DOCSLIB.ORG

Craft Focus Magazine

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Craft Focus Magazine www.craftfocus.com October/November 2011 October/November CRAFTFOCUS Issue 27 www.craftfocus.com MAGAZINE Expert business advice Knit together Great customer service • Online A bumper guide to business success • What works trends, products and in marketing • Insurance matters expert comments • Webwise advice • Prepping for Christmas Needlecrafts PLUS There’s a plethora of don’t miss the latest types to tempt your product launches, customers news round-up, show reviews and previews Two great competitions inside The low-down and latest on • Art materials Official media partner for • Craft clubs Craft, Hobby + Stitch • Quilting International and proud sponsor of the • Paper crafting New Product Showcase October/November 2011 Issue 27 Managing Editor Louise Prance +44 (0) 1376 535 611 contents Editor Wendy Gardiner features +44 (0) 2392 261 338 regulars [email protected] editor’s letter 5 knit together 35 Editorial Assistant A round up of what’s in this issue The ever-expanding world of knitting holds Nancy Hayes many creative and commercial possibilities as +44 (0) 1376 535 611 we discovered [email protected] news round up 7 Reporting news and events that are Sales Manager Mark White happening now Adventures in Papercrafting 49 +44 (0)1376 535 606 Louise Fisher investigates the exciting world [email protected] brand spanking new 16 of papercrafting Sales Executive Tracy Voice The latest product launches +44 (0)1376 535 618 needle crafting 65 [email protected] competition – win VIP tickets 34 Step into the modern world of needlecraft Design Manager Two lucky readers of this issue will win VIP tickets, delights, with Becky Williams’ run-down of Sarah Barnes with hotel accommodation to next February’s tapestry, embroidery and more Deputy Design Manager Sophie Farage Craft, Hobby + Stitch International quilting today 77 Graphic Designers Laura Perry, Steve Mckea, project – make a lamp 56 Quilting: stitching together two pieces of fabric Hayley Kilminster, Brett Skingle, Dremel provide the how-to instructions to turn with a thick padding between them. Actually, Leanne Walsh quilting today is so much more than this +44 (0)1376 535 616 paper plates into a stylish lampshade [email protected] dictionary defi nition Web Development Manager competition – gunning for success 57 Stuart Weatherley Enter our second competition of the issue and club together 101 Subscriptions you’ve a chance of winning a handy Dremel Holding craft clubs or classes in your shop might Alice Henson, Tammy Wright glue gun seem like an optional extra but Becky Williams +44 (0)1376 514 000 looks at why it’s a must in today’s retail world KD Media Publishing Limited Broseley House, Newlands Drive bookshelf 84 Witham, Essex, CM8 2UL, UK A whole host of new books have recently in the name of art 109 www.craftfocus.com been published. Wendy Gardiner provides an Louise Fisher gets the lowdown on art supplies Front Cover image: at-a-glance overview of what’s available from four of the biggest names in art King Cole q&a special - prepping for xmas 114 ISSN 1758-0900 This month industry expert Clare Rayner, answers focus on Craft Focus is solely owned, published and queries on how to get ready for the festive trade a major in quilting 58 designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. without peaking too early or breaking the bank Whilst every effort was made to ensure the EQS evolved as business boomed for Graeme information in this magazine was correct at the Wright and Elizabeth West. Graeme shares time of going to press, the publishers cannot subscription offer 119 accept legal responsibility for any errors or his story omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of Register for your regular copy of Craft Focus the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not templates are tops 74 necessarily refl ect those of the publisher. Craft next issue 120 From templates to workshops to manufacturing, Focus is published six times a year. Subscription A preview of what’s in store for December/ rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum B-C-E has developed a thriving business inspired th (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to January issue – published on 28 November 2011 by imagination. Owner Jon Sutton tells us more… KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Craft Focus, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2UL, United Kingdom. 