Initially intoxicating, packed with information and stories of stitching as rebellion and creative outlet and feminism and propaganda, by the end of this book I was quite ready to be done. Perhaps it was because all of the admittedly well-done descriptions were not linked to photographs (which eventually caused me to toss the book in frustration)? Or was it the almost too serious tone for absolutely every example of stitchers discussed? Maybe I was just full. Miles and miles of description can make a person’s eyes squirm.

On the other hand, there were fantastic discussions at the start of the book on the Bayeux Tapestry, on protest handkerchiefs worn to remember massacred sons, etc. But I longed for more information about non-European history- after all, this is touted as “the history of the world through the eye of a needle”. There are some token examples of stitching from Asia and India and an occasional Australian aboriginal mention, but these areas are particularly skimpy and of course the European areas are almost too thick.
It might have been better to call this European History through the eye of a needle...
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This excellent text tells the story of needle and thread as it is used across many places and times of human history. The details, history, and art of needlecraft, all in one book, connect and comfort people, record events and thoughts, and express despair and joy. Sewing and embroidery are historically female arts and the text demonstrates its use as methods of female communication, especially during uncomfortable, dangerous situations. The practical aspects of sewing offer insight into how needle and thread offer individuals peace and refuge. The explanations of history, social and political commentary, and uses to aid individuals provide insight into dark corners of human history. This is an exciting, diverse look at women's history, the history of political & social loss, recovery, and a testament of those individuals and groups that have suffered life-altering setbacks. Recommended for all libraries. ( )

This excellent text tells the story of needle and thread as it is used across many places and times of human history. The details, history, and art of needlecraft, all in one book, connect and comfort people, record events and thoughts, and express despair and joy. Sewing and emboidery are historically female arts and the text demonstrates it's use as methods of female communication, especially during uncomfortable, dangerous situations. The practical aspects of sewing offer insight into how needle and thread offer individuals peace and refuge. The explainations of history, social and political commentary, and uses to aid individuals provide insight into dark corners of human history. This is an exciting, diverse look at women's history, the history of political & social loss, recovery, and a testement of those individuals and groups that have suffered life-altering setbacks. Recommended for all libraries. ( )

Lending

This was amazing, and I need to spend more time with it and the stories told here. Many chapters brought me to tears, and I’m floored at how many women I don’t know about and how much history I haven’t heard about. The author did a gorgeous job with all the stories and their connection through needle, thread, and fabric. ( )