the social, emotional and political significance of sewing
Submitted by Sophie Gale on Wed, 02/27/2019 - 01:12
A new book just out; sounds worth looking for:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40527233-threads-of-life
"The calming effects of sewing can help people express and heal themselves"
How absorbing your concentration in needlework relieves inner turmoil
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/feb/23/the-calming-effects...
Serinde
Fri, 04/12/2019 - 06:57
Permalink
Absolutely!
The BBC book of the week in February was Clare Hunter's Threads of Life, and it was wonderful.That it was read by Siobhan Redman was an added bonus!
I'm an embroiderer and weaver, and there's nothing like it, in my experience. It is purposeful, takes total focus, involves solving problems (especially weaving), and because you have to concentrate, it takes you totally away from whatever else might be hitching a ride on your back. Have you ever heard of Fine Cell Work? https://finecellwork.co.uk Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
Sophie Gale
Sat, 04/13/2019 - 02:47
Permalink
Fine Cell Work
Very nice! I have not seen their work before. I have been involved in Fair Trade for a number of years and seen some lovely needlework. I am not at all crafty, but I have acquired somehow a copy of Mary Thomas's Embroidery Book from 1936.
https://www.biblio.com/book/mary-thomass-embroidery-book-thomas-mary/d/8...
My dust jacket is in better condition. I think I need to sit down and read it. (Dover Books has reprinted it in a larger paperback edition, I gather.)
Serinde
Sat, 04/13/2019 - 02:59
Permalink
Creating libraries
Mary Thomas' book is nice looking -- may I suggest you sit down with it accompanied by a piece of fabric, some embroidery thread and a needle? Oh, and a cup of, oh maybe tea? I'd join you!
I'm slowly putting together a library of books relating to different kinds of embroidery and weaving techniques. My emphasis is on more modern and well made books (stitched spines or ringed spines, for example). I do have some older books (early 20th cent) and what amazes me is what they don't bother with explanation -- the assumption is that the reader knows the basics of hand sewing, including all the terminology. Newer books explain everything, which will be useful for folk in the future coming to it from a state of ignorance, is my thinking. Also, high-quality clear colour photography helps.