This beautiful design is featured on the decorative plasterwork at Blackwell House, a wonderful example of Arts & Crafts architecture and decorative arts in the Lake District, England. During the late nineteenth century there was a resurgence of interest in hand-made crafts, encouraged by such figures as William Morris and John Ruskin, in a reaction to the impersonality of mass produced industrial goods.

Throughout this historic house the architect, Baillie Scott, has incorporated a wide variety of crafts. These include tiles in the fireplaces, carved stone and wood, stained glass, mosaic floors, wrought iron and lead work, hessian wall hangings and the plaster work in the White Drawing Room, which I have now recreated in crewel work for this kit. Rowan leaves and berries form the dominant decorative theme in this wonderful house and they in turn are the perfect vehicle for a range of interesting and enjoyable stitches in this design.

Stitches: Crewel Stem Stitch, French Knots, Long & Short as ‘soft shading’, Pistil Stitch, Whipped Spider’s Web, Buttonhole Stitch, Spiral Buttonhole Stitch

Linen size 20 1/2 x 19”
Design size 16 1/2 x 12”