I've been inspired of late by the intricate beauty of Blackwork. It gained great popularity in 16th Centry England after the then Queen of England, Catherine of Aragon brought blackwork embroidered garments with her from Spain, the country of her birth.
Traditionally sewn with black silk on linen or cotton, the stitch used is called 'reverse running stitch' or Holbein stitch after the court painter of the day, Hans Holbein (c.1497-1543). He painted this 'Spanish Work' as it was often called, in immense detail, it is easy to imagine this cuff in real life:
And so, on to the sneek peek of my next design, 'Old Oktober'...
Partly inspired by illustrated old manuscripts, partly by old samplers, and partly by what I spy on my daily walks in nature. I've used lush autumnal colours here, burnt orange, (or, as we say here in Scotland, 'Irn-bru' orange, hehe), espresso browns, charcoal greys and tarnished golds. I'm working on my usual 32 count linen in Antique White by Zweigart and enjoying how it's all coming together.
Here's another pause in the work:
You can see above a tiny piece of blackwork has sneaked in, I'm just using it for variety here and there, it's fun to change it up a bit.
And finally, little sheep has become a pillow! Now hanging up and able to keep watch over the stitching area with ease.
Okay! Just left to say a big THANKYOU to all the lovely ladies who have faved and purchased from the shop, I'm inspired to go on creating and appreciate your custom and interest very much.
