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Tuesday 16 June 2009

Have you considered Black?

If you are unsure of your colour palette, you might like to see the effect of an all black approach. This sampler is being stitched by Cathy in France on lovely over-dyed linen. During the early 1800s there was a fashion for black samplers. The Vierlander samplers were black, which like the Ackworth motifs are rich in wonderful motifs and medallions both springing ready formed from we know not where. Then there are the mythical Black Samplers of Groningen, stitched by the rich farmers' wives in the North Netherlands. Some people think that during the continental wars, only black thread was readily available. Some think because the samplers were often hung high above a door the contrast of black and white was necessary to make them visible. Martin Ex in Amsterdam whose shop is a paradise of antique samplers, believes the reason is that 'they just liked black'! Whatever the reason, Mary's sampler can claim a wonderful descent in terms of motifs and choice of palette.

7 comments:

  1. I love the idea of black... I must say I did consider it, but I tend to use alot of black and thought the color would be a nice change for me! Thanks for all the pictures you have been posting, and a BIG thank you for Mary Wigham.

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  2. Oh, the black is very striking!! I like it very much!

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  3. Hm... Looks wonderful in black!!

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  4. Voici les explications sur le blog de Cathy: http://petitescroix-c.over-blog.com/article-32710172.html

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  5. That looks fantastic and I did consider the VC silks, but have quite a lot of black in my Gutermann. Your blog is such a delight, and inspiration J. Let's have that dance now.

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  6. Personally, I love the black, always have, always will. This will be a beauty!

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  7. Oh in black, i love it.

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