 21^st century.

There are even some splashes of coloured thread among the black and white which gets my approval. No style should be so mired in tradition that it can’t be dusted down and remixed for a new generation of stitchers. The stitches remain the same and there are instructions for these, but I think the person who will get the most out of this book will be somebody who is already au fait with the basics of embroidery.  It will help if they can also sew, as most of the projects involve more than just blackwork.

Diagrams and patterns are given for a makeup purse, pillows, lampshade, soft toy mouse and simple child’s tunic dress. Patterns need to be resized or measured out, and then made up following text instructions. Other simpler pieces with less making up include wraps to add interest to candle holders, a sampler, bunting and table mats. Some of the embroidery is geometric; others depict flowers, moths, children playing, words and a fish. All are the type of designs that aren’t contemporary as much as timeless, and Catherine of Aragon would have been familiar with this style of embroidery used to decorate clothing. There are some lovely projects in here that are sure to have wide appeal.

-- Rachel A Hyde * Amazon *

This book is filled with stunning projects that can be kept as heirlooms or given as treasured gifts.

I loved the Elegant Little Mouse and think this will be my first project.

The Blackwork Embroidery is both stylish and decorative and really does give a beautiful finish to each of the designs.

The projects are complete with instructions and design charts which are easy to understand. Also included are some templates, some will need enlarging and all come with fixings listed.

Techniques for your Blackwork are given, but the beauty of this book is really in the projects. The decoration on the Camellia Blouse is exquisite. Blackwork is a simple embroidery technique and beginners can achieve a beautiful result.

-- Tracy Shephard * Amazon *

This book has beautiful photographs throughout. Clear instructions are written and pictorial. There are handy tips & information regarding the difficulty level of projects, which are both nice additions, for beginners to experienced. Black sampler would be the favourite project to do, being a 'newbie', it would be good for learning the various stitches, and makes a lovely finished piece of work to display.

* Customer review *

This book is useful to both beginners and experienced stitchers of Blackwork embroidery. It has clear instructions and beautiful photographs. The projects instructions are well laid out and easy to follow. It explains clearly what tools are needed and which threads give the best results. I have enjoyed looking at all the designs and hope to do the Butterfly design first.

* Customer revi