Were we speaking of blackwork? Well, we were last week!
You know I have this thing for “15 Minute Projects” and “grab and go” projects. That’s what the Hungarian Runner is right now. And when the Hungarian runner is finished, I’m going to need another “15 minute” project to fill in those 15-minute gaps this year.
Now, granted, I do have the Secret Garden projects going, but those are “studio” projects – I work on them in my workroom only, because that’s where I can photograph things, take good notes, and prepare overly wordy articles for you.
So, it just so happens that there’s a really neat (and free) year-long blackwork sampler developing over on Liz Almond’s site, Blackwork Journey.
If you’re an “on the grid” stitcher (or an “off the grid” stitcher who would like to become more familiar with blackwork), you might want to check out Liz’s “Save the Stitches” project that she is offering in chunks over the year. It’s a Big sampler of blackwork patterns, arranged in a neat overall design.
The first two PDFs for the project are already on the site – the cover page and Block 1. The instructions come with a materials list and a grid. They don’t come with specific instructions in blackwork, which is essentially Holbein stitch (also called double or reverse running stitch), or you could, if you wanted, use regular backstitch.
I’m thinking that this would be a fun “15 Minute Project” for this year, once I’ve finished with the Hungarian runner. I don’t often stitch on the grid, but I like blackwork. I like patterns in general.
If you are looking for a nice counted project to develop over the year, check out Liz’s “Save the Stitches” project on Blackwork Journey! It looks like a lot of fun, and, if I ever finish that riffemrackemfrickemfrackem redwork runner, I’m planning to take it up, too. We could forge through it together – in 15 minute spurts.
I’ll let you know when I get to that point.
If.
When.
WHEN!
Looking for more information on blackwork? Check out these articles on Needle ‘n Thread:
RSN Stitch Guide for Blackwork – Book Review
Developing a Spot Sampler: A Little Blackwork
Free Blackwork Pattern: Autumn Leaves
Free Blackwork Pattern: Trees
Developing Blackwork Fillings: Variations
Developing Blackwork Fillings: More Variations
