Threads of Life cover art

Threads of Life

A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle

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Threads of Life

By: Clare Hunter
Narrated by: Siobhan Redmond
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About this listen

The Hare with Amber Eyes meets A History of the World in 100 Objects, Threads of Life is a history of sewing and embroidery, told through the stories of the men and women, over centuries and across continents, who have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard, even in the most desperate of circumstances.

A history of sewing and embroidery, told through the stories of the men and women, over centuries and across continents, who have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard, even in the most desperate of circumstances.

From the political storytelling of the Bayeux tapestry's anonymous embroiderers and Mary, Queen of Scots' treasonous stitching, to the sewing of First World War soldiers suffering from PTSD and the banner-makers at Greenham Common, Threads of Life stretches from medieval France to 1980s America, from a Second World War POW camp in Singapore to a family attic in Scotland. It is as much about identity, protest, memory and politics as craft and artistry.

In an eloquent blend of history and memoir with a unique understanding of craft, Clare Hunter's Threads of Life is an evocative and moving book about the need we all have to tell our story.

©2019 Clare Hunter (P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Crafts & Hobbies Political Science Politics & Government World Thought-Provoking Inspiring Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant  
I love textiles so this had instant appeal. I expected it to be knowledgeable and celebratory, and to cover famous embroideries like the Bayeux Tapestry. I didn’t expect to be unsettled. A lover of the needle arts, and a professional practitioner, Clare Hunter understands and evokes the joyful sensual and soothing and the mind numbing, constrictive and occasionally deadly role of sewing and embroidery. She is a wonderful writer and the book is so well constructed. Neither hurried nor dragged out, the writing never sags. Engaging and intriguing. You’ll be hunting out some fabric & thread by the end - id you can resist that long.

Comforting & unsettling:& life affirming

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The author writes about forgotten women, men, children and whole communities and how belittled needlework, preserved history, culture, helped to deal with trauma and joins people together.

Amazing tapestry of stories

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A good history of embroidery and sewing, all based on women and their status in life.

Really informative

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Loved all the history, culture and the processes of creating needlework. It is well worth a listen if you are into needlework and textiles.

Beautifully narrated

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This is a sensitive, eloquent and often moving account of the place of needlework in the lives of many people. It records how this art form has be used as a form of artistic expression or a protest against oppression. I found it beautifully written and thought provoking.

Captivating

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Well written and well narrated , thought provoking and emotive at times. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Interesting

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Needlework in it's social and political context that made me want to get out there and sew. Also beautifully read.

Fascinating

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This is an amazing book by any measure you may care to use. It opened my eyes to so many aspects of both the history of needlework and textiles and women’s social and political history. It speaks volumes.

Brilliant

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I really enjoyed the interweaving of social history, the role of women and the value of needlework. The themed chapters allowed me to revisit areas of interest such as embroidery in captivity. I look forward to listening again, so much to take in.

A delight

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I could not have enjoyed this book more. I picked it up on a whim and was not particularly expecting much - but this book is so well written and conceived. It is so interesting, if your a “maker” or not. I feel inspired to pick up a needle.

Picked up on a whim - and absolutely loved it

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