[.ca] Blackwork (ISBN 0855328061)

Blackwork by Lesley Barnett:
I ADORE blackwork embroidery and was really anxious to get this book! Have to confess to being a tad disappointed though. If like me, you have absolutely no imagination and rely on the brilliance of others to produce graphs and charts, then this book isn't for you. However, the book is beautifully printed, very well written with an excellent overview of the history of Blackwork and contains easy to read and understand chapters on Materials, Equipment and Stitches. The book does include photographs of some stunning blackwork embroidery, but there aren't any charts for the less gifted such as myself,(!) to work from although with the aid of a magnifier, it would be possible to use the photos instead of charts. This is an 'inspirational' book and would be great for the experienced embroiderer who can look at a leaf, a photograph or an interesting geometric design and turn it into a needleworked piece. For the 'imaginatively challenged' among us,and newcomers to Blackwork Embroidery, this book is great to own and would grace any needlworker's library, but not overly useful.