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.