I really love the work of this author and it is great to see all her ideas come together in a book. The more ways we can fight the better

I've been following BadAssCrossStich on Instagram for years. I though the book was an interesting breakdown of figuring out a cause that your are passionate about and figuring out how to realistically do the activism work around it. I wish there was a bit more stuff about crafting in it but it's written such that you can run with the ideas that the most sense with your craft and cause.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

This book really hit a lot of marks for me. I feel inspired to keep crafting and this book reminds me why. I help support craft programs at my library and love to take the time to teach new skills to teens& adults. Once people have the skills for cross stitch, embroidery, or crochet the outcomes are so varies and amazing! This book explains why it's important to share those skills and how we can use crafts/ projects/ ideas to make our voices louder, to heal, and to share information.

Thank you to the publisher for this review copy!

Let's get this out of the way this book is first and foremost a book about activism, and very light on the craft side of craftivism. That being said, it's a great ressource for whoever wants to become more involved in activism. It's easy to read and provides clear information even for beginners on the topic. As long as you know what you're going in for by picking up this book, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

If the exemples and some of the info will be mostly relevant to people in the US, a lot of it can be easily transposed in other countries too with a bit of research. A big part of it is also a series of introspective exercises to learn what you really wanna get involved in and how to make the appropriate choices to focus on your goalpost.

Overall a great read to get familiar (or more involved) with activism. You also might wanna check out the author's instagram account, BadAssCrossStitch, to see more of her work, as the book only offers a glimpse into it.

Almost ALL about activism and almost NOTHING about craft/art. Don't get me wrong, activism is hugely important, and Downey offers a lot of great advice on how to get involved and make a difference. But for a book that bills itself as one for "Artists, Crafters, Creatives and Makers," it was surprisingly scant on any of that. I'd hoped for way more idea-generating tips, photos of subversive craft and art, what to do with your work in order to have an impact, etc.

I really enjoyed the thinking questions. I felt it was more a "how to be an activist" guide than a crafting guide (I guess I was expecting fun crafting ideas?) but truly, this is what we need.

Shannon Downey, better known to many as BadAssCrossStitch on Instagram, uses her remarkable stitching projects to bring the causes that are important to her (and many of us) into the public eye. She has built a worldwide community through that work, and this book is a logical next step, inviting that community to step up and take an active part in creating for their own causes.

This is not a pattern book. Downey has a host of excellent tutorials and patterns available through various channels (her Patreon is one of the easiest places to get access, and yes, I'm a very happy member). This book is a manual for those makers who want to become more deliberate craftivists - to choose to use your craft/art/making as a way to promote understanding and awareness of the issues you care about. There is fascinating history of craftivism, beyond the "Pussy Hat", and a terrific section to work through on identifying which issues might be the ones to put your hands and heart behind. This is not easy work, and Downey does encourage the reader to work through those questions in community.

One part of the book that very much resonated with me was the opportunity to think about what role might best fit you in this kind of activism. When I think about sharing this book with students, I know that they will appreciate knowing that you can be involved behind the scenes in this kind of community project if being front and centre isn't your happy place. Caregiving with food and beverages for the front-line creators can be really important in this kind of community, and Downey makes it clear that there are many roles, and all are valued.

Downey's engaging author's voice is very clear in the writing, and that makes it a very readable text. At times, I felt like I was sitting at Shannon's kitchen table, getting some help from her on how to amplify a message through making. That's a pretty great feeling to get from a non-fiction text.

As an educator, I think this book would be a great one to explore with young adult learners, particularly in the context of a social justice club or a crafting group. Helping them go through the process of identifying what causes really matter to them would be a really valuable practice. I have pre-ordered my own copy, and will be encouraging my university and public libraries to order one as well.

Huge thanks to Shannon Downey, Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the e-arc.

Create change in the world with this inspiring guide to social activism, from the artist and craftivist behind Badass Cross Stitch.

Craftivism, or the space where art and activism meet, is a powerful, ever-evolving social justice movement that continues to grow and diversify as more voices and mediums take part in it. In Let's Move the Needle, Shannon Downey, an outspoken voice in the craftivist movement for over a decade, provides a roadmap and accessible toolkit for burgeoning art activists.

Filled with self-reflective activities, exercises, prompts, and stories, Let's Move the Needle educates and empowers creatives to center their art around collective action in service of political, social or community issues they are most passionate about; affirming that everyone can be a changemaker and that change-making can be generative, enjoyable, and a bit sassy!

It's evident that this book was written by a "maker." It provides clear instructions and actionable steps for incorporating activism and crafting into one's daily life. The book is vibrant and reader-friendly. I would suggest it to community organizers, nonprofit workers, consultants, and anyone interested in blending art with their life and community work—activism is sure to follow.

I didn't know entirely what I was getting into with this book, but I can heartily recommend it! I was expecting patterns to make up a large part of the book-- maybe something more on the level of Rage Baking: The Transformative Power of Flour, Fury, and Women's Voices. However, there is only one pattern (and a number of photos of finished projects). This isn't really a book for crafters: this is a starter manual about activism for anyone with little to no experience in project management, focusing on breaking down the steps to find your passion, create networks, select projects, and communicate. It just so happens that the author's experience is mostly on the craftivism side.

The author makes her positions and views very clear, and uses examples of her activism throughout the book to illustrate concepts. While this may be off-putting for readers who disagree with a position, it seems like the how-to-be-an-activist content is applicable to any position.

