Here’s the next in the series of Christmas gifts I made and one that I’m really happy with the result of. I made this during the &Stitches colorwork challenge and I absolutely loved working on it. I have always worked on 14ct. Aida, and this was my first foray into using 18ct. I used a slightly darker purple for the outline and then a lighter shade for the actual blackwork.
I was torn between using different patterns or keeping the same one. I wanted to experiment and use different patterns, but I worried it wouldn’t work because of the letters being joined on the font I chose.
In the end I decided it would get too boring to only use one pattern, so I mixed it up. I used patterns from these free PDF downloads of Ensamplario Atlantio at String-Or-Nothing.
I really enjoyed doing the blackwork and definitely plan on doing more. At first I had a hard time figuring out the logical way to follow the pattern, but I would quickly get into the groove.
I was worried it was a bad idea to do such a large gift (it’s 8×10) in a completely new technique, but thankfully it worked out well. Have you had any successful attempts trying a new skill lately?
Jo says
That’s so pretty!
Becca says
Thanks so much. I’m really pleased with it!
kbsalazar says
Love it! I get a huge kick out of seeing what mischief the pattern children get up to out there in the wide, wide world. Your LEON is prime. You’ve made my day! Thanks, -Kbsalazar
Becca says
Thank you so much for putting the patterns out there! They are wonderful and so helpful!
Becky Gargan says
Holy wow, Batman! It’s so pretty 🙂 I’m loving seeing all your projects, you’re wicked talented.
Becca says
Thanks so much!!
Mad says
That’s gorgeous – I love doing blackwork but I haven’t been brave enough to venture outside of kits yet.
Becca says
Thank you. I didn’t even know they made blackwork kits! I’ll have to look them up!
armywifemommylife says
Wow!! It turned out great!! That’s really impressive with how intricate the design is!
Becca says
It is actually deceptive, it looks very intricate but it’s surprisingly simple. 🙂
Coco says
That is beautiful! Those pattern variations you decided on give it a richer quality.
Becca says
Thanks so much. Thankfully there isn’t an awkward gap when I changed patterns. They transition pretty nicely into each other.
Kim says
That’s awesome! What a great present to receive and keepsake! Great work!!
Kim This Ole Mom
Becca says
Thank you so much! I want to make one for my own house now!