Blackwork Stitch-by-Stitch by Carol Leather Intrigued by blackwork but not sure how to do it? Ever wondered how to get the back of your work as neat as the front? Do you wish there was someone there to hold your hand while you learn the techniques? Let Carol guide you through the maze and you will be sure to pick up many tips and hints along the way. With 50 different fill patterns diagrammed stitch-by-stitch and 8 exclusive designs with step-by-step instructions this book is a must have! As Carol says “It is the book that I searched for in vain when I started blackwork, but as it didn’t exist back then I had to write it myself.” This book will be used over and over again, and to make this as easy as possible Carol has comb bound the pages so they will lie flat while you work. She has included information on fabric and threads (including the wonderful hand-dyed variegated threads), choosing patterns, starting and finishing off, shading techniques and lots, lots more. Order your copy of Blackwork Stitch-by-Stitch for just £11.95 plus £1.95 p+p (UK destinations). Your book will be sent in a padded envelope by first class mail and Carol will even sign it for you on request.
Stitcher’s Comments “Congratulations on a beautiful, brilliant book! It is lovely—so clear and concise—certainly the best blackwork one I’ve seen.” J Askew, Middlesex
“The blackwork book is excellent, full of information and clear instructions, a pleasure to look at, and no doubt will be used a lot by me in the future.” J Smart, West Midlands
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X-Calibre
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Looking for blackwork? You’ve found it! Inside these pages you will find one of the largest collection of blackwork designs currently available. From starter kits to give you a taster, to challenging designs for the expert: from traditional samplers in black with a touch of gold to modern pictorial pieces in subtle shades.
You choose, kit or chart?
Symmetry
Serendipity
Are you partial to Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave? We can supply your kits on either. Or you can choose just the chart and use your own favourite fabric and even change the thread colours if you wish to match your décor. In addition to the fabric, the kits include DMC thread (with enough spare to allow for those inevitable little mistakes we all make), an individually wrapped tapestry needle and a clear, easy to read chart that you don’t have to strain your eyes to see. Simple instructions tell you where to start, how to finish off and everything in between. However if you require more details why not check out Carol’s book Blackwork Stitch-by-Stitch which includes beginners lessons and projects as well as a whole library of different fill patterns.
Got enough pictures on the wall? Why not use your blackwork on cushions/pillows for your couch? How about needlecases and pincushions for your workbox. You can decorate at Christmas with blackwork or just use it everyday in a coaster for your coffee cup. New Designs We continually add to the range and new designs are posted to our website www.blackwork.co.uk as soon as they are available. If you would like an updated catalogue just drop us a line in the summer or in the new year. We don’t discontinue designs but sometimes have to remove them from the current catalogue to allow room for new and exciting additions to the range. If the design you have been coveting is no longer illustrated don’t hesitate to ring and ask for it. Thank you for choosing X-Calibre designs and happy stitching. X-Calibre Designs, 9 West Bank, Old Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE28 5LJ
Starweavers Delight
Festivity
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Rocking Horse Starter kit
Integrity
Infinity
Three easy fill patterns are used and explained in this design. Ideal for using as a small birth congratulations sampler or card by adding the relevant details in backstitch. Kit can be supplied with pink thread instead of blue (but the photo on the front will show the blue version). Design size: 4” x 4”
Kit only £2.99
Little Owl Our most popular starter kit has to be this cute owl. Cross stitch and three simple fill patterns are used to bring him to life. A must stitch for the owl lover! Design size: 3.4” x 3.3”
Tranquility
Kit only £2.99
Hope NEW
The range is called Textures to Dye For after the hand dyed threads from Oliver Twists which the models were stitched with. Watercolours or other variegated threads could easily be substituted. Hung on the wall you will have problems keeping people from touching these pieces. Their tactile properties arise from the use of smooth stitches next to rough, bumpy next to flat and large next to small. Large, clear diagrams of all the stitches used in these designs are included, with full instructions on how to work them. Each design is 3.6” square when worked on 14 count Aida.
