Quick Question

[killiara]

Anyone know of a good book or two where the system of magic leans heavily into textile creation? I mean, the more I learn about crocheting and knitting, the time involved, the levels of concentration, the more I think that it's a very short hop to turn it into a system of magic, subtle yet powerful. This blanket's pattern traps nightmares before they can reach the sleeper, for example, or little knitted animals acting as household guardians for pest control. Sweaters that keep you perfectly warm in winter yet cool in summer, or strong as chainmail and capable of turning blades. Delicate little doilies that capture and entrap intruders, the enchantment for that hidden under one that keeps drinks the perfect temperature for drinking. Knitted bandages that speed the healing of wounds underneath, and keep both infection and gangrene from setting in.

If it already exists, I want to read it.

If it does not exist, I really want to know because I can almost see how it'd go. It'd be modern times, those capable of this craft hiding in plain sight, passed off as dotty grandmothers too senile to know that the same sweater's for only 20 dollars at Target, and she's spending HOW many hours to make it? A young girl gets her grandmother's 'crafting supplies' when Gran's moved to an Old People's Home and no one else in the family wants them, and through the pattern books slowly discovers her own abilities, a stitch at a time. ... Hey, that'd be a great title for book one, huh?

Comments

Almost a story "A Stitch In Time..."

[disgruntledgirl]

But sadly, that's a popular title. I even found "A Stitch in Time (Needlecraft Mystery)"
A STITCH IN TIME is the 3rd book in this needlecraft series by Monica Ferris. Betsy, the protagonist, is a novice at needlecrafts, but she is aided by a number of knowledgeable and quirky crafters in running her shop, Crewel World. When a tapestry is found hidden in the local church, Betsy donates the materials necessary to repair it. It soon becomes obvious that someone didn't want the tapestry found, and Betsy is nearly killed several times in order to maintain the secret of the tapestry. The killer's identity was obvious to me halfway through the book, but I very much enjoyed the book anyway. I think most cozy lovers will find this series delightful.


Meanwhile I think you have a great book idea.

Sadly your original question was lost to the flames. I'm certain any instruction book like that would have been written about the time they were burning people. If any survived, they were handed down and in olde English. I don't think there was a revival regarding ancient craft books and ancient arcane books until the 60's. Sadly, the average 60's woman that would be into preserving the original manuscripts would be stereotypical hippie flake that would start the project and never finish - possibly allowing her children to play with it. I just flinch every time I see those artsy craft projects involving cut out pieces of books or samplers. While "Hippie flake" is a mean thing to say now, back then - women were flailing around trying to root themselves. They had the right to vote but still no right to speak and it was about time to get independent somewhere. An aggressive grab for one's roots was one such method.
I'm sure some books do exist, but they're closely guarded.

Which means they should be on the internet soon since the women born from the 60's femmes believe in sharing information. (^_^)
Let's find out!
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/HouseholdMagic/ss/Buttons.htm
http://gypsymagicspells.blogspot.com/2013/02/sewing-needle-spell.html
http://avalonoftheheart.yuku.com/topic/6780/Magical-Sewing-CraftingQuilts-Altar-Cloths-Clothing#.Uvjt3vldX4w

it's a start (^_^) INFORMATION WANTS TO BE FREE!!