65 cotton patch, a family concern 88 Craft Focus magazine is proud to be With a good quilting knowledge and skills in associated with and supporters of: negotiation, purchasing and importing Jean and Geoff Sewell were on to a winner from the start MEDIA SUPPORTER one stitch at a time 98 Stitch by Stitch is a dream come true for Sally Kemp, whose hope and aim is to keep traditional embroidery alive craftfocus 3 MKZIN\[KW]S Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies online business – a real gem 106 Turning a hobby into your job is a dream for many but for Janette Anderson of south Queensferry near Edinburgh it became a reality when she launched her business Allium up and coming – fire in the belly 122 We talked to Tony Nash about his new business Craft Dragon that has got off to an incredible start business advice going above and beyond 60 Jo Causon sheds some light on the many reasons why excelling at Suppliers of customer service makes good business sense Craft and Bridal Supplies Card Making Scrapbooking life after riots 82 Card Embellishments Big businesses assisting riot-hit high street traders could mark the Floral Products beginning of a new era of cooperation according to Robert Ashton [email protected] | 01384 230000 insurance solutions 87 Readers put their insurance queries, concerns and questions to leading brokers TH March a little effort goes a long way 91 Nick Waller shares the seven customer service points that have proven to be effective in ensuring that your customers feel relaxed and comfortable love your rubbish 94 Your Professional If you don’t give your rubbish due care and consideration, you could Designer & Manufacturer end up much poorer, and a criminal to boot, warns Jason Mohr of Craft DIY Heating Tools & Appliances! selling – what works and what doesn’t 97 In a new series for Craft Focus, Clive Harper will be highlighting what it ♥ Rhinestone Hotfix Applicator takes to make a success of a retail business. Here he shares what works ♥ Mini Craft Iron in sales and more importantly, what doesn’t! ♥ Ribbon Iron ♥ word on the web Embossing Heating Guns ♥ – a basic guide to website terminology, part 3 118 Glue Guns In the final instalment, Bob Scott focuses on secure ecommerce and ♥ 100% Patented Creative Products! online payment systems shows ♥ show news and events 26 We review CHA and Autumn Fair and have news of Craft, Hobby + Stitch International plus more trade and consumer shows from around ♥ the country Contact: ♥ Tel: 0086-592-5425497 dates for your diary 32 info@hotfixworks.com An at-a-glance listing of forthcoming trade and consumer shows www.hotfixapplicators.com 4 craftfocus if it’s crafting – we’ve got it covered! Hi, welcome to this absolutely jam-packed largest-ever edition of Craft Focus! We’ve packed the pages with a diverse range of crafting features sharing news, views and trends to help you keep abreast of what’s happening out there. Take a look at our special reports on knitting, needlecrafts, quilting, art materials, papercrafts and craft clubs – there really is something for everyone. Knitting has enjoyed an amazing resurgence over the last five years and its popularity continues to grow as the market diversifies as Becky Williams discovered. New products designed especially for beginners are bringing in fresh crafters, while new novelty yarns are bringing exciting creative possibilities to those who are experienced in the craft. Quilting is also enjoying renewed energy as we found out when talking to exhibition organisers, retailers, specialist magazines and tutors. We share what’s new in needlecraft, with a look at tapestry, long stitch, embroidery, rag rugging, crewel and stumpwork whilst in our papercrafting pages we take a look at some of the general areas that have seen definite surges of interest in recent times and products that are set to be ‘hot stuff’ in the coming festive season. Providing customers with how-to demonstrations and workshops isn’t a new idea, so it is interesting to see how classes and courses have taken off and provide positive potential to increase sales. Our final feature is all abut getting arty – with new materials and ideas to help encourage customers. Don’t miss our show news and reports – we’ve reviews of the recent CHA show and Autumn Fair, with comments from exhibitors and organisers about what sold well and what trends emerged. We’ve also previews of some of the forthcoming spring fairs as well as news of consumer shows that all help to encourage crafters. