I’ve done some more on my blackwork sample piece that’s not black, which I started with Liz Almond at the Spring Gathering a couple of weeks ago. The central motif was relatively simple to be able to spot mistakes before doing very much, and it was obvious which stitches were the ones that needed unpicking. The little square motif below was not so easy, in spite of looking small and simple. The diagonal stitches threw me a couple of times. There are four….. one down, three more to go!
Every time that I thought I’d cracked it, I made a silly mistake, so there was quite a lot of unstitching. Even on the fourth corner, I managed to do two stitches over three threads instead of three stitches over two threads. It looks right, the pattern is right, it joins up and nobody has spotted it (yet) until I’ve managed to find it again and point it out. So I’ve left it. I’d already finished off a thread and started a new one before I realised.
I then ended up spending quite a long time on Liz’s website, and reading a couple of blackwork books. I’m still struggling to make decisions on how to progress my Blackwork Palace Project which continues in Finished bubbles and more.
I thought I’d shown a photo of the outline finished, but it seems not. It stalled again here, which was one of the reasons I chose to do Liz’s workshop.
It will be in shades of blue, and I’ve gathered various threads.
I also looked at Sarah Homfray’s blackwork on YouTube. Some very useful basics, such as starting in the middle of each area to be blocked in, both vertically and horizontally, so patterns look even. She demonstrates how to work various diapers (patterns). This is the beginning of one of the patterns from Liz, but worked in one colour rather than two that she’d used. It’s come on slowly, but I think it will work for one of the towers.
I’ll test out at least three more diapers between the corners. In spite of taking the hoop off each time I finish working, the fabric is marking, so I intend to put the castle on a rectangular frame before continuing with it.
debbidipity 
Love that last diaper pattern and the pinks are very reminiscent of avocado dye. Can’t wait to see the patterns start on the castle!
Yes, they are, I’d not made that connection of colour and tones. I’ve made a tiny start and can see various variations on the diaper that will work on some of the towers.
That sort of counted work has some really tricky bits, doesn’t it. I have one project that’s been hidden away in disgust until I’m in a better temper with it!
Yes, frustrating at times, but on a roll with the castle at the moment. Hoping it lasts or will be hiding it away. The problem I find with that is I can’t remember / work out where I’ve got to / intended to go with it!
Oops!