What Are You Stitching?

The technique of stumpwork can be intimidating at times to the new stitcher.

It seems difficult enough to get stitches correct, let alone creating something three-dimensional out of them!

But stumpwork projects in general, and Jane Nicholas’s designs in particular, continue to grow in popularity.

As anyone who has tried one will know, if you follow the instructions, you’ll end up with a stunning raised embroidery project and you’ll wonder why you ever felt afraid. Here are a few projects from our community to inspire you:

Jenni Davill

‘This is my first attempt at stumpwork. It’s from a class I did with Jane Nicholas last year. I did the dragonfly’s wings three times before I was happy with them.’

What an amazing first attempt, Jenni! The finish is fabulous – you should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished and kudos for your perseverance in getting the wings just right.

Norma Mulligan

‘Over the years I have tried my hand at many different needlework techniques. I had a difficult profession and found relaxation in embroidery! This is a piece I embroidered from Jane Nicholas’s books on stumpwork. It was quite demanding, but I really enjoyed the challenge.’

It’s a fantastic piece, Norma. It sounds like the extra attention to detail required to stitch a project like this was a welcome distraction from your job. Jane’s designs are really beautiful, particularly when they are completed by such talented stitchers!

Mavis Brown

‘Since we have been in some form of lockdown now for over a year, I have managed to complete a number of projects. I needed a challenge! I seem to gravitate towards stumpwork, so I checked all my books and magazines.’

‘I don’t like starting a new project but once I am involved, I love every minute of it. I did three small Jane Nicholas designs and really enjoyed stitching the dogwood spray from A Passion for Needlework 1.’

‘My most recent project is the poppies designed by Alison Cole. In all cases I tried to hone my techniques and enjoyed the creativity of the designers.’

You are a true inspiration, Mavis! Your prolific catalogue of work is amazing to behold. We always love receiving pictures of your finished pieces and we know our readers love to see them as much as we do.

Have you tried your hand at stumpwork and fallen in love? Or did you try it once and haven’t quite got the hang of it yet? Maybe you are one of those people who can’t get enough of Jane Nicolas’s anatomically perfect designs, or perhaps you have another designer you keep gravitating towards? Whatever it is you like to stitch, we’d love to see it. Send us a picture of your work, with a bit of information about your project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com