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to enter two competitions! Craft, Hobby + Stitch International are giving away two VIP tickets and accommodation for the February show and Dremel have provided us with 10 super glue gun prizes. Until next issue… Wendy Gardiner Editor PS: Next issue our attention turns to decoupage, jewellery making, trimmings, craft kits for children and visual merchandising. We’d love to hear your views and news on any of these features. craftfocus 5 2012 7+)(%58$5<&RYHQWU\:DUZLFNVKLUH 5'7+0$5&+/HLJK/DQFDVKLUH 7+0$</LQFROQ/LQFROQVKLUH 67$35,/7KHWIRUG1RUIRON 7+-81(7DXQWRQ6RPHUVHW 67$35,/(GLQEXUJK6FRWODQG
Load more

Recommended publications
  • From the Sun Region of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc
    from The Sun Region of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc. website: www.sunregionega.org RD’s Letter Hello Sun Region, I hope that all of you are enjoying the cooler weather. I’m enjoying being outside more and working in the gar- den. Plus, it helps me get into the spirit of the season. Speaking of the season, yesterday was my chapter’s Christmas party. It was well attended but best of all, Audrey Francini was there. Most of you know, or know of, Audrey and her wonderful stitching. She’s an EGA icon. I talked to Audrey for a little bit and she said that she’s still stitching although she believes that it’s not as good as it used to be. We both agreed that without our stitch- ing we don’t know what we would do with ourselves. The big news for Audrey is that she has a big birthday com- ing up on December 22 . She will be 100! Please join me in wishing Audrey a very happy birthday and a wish for many more. The Florida State Fair is coming in February. Have you ever been? More importantly, have you ever entered something in the fair? If not, you should think about it. They have a fiber arts section that includes just about everything. I’ve been in touch with Brenda Gregory the coordinator of the family exhibits division. She’s trying to encourage more entries and would like some quality entries from EGA. The handbook is out and is very detailed in how to enter, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Trc Collection: Silk Embroidered Postcards
    TRC Collection Silk Embroidered Postcards TRC COLLECTION: SILK EMBROIDERED POSTCARDS FROM THE FIRST WORLD WAR Leiden December 2015 1 TRC Collection Silk Embroidered Postcards Colophon Author: Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood Address: Hogewoerd 164, 2311 HW Leiden, The Netherlands Date: December 2015 Copyright: Textile Research Centre, Leiden TRC Collection Catalogues •! Silk Embroidered Postcards from the First World War (2015) Acknowledgements The TRC would like to thank Dr. Ian Collins for his help in collecting various postcards and his help in writing the text (https://sites.google.com/site/embroideredsilkpostcards/home ) 2 TRC Collection Silk Embroidered Postcards Silk Embroidered Postcards from the First World War Decorative postcards with a short text were popular in Europe from the early 1900's until the 1950's. Many of these were made in France. The cards included a wide variety of designs and messages, worked in floss silk in various colours. Some ten million embroidered cards were allegedly produced. Embroidered silk postcards were especially favoured during and just after the First World War (1914-1918). During the war, the range of designs was very varied and included obviously military subjects, such as the flags of the allies (notably Belgium, Britain, Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, Russia, and the USA), names of regiments, figures of famous generals, and more public subjects such as Christmas, birthdays and New Year best wishes. In addition, many cards carried illustrations of butterflies and flowers, as gentler, more sympathetic images. Comparable cards were made in Germany, but with different designs and texts. The designs and texts were worked in small, silk gauze panels with colourful, free style embroidery.
