Stumpwork Figures

Uneven work, but interesting technique; something new to try

I purchased this book because I had never heard of the craft before and was intrigued enough to want to know more about it. I was surprised to discover that it is a technique of some history; the introductory material illustrates work dating to the 17th century. Here it's relationship with embroidery is much clearer than in the main text where modern examples are given.

It would appear that stumpwork, as it is now practaced at least, is a combination of several needlework and fiberarts crafts. It partakes of embroidery techniques like turkey track stitch, french knots, and satin stitches; uses a weaving technique that produces solid fabric designs and laces; doll making methods for producing faces and body parts for figured work; and perspective from painting/sketching arts. All of these are tied together in a work that is essentially a three dimensional scene on a two dimensional background.

Some of the design ideas are quite attractive and well worth a try, but I didn't feel that the individual(s) who did the illustrations was (were) always uniformly able. This said, I wouldn't let it stop me from buying the book to learn the craft. It's possible the individual scenes were actually done by a number of people whose experience and skill levels varied. Stumpwork, like stained glasswork is a multi task art, the various parts of which can be learned with greater or lesser individual ability and which in turn produces variable results on a given project. The Fairy(p. 39) and the sledder on the front cover were among the best executed examples in this instance and certainly show the charming effect of the work.

Instructions seem quite clear, the materials are those in common use for other types of craft, and most of the needlework is fairly streight forward. Anyone with a basic knowledge of needlework should have no difficulty in creating the designs, and even those without a lot of such experience should be able to follow the instructions for the various aspects of the design. I think you will find, however, that as with stained glass projects, your finished project will reflect your skill at different tasks. (ie. with glass work: pattern making, glass selection and cutting, fitting, soldering, finishing, etc.) It's probably something that one has to work at a while until all the facits of the project, however simple, can be performed equally well.

Interesting craft