With textiles as our frame of reference, we often understand the term “closure” to mean fasteners of every sort, from buttons and zips to hook-and-eye closures. However, textiles can also symbolise cultural closure, say, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood for example.
The Winter issue of PieceWork, looks at the ways closures serve as both embellishment and function. Susan Strawn looks at the history of closures and self-dress. Rebecca J. Martin reveals the intricacies of Japanese obi. Heather Vaughan Lee uncovers a needlework publication written for young women moving from childhood to married life. Plus, while we also find out who is credited for the invention of the bra strap!
Projects included a crocheted nineteenth-century boudoir jacket with frog closure, an embroidered to replica of George Washington Carver’s burlap doily, and a set of 1940s knitted placemats.
