The Point of the Needle: Why Sewing Matters

by Barbara Burman

From the pleasures of mending to the problems of fast fashion, an intimate look at the creativity, community, and deep meaning sewed into every stitch.
 
Tens of millions of people sew for necessity or pleasure every day, yet the craft is surprisingly under-appreciated. The Point of the Needle redresses the this is a book that argues for sewing’s place in our lives. It celebrates not only sewing’s recent resurgence but sewists’ creativity, well-being, and community. Barbara Burman chronicles new voices of people who sew today, by hand or machine, to explore what they sew, what motivates them, what they value, and why they mend things, revealing insights into sewing’s more intimate stories. In our age of superfast fashion with its environmental and social injustices, this eloquent book makes a passionate case for identity, diversity, resilience, and memory—what people create for themselves as they stitch and make.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Crafts

288 pages, Hardcover

Published December 15, 2023

Reviews

[Jakeyfatdog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good stuff in this book. Unfortunately the writing style is very academic and therefore makes the book a lot less approachable. I agree with another review I read that says this won’t encourage people to sew but then I am not sure it is trying to do that. It feels more like an argument for plain sewing “for the record”.

[fionamackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a marvellous thought-provoking reminder of the necessity of an unremarkable expertise in both holding our material world together and keeping us in touch with each other, with communities, the past - simply that sewing is a powerful bond between us, that we should make an effort not to lose

[Soulla Christodoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to thank Reaktion Books for a review copy of this book. The Point of the Needle delighted and surprised, it filled me with nostalgia and the happiest of memories.

Sewing, whether by machine or by hand, has always been a part of my life. I loved how Barbara homed in those tiny things like slowness, sense of community, rhythm and harmony and unity. And there was the beautifully evocative descriptions of how sewing creates and contributes to purpose, identity, income, sustainability, achievement.

A wonderful book which I loved and it will remain on my bookshelf, taking pride of place with my own Greek Cypriot embroidery, Lefkaridika, which is the traditional craft of Kato Lefkara, Cyprus.

[Kali Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, in-depth look at the impact of sewing on our identities, communities, and environment. Sewists are more inclined towards the circular economy, and this fabulous book tells why.

[Deb Mattson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am a lifelong sewist, however, and very interested in zero-waste and sustainable fashion. I don’t know if this book would convince non-sewers to start. I feel like it’s preaching to the choir, but not it’s not going to convert anyone outside of the group. That’s too bad, because sewing is not difficult and it is an extremely empowering skill to have.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure that the author knew who she was writing for. The style echoes that of an academic paper yet isn’t marketed as one.
She is detached and distant from her subject matter and appears to have no personal interest in the people who are mentioned.
Her lack of warmth is more likely to discourage rather than encourage non-sewers to take up a needle and thread. An opportunity missed.

[Olwen White · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. But the writing style is a bit verbose in places. Although that is to be expected as it was written by an academic. Seriously, the sentences were so long and switched direction so many times, it became confusing. I was hoping for an interesting account of The Point of The Needle. A book to explain why sewing matters from people who sew. What I got - it felt like I was reading a non-sewist's dissertation. Written by someone who has no interest in sewing. It was clinical, detached, boring.

[Kristin Fritchman]

I was hoping for something more in depth with this book, but the first few chapters I read felt mostly rambling and repetitive. Not quite what I was looking for.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge advocate for sewing and for sustainable fashion so in some ways this was a book for me. I didn't read it from cover to cover but did read a sample for each chapter and some chapters in their entirety. I found the style a bit heavy going. It was rather like reading a PhD thesis which is a shame because it contains valuable information for anyone who can read it. I suspect though it'll be preaching to the converted as most likely those who do read it will already be active sewers, menders and darners.

[Mark Krug · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started out slow, often times re-stating the same point numerous times. Each chapter seemed longer than it should have been and very academic.

Luckily, my faith that its pace would increase paid off. It eventually gained enough speed for a takeoff, taking the reader over some scenic and interesting landscapes; all before coming in for a nice landing.

Could be improved, but still a recommended read for those interested in sewing culture and how it has impacted both the past, present and how it strives to change the future.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I enjoyed the earlier chapters (Hands, Hearts, and Needles; Learning to Sew; A Material World) the most, then it got pretty repetitive by the middle of the book. The author has decoupaged salient quotes from a wide variety of sources, old and new, along with her own conclusions. Perhaps the most valuable part of the book is the extensive bibliography and reference section in the back.

[Gail Richmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense reading from primarily a British perspective traces some elements of domestic sewing (including quilting, mending, and garments) over several centuries with references to an earlier work by the author as well as research from a great number of texts. Fabric is briefly addressed and fast fashion , synthetic fabrics and cotton are included as well as environmental issues.

[Amanda Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good history of sewing and repairs over the centuries - from the royals personal dressmakers to the mass manufactured clothing of today and how that, plus the more conscious mindset of less waste has made some people take up sewing later in life.

[Courtney Karr · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overwritten summary/history of modern sewing.

[Donna Covell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - interesting subject about what sewing has meant and what it means today. Highly recommend.