It's not often that I read one chapter of a book (especially the first chapter!) and feel like crying afterwards. Such was the effect of Threads of Life by Clare Hunter.
I actually did cry quite a few times reading this book.
Just the back cover is enough to make me want to find a quite space and spend the next 6 months with thread in hand. Indeed, after I read that first chapter I opened up the list on my phone of potential topics I want to do for my Masters in Theology and added another one. (The list currently sits at 29... I think I may need some direction!)
This book is an absolute triumph. It's a historical exegesis of thread but woven together under different headings. Each chapter has a theme of its own for example captivity, work, voice but each explores a range of historical and modern contexts about how stitching has worked in that way.
The work explored is culturally diverse and not only about women.
I learnt so much during reading this book and I kept making tiny folds on pages I wanted to revisit. Maybe it's just me and the people I hang out with but I've recommended it to a number of people already.
For anyone who appreciates history, art, craftivism or stitch this will be a joyful and informative read.
I am so glad to have it in my collection and I will be reading it and referring to it again. It's also inspired a very large project I want to undertake that may take a very long time.
I loved it!
Details - Hachette NZ, February 2019 RRP $32.99
love you more than a stitch imbued with purpose xxxx