    [Show full text]
  • Basic Blackwork Class – HL Anja Snihová Camarni
    Basic Blackwork Class – HL Anja Snihová Camarni I’m including in this handout a couple of different ways of explaining “how-to” in blackwork, because not every explanation works for every person. Also, please excuse the crass commercial plugs. I didn’t have time to completely re-write, so pretend that this somebody else’s. Which it is! Anja and MaryAnne are not the same person. <grin> MaryAnne Bartlett is a 21st century woman, making a living by writing and researching, designing and selling blackwork designs and products. Anja Snihova’ was born in the late 14th century and due to the potions that her alchemist husband makes, survived into the early 17th century! Beginning Blackwork Blackwork is a counted thread technique made popular in England in the 1500's by Catharine of Aragon, the Spanish first wife of King Henry VIII of England. It was immortalized in the incredibly detailed portraits done by the court painter, Hans Holbein, whose name is give to the stitch used, which is just a running stitch that doubles back on itself at the other end of its "journey". Blackwork can be anything from a simple line drawing to the complex pattern of #10 below, and on to designs so complex no one seems to know how to do them! It was usually done with silk thread on a white even-weave linen, and despite the name of the technique, was done in every colour of the rainbow, although black was the most popular colour, followed by red and blue. The most peculiar thing about this technique is that, done properly, the design repeats on both the right and wrong sides of the fabric, making it perfect for collars, cuffs, veils and ribbons where both sides need to look nice! Blackwork Embroidery Instructions 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Blackwork Journey
    Blackwork Journey © 1 'Sublime Stitches' Aida Part 6 Patterns 75 - 85 Full Design Area: 16.07 x 29.57 inches worked on 14 count AIDA 225 x 414 stitches Material: Minimum size - 26 x 40 inches to allow for embroidery frame and mounting Suggested fabric: Zweigart 14 count Aida, white, antique white or cream The sample was worked on Zweigart 14 count Aida, white Over dyed or space dyed fabrics may detract from the design - select carefully! There are 12 pages of patterns. One page will be placed in 'Freebies' in Blackwork Journey every month. Each pattern or group of patterns have their: Individual numbers, Technique, Threads and beads used, Chart, Picture and Method. Each month join a printout of the chart to the one before. The final chart will consist of 12 pages arranged in the order as shown above. Please follow the main chart carefully to place and work the different patterns. The embroidery may differ slightly. Where patterns overlap between the pages do not start the pattern. The part patterns are there to help in the placing of the design. As additional pages are added the part patterns will be complete. Do not add beads to the design until all 12 pages have been worked. The sample was worked in DMC and Anchor floss in four shades including DMC 310 as the base colour. Cross stitch is worked in TWO strands over two threads, back stitch is worked in ONE strand over two threads. Threads used: DMC 310 Black, three skeins Anchor 1206 variegated, or DMC 815 Garnet, three skeins DMC 415 Pearl grey, one skein DMC 414 Steel grey, one skein Metallic threads used: Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid PB01, one card or DMC Lights Effects E3852 Dark Gold, one skein DMC Lights Effects E317 DMC 996 electric blue is used on the chart to show ONE strand of 415 and ONE strand 414 together to make two strands for pulled thread work stitches.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dictionary of Needlework
    Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/dictionaryofneed03caul THE DICTIONARY OF NEEDLEWORK GUIPURE D'ART. macram£ MODERN POINT. DEDICATED TO H.R.H. PRINCESS LOUISE. MARCHIONESS OF LORNE. THE DimiOIlJiW OF I^EEDIiEtflO^I^, ENCYCLOPEDIA OE AETISTIC, PLAIN, AND EANCY NEEDLEWORK, DEALING FULLY WITH THE DETAILS OF ALL THE STITCHES EMPLOYED, THE METHOD OF WOEKING. THE MATERIALS USED, THE MEANING OF TECHNICAL TEEMS, AND, WHERE NECESSARY, TRACING THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE VARIOUS WORKS DESCRIBED. ILLUSTRATED WITH UPWARDS OF 1200 WOOD ENGRAVINGS, AND COLOURED PLATES. PLAIN SEWING, TEXTILES, DRESSMAKING, APPLIANCES, AND TERMS, By S. E. a. CAULEEILD, Aitthor of "Side Nursiiin at Some," "Desmond," "Avencle," and Papers on Needlework in "TIte Queen," "Girl's Own Paper," "Cassell's Domestic Dictionary," tC-c. CHURCH EMBROIDERY, LACE, AND ORNAMENTAL NEEDLEWORK, By blanche C. SAWAED, AiUhoi- of ''Church Festival Decorations," and Papers on Fancy and Art Work in "The Bazaar," ''Artistic Amusementu," '^Girl's Own Paper," tfcc. Division 1 1 1 .— E m b to K n i . SECOND EDITION. LONDON: A. W. COWAN, 30 AKD 31, NEW BEIDGE STREET. LUDGATE CIRCUS. LONDON: PRINTED BY A. BRADLEY, 170, '^/?.^'?-^Y : THE DICTIONARY OF NEEDLEWORK. 193 and it is sometimes vavied in tlio manuoi- illustrated in of the leaf in rows of large Back Stitches, and pad Fig. 376, where it fills in with int. i-ia.va sdtri,,.; f^i.le the left hand with perpendicular runnings, giving the of the leaf, of -which the other greatest height near the centre is worked in Back Stitch, the veins.
