Blackwork

Day 306: Forgive the hasty post today. It comes through a small hole in a busy agenda. Some days are like that, hard to find a moment to write, let alone take a photograph, but I haven't missed a one in almost five years and don't intend to let that record fall.

Closely akin to counted cross-stitch, modern blackwork embroidery is generally done on canvas or scrim (fabric to be removed after the stitching is complete). In mediaeval times, counted-thread canvas was not available, and thus the needleworker spaced the stitches by eye, and skill was measured by the uniformity of the work. The blackwork was often quite elaborate and extensive, covering large areas of a garment with tiny, delicate stitchery, the detail of which could only be seen close up. Such fine work is seldom seen today, as most embroidery is done on 14-22 count canvas, huge by comparison to the weave of the linens of yesteryear.