Italian Diaspora Needlework: Artistic Legacy of Immigrant Descendants

Italian immigrants and their descendants have long viewed needlework as a powerful cultural symbol, akin to pasta and Neapolitan music. Through embroidery, stitching, knitting, and crocheting, they have expressed their identities and histories. This book is a unique blend of creative works by Italian authors and insightful academic essays, showcasing thirty-seven contributors' memoirs, poetry, and visual arts. Delving into needlework and immigration from a transnational perspective, the collection spans from the late 19th to the late 20th century, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and approaches.

Within the core of the e-book, more than thirty illustrations vividly depict the needlework of Italian immigrant women. The text delves into the transformation of simple objects or their memories into artistic creations through literary, visual, performance, ethnographic, or critical interpretations. While the focus is on interpreting needlework rather than the craft itself, the editors and contributors of Embroidered Tales are mindful of its historical importance and cultural significance carried by Italian immigrants to countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and Argentina, passing down these values to their descendants.