“Being creative is not so much the desire to do something as the listening to that which wants to be done: the dictation of the materials.” — Anni Albers

To mark the 10th anniversary of the release of Natalie’s Alabama Stitch Book, this week we focus on exceptional women in the world of handcrafts. Thursday on the Journal, be on the lookout for Swing Skirt DIY Kit inspiration (it’s our most popular pattern ever).

“Feminist, socialist, embroiderer:” May Morris

Pioneering fiber artist, Lenore Tawney

Lithuanian artist Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė utilizes cross-stitch on non-traditional objects to make statements on society

Anni Albers on the Journal (and more #womenartists)

Lisa Smirnova’s Studio of Modern Embroidery

Crochet artist, Olek

Professor, artist, and quilter Faith Ringgold

Dee Clements and Studio Herron

Artisan Embroidery at Alabama Chanin

The traditional Japanese kimonos of dyer and weaver Fukumi Shimura

In Alabama: “The Quilts of Gee’s Bend”