Inspiration : Blackwork

Strange name, I know. But those French, you've got to give them credit ... they KNOW how to do modern cross stitch. I seached high and low for a decent modern cross stitch book here in the States but all I found here was much to cutesy for me. I came across an Etsy shop recently called Petits Details that sells cross stitch books and sewing supplies directly from France. I bought several but my favorite has to be Blackwork by Sonia Lucano.

As much as I try to buy locally, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and order from another country when you find something that will push your art to the next level.

I might have bought the book just for the photographs, they're so beautiful! But the detail and design in French cross stitch is so incredible.

My mother's name was Mona. I love the book even more now because of this photo.

I just had to slip in a new little artifact I purchased from Three Potato Four shop since it goes perfectly with the photo. If you're curious, it's an antique rubber spoon mold and you can find them here.

The back half of the book contains detailed cross stitch patterns that are featured in the photographs. Of course, to tie back into my Idiom series ...

Get it? You can find this book and many more french sewing accessories at Petits Details' Etsy shop. She also has a nice blog that features products she's made with the materials she sells. Enjoy!