Complete Embellishing: Kayte Terry Shares Inspiration, Embroidery and More

missbatch

Story by missbatch

Published on Aug 22, 2008 in Read

Photo by Kayte Terry, aka loveforever

Multi-faceted designer, blogger, and now, author Kayte Terry gives us a look inside her very first book, Complete Embellishing. Feeling crafty? Kayte’s kindly shared a download with full project instructions for your very own ribbon-embroidered tunic. 

Please introduce yourself and talk a bit about your book.

My name is Kayte Terry and I am a stylist/writer/crafty lady from Brooklyn, NY. Complete Embellishing is my first book and covers all sorts of embellishment techniques—from appliqué and needlefelting, to printing and dyeing fabric.
 
You cover so many different techniques in the book, what
do you hope people will come away with?
I really wanted to show people that it’s not that hard to turn ordinary clothing and home decor into something really extraordinary and they don’t have to sacrifice fashion or style.
 
Also, I think the modern crafter is more experimental: she doesn’t just think of herself as a knitter or a sewer. Crafting is more of a way of life. The book is split into Techniques and Projects because I really wanted to encourage people to experiment and mix and match techniques, not just follow my patterns exactly.
 
Would you say your experience as a visual merchandiser and photo stylist effected your approach to the book and if so, how?
Oh, definitely. I worked as a Visual Manager at Anthropologie for many years, and it was such a creative environment: we were always dreaming up new displays and learning new craft techniques. I learned to switch gears very quickly and be an omni-crafter. One day, we would be making giant fruit out of fabric, the next day we would be making trees out of books and we would all just roll with it.
Also, when you are a stylist or a merchandiser, you really have to look at the big picture, so I thought a lot about the overall aesthetic of the book when I was making the projects. I wanted everything to make sense together, but still offer projects that appealed to lots of different people. I hope people can see that in the book.
 
Can you talk a little bit about where you find inspiration and your creative process?
I would say I am just constantly looking for inspiration. I carry a digital camera and a sketchbook with me all the time. I do a lot of people-watching and daydreaming. When I need to think, I take long walks and think and plan and sketch in my head. I read a million magazines and books: I love Japanese craft books, Selvedge magazine and Elle Decoration UK especially.

I love craft blogs too, but I am actually trying to curb the habit a bit. I found that I spent hours reading about craft and not so much time making things. As much as I love getting inspiration from the outside world, sometimes you just need to turn everything off and focus on your own creative process.

 
You seem to have a hand in so many different aspects of craft and creativity; how did that develop, and how do they all play off each other?

I have been making things my whole life. When I was growing up, I had a different career dream every other week, and I would get totally obsessed with something, read all about it, get a bunch of tools, then move on. I decorated cakes, painted silk and drew fashion illustrations. Honestly, I thought this was a major character flaw and that eventually I would have to settle on one thing, but actually, I think my short attention span has worked in my favor!

When I stopped working full time at Anthropologie, I thought I was going to sit at my sewing machine and make things to sell all day long. I quickly realized that I just couldn’t do that: I hate making multiples of things and I never would have made any money with one of a kind crafts.

That’s when I got the opportunity to work at Adorn* magazine as the stylist, and the experience was just awesome. In addition to styling, I started making a few projects an issue and writing for the blog. I am at my happiest juggling a few different tasks at a time and wearing a few hats at once. What I really love is craft: it doesn’t matter if I’m writing about it, styling a craft magazine or sewing a dress, I’m just happy to do it and so thankful that this is my job.
 
*Full disclosure: I was very lucky to witness Kayte’s creativity first-hand, having worked together on Adorn magazine.
 
 
 
What’s next for you?
Well, I have another book in the works that will be out next year. I am also working with the new and fabulous Craft Stylish magazine. I have quite a few projects in the upcoming Holiday Makeover Ideas issue and styled the whole issue too!

I’m also a member of the Etsy {New New} team and we’ve been planning a few of our own craft fairs: the Handmade Cavalcade on September 13th in Beacon, NY and a big holiday event too!

I am also hoping to carve out a little time for myself! I have quite a few sewing projects I want to work on and some new things I want to try. My latest obsession is making hair accessories and I’d like to get a few of them up in my own Etsy shop, loveforever.

 
Anything else you want to share?
I just hope, more than anything, that people are really inspired by this book! For updates on the book and everything else I’m doing, visit my blog, thisisloveforever.com/blog.
 

-Thanks, Kayte! Click here to download project instructions for the Ribbon Rose Tunic pictured above, designed by Kayte for her book, Complete Embellshing, from Creative Homeowner publishing.

 
 For more with Kayte, check out the Storque articles she’s reported, including a trend story on Scandinavian design and this post from the front lines of Brooklyn fashion.

Fashion photos care of Creative Homeowner publishing; button collage, care of Kayte Terry.

Discuss: 44 comments

Related Items

44 comments

Sign in to add your own