16 beautiful blackwork designs in colour to embroider, based on the four seasons.
Blackwork is a traditional form of embroidery, usually worked in black thread on a white background. Here, author Melanie Couffe takes the technique and gives it a burst of colour by introducing delicate shades of pink, blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple. Her book begins with an introduction to the fabrics and threads she uses, and the basic stitches you need to produce the beautiful designs featured in the book.
She then goes on to create 16 gorgeous projects, including a pinkeep, mobile phone case, a purse and several framed pieces, all accompanied by step-by-step instructions, photographs and charts. Melanie's enchanting designs will inspire you to introduce colour into your blackwork, and create your own stunning embroideries based on this classic technique.
Library Journal
"Blackwork is a type of embroidery that usually works in black thread on a white background. Color therapist and cross-stitch designer Couffe gives a modern twist to this traditional fiber art. The bulk of her book consists of 16 projects, grouped and organized by the four seasons. Crafters can learn how to create wall art, pinkeeps, fobs, Christmas decorations, clocks, purses, and more. Each project comes with a list of materials, finishing instructions, and stitching charts that are grouped together at the end, instead of with each project, which may confuse some readers. The book presents dubious technique advice, such as using only a hoop to do the stitching and then backing the finished work. Tips like this may compel some readers to look at other titles that have better instructions. The author also promotes her own fiber art products, not readily available materials. Cost-conscious readers will need to do their own material translations and find their own selections. VERDICT Best for readers experienced with blackwork techniques and comfortable with doing their own material selections."
Melanie Couffe started her career as a language teacher and has always been an avid cross stitcher in her spare time. She started her cross-stitch design company, Tom & Lily Creations, while on maternity leave and has been an independent creative entrepreneur ever since. She has also developed her own range of hand-dyed stitching fabrics and threads. Melanie is a qualified colour therapist and colour is an integral part of her life and business. Melanie was born in Wimbledon in the UK and now lives in the south of France.
16 beautiful blackwork designs in colour to embroider, based on the four seasons.
Blackwork is a traditional form of embroidery, usually worked in black thread on a white background. Here, author Melanie Couffe takes the technique and gives it a burst of colour by introducing delicate shades of pink, blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple. Her book begins with an introduction to the fabrics and threads she uses, and the basic stitches you need to produce the beautiful designs featured in the book.
She then goes on to create 16 gorgeous projects, including a pinkeep, mobile phone case, a purse and several framed pieces, all accompanied by step-by-step instructions, photographs and charts. Melanie's enchanting designs will inspire you to introduce colour into your blackwork, and create your own stunning embroideries based on this classic technique.
Praise
Library Journal
"Blackwork is a type of embroidery that usually works in black thread on a white background. Color therapist and cross-stitch designer Couffe gives a modern twist to this traditional fiber art. The bulk of her book consists of 16 projects, grouped and organized by the four seasons. Crafters can learn how to create wall art, pinkeeps, fobs, Christmas decorations, clocks, purses, and more. Each project comes with a list of materials, finishing instructions, and stitching charts that are grouped together at the end, instead of with each project, which may confuse some readers. The book presents dubious technique advice, such as using only a hoop to do the stitching and then backing the finished work. Tips like this may compel some readers to look at other titles that have better instructions. The author also promotes her own fiber art products, not readily available materials. Cost-conscious readers will need to do their own material translations and find their own selections. VERDICT Best for readers experienced with blackwork techniques and comfortable with doing their own material selections."
Author
Melanie Couffe started her career as a language teacher and has always been an avid cross stitcher in her spare time. She started her cross-stitch design company, Tom & Lily Creations, while on maternity leave and has been an independent creative entrepreneur ever since. She has also developed her own range of hand-dyed stitching fabrics and threads. Melanie is a qualified colour therapist and colour is an integral part of her life and business. Melanie was born in Wimbledon in the UK and now lives in the south of France.
