Needle's Song

On my journey as a woman, I've found solace and empowerment in the art of sewing—a traditional form of conversation for the female part of society. Like the delicate threads woven through the fabric, I have navigated the complexities of societal expectations, stitching together my narrative of freedom and resilience.

From the earliest whispers of childhood, I felt the weight of social boundaries pressing in on me, ceaselessly trying to bind the contours of my existence. Through the rhythmic motion of the needle advancing through a maze of thread, a flicker of defiance emerged—a silent rebellion against the constraints imposed upon me.

The shackles of traditional gender roles bore down heavily upon me, each stitch a reflection of the expectations of what a woman should be. But with the progress of each completed seam, I found a sense of agency and autonomy, a reminder that I held the power to shape my destiny and pass it on.

The pressure to conform to predetermined boxes of womanhood was relentless, yet the act of sewing became my sanctuary—a space where I could express myself freely without fear of judgment or censure. The warp and weft, and I became free…refusing to be silenced, defying convention to carve my path.

Breaking free from the confines of societal expectations is not easy—it requires determination, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But through the artistry of sewing, I found the strength to persevere and weave a tapestry of liberation and empowerment.

Today, I am filled with profound gratitude for the transformative power of sewing in my life. Through the time-honored tradition of threading a needle and guiding the fabric, I have found my voice and woven a new narrative. A song of resilience, strength, and freedom—a story that continues to unfold with each stitch, each conversation, and each moment of self-expression.

“Needle’s Song,” New York, Ongoing © Negin Mahzoun