Charts only £3.50 each
Run Rabbit Run Slightly larger than the first two, this starter kit introduces simple shading to a blackwork design. Design size: 5” x 2.8”
Kit only £3.99
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Wish Upon a Star Mischief in the Making This series of designs combine blackwork and cross stitch to great effect. Just one fill pattern is used here giving a gentle introduction to the technique.
This pretty mini hardanger bellpull has been worked in Oliver Twists hand dyed threads. Picked as a class piece for the Heart of Cross Stitch festival in New Jersey, USA in June 1999. Design size: 6.5” x 2.75”
Kit £8.99 Chart £4.50
Design size: 9” x 8.25”
Chart only £3.50
Mischief in the air Venturing outdoors in this picture Mischief turns his eye to the birds. Many different blackwork fills are used to represent grass, bushes and plants this time. Design size: 7.6” x 6.4”
Kit £8.50 Chart £4.25 Mischief in store Mischief the cat certainly lives up to his name, doesn’t he? I wonder if the cook has spotted him atop the store cupboard yet? The kitchen tiles, doors and rag rug use different blackwork patterns in this comical study.
Kit £7.99 Chart £4.00
Design size: 7.6” x 6.4”
Daisy Chains This larger design again uses Oliver Twists threads for a lovely soft colouring. Includes kloster blocks, needleweaving, square filets, satin stitch motifs, four sided stitch and eyelets. Design size: 10.5” x 6” on 22 count
Chart only £3.50
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Hardanger Owl Hardanger can be used for pictures as well! This cute fellow introduces cable stitch, fishbone stitch and buttonholes bars (for his eyes). Full instructions and diagrams for the stitches are included in the hardanger designs.
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Blackwork Stitcher These two make a lovely pair and are simple enough for beginners to tackle. Gold thread is used in the pattern on our Stitcher’s dress. Designed as a companion piece to the lacemaker below after many requests.
Design size: 3.8” x 3.8” on 22 count
Chart only £3.00
Design size: 6” x 4”
Kit £7.50 Chart £3.75
Clover Sampler
Blackwork Lacemaker
Extend your knowledge with this sampler design. Instructions and diagrams explain how to work a 3/4 spider web woven flower in the middle, and clover leaf, greek cross and woven spiders web around the edge.
Ever popular, the lacemaker is still going strong after 5 years in our catalogue! Gold thread is used for the flowers on her apron. Very suitable as a beginner’s piece, enough different patterns are included to keep your interest but they are all simple to stitch.
Design size: 7.5” x 7.5” on 22 count Design size: 6” x 3.75”
Chart only £6.99
Kit £7.50 Chart £3.75
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Swan Lake We had many requests for ballerinas in blackwork so we added this pretty lady in 2001. Worked in white cotton and pearly blending filament on blue fabric, she is simple but effective. A young ballet dancer could stitch this one for herself.
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Hardanger Mat Simple stitches, kloster blocks, needleweaving and dove’s eyes are used in this little hardanger doily.
Design size: 4.2” x 4.2” on 22 count
Chart only £3.00
Design size: 11.75” x 12”
Kit £9.99 Chart £4.50
Jasper
Hardanger Christmas Star
After many requests for a man from the 1920's we are proud to introduce you to Jasper. He would make a wonderful companion to Pearl, but being a gentleman (and slightly smaller) he still allows her to take the limelight!
Christmas colours and a star shape make this an ideal piece to use during the festive season. In addition to the stitches used in the design above you will also try eyelets. Designs size: 3.9” x 4.9” on 22 count
Design size: 8” x 18.5”
Chart only £3.00 Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
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NEW! Stars and Diamonds Cushion
Sunday Best
This glorious hardanger design uses basic stitches to great effect: kloster blocks, shop motifs, needleweaving and square filets. The design uses 3 skeins of no. 5 and 1 ball of no. 8 perle cotton.
Our ladies in period dress are amongst the most popular blackwork designs in our range. The child adds to the nostalgia in this sepia toned portrait. Simple to stitch with a little shading added to give shadows in the folds of their dresses, and a touch of gold.
