A yarn of success
Writer Rosemary McLeod has spoken about childhood influences and her love of needlework at a Waikato Museum exhibition opening.
Author and journalist Rosemary McLeod recounted memories of her New Zealand childhood at her exhibition launch With Bold Needle & Thread at Waikato Museum on Friday.
McLeod grew up in the small town of Masterton in the late 50s and said her upbringing played a huge part in her career as a writer.
that books are your best friend.” Photo: Manpreet Farrar
At the age of eight McLeod was sent to boarding school, and for her attending boarding school really did “encourage an independence of thought”, she said.
McLeod followed her parents’ footsteps, both keen readers, and developed a love for books at a young age.
“My mother always used to say to me that books are your best friend.”
McLeod is also an avid needle worker and textile creator.
Growing up she enjoyed collecting vintage pottery and art deco, but was predominantly drawn to textiles as she believed they resonated with her family life.
McLeod also spoke of her journalism career and how she landed a career writing for newspapers at a very young age.
“I didn’t do a journalism course or anything like that,” she said.
Her passion for books and writing paid off, as McLeod quickly made a name for herself.
In the mid 1970s she became a reporter for television, as well as having stints for The Dominion and Sunday Times.
McLeod decided to leave reporting in the late 70s.
“I liked papers, but they were full of lunatics,” she said.
McLeod believes her two hobbies intertwine and work well for her as a stress-relief from her job as a writer.
“To have another thing going on that was just a totally different groove was very good.”
Her new book With Needle and & Thread is also on display, where she covers her love of vintage craft, needle work and social history.
The With Bold Needle & Thread exhibition is on show at the Waikato Museum from 15 March until 15 June.