    [Show full text]
  • Trailing Hearts by Terry
    Trailing Hearts Terri Bay Needlework Designs copyright 2020 All rights reserved www.terribayneedleworkdesigns.com Main Chart Each lines on all charts equals one fabric thread. All stitches are over two fabric threads. One strand of floss is used in the models. For a bolder pattern use two strands of floss of DMC Floche. 1 Trailing Hearts may be worked with the Double Running Stitch or Backstitch. If you are using a variegated thread backstitch should be used. Using a Double Running with variegated threads will cause odd and abrupt shifts in color. Each row of hearts may be made to be as long or as short as you wish. Simply add repeats to make them longer and subtract repeats to make the shorter. Use one long row for a bookmark. Make the center row shorter to create a heart shape. Work four rows in a square to create a border. There are many possibilities. The models were worked with one strand of cotton floss. For a bolder line use two strand of floss, or DMC Floche. Silks may also be used. Try working the rows in multiple colors. Perhaps gradients of colors from dark to light. Don’t hesitate to experiment with color! Blackwork is most noted in the reign of Catherine of Aragon, Henry the VIII of England’s first wife. She is said to have worked blackwork embroidery herself. Whether she did or not, she popularized it and “Spanishwork” was the in thing for embroiderers. Then she was no longer reigning and the term Spanishwork ceased to be popular.
    [Show full text]
  • Dress Designing and Garment Manufacturing Programme Code : 01/02/03/04/05/06/07/08 Name of Course : Elements of Drawing Course Code : DD181
    FIRST SESMESTER Name of Programme : Dress Designing and Garment Manufacturing Programme Code : 01/02/03/04/05/06/07/08 Name of Course : Elements of Drawing Course Code : DD181 Teaching Scheme – Hours / Week Total Hours Theory 02 32 Term Work / Practical 04 64 Evaluation – Progressive Theory Practical Oral Term Work Assessment Duration - - 03 - - Marks - - 50 - 50 Course Aim – This course provides foundation for drawing, which enables the students to develop skills of illustration. Students can better organize and communicate the idea through language of drawing & color schemes. It develops proper execution of details of human body to make illustration successful. Course Objectives – The students will be able to – Achieve knowledge of media and material of drawing. Draw objects using guideline. Course Content – Sr. No. Topic / Subtopic Hours Weight age Practical 1 Introduction to Drawing Material 03 Introduction to Dry material, Wet material, Types of Drawing Material paper Dry material, Wet material, Types of paper. 2 Basic of Drawing 04 Basic of Drawing A) Use of Lines as guidelines for basic A) Types of Lines drawing. B) Composition of Line B) Expression/Emotions of different in relation with forms. lines. C) Expression/Emotions C) Use of Lines for different Shading of different lines using techniques. own creativity a) Hatching D) Lines with different b) Smudging Leads. c) Stripling E) Use of Lines for d) Scrambling different Shading techniques a) Hatching b) Smudging c) Stripling d) Scrambling 3 Elements of Design 04 Elements of Design Line, Form, Color, Texture & Shape 4 Colors 06 Colors a) Defining Chrome, Hue & Intensity. a) Color wheel b) Color wheel- Cool and Warm b) Quaternary Color Colors etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Needlework Through History: an Encyclopedia
    Needlework through History: An Encyclopedia Catherine Amoroso Leslie Greenwood Press Handicrafts through World History NEEDLEWORK THROUGH HISTORY An Encyclopedia Catherine Amoroso Leslie GREENWOOD PRESS Westport, Connecticut • London Th is book is dedicated to my grandmother, Kay Murphy and my mother, Colleen Murphy Hilliard, who taught me to value the legacy of needlework. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Leslie, Catherine Amoroso. Needlework through history : an encyclopedia / Catherine Amoroso Leslie. p. cm.—(Handicrafts through world history, ISSN 1552–8952) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978–0–313–33548–8 (alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0–313–33548–6 (alk. paper) 1. Needlework—Encyclopedias. 