Carol begins this in-depth cross stitch report by clearly explaining what blackwork is and how it fits into the cross stitch family.

Other topics described include:

• So What is Blackwork? ~ The writer Carol describes exactly what Blackwork is and how it fits into the Cross Stitch family. She further answers the most frequently asked questions such as, "is it embroidery worked in black thread?", "Is it a counted thread technique?", "Is it reversible?", and so on.
  
  
• Materials and Equipment ~ Why you should occasionally consider trying specialty threads such as: Marlitt, Eterna silk, Flower thread and Cotton-a-broder instead of six-stranded cotton; tips to avoid problems when using metallic and space-dyed threads;
  
  Try these evenweave fabrics instead of Aida: Hardanger (Oslo), Davosa, Linda, Jobelan, and Linen; when to use Waste Canvas or Quaker Cloth. When and why you should use Tapestry, Crewel and Beading needles;
  
  Several different types of beads to embellish your Blackwork; and other non-essential equipment that will enhance your Blackwork experience.
  
  
• Techniques ~ How to perform these basic procedures:
  • Starting and finishing threads
  • Outlining
  • Fill patterns
  • Pattern tone and size
  • Using metallic threads
  • Shading
  • Using over-dyed threads.
    
    
• Simple Projects ~ This is where it starts to get really interesting! Carol first gives you step-by-step lessons in "Outlining and Basic Fills", followed by "Shading" before progressing on to 6 simple projects: from a "Celtic Diamond" to a "Lion".
  
  Each of these projects starts with its own materials list and enables you to practise, at your own pace, the techniques you learned earlier. Before you know it you will comfortably master the basic Blackwork techniques.
  
  
• ... and lots more.

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Your Cross Stitch Report is delivered by Electronic Download, which means: