Blackwork chess board

by Kim Hudson
(Birmingham, UK)

My blackwork chess board with Dad's chess pieces

A few years ago I was waiting in a very long queue to visit the first "Outdoor Show" at the NEC in Birmingham. We had been delayed entering due to set-up problems, so I dragged my (then) boyfriend to the Hobby and Craft show to kill some time just for a mooch.

My Dad had carved me a chess set - which I have displayed in a cabinet, but I hadn't found a chess board that it fit so when I walked into the hall with all the beautiul cross stitch displays I was immediately drawn to the X-Calibre stand with a wonderful black and gold blackwork chess board on display.

I was (still am) a bit of a novice and had only previously completed two cross stitch works of art - both dream catchers which still adorn my bedroom walls, so I was a little concerned about how much more complicated blackwork would be. I needn't have worried. Carol was so enthusiastic and helped me choose the size of Aida to make sure the chess set would fit.

Stretched across my frame it became more of an item of furniture in my front room as I slowly completed it. Boyfriends came and went - Dad had a cardiac arrest but thankfully survived it - and he was recently well chuffed when he saw the finished framed masterpiece. I personalised one square with the family names and am now waiting to paly my first game of chess with Dad, using the board.

Hope you like the picture and thank you Carol.