Chart only £8.99
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Design size: 18.25” x 15”
Kit £24.99 Chart £8.99
Georgina—1802 New for Spring 2002, this study in blue is very effective. The pattern on her dress incorporates silver thread. Design size: 11.25” x 13.5”
Kit £15.99 Chart £5.99
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Gwendoline
Badgers
This demure medieval lady is an easy project for the beginner to tackle. Gold thread is used for her under-dress and veil.
An early design using just whole cross stitch and backstitch. Subtle shading of the tree trunk and badgers’ bodies bring this portrait to life.
Design size: 18” x 7.25”
Design size: 8.5” x 6.5”
Chart £2.50 Kit £19.99 Chart £7.99 Fallow Deer Showing Carol’s trademark of design elements breaking out of the square, this peaceful family rest in the dappled sunlight. A fractional stitch or two are used for the eyes.
Sophie NEW for 2003 A beautiful blackwork bride from the 1950's, Sophie is worked in three shades of antique blue with pearl beads and blending filament. A touch of colour in her bouquet completes the portrait. Design size: 9.5" x 20.25"
Design size: 5.25” x 5.5”
Chart £2.50
Foxes Alert at all times this vixen allows her cubs to frolic at her side. Worked in whole cross stitch and backstitch this design captures a special moment. Design size: 8.25” x 6.75”
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
Chart £2.50
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The Lacemaker
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Japanese Lady
Our first ever design, The Lacemaker is still proving as popular as ever! This is the cross stitched version, check out page 5 for the same design in blackwork. Design size:6” x 3.75”
We travel east for this pair of beautiful Oriental ladies. This turquoise portrait uses beads for the centre of the cherry blossom flowers and incorporates silver thread on the kimono. Design size: 20” x 9”
Kit £7.50 Chart £3.75
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
Mary Taken from a 19th century print with kind permission of the Honiton Lace Shop, Mary is cross stitched in 8 shades of sepia. No fractional stitches or backstitch are used in this design.
Keiko This pretty geisha girl sports a paper parasol and needs a little more experience than the lady above. Gold thread and beads are used to decorate her kimono.
Design size: 21.5” x 14” Design size: 19.25” x 9.5”
Kit £39.99 Chat £8.99
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
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Coral NEW!
Flutterby
Many of you asked for a lady to stitch as a companion piece to Pearl so here she is. Coral is wearing a pearl necklace and elbow-length silver gloves. Model stitched in plum and silver but also available in black and gold.
This gorgeous design is worked in white cotton, blending filament and beads on black fabric.
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Design size: 9” x 6.75”
Design size: 7.5” x 22.25”
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
Pearl—Art Deco lady Simple but striking, Pearl remains our best selling design after 4 years! Now available in two colourways: plum and silver or black and gold.
Kit £9.99 Chart £4.50
Rooster A striking pose and a touch of coloured and metallic threads make this rooster really stand out. A challenging design for a stitcher with some experience as the blackwork areas are not outlined.
Design size: 21” x 8.25” Design size: 12” x 17.5”
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
Kit £24.99 Chart £8.99
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Valour The traditional fleur de lis is featured in this design. Fills reminiscent of chain mail and armour give a feeling of bravery and courageousness.
X-Calibre Pincushion Although this is a small design a little experience would be useful before tackling it. 16 attractive motifs are included which could be used for many other projects afterwards. Really versatile.
Design size: 7.5 x 7.6”
Kit £8.50 Chart £3.99
Design size: 3.5” x 3.5”
Kit £4.99 Chart £2.50
Wisdom Christmas Star
“The iris flower” is one definition of the fleur de lis, beautifully depicted in this delicate floral design.
Another beginners piece with only two blackwork patterns.
Design size: 5.5 x 7” Design size: 4.5” x 4.5”
Kit £8.50 Chart £3.99
Kit £4.99 Chart £2.50
Faith The third fleur de lis in the range is an ornamental interpretation of the basic shape. Design size: 7.6 x 8.2”
Kit £8.50 Chart £3.99
Christmas Coasters Sold individually, this set of coasters make an ideal introduction to blackwork. Gold is used on every design and of course the robin had to have a red breast. Design size: to fit 3" round coasters
Each kit £1.99
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Black Knight
United in Love
No blackwork catalogue would be complete without a knight, would it? This striking fellow is worked in black and gold with seed beads on the horses cloak.
