Welcome to the first part of the 2021 Blackwork SAL! I'm sorry this part is late, life got busier than expected, and I ended up with less time to stitch than planned and to show this properly I needed to stitch it all. As always with evening pictures it's difficult to get the colours right, especially when you aren't stitching on white fabric.
I'm stitching my version on 28ct light grey Jobelan as that's what I had in my stash that was 28ct. I didn't really want to go down to 32ct which I seem to have loads of, my eyes don't like evenweave much any more, but for this SAL it's the difference between a nice finish and hoping for the best while stabbing into the centres of the Aida bunches. After some consideration I chose to go for evenweave and less hassle with the stitching.
This is what mine looks like once stitched (click to enlarge). This is where you can see for the first time why I'm calling this SAL “Shades of Blackwork”. I'm using the assorted blackwork patterns to make a shading from light to darker with small changes every 20 stitches in height.
You can also see why I said the patterns would also make a nice bookmark — it's a nice size for it!
If you are stitching the SAL on a single piece of fabric start 3" in from the top and side of the chosen side to start. Some people prefer to start on the left, some on the right, it's entirely up to you where you start! If you wish to start in the centre then just measure 3" down and put the edge of this month's pattern 2 1/2 stitches from the centre line.
You can find the pattern
hereI'll be back Tuesday with the next part of the Sampler SAL!
I would like to do on a single piece of fabric but I'm not clear on what the finished size will be-
ReplyDeleteHiya,
DeleteHave you had a look at the information post yet? It has all the fabric sizes listed — if that's confusing to you please let me know what your preferred fabric count is for stitching, and I'll assist. :)
This looks good. Cant promise I'll keep up but will try.
DeleteThank you
As with all year long SALs that's the best you can plan for really Christine. Life happens, and sometimes other things call more, and that's all part of the rhythm of the year. :)
Deletecompletely missed it thanks!!!
DeleteNo worries, happy I could help! :)
DeleteIs this 145x165? Or 295x80?
ReplyDeleteI’m lost!
Help please
Hiya,
DeleteIt depends on which layout you choose from the options on the information page If you choose to do all 12 in a row then it's 295 × 80. If you choose to do 2 rows of 6 then it's 145 × 165.
I hope this clarifies things for you :)
Oh, I love the shading thing! Now if only I could decide which one to do and if I should do more bookmarks or a single piece...you're not making this easy on me this year, lady!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you do! I'm sorry I have made choosing so difficult for you! But then again in a way I'm glad as that means you like the patterns. :D
DeleteGood Morning.
ReplyDeleteI love the pattern and the SAL proposal, but I have a problem and it is that I don't know how to make the cross stitch towards the end, you have to pierce the fabric? It doesn't go from hole to hole, I don't know if I could. explain well. I do it with the automatic translator ..... Thank you very much.
Hiya!
DeleteYour question is very clear. :)
The suggested fabric for this SAL is evenweave for this very reason. If you have chosen Aida then yes, you will need to pierce the fabric to do these stitches.
I hope this clarifies things for you! :)
Thanks a lot. Yes, the answer has served me well.
DeleteNp, I'm glad I could help! :)
DeleteHelp! I’m in LOVE with this gradient blackwork have I missed February’s post?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it! No, You haven't missed it! It's a monthly SAL and is given every second Friday of the month, so the February part is next week. If in doubt you can always check the sidebar on the right-hand side as all current SALs have a box with dates added.
DeleteSo a bit more patience is required I'm afraid.
I'd like to make a bookmark but don't know how one would finish it so the evenweave doesn't fray. Are there directions for this somewhere? Thank you
ReplyDeleteSorry for the slow reply! The easiest way is to do a backstitched outline (2 threads wider than the embroidery) around the embroidery, then either add a same sized outline joining to one side - or as a separate piece. Finally, cut it out about 10 threads outside the backstitched outlines, fold in all the seam allowances and place the wrong sides together. Whip stitch the seams using the backstitched outline to stitch through. You can see a photo of how to whip stitch here: https://magicalquilts.blogspot.com/2020/03/bookmark-sal-march.html
Delete