I like the look of blackwork, so I really, really wanted to like doing it. However, I only kinda sorta didn’t mind it when there was nothing else to do, so after I’d finished one row of the sampler, I decided that was it.
The decision became easier because I’d really enjoyed the Bargello samplers. I have no idea why they were so much fun, but the blackwork didn’t thrill me. It’s not a matter of colour vs black, because I’ve embroidered black before and liked it. It’s not that the final result is something useful or not, because I figure the blackwork can become a bookmark whereas I have no idea what to do with the Bargello. Both are ‘counted’ work on a mesh. Both are graphic rather than representational. They take about the same time to do.
The only difference I can see is that I need a stretcher for the blackwork, and it was finer work. Maybe I’d like it better if I used aida cloth with bigger squares and ditched the stretcher?
Hmm. I think I’ll have to give that a try!
I love doing blackwork! – and I don’t much enjoy doing non-counted work, although I really like the results other people get. One of the things I enjoy about blackwork is working out efficient stitching paths for the double-running stitch.
Don’t use aida. Use linen (28 count minimum, stitching over 2) – and try using a small hoop for the stitching area, not a frame.
freeform blackwork on linen (or if you can get it, really nice nubby thick silk) works well. You use blackwork to draw and you speckle stitch in shading. Lots of fun. I got very tired of counted blackwork.