A Bit of Blackwork

I know I've been quiet these past couple of weeks. I've started the new school year (Aug. 1st!) and my two kidlets are settling into their new routine with my oldest now in middle school. It really is crazy how time flies....*sigh*

No worries though! I have been crafting! I have things to share with you. I am just now finding the time and energy to do so. :)

Here's one piece that has been finished for a while but not shared with a good reason though.

I was asked to do a mini series on black work as a guest blogger at &Stitches! Wheeeee! I wrote the first post on the history and concept of blackwork. The second contains the pattern and tutorial for this piece.

Closer up...

This hoop is a modern adaptation of free form black work with geometric filler designs. I did the outlines of the hearts in split stitch and then used back stitch on the filler. The larger design was a bit finicky but I showed it who's Boss!

I normally am not a fan of counted work but this hoop was fun, picking out the filler designs as well as seeing the different textures that each filler added to the overall work. Who says that monochromatic work is boring? I might have to do another one soon!