Blackwork (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Rich, comprehensive treatment of an age-old craft includes fascinating history of the beautiful and distinctive art of blackwork, plus detailed discussions of technique and design. Clear, concise descriptions of stitches and equipment—needles, ground fabric, embroidery thread, and more—followed by suggestions for innovative patterns, many accompanied by close-up sketches of designs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (January 27, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486401782
• ISBN-13: 978-0486401782
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,016,172 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A look at a popular form of needlework, August 31, 2000

By	Megan R McConnell (CHERMSIDE SOUTH, QLD Australia) - See all my reviews

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent treatment of the subject, June 6, 2002

By	Cas (the Idaho mountains) - See all my reviews

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.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful background, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

This book provides a great basic overview of blackwork. The author covers the history of the art from the Tudor years to the present. I would have prefered a few more detailed pictures, but have otherwise am happy to have this as a reference in my library.