This timeless sixteenth century embroidery technique originated in Spain Beautiful patterns were worked on to clothing as decoration and later on blackwork designs were used to embellish household items. Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything - from what materials to use and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Taking samplers as a theme, she creates an exquisite range of designs using black, red and gold threads Borders are built up by repeating and joining motifs, and clear step-by-step photographs accompany the author's comprehensive instructions. All the designs are charted, with inspirational pictures of embroideries showing how to build up finished designs.

Summer 05

If you would like to learn about Blackwork, then this is the book for you. It has an attractive format with clear pictures and diagrams. I had always thought that this type of embroidery had to be done in black, but the author shows numerous examples of samplers worked in colour. The introduction gives the historical perspective and explains a bit about the origin of the patterns. The step by step instructions are beautifully clear, and the charts of the stitches for making the samplers range from simple to complicated. There is enough to challenge the more experienced embroiderer, with pictures and diagrams of birds and animals, to give ample ideas for design.

Dec 05/Jan 06

...offers a rich source of new ideas and inspiration to both novice and experienced embroiderers. This timeless 16th century embroidery technique originated in Spain. Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything, from materials and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Taking samplers as a theme she creates an exquisite range of designs using black, red and gold. All the designs are charted, with inspirational pictures of embroideries showing how to build up finished designs.

Lesley Wilkins discovered blackwork samplers on a school visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and has been hooked ever since. Her fascination with the craft has led her to become not only an embroiderer of extraordinary skill, but also an expert in the history of blackwork. She has collected thousands of patterns from all over the world, and her own work is inspired by historical motifs, patterns and borders. Her designs have appeared in Needlecraft and Needlework magazines. When she is not working in local government, Lesley runs a website for blackwork and Victorian cross stitch enthusiasts, providing custom-made kits and charts of her own designs.