With Bold Needle and Thread

With Bold Needle and Thread by Rosemary McLeod is more than just another crafty book; it is more of a social history commentary of the place of women in the home and expectations of women…

I had the pleasure of sitting next to the iconic journalist and craftsperson Rosemary McLeod at iD Dunedin Fashion Week last month and then with great glee had her new book arrive for review. With Bold Needle and Thread is more than just another crafty book; it is more of a social history commentary of the place of women in the home and expectations of women and their work roles.

I am seriously envious of Rosemary’s hoard. The hoard is a magnificent thing, to be treasured and occasionally used, with utmost respect. Her hoard is photographed on the pages between the craft pages, and is a thing of beauty with its gloves, dolls, bolts of fabrics, scraps and vintage memorabilia.

In fact, I like the pages between the craft projects even more than the projects themselves. The 47 projects are interesting as a social commentary but I probably wouldn’t wear many of them, vintage-lover and avid crafter than I am, but the pages between are fascinating. They had old advertisements, women’s magazines, and comments from Rosemary on each that bring them alive.

I thoroughly recommend this book – even if you don’t sew – and give it 10/10.

With Bold Needle and Thread by Rosemary McLeod, from Random House Publishers, is $55 and is available now.