Blackwork Hood

This is a project I have been working on for quite a while. It has taken my a couple years to finish the blackwork. The pattern around the front edge is my version of one of the patterns from a 16th century Italian sampler. It is done with backstitching. I used a smaller motif to cover the back because I wanted to do it in double running stitch, and I did not trust myself to do too complicated a pattern at first.

A close up of the front edge shows both the more complex pattern and the bobbin lace which I edged it with. Of course the only references I have for the blackwork hood say it was a little used fashion which was mainly worn by little old ladies, and indeed I have never seen a picture with someone wearing one. There are 2 examples of this kind of hood in the Victoria and Albert museum, which is where I got the idea.

So what would I do differently if I were to do this again? I would definately do the blackwork with silk thread, and the bobbin lace with linen. At that time I had only used cheap cotton thread for the bobbin lace because I was just starting, and I didn't want to waste the expensive linen. I have since done some linen bobbinlace, and I am amazed at how much better it handles. The linen has a crisp nature that makes the lace stand out better.

Thus ends the first installment of A&S projects.