Attempting 16th Cent. Blackwork (and some chickens)

By Elizabeth M.

 Dear Venturers,

I am finishing up a beautiful 1500’s kirtle (because why not) and it’s not-so-accurate chemise (about a 2 or 3 on the accuracy meter) and I decided to attempt the infamous blackwork in an attempt to add some class to my kirtle (it was supposed to be a higher middle class outfit, but then I fell in love with some BROWN linen at the store so here we are). 
Blackwork example…


I also got a new hen after the passing of sweet Daisy Bug. Her name is Genevieve and she loves sitting in my hand…

Ginny in my hand

Daisy after a photoshoot (don’t mind the inaccurate lace😆)


So I looked for some patterns and j found some examples which depicted a rooster and I knew that that must be incorporated at once! 


See the rooster at the top?


To preserve my own mental health (and finish the chemise before Saturday), I decided to only embroider the corners of the collar. 

I started by sketching out the design with a pencil. Then I will embroider (backstitch) with black thread. Like I said, it’s a 2-3 in the accuracy scale…😉


The other side of the collar is much smaller, so it’s a little smushed…

I

I’ll add the finished photo when it’s all done. Until then, wish me luck!!


Also, here is a photo of the kirtle…




Update!!
I finished!






 

“I am no bird, and no net ensnares me.”

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