Blackwork

I brought a book that caught my eye a couple of years ago.  After reading it once it sat on my shelf until recently when I decided I MUST do some of those projects, you know the ones that you will do one day. I finally decided today was the day and so I started, and finished.  I love the results! 

Blackwork is simply black stitching on a white background (or it can be white stitching on a black background - is that called white stitching?), it uses back stitch, running stitch and cross stitch, all simple, it's just the patterns that make it look so effective.  

What I liked so much about the blocks I did was that they were methodical and logical (well, I did have to unpick a couple of bits). These I would happily hang on my wall or give away.

The book I used, Made in France Blackwork, has simple instructions on how to create each stitch. If you are just learning to stitch, then buy fabric with a looser weave so that you can easily count the stitches.  That way you will not get so frustrated (possibly) with trying to learn something new and having to keep a track of counting.

I have been inspired to do more and have now started on a table runner.  I like this look because it is clean and fresh. It kind of goes with my minimalist approach to life....