A wedding sampler with a difference. Bands of “lace” worked in cross stitch and backstitch illustrate typical things related to weddings. We have doves, wedding rings, flowers, horseshoes and bows. Full cross stitch and backstitch alphabets are included for personalization.
Design size: 16.5” x 15”
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
Design size: 24” x 8”
Kit £21.99 Chart £7.99
Barnacle Goose Based on a pencil drawing by Brian Jay, shading techniques are used in this design, making it suitable for stitchers with a little experience. Worked entirely in black. Design size: 12.5” x 11”
Kit £16.50 Chart £4.95
Welcome Baby More bands of lace, this time for a new baby. The little rocking horses are just so cute! Available with lilac, pink or blue threads. Design size: 13.25” x 7.25”
Kit £18.99 Chart £6.50
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Silver Wedding Cross stitched “lace” used to celebrate those special anniversaries. Backstitch alphabet is included for personalistion or a different message.
X-Calibre Blackwork Cats These three designs borrow a technique from Assisi work, where the subject is left blank and the background stitched. Instructions are included in this kit for making the piece up into a needlecase. Design size: 8.25” x 5.25” (unfolded)
Design size: 7” x 7”
Kit £6.99 Chart £3.50
Kit £6.99 Chart £3.50 Blackwork Dogs Very popular north of the border, I wonder why? Again this kit can be made up into a little needlecase.
Ruby Wedding
Design size: 6” x 3” (unfolded)
These borders can be enlarged or made smaller for many different uses. Or just use the rose in a card to wish the couple good wishes.
Kit £5.99 Chart £2.99
Design size: 6” x 6”
Kit £6.99 Chart £3.50
Blackwork Swans The latest design in this Assisi style range. This larger piece is suitable for framing. Design size: 9.25” x 5.5”
Kit £7.50 Chart £3.75
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Red Butterfly The first in a new range of "Weekenders" small designs that can be completed in a weekend, this butterfly is simple but stunning. Also see page 23 for more weekenders Design size: 4.25” x 3”
Kit £3.99
Celtic Circle Designed by Pam Seymour this popular design is worked entirely in black. Cleverly chosen patterns give a nice tonal contrast. Design size: 5.8” x 5.6”
Kit £7.99 Chart £3.75
Tortoise The 6th design in the popular "Weekenders" range. Use shading techniques to make the shell look 3D. Design size: 8” x 4”
Celtic Blackwork Another design by Pam Seymour this features classic knotwork with outlines in cross stitch. Simple design, ideal for beginners.
Kit £5.99
Snail The 5th design in the popular "Weekenders" range. The shell uses variations on a pattern to fill the “stenciled” segments. Design size: 6” x 3”
Kit £4.99
Design size: 7.2” x 6.6”
Kit £7.99 Chart £3.75
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Celtic Cross Not strictly blackwork as you are only working outlines in this design, but no less effective for that. Red, green and gold make a striking picture on white or black fabric.
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The Warrior This mighty fellow is a real masterpiece in shading. Just one blackwork pattern is used for the rhino with variations giving the depth and dimension. Tip: work the base pattern all over first, then put in the additional stitches in the darker areas.
Design size: 6” x 5” Design size: 10” x 15”
Kit £7.50 Chart £3.75
Kit £17.99 Chart £7.99
The Sentinel King Solomon’s Knots Similar to the Celtic Cross in style but a little more elaborate. Again worked in red, green and gold. Design size: 6.25” x 6.25”
Kit £7.99 Chart £3.75
This mighty fellow is a real masterpiece in shading. Just one blackwork pattern is used for the elephant with variations giving the depth and dimension. Tip: work the base pattern all over first, then put in the additional stitches in the darker areas. Design size: 11.1” x 8.25”
Kit £14.99 Chart £5.99
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Blackwork Rose
Oriental Dragon
Also available in a blue/silver version simple shading techniques are used to add depth to the petals.
