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Migration—Call for Submissions PieceWork Fall 2022

Our Fall issue will trace the history of needlework and makers on the move. Join us as we explore trade routes, multi-generational traditions, and the evolution of techniques. Send PieceWork your article and project proposals for the Fall 2022 issue.

Piecework Editorial Staff Oct 4, 2021 - 3 min read

Migration—Call for Submissions PieceWork Fall 2022 Primary Image

White mittens created with nålbinding techniques. Embroidered Telemark, Norway. (FYB.00091) Courtesy of the Vest-Telemark Museum, CC BY_SA

Needlework traditions—historic and right up to modern day—are rich in migration stories. Physical textiles migrate, people and skills migrate, ideas and interpretations migrate. Humble, work-a-day textiles can become precious when carried through war into diaspora, and stitching techniques passed from one generation to the next change with evolving aesthetic and new materials.

Woven and crochet blanket corner

Cover, late nineteenth century, Hungary. A cotton plain-weave center edged in colorful crochet. The textile is about 27-inches square. What was this textile intended to cover? How did it travel from Hungary to the Smithsonian Design Museum in New York? Courtesy of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Grave finds and museum objects, embroidered symbols and repeated motifs all tempt us to interpret meanings... but those interpretations can evolve over time with new research. And techniques such as nålbinding can be given new life through the study of millennia-old textiles. Lacemaking, knitting, crochet, and embroidery have migrated into communities that blend new and old ideas, leading to Coast Salish sweaters, Turkish oya in delicate crochet, and so much more. What is your favorite migration story?

Cowichan Indian Sweater

Cowichan sweater maker in British Columbia, circa 1941 to 1943. (AM1545-S3-: CVA 586-781) Courtesy of the City of Vancouver Archives

Submissions due: October 30, 2021

We are looking for:

  • Feature articles—Tell us more about the history of needlework—stories, profiles, and biographies.
  • Historical and historically inspired projects—instructions using bobbin lace, tatting, embroidery, knitting, crochet, or other needlework techniques, all made by hand.
  • How-to articles—tell us how a historical needlework technique is done.

Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.

We are also always looking for content for our website. If you have an idea for a shorter piece, about 300 to 500 words, please submit your proposal to us.

Online Submissions Form PieceWork Fall 2022
PieceWork Contributor's Guidelines
PieceWork Photo Guidelines

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Submissions due: October 30, 2021

We will notify you of our decision in November 2021.

Articles and projects due: January 17, 2022.

Do you want to be added to the PieceWork Call for Submissions email list? Sign up here.

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