Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

Sometimes, as a sort of diversion from cross-stitch, I like to try my hand at blackwork. For example:

[1] A matching pair of pictures. These came as kits - sorry but I can't remember who produced them. I wish there were more kits available like this.



[2] A chess-board. I got the chart for this from a magazine. I don't very often get inspired by the charts I find in cross-stitch magazines, but occasionally I find a gem. This was one.


Executing these intricate blackwork patterns calls for real attention to detail.
There seem to be plenty of small and simple blackwork kits/charts available, but not many that I'd regard as challenging. I keep looking though ...

Those are stunning! We have several members who have done some lovely Blackwork projects. I have several in my stash, but haven't stitched them yet. Have you seen this website, Blackwork Journey? She has many beautiful patterns and quite a few that are freebies. A search on Sew and So showed quite a few kits as well. I hope you will show us any that you are working on now.

Carole

I seem to recognise that blackwood chess board pattern. Did it come from New Stitches magazine? I have almost a full set of those and the designer did some superb blackwood patterns. Some will still be available on http://www.stitchdirect.com" target="_blank I think Henry VII and his wives are available as well as Elizabeth I . There are some buildings too.
I really admire blackwood but I prefer Hardanger for intricate work.

Love those ladies BTW

*edit* I gave the wrong link to Stitch Direct...I've corrected it now!

WOW that is amazing work and I too love the Ladies. The chess board is interesting and colourful and all are beautifully stitched. Well Done on all of them

I have done one or two small blackwork designs for cards and often thought about getting a chart or two but I already have more than enough for my remaining lifetime (I am inmy 80's) I am sure. I hope to see more lovely blackwork from your busy needles.

Your blackwork is beautiful! I've done a few smaller pieces and really love it! I was actually rather surprised that I liked it so much because it is, in many ways, just like back stitching and that's my least favorite part of cross stitching.

I agree that black work looks good, but I too hate back stitching! In my cross stitching I have progressed to more complicated patterns that don need back stitching , so will stick to that .

Thanks for the kind comments everyone.
I agree about back-stitching being something of a chore when it's on top of a lovingly-executed cross-stitch workpiece. Blackwork done on a pristine piece of evenweave, however, that's something different.
I'm not sure which magazine I found that chessboard in. Was most likely Cross Stitch Gold, I think, but can't be certain.

Sorry...gave the wrong link to Stitch Direct ! Should be http://www.stitchdirect.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Must remember Not to put a link up Just Before bed time!

If you like Blackwork figures have a look at these!

http://www.stitchdirect.com/index.php/d ... gures.html" target="_blank

Fabulous, well done

Kandi

I have always admired and these are lovely pieces that you have finished!

Very pretty!!

Wow absolutely stunning

Thanks again for the comments.
Actually I was hoping that, by starting a thread entitled 'Blackwork', I might have encouraged others here to post pictures of their own similar work.
Admiration's nice. Company is better!

I've posted this elsewhere on the forum, but here it is again in an effort to get things going. It certainly can't compare to your gorgeous pieces, but it was a lot of fun to stitch.

Stunning on that fabric!!

Ah, yes! A good one, Debby. Nicely executed.