NEW THIS WEEK - May 23rd, 2007:
Blackwork
Free Project Instructions!
Stitch Blackwork on a Quilted Table Topper for regal decor. Click here for free project instructions!
Famous, fashion-forward women have always inspired and elevated notable trends long before the iconic accessories of Farrah Fawcett's tousled mane, or Jackie O's giant, glamorous sunglasses. In the same way Audrey Hepburn influenced the classic "little back dress," Catherine of Aragon introduced the intrigue and use of blackwork embroidery to England.
Originally stitched on fine white linen with black silk thread, this often lace-like embellishment graced the wardrobe of the Spanish princess and gained popularity in England in the early 1500s. In just a few stitches, this counted-thread embroidery technique created complex designs and patterns, which appeared on shirts and chemises, as well as cuffs, sleeves and collars, appealing to peasants and princesses alike.
With contrasting black and white print all the rage in summer fashions, add grandeur style for home decor and a delicate touch for garments by embracing a well-loved embroidery style.
Contemporary with Elizabethan Cues Blackwork maintained its popularity into the Elizabethan era, with new style and use. Like Catherine of Aragon, Queen Elizabeth I was also an accomplished embroiderer and brought new flavor and appeal to the craft. Larger designs and the appearance of flowers and other imagery meant embellishing items and areas other than cuffs and sleeves, and moving into the realm of home decor and linens.
Nature and wildlife elements portrayed in the dramatic two colors use curlicue stems and patterned fills for extra modern flair. Various basket designs add excellent embellishment to throw pillows and framings, whether used collectively or separately. Use smaller sizes for fashionable purses and handbags, or arrange designs for unique garment accents on skirts and shirts for really royal apparel.
Blackwork Rose Vase Complex patterns fill heavy outlines to create an outstanding vase and the lush rose blooms.
Available in two sizes: 4.71"X9.40" and 3.40"X6.81"
Blackwork Rose Frame A delicate, scrolling leaf pattern frames and accents the intricate patterns of this single rose.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X7.24" and 4.80"X5.98" and 3.07"X3.85"
Blackwork Rose Basket A delight to the eye, this ornate basket features winding roses for a handle and will look stunning on chair covers and light quilts.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X6.79" and 4.80"X5.61" and 3.31"X3.85"
Blackwork Butterfly and Flowers This cluster of luscious flowers makes a fabulous resting spot for a delicate winged-creature, and a darling addition to pillow shams and bed skirts.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X6.78" and 4.77"X5.56" and 3.29"X3.85"
Blackwork Butterfly Frame Scrolling curlicues and curling stems add a dash of whimsy, perfect for lightweight summer curtains.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X6.59" and 4.80"X5.45" and 3.41"X3.85"
Blackwork Butterfly Basket The elaborate blackwork patterns make a lace-like appearance for the butterfly's wings.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X6.39" and 4.80"X5.28" and 3.50"X3.85"
Blackwork Leaves and Acorns Simple, yet intricate, this leafy branch has striking and understated appeal for patio cushions, wall hangings, napkin and placemat sets or even a dainty dash of embroidery on a T-shirt.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X6.29" and 4.79"X5.20" and 3.54"X3.85"
Blackwork Acorn and Leaf Basket Stylized oak leaves and acorns form a graceful, arching basket handle. This design's circular shape lends well to the back of shirts, as well as quilt squares and blanket corners.
Available in three sizes: 5.80"X6.55" and 4.84"X5.46" and 3.44"X3.85"
Blackwork Rooster Scene This scene, reminiscent of pen and ink drawings, mixes folk art imagery and blackwork patterns.
Available in three sizes: 6.58"X5.80" and 5.44"X4.80" and 3.85"X3.42"
Blackwork Rooster Basket For a splash of country chic, stitch tea cozies and toaster covers with a handsome rooster framed by an ornate floral basket.
Available in three sizes: 5.85"X6.89" and 4.79"X5.65" and 3.28"X3.85"
Blackwork Flower Sprays True to Elizabethan style, these blackwork botany designs make use of intricate stitches to create complex patterns filling each petal and leaf. Simple, curling stems add a light background accenting the lace-like detail. Perfect for panels whether framed as a trio, gracing the sides of cardigans or artfully offset on the edge of placemats.
