Blackwork Embroidery in Colour: A Colourful Modern Twist on a Traditional Technique

Blackwork is a type of embroidery that usually works in black thread on a white background. Color therapist and cross-stitch designer Couffe gives a modern twist to this traditional fiber art. The bulk of her book consists of 16 projects, grouped and organized by the four seasons. Crafters can learn how to create wall art, pinkeeps, fobs, Christmas decorations, clocks, purses, and more. Each project comes with a list of materials, finishing instructions, and stitching charts that are grouped together at the end, instead of with each project, which may confuse some readers. The book presents dubious technique advice, such as using only a hoop to do the stitching and then backing the finished work. Tips like this may compel some readers to look at other titles that have better instructions. The author also promotes her own fiber art products, not readily available materials. Cost-conscious readers will need to do their own material translations and find their own selections.