Charlotte Abrahams
Intelligent Hands
Intelligent Hands
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Recent years have seen a decline in craft and creative education in schools and a shift from practical to theoretical learning models in higher education. Young people are leaving school with no idea that craft-based careers are even possible, and graduates of craft-based degree courses are entering the workplace with so few hand skills that their employers must train them from scratch.
Where did the idea come from that white-collar work should be rewarded more with money and status than that of a blue-collar worker? Intelligent Hands looks at this phenomenon, the historical precedents that led us here and why hand skills are crucial in education and for lifelong learning. The authors are on a mission to enlighten the uninitiated and persuade the nay-sayers who dismiss craft as no more than a nice hobby or believe that doing things with your hands is for those who can’t use their heads.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We post our books in plastic free materials using Royal Mail. Please allow 5 days for delivery (though most will come sooner than that).
It’s only me, so please be patient. If I’m away I’ll post that online 😎 and there may be a hiatus.
Local pick up in Stroud: free
UK: £3.99
Europe: £12.00
US and Canada: £15
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ISBN: 9781739316020
Published:
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from 21 reviewsThis book really does seem to encapsulate everything important about people, making and education. I absolutely love its easy-to-read format and it is chock full of gorgeous projects and photographs. Intelligent Hands has been super-informative and has inspired me to get on and use my own! I highly recommend this beautiful book.
This is an excellent book on the most important textile project of our times. The texts are engaging and interesting, and the pictures are lovely. The overall layout is gorgeous. A real treasure on my bookshelves!
Lovely book, beautifully made
Love this book wanted in hardcover and will continue to check. Its a keepsake! Amazing story about this dress and the women who helped create it!
Wonderful pictures. Great content.
An incredible accounting of a heartfelt and deeply impactful endeavor. I was captivated by the brilliance and evolution of the project, as well as the bridges being built by making space for women to come together and tell their stories. The journey is wonderful to witness and the power of what Kirstie and all who joined her have created will stay with me forever.
I really enjoyed reading the book!
Very inspiring initiative and impressive result!
It's divine work from around the world with all the hands, the vibrations, the energy and the attention put on a single dress. It makes it a witness of an era... A legacy... A piece of history in stitches...
My dear friend did a similarly initiative for me, on a much smaller scale, when I was at the hospital. She created a quilt, with women in the communities around the Island where I live on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
It's magical work to come together to create, to sew and stitch. The result can only be divine!
Amazing and humbling work with the Red dress.
It's a wonderful story and I love seeing all the places the dress has been
Amazing project. I hope the dress will tour in the U>S>
What a beautiful book. Thank you.
what an incredible and impactful project!. The original vision, the lengthy and successful execution across the globe, the positive impact it has had on so many women living in challenging circumstances, and also on so many people who have viewed the Dress......... is just astounding.
The book captures this all so well in both images and text. Well done all of you
I'm delighted! The book is just beautiful. It will be a lovely treat to dip in and out over time. A real feel good book.
I must also commend the exception service, Quickthorn resolved a difficulty with kindness and professionalism. Thank you to all concerned.
This book is a wonderful testimony to an amazing accomplishment. The creation of the red dress and how Kristi’s integrity and commitment to what it stands for is beautifully documented in this book. It affirms her commitment to women ( mostly) artisans all over the world and the power that they have in their extraordinary stitching and bonding through the red dress itself. I found it hopeful, touching and beautiful
Fascinating read and wonderful inclusive feel.
This book really does seem to encapsulate everything important about people, making and education. I absolutely love its easy-to-read format and it is chock full of gorgeous projects and photographs. Intelligent Hands has been super-informative and has inspired me to get on and use my own! I highly recommend this beautiful book.
Thank you 🙏

Charlotte Abrahams
Writer, author and an occasional curator, specialising in design and the applied arts