Let's Talk Blackwork

Sarah asked Lisa at BeStitched to talk about blackwork, especially for backgrounds.  Here is what Lisa says on the shop's Instagram page--

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzkapBSrwx/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D

The threads used in the examples were all perle type threads such as Soy Luster from Dream House Ventures

https://www.needlenthread.com/2008/10/soy-luster-embroidery-thread-made-from.html

Floche (DMC)

https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/09/3-good-reasons-to-try-dmc-floche.html

Elegance (Rainbow Gallery)

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/elegance/

Tranquility (Treenway Silks)

https://www.treenwaysilks.com/productlist.php?category=1&secondary=8

Petite Silk Lame Braid (Rainbow Gallery)

https://123stitch.com/Rainbow_Gallery_Petite_Silk_Lame_Braid.html

size 4 Kreinik very fine braid (Rainbow Gallery)

https://www.kreinik.com/store/Very-Fine-4-Braid.html

However, you can use any thread type.  It's just easier to do blackwork with a non-strandable thread.

If you aren't familiar with "tuck stitches" you can read about them here.  I call them the locking L, the pin stitch, etc.  

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/06/anchoring-ends-when-stitching-light.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Heart Pattern from Tanja Berlin

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, I was thrilled to see Tanja Berlin has posted a free blackwork heart pattern on her website.  It is a PDF file.  Add it to your shopping cart (it costs nothing), check out and enjoy.

https://berlinembroidery.com/product/blackwork-hearts-free-instructions/

The pattern would make a lovely background, too!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 2, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Blackwork Patterns from WyrdByrd

I just discovered a series of free blackwork charts by WyrdByrd.  Many of these would make unique background patterns.

http://wyrdbyrdsnest.blogspot.com/p/blackwork-fill.html

If you aren't familiar with blackwork, read the simple tutorial.

http://wyrdbyrdsnest.blogspot.com/p/blackwork-basics.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 10, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Collection of Free Blackwork Patterns

Thanks to Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads, I learned that there is an online collection of free blackwork patterns to download, created and uploaded by Kim Salazar of the String-or-Nothing blog.  It is a fabulous resource for a background pattern, for clothing or just for a fun doodle stitch when you are experimenting with a new thread.  Double running stitch is quick and easy to master and it is fun figuring out a path across the patterns with double running.  Enjoy this great resource.
https://string-or-nothing.com/2011/06/25/ensamplario-atlantio-blackwork-filling-collection-pdfs-for-download/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Berlin Embroidery Designs Website

Seems like every time I turn around another designer is updating their website! This time it is Tanja Berlin Designs.  Tanja is a very skilled embroiderer who designs and teaches blackwork, needle painting, counted canvaswork, and goldwork.
https://berlinembroidery.com

She is a great source for metal threads used in goldwork and elsewhere, and has added a great information page about these threads for folks who are trying to learn more about them.  If you want to know the difference between gimp cord and Grecian twists, this is the place.   You can compare pearl purl to jaceron and learn all the sizes of bright bullion she carries.  It's a great resource, one I've added to the Tutorials and Tips tab for later easy reference.
https://berlinembroidery.com/metal-thread-info/

You can download the metal threads information as a PDF file for a small fee. Think of it as buying a booklet on goldwork threads!
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/metal-thread-information-pdf-file/

She's added a blog to the mix, too!
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/

Thanks for all the work, Tanja!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Berlin Embroidery Has a New Website

Tanja Berlin has a new website!  If you are curious about needle painting animals, you will love seeing Tanja's kits, many of which have diagrams posted so you get a sense of how she analyzes and then stitches animals for a very realistic look.  This is a good place for goldwork supplies as well, and her blackwork designs are gorgeous. Have fun browsing.
https://berlinembroidery.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

With Tongue in Cheek

Charlotte at Hanging By A Thread reports on a serious problem which I am posting here with tongue in check and plenty of black Splendor, DMC floss and perle cotton in my stash.  (I hope. Guess I'll go check.) 
https://hangingbyathreadembroidery.wordpress.com/2015/06/03/bringbackblackthread-thread-shortage/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 3, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Blackwork Journey

Thanks to Jan's blog I discovered The Blackwork Journey, Elizabeth Almond's website that has a free blackwork design called "Save the Stitches" being uploaded in sections.  The link below shows other free blackwork patterns, too.
http://www.blackworkjourney.co.uk/freebies1.shtml

If you like using blackwork patterns on your needlepoint, this is a wonderful resource!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 15, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Designs from Ann Strite-Kurz

This is a very good day for fans of counted thread and blackwork patterns--Ann Strite-Kurz has four new patterns available!   The first is a cute Halloween standup covered in Ann's signature complex patterns.  This was a class piece that is no longer being taught so it is available to anyone.  
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/ask/ASK48.htm

