6 Elegant Blackwork Figures Through the Ages

Pearl: 1920s Lady

Recreate the glamour of the Roaring Twenties with Pearl, a stunning blackwork design worked in two shades of plum, a touch of silver metallic thread, and pearl beads.

When you think of the Roaring Twenties, cloche hats and drop-waisted dresses decorated with beads and tassels probably spring to mind. But the decade was also marked by the introduction of exquisite evening wear. At the end of each workday, women would don their haute couture evening gowns and headscarves, then head out for an evening at the theatre, a concert or a cocktail party.

Wouldn't you love to have the slim, elegant figure needed to carry off Pearl's dress? (Although I hate to think of the constrictive undergarments that flattened those womanly curves.) Instead, you can enjoy stitching the design and frame it on your wall to admire, without enduring the discomfort.

Same design, stitched in black and gold

Jasper: The 1920s Gentleman

Meet Jasper, the perfect gentleman to accompany Pearl and Coral. With his cravat and vest, he's the epitome of elegance. Worked in black, grey and plum with pearl beads.

As one decade made way for the next, the 1920s gentleman found the fashion for evening wear was changing. The tuxedo, vest and satin-striped trousers were all the rage. But my blackwork fellow Jasper isn't quite ready to convert from his cravat to a bow tie.

Listening to the jazz music on the gramophone, he has his eye on a young lady. He notices she's smiling, blushes a bit as he realises her smile is for him, and hastens to make his approach. "Would you like to join me in the Charleston?"

After I designed Pearl, many stitchers asked me to create a companion piece. The tiny touch of plum in his cravat and vest links the designs, though you could keep to traditional black and white if you prefer.

Georgina: Regency Lady

Georgina is a stunning blackwork design that transports you to the Regency era. With her country-styled chemise dress and ornate chaise longue, worked in blue and silver. A little shading is incorporated to add depth to her attire.

Georgina relaxes before high tea, her thoughts on finding a gentleman "in possession of a good fortune" who wants a wife. In Jane Austen's novel, that was the most important purpose in a lady's life back in 1813: to find a husband.

While she waits for that opportunity, she will continue her singing and dance lessons, and enjoy reading, painting, sewing and visiting friends (in the company of a chaperone, of course).

Perhaps while you stitch her country-styled chemise dress and ornate chaise longue, you can imagine yourself in her shoes, as your mind drifts to Mr Darcy. This Regency lady won't take long to complete, with simple blackwork patterns in shades of blue.