yarn

Yarn weaves in narration from author Barbara Kingsolver, who reads from her essay, “Where It Begins: Knitting as creation story,” as we’re introduced to the sheep who make this art possible. All of Yarn – like all of yarn – is about stories. It’s why there are sewing bees and quilting circles: because women share their stories both as they create and in their creations. Those stories are passed down for generations along with the objects themselves, adding immeasurably to their value.

The opening of Una Lorenzen’s Yarn reminds us that the word doesn’t just refer to the stuff of scarves and mittens but is also “A long, often elaborate narrative of real or fictitious adventures; an entertaining tale.” And that’s what this documentary is: a great yarn about yarn. What makes Yarn so special are the stories it tells about the amazing ways women are using the fiber to create art and to change the world. We meet artists and activists who are adding so much color and texture to everyday life with this humble item. Over the years, textile art – especially subversive stitching – has become a hot trend, thanks to modern artists who have used these traditional female activities to express themselves and make powerful feminist statements. I hope Yarn will inspire others to continue this thread.