A Fusion of Canvas and Cloth

You might hear parents in art museums around the world whisper the phrase “Look with your eyes, not your hands” to their children when they get too close to a painting (or a statue, or something in the gift shop). In this issue of PieceWork, we are delighted to say, Touch all you like. Here is your chance to get close to prized artworks and even explore them with your own fingertips.

Needlework wears out and disintegrates more quickly than other historical items, and we have no idea what fine and fascinating textiles have disappeared in time. Fine art, though, can tell us about these crafts. For example, Susan Holloway Scott finds knotting, a largely forgotten needlecraft, preserved in paintings of eighteenth-century royalty. Carol J. Sulcoski follows the history of knitting through paintings in three different eras. And Karin J. Bohleke explores the daily life and social causes connected with needlework in one intriguing canvas.

Sarah Pedlow takes us to Spain with an embrodiered kerchief based on the works of painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida.

Although painting and sculpture might come to mind first when we think of fine art, the needle creates visual art every bit as significant as the paintbrush. Two of the articles in this issue celebrate embroidery as a major artistic medium: one tells the story of an ancient Icelandic saga, and another explores the significance of steel mills.

Simone Vojvodin created a punch needle pillow after viewing Van Gogh’s Irises.

And while we can’t recommend poking at Monet’s Water Lilies or Van Gogh’s Irises as they hang in a museum, you can find the joy of exploring those paintings and three other celebrated artworks with your needles.

With this issue, PieceWork passes into new hands: Karen Elting Brock, who has served the publication in many roles in the past, joins as editor. On behalf of all the editors who had a hand in this issue, please enjoy this feast for the eyes.

Anne Merrow is the editorial director of Long Thread Media.

Download the Fall 2025 issue today!