Letter: Pens and needles

LYNN BARBER's piece 'Why tatting gives me the needle', (18 July) reflects badly on her, not on the 'good ladies' and 'dummies' who enjoy quilting.

Patchwork and quilting attract women from different backgrounds and careers, and of all ages. They are a source of gentle pleasure, and, if done in company, of fun and conversation, like any leisure activity.

Professionally, I live by the pen. To suggest that it is somehow unsuitable to lift the needle in my spare time is absurd. Dare I add, I also make jam.

If Lynn Barber retracts, she can have a jar.

Kathleen Perkins

South Devon