Sunday 15 May 2011

B is for Blackwork

A Blackwork Pincushion
Years ago I found a pattern in a magazine for a embroidered blackwork pincushion.  I love blackwork and so I had a go.  Lost the magazine long ago, but found the pincushion the other day in an old workbox.  Rather pleased with it.  It's got pattern on the sides as well.

I've always rather wanted to explore blackwork in knitting, so when Charlotte An Accidental Knitter suggested her alphabetical meme on Ravelry, I decided to have a go.  I missed A, but here is 'B' for Blackwork.


Along with Blackwork I also love slip stitches and took the opportunity to try one I found in Barbara Walker's  Treasury of Knitting Patterns.   

This is Sanquar Check - it gives a similar effect to traditional sanquar, but not a smidgeon of fairisle is involved.  It's all done with slip stitch.   Having had a go (and a couple of false starts) I see this as a nifty pair of wristies to keep the mouse arm warm on chilly office mornings.



And here is a version with the colour order reversed.  Not as pleasing to my eye, but has possibilities.


Now how about it in red and white, or blue and white, or toning shades, or ......?

12 comments:

Charly Harries said...

Love, love, love it! It's gorgeous :D

Christine said...

Your blackwork is gorgeous! And slip stitches are one of my favs

lyndagrace said...

Very interesting and dramatic. Something I might want to try.

Peppermint Mocha Mama said...

Interesting - using Blackwork in knitting. I would love to see a finished product.

Carolee479 said...

Beautiful pincushion!

Christine said...

gorgeous pincushion!

Mrs H Knits said...

This is really nice...love it!

Debbie said...

I love slipstitches and it's fascinating how just changing the colours can really alter the look of a pattern.

Beautiful stitching, too!

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

Wow, that blackwork embroidery is amazing! I would love to do some myself, once I've got my current cross stitch WIPs out the way first...

Anonymous said...

I was not familiar with Blackwork. I love it. Thank you for showing me something new today!

The Knitting Way said...

ooh, that is gorgeous! Did you start that just for the ABCs of knitting? You're amazing! Thanks for stopping by my blog. The cat on the banner is Heimo, my shadow. The Who? Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World!

BeHappyKnits said...

I have always wanted to try slipstitches. I am inspired! Thank you!