Blackwork Embroidery In Colour: A colourful modern twist on a traditional technique by Melanie Couffe
This book’s title held personal interest for myself, reminiscing over my early embroidery days, I remember my RSN linked tutor Tracy Franklin trying to make this technique of interest to myself by teaching me this colour based method over the traditional. Suddenly I began to create a small sample, based on a cupcake at the time. I had long since forgotten this experience, until now. So this book held an initial cosy place in my consideration on first glance. The book itself has a younger audience edge as it not only looks at colourful threads in use, it also discusses more contemporary looking patterns, geometric in style. Before I learned this technique all those years ago, my only observation of it was on family heirlooms, the sort which and either framed and wall mounted, or hidden away in ones’ loft. Couffe shows how this method can be practical and of use, with many hood bound samples and also some gift related pieces, such as purses and mobile phone cases.
The threads showcased in the book are Couffes’ own hand dyed variations, which we are encouraged to purchase via the links in the title. However we do not have to purchase these to fulfil the books instructions to create each piece. Rather than this feel like an added push for further expense, I actually loved the idea of purchasing hand dyed threads, it adds to the modern edge of the title and does not detract for her work at all. For those who wish to know, her website holds the threads as well as fabrics. Take a look here.
All patterns are included, with notes on tools, materials and colours.
The book was published by Search Press who of course have that known success rate.