> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Reference:: Parker, R. (1984). _The subversive stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine_. Women’s Press (UK). > Date:: 1984 > Tags:: #warp/book > WeftLinks:: [[Equity value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft provides empowerment for women]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Women used embroidery to express subversive messages. ### Highlights Rozsika Parker's *The Subversive Stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine* examines the intricate relationship between embroidery and femininity throughout history, arguing that this art form has been both a creative outlet and a means of oppression. Parker traces the evolution of embroidery from a respected craft practiced by both genders to a pastime largely associated with women, reflecting societal ideals of femininity. She highlights how women have historically embedded subversive messages in their needlework, using it as a tool for personal and political expression. The book critiques the traditional view of embroidery as merely decorative, positioning it instead as a significant cultural practice that challenges patriarchal norms and fosters female empowerment. Parker's work invites readers to reconsider embroidery's role in shaping women's identities and its ongoing relevance in contemporary feminist discourse[1][3][4]. Citations: [1] https://www.bookey.app/book/the-subversive-stitch [2] https://unprojects.org.au/article/the-subversive-stitch-an-unfolding-legacy/ [3] https://stitchsafari.com/book-review-the-subversive-stitch/ [4] https://feministlibrary.co.uk/book-review-the-subversive-stitch-embroidery-and-the-making-of-the-feminine/ [5] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1042865.The_Subversive_Stitch [6] http://fashionismymuse.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-review-subversive-stitch.html [7] https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/subversive-stitch-9781350132290/ [8] https://www.amazon.com.au/Subversive-Stitch-Embroidery-Making-Feminine/dp/1350132292