Blackwork Tulips
Available in three sizes: 3.42"X9.40" and 2.48"X6.80" and 1.41"X3.85"
Blackwork Clematis
Blackwork Blooms
Available in three sizes: 4.25"X9.40" and 3.08"X6.81" and 1.76"X3.85"
Available in three sizes: 3.44"X9.40" and 2.49"X6.79" and 1.42"X3.85"
Blackwork Blossoms
Blackwork Daisies
Available in three sizes: 3.63"X9.40" and 2.63"X6.80" and 1.50"X3.85"
Available in three sizes: 3.45"X9.40" and 2.49"X6.81" and 1.43"X3.85"
Classic Blackwork Early English blackwork was used as an alternative to expensive lace. This embroidery's origins often displayed geometric and floral patterns, but everyday surroundings also inspired early blackwork, lending to nature motifs featuring woodland and farm animals.
Scrolling borders in three different widths provide a multitude of embellishment opportunities from book marks to quilts. Extra-wide borders make for excellent accompaniments to bedding, drapery and curtain tiebacks. A middle size border will grace French cuffs, napkin rings and more with natural charm. And thinner borders dazzle necklines and collars, handbags and hemlines galore.
Blackwork Tudor Rose Square With floral elements inspired by the Tudor Rose, this woodland pattern features artistic blooms and buds with crossing framework.
Available in four sizes: 7.80"X7.80" and 5.80"X5.80" and 4.80"X4.80" and 3.85"X3.85"
Blackwork Tudor Rose Borders These scrolling borders, reminiscent of Tudor times and perfect for home decor, are featured in three different widths. The smaller size of each border has been formatted for the Endless Hoop. Wide Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X4.72" and 6.00"X3.33"
Tudor Rose Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X2.37" and 6.00"X1.68"
Tudor Border
Available in two sizes: 9.39"X0.79" and 5.99"X0.68"
Blackwork Tudor Animal Scene Like all folklore, animal and other woodland elements are depicted, reflecting everyday life at the time.
Available in three sizes: 7.51"X5.85" and 6.21"X4.85" and 3.85"X3.01"
Blackwork Birds and Blooms Square With stylized flower blossoms and geometric framework, birds of a feather stitch together on cozy country quilts and throw pillows.
Available in four sizes: 7.80"X7.80" and 5.85"X5.85" and 4.85"X4.85" and 3.85"X3.85"
Blackwork Birds and Blooms Borders Criss-crossing framework, simple birds and unique geometric blossoms create traditional blackwork appeal in these three borders. The smaller size of each has been formatted for the Endless Hoop. Wide Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X4.74" and 5.99"X3.35"
Birds and Blooms Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X2.37" and 6.00"X1.73"
Blooms Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X0.77" and 6.00"X0.69"
Blackwork Bird Pond Scene Using traditional stitches reminiscent of early Blackwork, geometric stylization adds primitive flair to the flora and fauna in this design.
Available in three sizes: 8.63"X5.85" and 6.85"X4.63" and 3.85"X2.63"
Blackwork Acorn Harvest Square Folk elements inspired by patchwork can be seen in the center floret and in the geometric blossoms.
Blackwork Acorn Harvest Borders Unique patchwork accents and hearty acorn imagery make these borders sew versatile and wonderful for home decor all year-round. The smallest of each border is formatted for the Endless Hoop. Wide Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X4.69" and 6.00"X3.28"
Acorn Harvest Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X2.36" and 6.00"X1.73"
Acorn Border
Available in two sizes: 9.39"X0.77" and 6.00"X0.66"
Blackwork Acorn Harvest Scene A prominently perched rooster and flitting butterflies add a warm weather touch to this folk art scene.
Available in three sizes: 5.85"X6.35" and 4.84"X5.25" and 3.57"X3.85"
Blackwork Scrolling Vines Square Curling vines weave together with dainty berry off-shoots, perfect for summer quilts and wall hangings.
Available in four sizes: 7.80"X7.80" and 5.80"X5.80" and 4.85"X4.85" and 3.85"X3.85"
Blackwork Scrolling Vines Borders These luscious and intricate borders are a sweet treat for summer garments, kitchen linens and much more! All three borders are in two sizes; the smallest of each is formatted for the Endless Hoop. Wide Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X4.73" and 6.00"X3.25"
Blackwork Scrolling Vines Border
Available in two sizes: 9.39"X2.35" and 6.00"X1.78"
Blackwork Berries Border
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X0.80" and 6.00"X0.66"
Blackwork Cat Scene with Vines Two feline friends, framed by scrolling vines and berry elements, make a precious scene for flour sack towels, back yokes of shirts, or framed thread art.
Available in three sizes: 7.16"X5.85" and 5.92"X4.85" and 3.85"X3.15"
Request of the Week Embroidery Library is always inspired by your design suggestions, and we thank you for sending us tons of terrific ideas, which we regularly incorporate into the weekly design themes. As a way to expand on designs for specific quests, this space is dedicated to the "Request of the Week." Here is the request this week:
Want to see more? Click here to see designs released in previous weeks!