Simple to stitch this fantastic piece is worked in red, black and gold. He can also be provided with green threads but the photo will be of the red version.
Very popular design. Design size: 18.5” x 10.3” Design size: 11.3” x 8.6”
Kit £21.50 Chart £7.99
Kit £14.99 Chart £5.99
Irises Again there is a blue/silver version of this flower study. Minimal shading is used.
Marina This lovely mermaid is looking out to sea. Her tail and the ocean are worked with random dyed threads in shades of aqua and turquoise.
Design size: 10” x 7.5” Design size: 14.4" x 7.6"
Kit £14.99 Chart £5.50
Kit £17.99 Chart £6.99
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Windmill 1 A type of windmill known as a smock mill is depicted in the first of this series. Worked in shades of blue it is an ideal early project making use of a number of different patterns. Design size: 4.4” x 5.3”
Kit £4.99 Chart £2.50 Windmill 2
Fuchsia This design uses five different thicknesses of thread to give a subtle shaded effect. It is a good idea to practice on an unshaded design before tackling this one. Design size: 13” x 8.5”
Kit £16.99 Chart £5.99
Next we have a tower mill with a barn in the distance. Again suitable patterns have been cleverly used to represent bushes, trees and fields. Design size: 4.75” x 5.6”
Kit £4.99 Chart £2.50
Windmill 3 The latest in the range is the post mill. The wheel in the foreground, attached to a long post was used to turn the sails into the wind. Design size: 4.25” x 5.6”
Kit £4.99 Chart £2.50
Water lily Many methods of shading are used in this wonderful study. The thread colour gets darker in the shaded areas, more stitches are added to the pattern and thicker thread is used to give an almost photographic effect. Design size: 11.4” x 5.6”
Kit£14.99 Chart £5.50
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Page 23 Peacock Butterfly
Garden Sampler
Sarah Walden’s first design is a clever optical illusion.
Our most popular cushion, worked in two shades of green with a touch of gold metallic.
Design size: 2.75 x 4.75" Design size: 12” x 12”
Kit £3.99
Kit £15.99 Chart £4.99 Red roofed cottage The 4th design in the “Weekenders” range is in the style of Clarice Cliff, the 1920’s pottery artist. Bright colours and whimsical landscapes were her trade mark.
Motif Sampler
Design size: 8” x 7”
Motifs are interspersed with simple blackwork fill patterns in this checkerboard design. You will find many uses for the individual motifs such as cards, coasters etc.
Kit £7.99
Design size: 12” x 12”
Kit £15.99 Chart £4.99
Calla Lilly The second design in our new "Weekender's" range is this striking study worked in white with a touch of gold. See page 14 for more in the weekenders range. Design size: 3.5” x 4.5”
Kit £4.99
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Elizabeths Rose Bellpull
Tudor Oak Sampler
Designed as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 2002 this design uses many different patterns and variations making it an ideal sampler.
A simple repeating design makes this large cushion suit any environment.
Design size: 17.35" x 4.14"
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Design size: 15” x 15”
Kit £19.99 Chart £6.50
Kit £14.99 Chart £5.99
Rose Sampler Cushion Love birds coaster This coaster is charted with guidelines to enable completely reversible stitching.
This lovely design uses 15 different blackwork patterns giving you a library at your fingertips. Design size: 13.6” x 13.6”
Kit £2.99 Kit £19.99 Chart £6.50
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Maze Sampler Nouveau Sampler Another 15 patterns are used in this sampler. Design size: 14" x 14"
Kit £19.99 Chart £6.50
Designed as a companion to the Garden sampler. Gold thread is used to add sparkling accents to some of the patterns in this sampler. Design size: 11.6" x 11.6"
Kit £14.99 Chart £4.99
Diagonal Sampler
Chess Board
A different style for this cushion. Reversible bands form a diamond shaped border. Model stitched with light plum thread but kit can also be provided with black if desired.
Each black square on this wonderful chess board uses a different pattern worked in black and gold thread.
Design size: 12.5" x 12.5"
Kit £24.99 Chart £8.99
Kit £15.99 Chart £6.50
Design size: 16.4" x 16.9"