Having spent years in the commercial embroidery industry, Daniel Crawford wanted to make something other than logos. However, the expressive fashion dates back to his youth. Growing up, his mother would make their clothes using patterned fabric (several were space themed), and creating outfits complete with a matching hat (and sometimes puffy paint). Years later, Daniel began embroidering and adding flair to apparel, giving new life to old clothes.
While studying sculpture at VCU, Daniel merged his love of textiles with resins. He was making neon antler sculptures in 2007 and started selling them a local markets as “The New Woodsman.” Circa 2012, he emptied his savings into his first industrial embroidery machine. As he revisited embroidery and textiles, it was time for a re-brand to encompass his studio’s multimedia aspects under one name, Crewel & Unusual.
Inspired by nature, history, pop-culture, and traditional methods, Daniel continues to make Crewel & Unusual weird. All of C&U’s embroideries, patches, and sculptures are made in Richmond, Virginia.
Crewel & Unusual also works with other artists, designers, makers, bands, breweries, and other businesses to bring their concepts to life in a tactile form.