The blackwork actually made a lot more sense this time (first one was stitched in 2013).
I had thought we’d do a small pattern during our June ANG Main Line Stitchers chapter meeting but I figured out that wouldn’t work because it took me 3 trys to get started correctly and over an hour to stitch the sample.
So, at the meeting, I discussed blackwork basics (focusing on reversible blackwork) starting with a double running stitch which means you stitch every other stitch along a line. Come back along the same line, filling in the gaps. When filling in the gaps of your double running stitch, adjust your needle placement: Bring the needle up just below the previous stitch. Take it down just above the same stitch. This technique reduces stitch distortion and helps maintain straight lines (2nd row). Or, use a sharp needle and split the stitches on the return (3rd row). Red indicates the thread below the canvas. The top row always stayed above the thread and appears the waviest.
A few people became interested in learning more about blackwork. That’s what I had hoped to accomplish – exposure to a new form of needlework. Nobody contacted me (yet) saying that they couldn’t do the pattern for the ort box. That’s a good sign. While I learned more as well and itvis pretty, I will not be delving into it more.
There isn’t much to say about the bottom of the Ort Box with Pockets other than it’s pretty too.
Now to construction of the box.
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