Sept 06
There are some fun ideas in this book and the method for making the figures is described in great detail. The book begins with a little bit of history. Materials are described and you're then off with the stitching. The diagrams of the stitches are good but some of the photos are a little fuzzy. Kay describes great ways of achieving character through hairstyles, features and body shapes. Patterns for the pieces illustrated are also given.
* Workshop On The Web *
Oct/Nov 06
This book provides all you need to know about making stumpwork figures. There are simple instructions on embroidery and needlelace techniques, and the clear step-by-step photographs ensure that it is all very easy to follow. There are three projects, which allow you to put all of the techniques into practice, so even beginners will be able to achieve wonderful results.
* Stitch *
May 07
Stumpwork goes back at least 400 years and is a form of raised embroidery. Decorated with beads and feathers some examples have survived as museum pieces. This beautifully illustrated book shows you how to produce stumpwork in the 21st century. Commencing with materials required it takes you through easy stages of stitchwork through to completed pieces. Anyone using this book could be completing some beautiful pictures in a short time and from there be inspired to do some of their own.
* The Lace Guild *
Jun 06
If you are already a keen embroiderer then you will associate stumpwork with those beautifully decorated boxes made mainly during the 17th century. Biblical scenes in then contemporary dress in needlelace, featuring lots of figures and raised details decorated with seed peals and padded with stumps. Here is a book on how to do all of that...
...in modern dress. There are footballers, children paddling in the sea, the obligatory fairy, a man fishing, shepherd, Victorian lady, a clown and more. Even more importantly, there are the instructions do make all of these and the best news is that you probably own virtually everything you need already, or can buy it easily. No large outlays are needed, and I can spot lots of recycling opportunities to use up odds and ends from other projects. Transfer your design, slip it into your hoop and off you go, learning needlelace, finding out about cordonnets and what embroidery stitches are associated with this type of work. Make limbs, heads, hair and clothes, hands and feet then go on to one of the whole projects. As ever with this publisher, here is a handsomely illustrated primer that tells you what you need to know without blinding the reader with science, making it all seem too scary to attempt, or too sketchy to fathom out. If, like this reviewer you still have a yen for the 17th century boxes with their richly dressed period figures then you are armed with the knowledge to have a go at that too - all you need is a book of costumes and some practice. This is a fine gift for any embroiderer.
* Myshelf.com *
Aug/Sep 06
Figures have always been an important component in stumpwork or, as it was previously known, raised embroidery. The Dennis' book gives stumpwork figures a 21st century feel. With three beautiful projects to guide you, and full-sized patterns for these and all the featured figures, you will be spoilt for choice. A must-have for all those who are keen to develop skills in stumpwork, with detailed step-by-step tutorials on how to make arms and legs, heads, hands, hairstyles and even on how to develop different body shapes.
* Stitch *
Issue 160, August 06
Following on from the successful Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork, this book ventures into the art of creating figures with this textural form of embroidery. The fundamental technique in figure Stumpwork is the use of cordonnet or couched threads which form an outline which is then filled with needlelace.
The two forms used in the book are single Brussels and corded Brussels which is used to form a denser fabric ideal for clothing. There are intensive step-by-step instructions which clearly show how to work this constructional technique. This is continued in the section that explains the range of sculptural stitches that form the stumpworker's arsenal such as drizzle stitch, bullion knot, Turkey knot and raised band stem stitch.
With advice on fabrics, threads and working methods, experienced and first-time stumpworkers alike will find this book an excellent guide for making lifelike forms with needle and thread.
* NEW STITCHES *
Newsletter 65, Summer 2007
A good book especially for the beginner, everything is so well explained and clearly illustrated that there would be no problem in producing a basic figure without any other tuition. I particularly liked the boxed 'Tips' on most pages - useful for the learner and the more experienced alike.
Vera Whiting, Launceston
* West Country Embroiderers *