2. Needlework—History. I. Title. TT750L48 2007 746.403—dc22 2006100691 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data is available. Copyright © 2007 by Catherine Amoroso Leslie All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process or technique, without the express written consent of the publisher. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2006100691 ISBN-13: 978–0–313–33548–8 ISBN-10: 0–313–33548–6 ISSN: 1552–8952 First published in 2007 Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881 An imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. www.greenwood.com Printed in the United States of America Th e paper used in this book complies with the Permanent Paper Standard issued by the National Information Standards Organization (Z39.48–1984). 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contents List of Entries vii
    [Show full text]
  • There Are 4 Types of Stitches in Kasuthi Which Is a 1000 Years Old Art Originating in the Chalukyan Times in North Karnataka
    There are 4 types of stitches in Kasuthi which is a 1000 years old art originating in the Chalukyan times in North Karnataka. This is counted thread embroidery done on even weave fabric. Materials needed for learning Kasuthi Half meter Aida matty cloth, tapestry needle and Anchor embroidery threads or DMC skeins. 3 strands are used when working on the sampler in cross stitch fabric but later when you work on plain fabrics, a single strand of thread is used to work the designs and this gives a delicate finish to the designs Stitches used in Kasuthi 1. Gavanthi. This is the plain double running stitch also called the Holbein stitch where the work is done by using 1 sq as the base unit. 2. Murgi or the zigzag stitch. 3. Negi is the weaving stitch 4. Menthe, which is the simple, cross-stitch. Care must be taken to finish all the \ stitches are done first and the / stitch later. The 1st design sheet has different borders and the stitch in purple is worked till the required length of the border is done and then you have to work back to the starting point working the stitches in blue. Kasuthi is a reversible type of embroidery by and large and the designs with the Holbein stitch and the zigzag stitches are identical on both sides of the work. The weaving stitch looks like a mirror image on the reverse of the fabric. In the cross-stitch, the reverse has only vertical and diagonal stitches. The next set of designs has motifs.
    [Show full text]
  • Kasuti and Blackwork’: Twin Sisters Or Just Duplicates?
    Textiles and Clothing Research Centre e-Journal Volume 3, Issue 6, August 2019, pp. 18-22 ‘Kasuti and Blackwork’: Twin sisters or just duplicates? Toolika Gupta Abstract This paper explores the similarities between kasuti of Karnataka and the blackwork embroidery of Spain. Kasuti is counted thread embroidery of Karnataka, which was done with silk thread, on cholis to be worn with ilkal sarees, whereas black- work was embroidery, which was popular in Europe in the 16th century and probably originated in Spain. It was counted thread embroidery and used black silk thread for execution. The motifs are geometric in both cases, and even if they are curvilinear, the way to embroider usually uses similar techniques. This paper tries to trace the origin, materials, techniques and motifs of kausti and compare them the origin, material, techniques and motifs of black-work embroidery of Spain. It is not the intention of the author to claim that there is any influence of black-work on kasuti or vice-versa, as there is no proof yet about that. The aim is only to see how textiles existing in two different parts of the world, use similar materials and stitches, and similar inspirations. Introduction Kasuti, a word used for embroidery in Karnataka1 has come to associated with a particular type of embroidery. The etymology of this word has three different stories, one very popular is breaking kasuti into two words – kai + suti, where kai (means hand in Kannada) and suti (means cotton) 2 but kasuti used to be done with silk as well as cotton threads, on silk or cotton base.
