" The Point of the Needle explores the multifaceted practice of sewing, both the home practice and large-scale global manufacturing. A writer and former academic, Burman seeks to understand what motivates individuals to sew and what they value in the making and in finished pieces. Focusing on clothing/fashion, the book explores stitching's rich history and culture, and the language that brings together this creative community. Through the structure of stories and storytelling, Burman reveals new voices, presents stories involving the memory of people and places, and shows how the use of cloth and the function of sewing has changed over time. The book illustrates that how we sew, including materials and tools and their storage, is deeply connected to why we sew, and it addresses real-world issues of consumption, change, and defiance. The Point of the Needle is accessibly written to stimulate thoughtful discussions. The oral histories stitched into the chapters make the book a delight to read. Readers will find that Burman's observations and insights invite them to think about their own histories with sewing and to look at their daily engagement with cloth with a curiosity that encourages responsibility, resilience, and well-being.

Highly recommended.".