Blackwork

Rating:
Summary: An excellent treatment of the subject
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A good reference
Review: Many dim and fuzzy pictures, but a lovely historical needleworkers reference. Worth having in your library, and a good inspirational boost. I wouldn't consider it a pleasure read, or a quality how-to, but something in between, and wothwhile nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: A good reference
Review: Many dim and fuzzy pictures, but a lovely historical needleworkers reference. Worth having in your library, and a good inspirational boost. I wouldn't consider it a pleasure read, or a quality how-to, but something in between, and wothwhile nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: Not really a review, just a msg....
Review: This hasn't got anything to do with Mary's book, but i figured some authors would read the reviews, and i thought that i would leave this message. Just to say that i am a Gostelow aswell :) (from Australia)

Rating:
Summary: A look at a popular form of needlework
Review: 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.