Stump Work Faces by Fay Maxwell, softback booklet published by Fay Maxwell. Price 7.00 incl. p&p from www.fayandkay.co.uk

This small, A5, 16-page booklet shows 10 faces with a demonstration on how to create a face in stump work. Tips on how to develop a character and ideas for hair and hats make an interesting booklet.

Burning and Slashing by Fay Maxwell, softback booklet published by Fay Maxwell. Price 12.00 incl. p&p from www.fayandkay.co.uk

This 20 page booklet explores the exciting techniques of burning and slashing.  It talks about fabrics, techniques, method of working and gives useful tips. The booklet offers far more on burning than slashing , i.e. just two pages on slashing. The booklet is far outdone by other books on the subject. There are, however, some interesting examples of work.

Crewel and Unusual by Fay Maxwell, softback booklet published by Fay Maxwell, price 16.00 incl p&p from fayandkay.co.uk

This 32 page booklet aims to encourage the embroiderer to use crewel work in exciting new ways. In interesting example is given of a contemporary flower on a cushion and detailed photographs show how it is worked. There are also ideas for leaves, animals and birds – in fact all the traditional motifs of crewel work, but here they are treated in a contemporary way.

This booklet also looks at shisha work (Indian mirror work) and shows some good examples of using it. Next there are some good ideas for filling stitches with easy to follow instructions. Finally there is a brief look at kantha, the Indian quilting technique. The book ends with a few sample ideas for design and shows three finished cushions. 

Not enough in-depth ideas or designs for this price and very large print and large photos means that you are not even looking at as much content as you think you are.

Knots and Crosses by Fay Maxwell, softback booklet published by Fay Maxwell, price 16.00 incl p&p from www.fayandkay.co.uk

This 24 page booklet takes a look at canvas work, focussing on a few basic stitches. Follow the technique from blank canvas to finished fibre art. This booklet encourages you to experiment. However, it lacks real content, design, editing and is overpriced. The actual content is much less than it appears had a normal type size been used.

Out of the Shadows by Fay Maxwell, softback booklet published Fay Maxwell, price 12.00 incl p&p from www.fayandkay.co.uk

This 24-page colour booklet includes a brief history and technique of traditional shadow stitching. A selection of designs are shown for use in shadow stitching, applique and trapunto. Discover how simple patterns can be built up for effect. 

The basics of shadow work and trapunto are given including stitches, fabrics, colours and equipment and a range of line-drawn designs. It is an interesting if short introduction to the subject.