Sunday, January 26, 2025

Weekend Review: Sharp Notions

 

Sharp Notions / ed. by Marita Dachsel & Nancy Lee
Vancouver, BC: Arsenal Pulp Press, c2023.
352 p.

I'm not sure why I haven't reviewed this book before! I bought it when it was first released in late 2023, as it's obviously a book for me -- writers, textiles, Canadian. And I'm so glad I did. 

This is a collection of 27 essays about stitching, whether that is knitting, quilting, beading, crochet, or other textile work, by a variety of writers and artists. Some are very personal, going over a time in the writer's life where they faced loss or illness, or questions of belonging or identity. Some are more about stitching as a communal or professional experience. And they are all thoughtful and incorporate the ways in which stitching is embedded in the writer's experience of life. 

There are some writers included who I am already a fan of (including a former Literary Sewing Circle pick, Theresa Kishkan) and there are a few I hadn't heard of prior to reading this. I appreciated that this is a Canadian book and it features a wide ranging sample of writers beyond the usual white crafting circles. A diverse choice of authors is featured, all giving their own perspective on this theme. In some of the essays, particularly those by artists, colour images of their works are included, which is an added bonus. 

It's a literary collection, really focused on art and writing, and discussing how fibre arts play a role in the experiences they've chosen to highlight, in actuality and at some points as metaphor. It's one to read slowly, essay by essay, giving yourself time to absorb and think about the essays as you go. Lots to think about here. And it's extra appealing thanks to that beautiful cover, a work by Lia Pas, one of the authors included. If you're in the mood for some meditative, introspective reading, and you also stitch, this will most likely be a great choice for you. 


4 comments:

  1. Yahoo! My local library has it and I ordered it. Thanks for the recommendation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy to hear your library has this! I found that it's a slower read but worthwhile.

      Delete
  2. Thanks for this review, it sounds like a read I would enjoy. I'll add the search for a copy of this book to my to-do list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great idea. It's interesting especially to literary stitchers, and could be reread easily.

      Delete

Share your comments, ideas or suggestions here -- I am always interested in hearing from readers. It's nice to have a conversation!