Needlework Through History

Needlework serves functional purposes, such as providing warmth, but has also communicated individual and social identity, spiritual beliefs, and aesthetic ideals throughout time and geography. Needlework traditions are often associated with rituals and celebrations of life events. Often-overlooked by historians, practicing needlework and creating needlework objects provides insights to the history of everyday life.

Needlework techniques traveled with merchants and explorers, creating a legacy of cross-cultural exchange. Some techniques are virtually universal and others are limited to a small geographical area. Settlers brought traditions which were sometimes re-invented as indigenous arts. This volume of approximately 75 entries is a comprehensive resource on techniques and cultural traditions for students, information professionals, and collectors.

Review: Leslie presents an encyclopedia of the history of needlework. It covers a variety of techniques from around the world, such as running stitch and mirrorwork, general topics such as knitting and cross-stitch, traditions, and countries, from those in Africa to North America. Some B&W photos are included, and some topics have been excluded, such as weaving and plain sewing.

The book is aimed at general readers and practitioners. - Reference & Research Book News