Blackwork
Updated Summer 2015:
While I enjoy many different styles of embroidery, Blackwork has been a favorite of mine for the last several years.
Blackwork is a type of monochrome embroidery that was very popular in the Elizbethan period. It can be done either as a counted or free method, but I tend to prefer counted work. It is also sometimes designed to be reversible by using a double running stitch (see here at the Blackwork Archives), which can be very fun to plan out.
This was a gift I made for a friend's elevation. Blackwork handkerchief, silk thread on 32-count linen.
The pattern is from a 16th century Italian sampler from the V&A Museum
Fully reversible, small slip stitched double fold hem.
A needle book cover, silk on 28 count linen.
This is a set of cuffs for a 1500's shirt. Silk thread on 32-count linen, pattern from Blackwork Archives. While they were originally intended as prettier replacement cuffs for a shirt I had already made for Doug to fence in, I realized the rapier clothing takes too much abuse. As such, they are now trim to be applied to the next non-fencing shirt I make him (or for myself).
