Book excerpt: The Anchor Embroidery Series offers the perfect introduction to popular embroidery techniques. Blackwork is a counted thread embroidery technique in which repetitive patterns are used to fill outlined areas. This book covers the materials and equipment needed, the essential stitches, and outlines in step-by-step detail the working of 49 infill patterns. It is sure to become an indispensable reference for stitchers. Blackwork was originally so called because black thread was most often used on white fabrics, but many of the 16 original charted designs provided show how this technique can just as effectively be worked with colored threads on colored fabrics. The beautiful designs include ringing Christmas bells, a charming country cottage, delicate florals and an exotic oriental fan and kimono. There are also ideas for how the delightful designs can be used to create a selection of small projects.