The Complete Book Of Stumpwork Embroidery (Milner Craft Series) [ハードカバー]

Gorgeous book, vintage Nicholas - HOWEVER, please be advised that this is merely a combination of her Stumpwork Embroidery Designs & Projects and Stumpwork Embroidery Fruits Flowers & Insects. There are no new projects. No review that I have read bothers to mention this.

If you don't have a lot of stumpwork or embroidery experience then I suggest this is not the book for you. While the designs are lovely and there are step by step instructions (and it is great value as it is two books combined in one), as a beginner myself I am now looking for something a little easier before tackling projects from this book again.

If you enjoy a more classical feel to your embroidery and you have been looking to add another dimension to your needlework, The Complete Book of Stumpwork Embroidery will literally do just that. Stumpwork is a traditional, three-dimensional embroidery that has its origins in the 1500s, which was of course the Renaissance, and in keeping with those times it is rich and detailed with all sorts of natural and botanical themes. Author Jane Nicholas keeps to a somewhat modernized version of this style and warm, earth toned color palette in the designs that she features in the Complete Book of Stumpwork Embroidery.

I have enormous respect for all the time and research that went into the project pictured at the beginning of this book. Ms. Nicholas decided that the best way to learn stumpwork was to make a sampler, so she started on a design that would take her 5 years to complete as she learned -- and the result is the lavish, detailed masterpiece that decorates the endpapers. It is a wonderful study in Stuart-style raised embroidery, both in theme, composition and technique. It is the perfect hint of what is to come further into CBOSE.

The author is systematic in explaining the tools and basic methods for beginners in the Introduction. Chapter One lists general materials and equipment (which, by the way, are common and easy to obtain in the USA). DMC floss is called for in most projects, and somebody who has the needles and hoops etc. for needle working would probably have all the equipment beforehand. Chapter Two gives general instructions. From there one simply looks up individual elements for embroidering, which are listed alphabetically (Starting at Acorn and ending with Tulip, then other chapters on Field Flowers and Wildlife). In theory, you could re-create the sampler if you pay careful attention and follow the instructions; or, you could combine the elements into your own designs and projects.

Then there comes the second half, which was originally another book published separately . This half is a series of smaller projects: roundels, brooches, a mirror frame, a chatelaine, a pendant. . The photos of the projects are clear but mostly clumped toward the center. You look up the instructions for each element from the first half of the book, then follow her diagrams and Order of Work. I think of this half as the more beginner-friendly half, as it is easy to find something small (unintimidating) to get started with. On the other hand, it is an awkward system because of the constant flipping through the pages for each part of the design. Then, if you need a refresher or more instruction on some of the embroidery stitches, you look them up at the back of the book. So you can see how it would be much less frustrating for somebody with basic embroidering experience to come to stumpwork through this book than it would be for an absolute novice.

Yes, this is a complete book on stumpwork embroidery as the title promises., at least as complete as possible in one book. I recommend having some general embroidery experience before you use this book to learn stump work, but you don't have to be proficient to get started. Happy stitching!
-Andrea, aka Merribelle