PRACTICAL BLACKWORK DESIGNS
"Item for Embraudering of ij Coyfes of Lawne, thone richlie wrought with black Silke and gold, thother with black silke and silver..."
Michaelmas warrant, 1594
(...because Auntie Liadain must buy kibble and jingly toys for the Quality Control Department...)
Practical Blackwork began long long ago, when I saw my first bit of blackwork and began designing my own because I couldn't find any books, and continued because there are only so many authentic historic patterns- I never liked to "meet myself" coming the other way at the local Ren Faire or SCA event. With the encouragement, editorial skills, and Cunning Plans of the lovely and talented Stitchin' Vixen , Practical Blackwork Designs is Reality.
Everything here has been stitched and worn and enjoyed; we hope you will find pleasure in them as well. Designer's note - like the modelbuches of the 16th century that are our inspiration, we believe in "more chart, less talk" - we give you the designs, perhaps make a suggestion or two, and leave the rest up to the talents and imagination of the stitcher. Please feel free to contact The Management for any questions, comments, requests, and send us photos of your Beautiful Things for the newly-launched Gallery Page!
Practical Blackwork began long long ago, when I saw my first bit of blackwork and began designing my own because I couldn't find any books, and continued because there are only so many authentic historic patterns- I never liked to "meet myself" coming the other way at the local Ren Faire or SCA event. With the encouragement, editorial skills, and Cunning Plans of the lovely and talented Stitchin' Vixen , Practical Blackwork Designs is Reality.
Everything here has been stitched and worn and enjoyed; we hope you will find pleasure in them as well. Designer's note - like the modelbuches of the 16th century that are our inspiration, we believe in "more chart, less talk" - we give you the designs, perhaps make a suggestion or two, and leave the rest up to the talents and imagination of the stitcher. Please feel free to contact The Management for any questions, comments, requests, and send us photos of your Beautiful Things for the newly-launched Gallery Page!
OUR FAMILY OF DESIGNS (SO FAR!)
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Rare Needle-warks -
...Her silken cords of twirtle twist, Well plett with silver sheen; And apron set with mony a dice Of needle-wark sae rare, Wove by nae hand, as ye may guess, Save that of fairly fair..." Hardyknute, a Scottish fragment. Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, T.Percy, 1839 A series of patterns inspired by old needlework and textiles in museums, galleries, and private collections everywhere - any era, any culture, any technique- translated to counted blackwork. |
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Small Fancies-
"...Item one foreparte of white Satten embrodered with Dolphins and Butterflies of black silke .." The Folger Inventory of Elizabeth I's wardrobe Sweet bags, pincushions, needlecases, patchwork- all manner of small objects embellished with needlework would have been a practical way to use up all those little scraps of expensive materials. Our "Small Fancies" patterns are designed for these things, and include a "large" (about 50 stitches square) two-sided design, a "mini" (about 22 stitches square) two-sided design, and a band design. Only the imagination limits their use. |
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Spanisshework-
By the Earle of Warwike, a smocke wrought with black silke, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke..." Elizabeth I's New Years Gifts, 1561 Counted blackwork patterns that are historically inspired "period-appropriate" in style, based on actual portraits and museum artifacts. Each pattern includes charts For Sundry Useful Things - historic-style and modern clothing such as square-necked shifts and collared shirts, household linens, decorative items- anything that could use a touch of history. These designs are reversible, or so close as to make no difference. |
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Words and Whimsies-
"...And as though Cambrick, Holland, Lawne, and the finest cloth that maye bee got any where for money, were not good enough, they have them wrought all over with silke worke..." Philip Stubbes (on ruffs) "Anatomie of Abuses" 1583 Samplers started as a way to record stitches and patterns, and developed into a decorative way to display one's talent with the needle. Words and Whimsies samplars are based on our historically-inspired designs, vintage samplers, and words that catch our imagination... |
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Catherine's Pascha-
"...Come and receive the Light..." Created for Charlotte Riggle's beautiful children's book that shows the Great Feast of Holy Pascha through a child's eyes. It is an Orthodox tradition to bring baskets of red eggs, meats, cheeses, chocolate, oil- all the foods not eaten during Great Lent - to the Paschal Divine Liturgy for blessing- exclusive designs for Pascha basket/bread covers, samplars, and altar/church linens. |
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Liturgical Designs-
"...Blessed are they who love the beauty of God's House..." Counted blackwork patterns for altar cloths, aers (chalice veils), chalice covers, analogion (lectern) covers. |
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ORDERING INFO - all our designs are available as PDF downloads. Click on any photo in the slideshows above, or go directly to the Practical Blackwork Etsy Shop or the store at Catherine's Pascha to purchase.
If you would like to order a printed copy (heavy cardstock, comb-bound booklets where applicable) of these designs, contact Catherine at [email protected] for more information.
If you would like to order a printed copy (heavy cardstock, comb-bound booklets where applicable) of these designs, contact Catherine at [email protected] for more information.
