Raised Embroidery: A Practical Guide to Decorative Stumpwork

That's the only reason I didn't give this book five stars. The cover looks enticing but the title doesn't let people know that this isn't the book for people who have never done stump work. For someone who has mastered the "flowers-and-insect" designs of American stump work, this book will be inspiring and exciting. While the big attraction is its focus on creating people, it offers plenty of information on creating backgrounds, buildings, architectural details and the equipment that accompanies humans. Just looking at the photos flooded my head with ideas; reading the text offered the guidance I'd need to put those ideas into action.Be aware though--- this is what I would call a "source book", not a "project book". Some instruction books offer projects for the reader to do to practice the techniques being taught. There's photos of the item, a supply list, patterns and then step-by-step instructions on how to create the item. This book is not that. Rather it goes over the materials and techniques you can use to achieve a result and gives you advice on how to create your own unique design. The table of contents reflects this: Introduction, Ch. 1: Needlemade fabrics and stitches, Ch. 2: Padding, wrapping and embellishing, Ch. 3: Figurative Stumpwork, Ch. 4: Inspiration, Design and Development. That's why this book isn't for the novice. If you are a newbie, you'd be better off with  A-Z of Stumpwork (A-Z Needlework 09)  or possibly  Stumpwork (Essential Stitch Guide)  -- although this last one is also a "source book", not a "project book". For the newbie who wants to be taken by the hand on their first time doing stump work, best go with a project book.

I liked this book . Even as old as it gave me the information I was looking for. Stump work in embroidery is on the rise again, It is used in costume making, in Brazilian embroidery and in bar stitching as well. Many of the new books cover very well the animals, bugs, flowers and leaves but this book covered people well. When doing a free form embroidery I find I like people in the landscape.

Love the color photos and interesting comments about the processes.

This was my first book on raised embroidery. The instructions are easy to follow and the illustrations are good. The history of raised embroidery is very interesting. I liked it so much, I bought the second in the series.

Very informative, easily understood. Lots of nice projects.

Fantastic instructions and wonderful images. Very helpful.

I have been wanting this book for so long and now that I bought it I am thrilled . I will be starting to practice making people for my stumpwork project . Very informative

This is a very informative book which contains all the info I need to start the project I have in mind. It was in excellent condition and arrived in a timely manner. Am very glad I ordered it.

Received this book ahead of scheduled time, book is in prestige condition, very interesting information with lots of clear instructions and examples. Looking forward to trying some of the stitches.

Book in excellent condition for its age. Arrived promptly. I am very pleased with my purchase.The content of this book is very sound but appears slightly dated when compared to more contemporary books on the subject of needlework stitches and textiles of the past. However, it is beautifully illustrated and it certainly makes a nice addition to my home library.

This lovely book goes into the history of this craft and shows clearly a lot of the techniques required.It is full of excellant illustrations and the instructions are not overwhelming!I cannot wait to get started.

this book is a must the ways the pictures have been done is just fantastic,it explains all the stitches and how to do them, and more besides. how to padoutwith stuffing,felt,or with thread,A VERY GOOD BOOK.

Quiet a lot to take in. Learned a few things however i learnt a lot more on youtube seeing it actually done.