UPDATE
Katie Callow is the winner of the digital copy of Stumpwork Embroidery! Congratulations.
Stumpwork Embroidery & Thread Painting: Stitch 3-D Nature Motifs
Megan Zaniewski
Instagram
Stash Books
Book $26.96
e-b00k $21.99
160 pages
There are times in life when a book asks you to take a second look at a technique, viewing from a different vantage point and singing aha! as your powerful, little legs push higher on the swing. How’s that for mixing metaphors? Once upon a time, while living in a hotel room, I thought about taking up hand embroidery (again) as I thought I’d need to wait to get my hands on my sewing machine and dig into some quilting.
Megan is inspired by the great beauty found in the physical world around her, the creatures and flowers that inhabit this shared space, ducks, squirrels, chipmunks, dragonflies, moths, orchids and so much more. Look at this dragonfly and luna moth on the cover, having embroidery in relief in the frames creates depth and gives the maker and the viewer something of awe and wonder at the work and beauty inherent in nature.
Megan does us the good pleasure of making the stumpwork (shaped embroidery using wire) look easy both in the sheer beauty of each piece and in her explanation of technique. She shares with us the experience of what works for her own work from fabric and various threads/flosses, and tools. We get the benefit of this experience through these dynamic visuals used to show us the stitching.
Each embroidered piece takes on unique sensibilities, drawing us in for both a closer look at the “how” this was stitched out, and the well developed artistic skill. Knowing that process is a big part of the “mystery” that is any artistic endeavor seeing her process is encouraging. It is, like quilting, skill upon skill, stitch upon stitch, trying different fabrics, threads, products, until all things come together in a way that works for the maker.
Megan uses products that are easily sourced from a variety of places giving us lots of options. And then friends, the sky is the limit. We get to play to our hearts content.
Here are a few other blogs to visit:
- Wednesday, January 24th – Kick-off post on the C&T Blog (you’re here!)
- Thursday, January 25th – Sara Barnes at Brown Paper Bag (Instagram & Blog)
- Friday, January 26th – Brenna at Colonial Needle (Instagram & Blog)
- Monday, January 29th – Albion Gould at Always Searching for Adventure & Thread (Instagram & Blog)
- Tuesday, January 30th – Claudia at Snuggly Monkey (Instagam & Blog)
- Wednesday, January 31st – Bettina at Shoots and Stitches (Instagram & Blog)
- Thursday, February 1st – Amanda Fox at Crewel Ghoul (Instagram & Blog)
- Friday, February 2nd – Teri Lucas at TerifiCreations (Blog)
Oh before you dash off, if you’d like to win an ebook comment something fun about you by Friday 2/9/2024, I’ll pick a winner and post on Monday 2/12.
Have so much fun!
Teri
Meg’s book looks exquisite!! I’ve dabbled in stumpwork but this is making me want to make a proper finished piece that I can frame.
I love going to punk rock shows! I love the music and I love to dance, and I find the punk rock scene is super welcoming to everyone. I’m middle aged and wasn’t sure if I’d stick out but no, there’s always a mix of ages from early 20’s to 70-somethings. I’ve attended several shows in the past six months and each time I’ve had a blast, everyone is happy to meet new people and to hit the dance floor together.
Thank you so much for the kind review, Teri! I’m so glad to have you on the book tour.
You are quite welcome. The book is lovely
Gorgeous book!
My second toe is slightly longer than my big toe, does that count?
It’s supposed to be a sign of nobility, but that’s clearly nonsense, since I’m common as muck.
And glad of it… 😉
How stunning! Hmm… something fun about me? Well, I love embroidery and felt–and have decided to embrace things that bring me joy, even if they have no utility. As a result, my desk holds a growing collection of felt ornaments and animals that make me smile.
Such a beautiful book 🌷thank you a lot for the opportunity.
Something fun about myself… I love going to the mountain and the river, doing some trekking and picnics. In the city, I love finding fun crafts workshops and bringing my friends. Last week I took a friend to a wool embroidery initiation workshop and it was brilliant.
I love your review! Since stumbling upon Megan’s account I’ve found a major interest in embroidery. Although intimidating I think there’s something peaceful about the art. Something fun…I love collecting house plants! Its always fun to gift them to friends and family when I’ve made cuttings and propagate them!
I absolutely dream of owning a copy of meghan’s book! Fun fact about me, I’m an English Naturalist, who loves everything to do with the natural world including crafts, so everything I own is nature themed!
Thankyou for the chance
Rebecca from England
Love love love the look of the projects in this book! It’s so gorgeous! Something fun about me… I have stutched every day since 1st January 2023..set myself the challenge last year and just kept going, it’s such a fun habit!
Hey! Amazing to find you here. Art has always been my refuge, but then I discovered something truly magical: embroidery, all thanks to your inspiring profile. I’m simply passionate about it, practicing tirelessly at home, diving into this universe full of colors and possibilities, absorbing every incredible technique you share. It’s a journey that completely engulfs me, entertains me, and fills me with energy! Thank you for opening the doors to this wonderful world!
I’ve been following both of your work for more incredible pieces. Here’s my Instagram: @eap__2000
The book looks lovely. I like to try different types of embroidery and combine them. (Is that fun enough?)
Hi! Nice to e-meet you! Something funny about me… that is difficult! I am just starting to do embroidery and I would love to learn from Meg’s book. However I dont know if am more fan of doing embroidery … or buying threads! that is another hobby by itself!
I’ve always wanted to learn stumpwork! Something fun: Sewing has been a hobby since I was a kid, but I picked up embroidery when I spent a year traveling the world for work. I couldn’t quite fit a whole sewing machine…
Katie you are the winner of a copy of Stumpwork Embroidery.
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