The book includes a number of activities for self-reflection and interrogation; as I wasn't expecting that, I didn't fully engage with every one of these activities, but in reading through them I can imagine times when it would be useful to come back and go through the exercises. In addition to purchasing a circulating copy for my public library, I also suggested this title for the professional collection: my team has been stalled on a couple of projects that aren't really our purview but that no one else seems to be doing, either. Working through the spectrum of allyship and existing power-holders would likely help!

eARC from NetGalley.

Let's Move the Needle is a great beginner's guide to craftivism and, more importantly, organizing community. Through chapters detailing actionable steps, readers can be better equipped to hone their focus, identify problems and solutions, and organize meet-ups. The book also includes useful sections with the history of craftivism, examples of movements that have benefitted from craft work, and a workbook for moving goals forward.

This is a practical guide on being an activist, with a side of crafting. Most of the book was actually unrelated to crafting or craftivism, but the topic is a great way to draw in those crafters interesting in building their activist tool box. I especially love the section on the history of craftivism and the concrete tools/excercises offered throughout.

An excellent addition to any public library collection, Let's Move the Needle pulls an enormous amount of information together to create an encouraging and accessible guide for both individuals and groups. While libraries often provide space for crafters to meet and book clubs to gather, many libraries are now finding themselves hosting social justice and mutual aid gatherings. In Let's Move the Needle Shannon Downey provides a framework for bringing all of those groups together, demonstrating how small commitments and creative engagement can lead to the creation of both impactful art and lasting social change.

Beginning with dozens of beautifully illustrated and inspiring examples of craft based social engagement, Downey then leans into both the process of reflection and contemplation required for authentic self care and the detailed steps necessary to identify and address the needs of a community. Sprinkled with personal stories, wonderful images of activist art, and extremely practical check lists for the organizational process (how to keep a meeting on track, how to fund an event, how to advertise different types of activism, etc) Downey ensures that the reader will have the tools necessary to turn their enthusiasm into effective and sustainable action. While Let's Move the Needle will circulate well in the general library collection, it would shine as the centerpiece of a mutual aid or community action book club, or as an addition to an existing library crafting program that is looking to fill a community need. Thank you to NetGalley for access to this inspiring and informational arc.

I love the thought of using art for activism. That is something anyone can do, no matter your situation or what you believe in. It gives you the push to express yourself. I got some good ideas for some projects I would like to try.

This was fabulous! Shannon gives such easy to relate to and judgement free advice, as well as suggestions for using art as a means of activism. I think my biggest takeaway from the book (other than Shannon repeatedly stating she's not willing to shit in the woods to resist capitalism - yeah, that would be a hard no for me, too!) was the idea that creating change isn't necessarily going to happen during your (or my) lifetime. Letting go of that expectation helped Shannon see the bigger picture - it's more like a relay race than a sprint. I love that idea.

Great book and can't wait to see the finished product. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is such a spectacular resource for anyone who is into activism or crafting or craftivism or wants to learn more! There are excellent tips and ideas in here and I love a good Liz Lemon reference.

A fun concept for a book - guided activities, but not just guided activities for art-making, specifically. This book will make you think about who you are and what that means.

Let's Move The Needle is an interesting and helpful introductory guide for new to the world of activism craftivists. Shannon guides those interested in craftivism through the steps of becoming an activist and how to grow and learn within that role, centering the role of activism within the craftivism movement.

Think of this like a beautifully presented introductory catalogue of activism and crafts (and hence, arts). It covers the author’s insights, and some good examples of the craftivism or activist crafting. As someone who already adored the embroidery meets activism, I enjoyed the examples from that. Some other examples were new to me. I am sure the print book is more enchanting due to the image resolution and how it feels.

I liked the title “turning your followers into friends”. Now, that was unexpected.

"Let's Move the Needle" by Shannon Downey is a comprehensive exploration of activism spanning 264 pages. While I initially approached this book with limited knowledge about the author, Shannon Downey's expertise shines through, although I found some sections to be more tailored to an American audience. However, regardless of geographical location, this book is a valuable resource, offering information and insights.

One of the most unique and compelling aspects of "Let's Move the Needle" is its seamless integration of craft and activism. Downey skillfully demonstrates how craft can be a powerful tool for drawing attention to various causes and groups. It's inspiring to witness the dedication and passion of individuals who utilize craft to advocate for change.

As an introductory guide, this book not only provides readers with a solid foundation in both craft and activism but also serves as a catalyst for further exploration and personal growth. While it may not delve deeply into every topic, it encourages readers to develop their own craftivism initiatives. Moreover, the activities and challenges presented in the book offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth, helping readers better understand themselves and their role as activists.

Overall, "Let's Move the Needle" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of craft and activism. It is an accessible introduction to this dynamic field, inspiring readers to take action and make a difference in their communities. I am grateful to NetGalley and Story Publishing for providing me with an e-book copy of "Let's Move the Needle" in exchange for an honest review.

A fantastic resource for activists. Shannon Downey has impeccable credentials when it comes to activism (she was the artist behind Boys Will Be Held Accountable For Their Actions) and she's created a really detailed rundown of everything aspiring activists in the U.S. might need to know.

The craft side of things feels a bit forgotten. There's a super interesting early chapter about the history of craftivism and she does include crafty examples. But there are also some pretty big gaps (e.g. Downey runs cross stitch and embroidery workshops, but there's no information about how to start one yourself in the book). It left me wishing she'd written one book purely on activism, and another that completely focuses on crafters and artists.

I also made a Youtube video where I shared my thoughts in more detail.