The second discontinued class piece is a stunning piece of blackwork called "Pappagallo Slipper."
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/ask/ASK49.htm

The two brand new pieces are both Southwestern in theme.  The first is "Desert Silhouette," based on the traditional Mexican star quilt pattern with a twist.
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/ask/ASK51.htm

The second is an adaptation of Eleanor Grosch's "Coyote Concert."  If you subscribe to Needlepoint Now, you've seen this in Ann's column for the magazine.
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/ask/ASK50.htm

Ann's designs are available either as kits or just the booklet of instructions from the Needle Artworks website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

At This Point Embroidery

There's a new website in town--Michele King's At This Point Embroidery.  Her Houston studio designs, stitches custom work and teaches all sorts of needlework.  Don't miss the Gallery which has embroidery, blackwork, crewel and goldwork.  She also does applique and quilting and much, much more, even needlepoint.  Very talented lady.
http://www.atthispointstudio.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blackwork for the Fan

I don't even know now where I heard about Ajisai Designs, but Valentina Sardu publishes cross stitch and blackwork charts and books that are a treat for the eyes.  It looks like she also reprints old patterns.  This is a treasure trove for fans of older designs and those who love modern blackwork. Enjoy!
http://www.ajisaipress.com/blog/cross-stitch-and-blackwork-designs/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Blackwork Mystery for April

Laura Perin has started a new Mini Mystery online design in April. This one starts with blackwork....
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2013/04/mini-mystery-monday-for-april.html

...then adds a scallop for a border...
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2013/04/mini-mystery-monday-april-2013-pt-2.html

...followed by eyelet accents....
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2013/04/mini-mystery-monday-april-2013-pt-3.html

...and finished by some special touches.  (And information about some needle magnets.)
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2013/05/mini-mystery-monday-april-2013-pt-4.html

By the way, I know it is May now but I wanted to wait until Laura was done to post all these.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Source For Blackwork Patterns

Mary Corbet has posted information about a new source of free blackwork patterns on her website. If you are a fan, or just want to try blackwork, here's the link to what Mary says.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/10/looking-for-free-blackwork-embroidery-patterns.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Blackwork and Blues from Laura Perin

I'd forgotten that Laura Perin also creates blackwork designs besides her bevy of terrific geometric and realistic counted thread designs.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/07/friday-flowers-some-stitched-hydrangeas.html

This second link is to the collection of blackwork patterns on her website and her book of patterns.  There are a lot of them!  It's a great look at another side of her talents.
http://www.laurajperindesigns.net/blackwork-collection.html

She's also posted a collection of designs in blue on her site as an antidote to the summer heat.  That's a great idea!
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/07/hot-days-cool-projects.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Free Blackwork Mystery Class UPDATED

For the next three months, Berlin Embroideries is holding a free mini mystery class on blackwork, with a new class to appear the first of each month.
http://www.berlinembroidery.com/blackworkminimysteryproject.htm

If you would like to see some of Tanja Berlin's blackwork pieces, here's the link.  She's a very talented lady and this is a chance to study with her and learn more about blackwork using basic materials and without the cost of a regular lesson.
http://www.berlinembroidery.com/blackwork.htm

UPDATE:  Tanja points out her instructions are charted for 32 count linen. The piece will be 7 1/4 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches high, so she recommends either an 11 inch or 12 inch square piece of fabric.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Spontaneous Art

Do you like bargello or blackwork? Are you fond of cats? Then you need to know about Dakota Rogers whose cats covered in blackwork or bargello patterns are iconic in the world of needlepoint.  However, Dakota is so much more.  She's explored a great many styles of handwork, teaches much of it, and has mastered it all.  If you are interested in band samplers, abstract geometric patterns, or Casalguidi, she has wonderful designs for sale.  It also looks as if she is evolving into dyeing and painting silk fabric.  A very talented lady!  You will have great fun exploring her website, which has everything from her designs to books, threads and even baskets for sale.  Even if you are familiar with her work, you are going to be surprised with the depth and breadth of her needle art.  It's a fun visit to a real talent and perfect for this lazy day that starts 2012.
http://www.dakotarogers.com/Site/Welcome.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Backgrounds in Blackwork

Janet Perry just posted about using blackwork patterns for backgrounds on her blog. 
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/blackwork-as-backgrounds

Both blackwork and darning patterns make nice backgrounds but be careful.  Not every thread is suited for this, so you have to choose not only the right color but the right weight/diameter of the thread.  You also have to be very careful to anchor your threads well and use long lengths to stitch with so that you don't find yourself having to end/begin a thread in the middle of a long row.

