Blackwork: A Master Class in Intense Pattern

Study in Scarlet

All the ways of achieving shading in blackwork

I am happy to announce that this morning I signed a contract with EGA in their Extended Study Program. An ESP is a course that goes beyond the scope of most classes and can be a deep study of one particular aspect of a subject. In this case we will be exploring patterning theory. Patterning theory is how patterns are developed, how they build up repetition. How to vary them.

I have broken the study down into four parts from basic construction to the most complex construction. But since we will be studying this one step at a time, it will be an easy progression from the basic to the advanced.

In order to do well in this class which runs in mid-July 2010 in Louisville, KY, a student has to have had at least some experience with blackwork. It is not the function of the class to teach basic blackwork to neophytes. But even a couple of beginning classes with a couple of projects under your belt and an vivid interest in blackwork should put you in good form to take this class. Of course the more experience you bring to the class the more you will get out of it.

Leaf pattern from Heartwood

I have been doing blackwork from the very beginning of my time doing embroidery. My first attempt at it was a kit I bout in Denver in 1976. It was of the three wise men and was fairly large about 14"X 18", done in rayon threads. There must be twenty patterns in that thing. It was wonderful. I was head over heels for it. And I didn't even know what type of embroidery it was. It was just labeled counted work. I joined the EGA a year or so later and found out what it was--blackwork.

A tessellated pattern from The Crazed Sampler

Since then I have studied and stitched my way up to designing and offering my blackwork pieces for sale in galleries and on-line. Check them out at http://embroideredfablesart.weebly.com/. And watch this space for more information on the class and my progress in putting it together.

Four Patterns from a polychrome work.

Notice the shading through use of color.