Oddly specific but here goes. I am an avid knitter/sewist/embroiderer/spinner/weaver/general fiber and needlework enthusiast. I am looking for novels with characters who do these activities, preferably as more than just a passing hobby.
Some examples:
Juniper, Monica Colman (the main character learns how to be a Wise Woman/witch, and as part of her training she has to spin, dye and weave a special cloak. I will admit I read this at a formative age and it made an IMPRESSION on me – I partly credit it with me getting into all those fiber hobbies as an adult!).
A Single Thread, Tracey Chevalier (a woman in 1920s/1930s England joins an embroiderers guild. I will say I enjoyed the embroidery parts more than the actual plot; you could tell Chevalier did her research).
The Lady and the Unicorn, Tracey Chevalier (about the making of the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries; again, I found the technical details more interesting than the plot!).
Alias Grace, Margaret Atwood (the main characters makes quilts, and the different elements of quilting blocks are sort of a theme).
Does anyone have any suggestions for other books where characters engage in needlecraft? Ca be sewing or knitting too, of course. Thanks!
by QeenMagrat
3 Comments
**Taran Wanderer, by Lloyd Alexander.** It’s one of the Prydain books. Not solely about textile-based fantasy – it uses other crafts as well – but the protagonist gets DEEP into textile work, every step of the way from carding fleeces onwards
**Spellcoats, by Diana Wynne Jones** is also good for this. The protagonist is using weaving to tell her own story.
**The Needle In The Blood, by Sarah Bower** is historical fiction about the Bayeux Tapestry
How to Make an American Quilt by Whitney Otto. Stories about women in between info on quilting.
The Circle of Magic books by Tamora Pierce though only one character, Sandry does textile based magic. The first title, Sandry’s Book, focuses on her.
Lion’s Bride by Iris Johansen. Historical romance with the women characters working with weaving and silk and embroidery I think. I feel the research is probably a bit slight and it’s been years so I don’t know how dated this will read as, but might be of interest.
_Our Tragic Universe_ by Scarlett Thomas.
Main character learns to knit socks as part of a journey of self discovery.