This is a cross between a microhistory and an anthropological exploration of how women are impacted by, and impact the world around them through textile arts. The writing is somewhat academic and dense, but I very much appreciated the free form structure of the book— examples from across cultures and time were explored thematically. Can’t wait to recommend this to my stitch n’ bitch group!

This was very informative on the history of fiber arts and women. I loved all of the information on how different cultures evolved their cloth. I really enjoyed the personal stories of the women and who taught them how to explore their art, and those of the women keeping some type of workings alive.

I would recommend anyone reading a copy of this book to keep the internet handy. I did spend a lot of time looking up the specific works that Ms. Nehrig wrote about. Such lovely and amazing work. This made me want to pick up my crochet as I read it.

Thank you to NetGally, Ms Nehrig and W.W. Norton and Company for the ARC.

I saw a comment recently that women's art work is often demeaned and referred to simply as crafts. I think this book encompasses that idea. It is about historical and contemporary women who have used textile work to speak out and have their voices heard. Through knitting, embroidery, and quilting, women throughout history have used their art and their skills to voice their thoughts and opinions when nobody wanted to hear them speak.

With Her Own Hands discusses the subversive nature hidden in women's historical and modern use of textiles. Nehrig analyzes examples of embroidery, knitting, quilting, and mending (amongst others) to demonstrate how women from various cultures, countries, and time periods have raised their voices through their handiwork, art art often dismissed as "women's work."

A fascinating deep dive into the art, history, and tradition of 'women's work' in the world of textiles. Incorporating stories from across the globe and across time, Nehrig brings together a kind of patchwork quilt to emphasize the various ways that knitting, sewing, embroidery, etc. have trapped, empowered, and defined women seemingly since the dawn of time. This is an engaging and interesting read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.