I’ve made pretty good progress with my blackwork over the last couple of weeks, it’s surprising how much you can do when you focus on something!
Three weeks ago I was still stitching the blocks in the lake, trying to make the reflection of Catbells a little clearer,,,
I’ve finished the blackwork blocks and I started the inner border, this is the border which squares it off. I’d been pondering for a while how to stitch the border colourwise, do I continue the skyline across or just fill in with one colour? I decided to continue the line across, I had a dark green/brown Weeks thread in just the right shade, Weeks are overdyed threads so there is a lovely subtle variation. I used this thread at both sides of Catbells and decided to outline Catbells with it too. Using the same thread I think helped to bring it all together. I also then had the dilemma of whether to back-stitch inbetween the blocks…I decided not to, I can always add them later if I feel it need it.
The sky is stitched with another Weeks thread, called appropriately Sky!
I looked through my limited stash of Weeks threads and decided to stick to DMC for the reflection of Catbells. I used 926 which is a nice blue/green/grey colour. I’ve still to back-stitch most of the outline of the reflection, it doesn’t show up as much, especially on the right, but I’m fine with that, reflections are often intermittent.
The rest of the lake is being stitched with Blue Heron. Once that is complete I just have a final border to stitch, I’m not quite decided on my border design yet, but I’m thinking about stitching the names of the area with leaves in between, possibly in a dark grey.
Hopefully by next time I’ll be on to my final border. This design is a free SAL from Claire of Peppermint Purple, the blocks were released weekly on facebook ( and I presume on her website) last year. She has just started the 2022 version so if you fancy having a go at blackwork then follow the link to her website or search on facebook. It’s a great way of trying lots of patterns and deciding if blackwork is for you. The facebook page is very friendly and without the dramas of some groups!
This stitch-a-long is organised by Avis from Stitching by the Sea, please follow the links to see what everyone else is stitching.
Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen
thecraftycreek 
The outline really adds to the effect. Beautiful work, you have loads of patience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
such an original take on traditional blackwork with this piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The outline on the reflection is going to make a huge difference, if the the actual cat bells outline is any indication. This is really turning out fabulously!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Stunning blackwork.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is gorgeous and very intricate. I love blackwork. I know this means so much to you and you have certainly done Catbells justice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This piece just gets better and better! Such a clever idea to continue into the borders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magical! Loving this project đŸ™‚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an amazing piece – I love the way the mountains show through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so pretty and unique.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this project!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The back stitch outline has made such a difference and the catbell hills are really jumping out at you now. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful progress!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree that the outline really looks great. I love the way you have interpreted this black work project. It is beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The outline looks fab, I don’t think you need to stitch across the blocks, it looks great as it is
LikeLike