Stumpwork Medieval Flora (Milner Craft Series)

In first looking at this book, I was amazed at the lovely photographs of flowers vs. stumpwork. Jane's creative needle depicts each flower in its natural state. You would think the stumpwork came from a botanical book. Jane's projects will amaze you with her use of wire, beads, silks and leathers.Look at the contents. You will see the usual introduction but then the fun begins. Part 1 is a series of five projects which include flowers, dragonflies, ladybugs, butterflies, caterpillars, bees and grasshoppers. Each project is explained step by step with clear illustrations. All the drawings are actual size which is a plus!Part 2 has three projects which she titles "Illuminated Panels." Again, the projects will include flowers and insects but each panel is encased in a ribbon frame which is cleverly embellished with gold twist and beads.Part 3 consist of "Techniques, Equipment and Stitch Glossary. This is a must for any book of this kind. Jane explains how to mount your foundation fabric, what fabrics to use and how to fuse them together. Use of wire such as sizes, coloring and attaching is clearly explained. What would a book like this be without a good explanation of leather, padding and shaping? Again, clear information is given. Lastly, a stitch guide is provided with a good generalization of each stitch used in her projects.All in all, I would fully recommend Jane's "Stumpwork Medieval Flora" for those with a beginning understanding of stumpwork. You may think the book may be too complex for the novice. Follow her directions and you can also create lovely stumpwork.

Just received my order. I wasn't expecting a book so large and Well done. Even if I never made anything for myself just looking at it is worth it.The only thing I am very sad about the book, is the bottom corner is all bent. While that will keep it off the coffee table it will keep it right next to my other embroidery books!

Great Book

Excellent historical perspectives presented, clear instructions for beautiful, "do-able" designs.

As always her books have wonderful creations and easy to follow directions.This could turn out to be her best book

Just beautiful

This Author is the "definitive" resource on modern Stump work. If you enjoy this form of needlework, this book contains many great examples and ideas on figures to use and detailed instructions on how to bring them to life.

This is a great book. It is easy to read and easy to understand. It has lots of ideas. Great for beginners as well as very experienced embroiders

I have been embroidering and stitching on and off for 70 years (now 79), and have always shied away from stumpwork on the grounds that it would be too complicated and way beyond my abilities. However, I recently revisited my library of stumpwork books, browsed Amazon and took the plunge by ordering this book. I believe the modern expression is 'eye candy' but dearie me, this book is not just a pretty face. Not only are the illustrations stunning I was frankly astonished to see that Jane Nicholas has included highly detailed descriptions of the secrets of several designs in step by step form, and a comprehensive and detailed list of threads and stitches. I took delivery early this week and have completed a sample of a realistic jaw-dropping snowdrop and am about to embark on the Tansy design 'for real'. The floral designs are complemented by an array of beetles, bugs, butterflies and a host of other insects which can embellish any of the set pieces. I am absolutely amazed that I have at last found the key to success in stumpwork in such an enjoyable and beautiful book. Not for the completely novice stitcher, but the instructions and illustrations give confidence as well as clarity to the processes and secrets of this beautiful and satisfying embroidery technique. Don't hesitate for 70 years, treat yourself now.

This follows in the style of other stumpwork books by Jane Nicholas, and is every bit as beautiful. Each panel is worked on a 12" square of fabric, although all five can be worked on a piece just 18" long x 12" high if preferred. The threads used are Au Ver a Soie stranded silk, but thankfully DMC threads are also given. Instructions are given, and there is a stitch glossary but, if you are new to stumpwork you are advised that there is not the space to provide detailed instructions on basic stumpwork techniques. There are also two illuminated panels, edged with a border which has gold thread over a rich violet purple bias cut silk ribbon, gold couching thread and gold seed beeds to add richness; there are creatures such as caterpillar, bee, butterflies, ladybird, dragonfly etc and any of the elements can be combined. For anyone who likes stumpwork , but wants more variety and a different style, try "Stumpwork Embroidery a Collection of Fruits Flowers and Insects for Contemporary Raised Embroidery also by Jane Nicholas, of the two, I think that is the better book.

This is a wonderfully illustrated book, full of projects for the more experienced embroiderer. Jane Nicholas has taken illustrations from old manuscripts and produced up-to-date stumpwork embroidery panels. Each panel is accompanied with clear and concise instructions. This book is not suitable for beginners, but, for those with some experience it will provide inspiration for new and exciting projects.

The book goes into great details about every aspect of how to undertake the panels of stumpwork of flowers with insects and butterflies. It is so inspirational that I want to get going on Part 1 immediately.

instruction and inspiration