Blackwork Embroidery by Elisabeth Geddes

Blackwork embroidery was very popular in Tudor times, and it is now enjoying a tremendous revival. A form of counted-thread work, blackwork emphasizes shading contrasts that are possible working with a single color of thread.
This book is one of the best modern works on blackwork. After covering the intriguing history of blackwork in a lively text and beautiful selection of illustrations, the authors present every aspect of the modern techniques and uses of the craft.There is a discussion of contemporary techniques of transferring a design, stitches, needles, and more; information on how to make a design, including numerous illustrations of examples such as birds, animals, fruit, architectural forms, an angel, a crusader, and more; over 200 illustrations of embroidery patterns, including simple, filling, and border patterns; and coverage of materials and threads with full charts. A new Publisher's Note gives a listing of current American suppliers.
Done in black silk on white linen, blackwork was originally used to decorate clothes and household articles. Today, you can still produce effective decorations in black-and-white, but many projects will look even better done in color. You can use blackwork on towels, tablecloths, sheets, and clothes, and you can make very attractive blackwork designs for wall hangings and pillows.