We chat to stitching author Katherine Kennedy about her new book, plus the joys of Swedish weaving and what makes it so special
Interview byJulian Odessa
A chance discovery at an estate sale put Katherine Kennedy on the road to Swedish Weaving stardom! She sat down with us to discuss the little-known stitching technique that she’s determined to revive!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! First things first – what is Swedish Weaving?
Swedish Weaving, which is also called huck embroidery, is a type of surface darning embroidery that creates designs by weaving floss or yarn under raised floats on woven fabric, most commonly huck towelling (hence, its other name).
It was popular in the Thirties and Forties as an inexpensive way to decorate towels. I found a lot of information in books of that era by Mildred Krieg, who I consider to be my ‘mentor’.
Given that the art form isn’t well-known, when did you first discover it, and what interested you about it?
I first discovered it on a towel at an estate sale. I’d never seen anything like it and loved the look of it! I did some research but could find very little on the subject, though I did find a couple of pattern books for making afghans. I was more interested in towel patterns so, after analysing the estate towel, I created my own. I was so taken with it that, within six months, I had a contract for my first book, Easy Does It, Swedish Weave Towels, published by Leisure Arts. I think I was most intrigued by it because I had never seen anything like it – I love its simplicity and the ease of creating stunning designs.
Do you enjoy the historical aspect of it as well, or is it primarily the art itself that really grabs you?
I do enjoy the historical aspect. When I find examples of this needlework, it’s often at an antique shop or estate sale. I love the vintage ‘feel’ of my designs, even though they are present-day creations; I like to say they are traditional with a contemporary flair.
Congratulations on your latest book, Swedish Weaving Pattern Directory! It’s a beautiful resource with stunning patterns for beginners and advanced stitchers alike. What was the inspiration behind this book?
Over the years, I’ve created dozens of designs that never made it into my previous four books because they had a specific theme. So, most of those previously created designs ended up in this book! I was fortunate to be given free rein over what I created, with just a little guidance from my editors.
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