I've also found it difficult to work a blackwork pattern on top of tent stitches.  Perhaps it is just me, but counting out a pattern on top of tent stitches is much harder than counting out a pattern on bare needlepoint canvas.  I'm not saying don't use these patterns;  I'm just saying they are not like regular background stitches.

Joan Thomasson uses a lot of blackwork-type patterns on the dresses of her angel ornaments.  She recommends using less thread for the tent stitch base under the patterns and that seems to work well for me.  If you are not familiar with Joan's angels, you can see a great many of them on her website.
http://www.stitchinstuff.com/ProductCategories.aspx


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Skinner Sisters Do Copyright

Any serious student of blackwork will have run across The Skinner Sisters' fine website dedicated to this art.  I haven't visited the site in a while so I was surprised to find that Linn Skinner's put her fine mind to work understanding copyright and copyright violations and the impact they are having on charted design authors.
http://www.skinnersisters.com/copyright/

There's a lot of information about copyright law (the U.S. version) and also a list of roughly 49,500 pages of free charts found online.  These come from major publishers and I doubt many of them were put online by their authors.

You can see the impact copyright theft has had on cross stitch designers just by looking at this list.  I think we are very fortunately that painted canvases are harder to steal but I am now worried about my favorite counted canvaswork designers.  Can they survive among the thieves for long?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Books and Projects and TNNA Reports

Remember the review of the Royal School of Needlework's crewel book?  Here's another review, this time on their blackwork volume.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/01/book-review-rsn-essential-stitch-guide-for-blackwork.html

Speaking of crewel (which we really weren't), I found a place that sells miniature crewel kits. You can read about them and find the link to the seller's website here.
http://tudordollhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/miniature-crewel-work-kits.html

And speaking of book reviews (which we were),  Sandy Higgins' finishing book is out in a new edition.  Here is a review.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/sandys-finishing-touches-book-review

It's not often I see unusual uses of needlepoint but Rittenhouse is showing off clock faces in NP which are amazing.  The designs are by Zecca and Rittenhouse is going to do a class on them.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/01/needlepoint-clocks.html

Anyone on the fence about signing up for Fabulous Firs club at Pocket Full of Stitches will want to see the models all finished as standups.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/our-finished-fabulous-forest.html

DMC has posted about TNNA on their blog.
http://dmc-threads.com/tnna-recap/

Needle Works has posted their TNNA newsletter on their website.  It's all photos of their favorite painted canvases and threads.
http://theneedleworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2011marketnewsletter.pdf

Finally, the new gal at Needle Works reports on her first TNNA show.  I love seeing what fresh eyes to the NP world see and especially how dede Odgen's new seahorse canvas's illusion was done.
http://theneedleworks.typepad.com/the_needle_works/2011/01/my-first-market-adventure.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Books, Flies, Space and More

This is one of those summary postings about things around the World Wide Web that has  a little of everything in it.  First of all, I have two book reviews for you.  Robin looks at a book that features felting and shows off some felt applique she's done on various needlepoint canvases.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2010/11/felting-childhood-memories.html

Kathy reviews an inspirational book about blackwork from a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework.  It appears to be from their Essential Guide series.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/11/30/rsn-essential-stitch-guide-blackwork/

Jan just finished a darling Pat Mazu stocking with help from Judy Harper's e-books on beading.  There's a link to Judy's website if you are interested in picking up the books on sale.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/a-pat-mazu-stocking/

Mary's got information on how we can vote to send hand embroidery to the moon.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/11/needlework-to-space.html

In other contest news, Needlepoint.com is running a holiday needlework photo contest.  Pull out those decorations and take pictures!
http://www.needlepoint.com/blog/?p=625

Patt and Lee Designs is teasing us with glimpses of some of the new needlepoint designs to be revealed at the January TNNA market.  Can't wait to see if my guesses about some of the items were right!
http://pattandleedesigns.blogspot.com/

Kreinik's blog has the story of how a needlework shop became a hangout for fishermen.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2010/11/wait-theres-fly-in-my-shop.html

December is bringing sales and trunk shows.  Pocket Full of Stitches starts a 20% off Christmas sale December 1.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-sale.html

Nimble Needle has a Barbara Russell trunk show now, also 20% off.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2010/11/barbara-russell-trunk-show-through.html

Chandail Needlework is having a Twelve Days of Christmas sale the first two weeks of the month (except Sundays) with a different thing on sale each day.  The second link is their website with contact information.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/137940/35882fd11c/13001004/4a1e835353/

http://www.chandailneedlework.com/

The Needle Works has their canvases on sale at 40% off until December 23.  Threads are 20% off between December 5-11 and accessories and notions (but not books) are on sale Dec. 12-23 at 20% off.  Here's the link for online shoppers.
http://www.theneedleworks.com/catalog/index.php

Have fun browsing!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow