Sunday 18 May 2014

Needlequest - Blackwork

This month's challenge on Needlequest is blackwork, so I knew exactly what project I was going to tackle.  I have done some blackwork before, if you're so inclined,you can see my attempts here, here, here and here.  For this month I wanted to pick up Elizabeth Almond of Blackwork Journey's Save The Stitches.  

You may remember I started this and discovered I was stitching over 1, rather than over 2, you can see my previous attempt if you fancy a laugh!.

Anyway, I was hmmming and haaaing over unpicking all those little fussy stitches, I didn't have enough fabric to start again and it was bloody expensive.  So I did what any sane stitcher would do, I turned the fabric upside down and started from the other end.  If necessary, I'll unpick the first attempt later, but I'm hoping not.  I know this is just putting it off, but if I have to unpick before I start to stitch again, I fear it'll never happen.


The pattern in done in blocks.  This is block 1. I think Elizabeth has released about 11 so far, so  a long way to go.  I started by putting in all the cross stitches.  I'm using the recommended thread, so cross stitches were in Perle 12, and the back stitch is done in one stand of stranded cotton.


I haven't got very far, but I love stitching this.  I have to put it aside to bind a quilt, but I'll be back to it.  If you like a bit of needlework, even if you've only done a bit of cross stitch, I really recommend giving blackwork a go.


Related posts

Needlequest January - Needlepainting
Needlequest February - Japan (Sashiko)
Needlequest March - Goldwork, starting the decoration
Needlequest April - Spring applique

14 comments:

cauchy09 said...

ooh, pretty! so is it reversible? (same on front and back?)

Sarah in Stitches said...

Great job so far! :D

JoJo said...

It's coming out great!

Shari said...

This is really fabulous! I see what you mean about stitching over 1 rather than 2 threads...the effect is incredibly different. Blackwork is on my eventual to do list...far too much going on at the moment and our beautiful weather is arriving...gardening often beats out sewing at this point, at least till it gets too hot to do anything other than sit in airconditioning =)

Sandra :) said...

That's going to be pretty - I like the design in the lower right block :)

Kerryp77 said...

Your blackwork is lovely. I love stitching it too. It has such depth to it. The block you are doing now looks quite a complicated repeat. Hope you can get back to it soon.

Jane said...

Looking wonderful, and so much easier to do over two :)

margaret said...

very nice, not sure if I mentioned but had a long natter to Liz her I saw her in march at a show.

Celtic Thistle said...

I have purchased several blackwork patterns but never actually got around to starting any of them! I might have to dig them out now after seeing how lovely this is ;)

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This is looking nice. I've just followed your blackwork journey link and I can see it's going to be stunning. Hopefully, the design won't spread as far as the stitches you want to unpick :)

Jo Ferguson said...

I love this piece. I've been collecting the patterns, each month, but I'm no where ready to start. At least I'll know where to go for help, you're work is lovely.

Elizabeth Braun said...

Fabric can be an awful price! I was horrified that it would cost about £20 for a mere fat quarter of 55ct!

Well done on your work so far.=)

Rachel said...

I would do the same. I unpick only when I've convinced myself I have to!

Anonymous said...

wow.. you are on the blackwork journey too.. I saw this inspiration earlier on.. but I was not confident that I can do it..
yours look so precise and neat.. :D
Brilliant.