Blackwork

As a historical reenactor I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It's full of pictures of period portraits with lovely black work designs.

Many dim and fuzzy pictures, but a lovely historical needleworkers reference. Worth having in your library, and a good inspirational boost. I wouldn't consider it a pleasure read, or a quality how-to, but something in between, and wothwhile nonetheless.

I admit it. I'm scared of blackwork. But this book makes it seem not quite so intimidating. Lots of examples of it are included, in numerous b/w illustrations and photos of extant Tudor/Elizabethan work (there's modern stuff, too, but I'm not as interested in that). There are also instructions for doing blackwork, though the explanations are a bit hard to follow in places. Overall, this is the best treatment of the subject I've seen yet. As an acquaintance of mine has said, while it's still in print, get it! Or you may find yourself hunting for it when it's gone. I seriously don't know /any/ blackworkers who don't have this book.

Whenever an embroiderer asks "What book should I get to learn about historical blackwork", the answer is always "Blackwork by Mary Gostelow". This book is very well written, and whilst I do not agree with all her conclusions about what blackwork is - her reasoning is logical and she includes lovely pictures - both of historical and modern blackwork.I would have liked to see some more pictures of historical works (especially colour photos) - and would have liked her to address some popular misconceptions about blackwork.All in all - I really do love this book and it is one that I always recommend.