Ariane Fennetaux Livres

This fascinating and enlightening study of the tie-on pocket combines materiality and gender to provide new insight into the social history of women’s everyday lives—from duchesses and country gentry to prostitutes and washerwomen—and to explore their consumption practices, sociability, mobility, privacy, and identity. A wealth of evidence reveals unexpected facets of the past, bringing women’s stories into intimate focus.   “What particularly interests Burman and Fennetaux is the way in which women of all classes have historically used these tie-on pockets as a supplementary body part to help them negotiate their way through a world that was not built to suit them” —Kathryn Hughes, The Guardian   “A riveting book . . . few stones are left unturned.”—Roberta Smith’s “Top Art Books of 2019”, The New York Times   “A brilliant book”—Ulinka Rublack, Times Literary Supplement

The Holker album features textile samples gathered by John Holker during a covert mission to Britain in 1751. This unique manuscript, now reproduced in facsimile for the first time, showcases a rich collection of historical textiles, offering insights into 18th-century fabric design and trade. The text is presented in both English and French, enhancing its accessibility and appeal to a broader audience interested in textile history and cultural exchange.

Celebrating not only sewing's recent resurgence but sewists' creativity, well- being and community, this book argues for the importance of sewing in our lives today.