    [Show full text]
  • Blackwork Embroidery by Genoveva Von Lübeck
    Blackwork Embroidery by Genoveva von Lübeck Skill with embroidery has long been a mark of a well-bred woman. Men also embroidered, turning the art into a trade and getting paid handsomely for their work as Embroiderours. And in 16th century Europe, blackwork embroidery was the height of fashion in apparel for both men and women. Yet blackwork has its roots much earlier in history than that, and its techniques can be used on clothing as early as the 10th century. – 1 – What is blackwork? Blackwork embroidery, at its most basic, is black embroidery on while fabric. Yet it really isn’t so “black and white.” Other colors of threads were historically used in addition to black, typically green, blue, or red. Much blackwork is composed of geometric, counted stitches, but it can also be free-form. Some blackwork can be reversible, but not always. Four common characteristics I’ve observed on blackwork embroidery are: 1. small, straight stitches; 2. an intricacy of design; 3. a repeating motif; and 4. a contrast between the stitched threads and the ground fabric. What is the history of blackwork? Blackwork’s popularity in the 16th century is attributed to Catherine of Aragon, who came from Spain in 1501 to wed Prince Arthur— her wedding trouseau contained several articles of black-on-white embroidery. It is said that Catherine embroidered these items herself, having been taught by her mother Queen Isabella, who in turn always made her husband’s shirts. For this reason blackwork is also referred to as “Spanish work.” Blackwork remained fashionable for more than 100 years, falling out of favor only in the 17th century.
    [Show full text]
  • Issue 21 October 2007
    ONLINE MAGAZINE FOR CROSS STITCHERS Issue 21 October 2007 Judy Odell | Atelier des fées Brodeuses WWW.THEGIFTOFSTITCHING.COM Contents - Issue 21 October 2007 Page 3 New Products Descriptions and reviews of new products for cross stitchers. Page 5 Designer Profile We interview Debbie Booth of My Big Toe Designs. She has designed us A New Creation. Page 9 Your Shopping List and Stockists All the threads and fabric for the projects in this issue listed in one convenient place. Page 10 Dinky-Dyes 5th Birthday Competition We announce the winners and present their charts. Page 13 All Things Counted Maryland Sampler Exhibit by Robin Laukhuf. Accompanying pattern is the Maryland Roses Ultimate Needlebook finished by Judy Odell. Page 19 Product Profile and Competition Win a copy of Judy Odells The Ultimate Needlebook finishing book and a silk pack from Olde Willow Stitchery Threads. Page 20 Feature Pattern Queens Bestiary Chessboard by Marie Le Gouis of Atelier des fees brodeuses. Page 32 Blackwork by Lynne Herzberg Black and Gold Celtic series: Needleroll Page 33 Mystery Sampler Historic Countries Mystery Sampler and Chatelaine by Papillon Creations. Part Two - England to 1700. Page 45 Easy Peasy Cross Stitch by Jacinta Lodge Cards 15-16: Stitching with metallic threads Page 46 Stitch Diagrams www.thegiftofstitching.com Issue 21 October 2007 Page 1 Hello readers, We also interview Debbie Booth of My Big Toe Designs. Debbies designs are unique and have Last month there was so much buzz about the new a timeless appeal. You will enjoy the interview. Mystery Sampler, you could wonder what would We hope your stitching on the Historic top it.
    [Show full text]