Etsy's Handmade Blog
Complete Embellishing: Kayte Terry Shares Inspiration, Embroidery and More
Story by missbatch
Published on August 22, 2008 in Reviews 		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.

Tags authors, book, book review, craft, embellishing, embroidery, how-to, How-Tuesday, Kayte Terry, loveforever, Needlecraft, PDF, project, REVIEWS
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44 comments     Login to add your own!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4 p.m. Pantora

love!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. lanisvintage

what a talented lady.

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. lpdesigns

cool article! nice feature!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. Odannysgirl

Cool! I love a little extra embellishment.

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. Tamaralines

great article

Aug. 22, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. kimmchi

love it - and those projects looks so beautiful!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. EthelandIris

Kayte your book looks wonderful. I work in a book shop in the UK so I'll be sure to order and recommend it in store as soon as it's available. Good luck with the book. Lx

Aug. 22, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. wabisabibrooklyn

great interview! your career path is so inspiring, Kayte!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. myzoetrope

What a fun job! Great interview!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. littlepurls

oh my god! i love this article! such great stuff!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. saltandpaper

great interview!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ara133photography

I loved reading that interview, it's interesting to see how people get started in what they do! :)

Aug. 22, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. UglyBaby

must buy book now... right now...

Aug. 22, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. wallchic

nice reading, your book sounds interesting.like the article very much

Aug. 22, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. amysfunkyfibers

What Fun!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. simpledream2

Embellishments.....more then appliques, knitting, sewing, crocheting, buttons, zippers, it's all of this and more. I've enjoyed your interview and would love to get ahold of your book. I understand how easy it is to spend more time being inspired then creating, as I am now. You have also inspired me to cut back on my searching for ideas and get to my sewing room and work on the ones crowding my head.
Thanks,
Lisa

Aug. 22, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. Hende

great ideas all around

Aug. 23, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. blondiemom11

what a great story, you are very inspiring. thank you

Aug. 23, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. IndieMoon

Great article!!

Aug. 23, 2008 at 2:29 a.m. Yoola

inspiring indeed :)

Aug. 23, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. gingerlime

Wonderful! The book looks awesome...I want it! The whole energy of this feature is so inviting and warm, I want to embellish everything I own :-)

Aug. 23, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. RokuStationery

Very cool! The book looks very fun as well!

Aug. 23, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. BettyTurbo

yay kayte! i look forward to checking out your book!

Aug. 23, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. bubbletime

This looks great!

Aug. 23, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. BloodMilk

i need that slavic ring!
xo

Aug. 23, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. shopgoodgrace

oh my ... *great* article!!

Aug. 23, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. floresdelsur

Hi Kayte, your story about how you feel and act about crafting sounds really familiar to me... I do the same! Never spend too much time in one field...!

Are you a gemini...?

Aug. 23, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. heartvandana

love the article

Aug. 23, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. loveforever

thanks everyone!
hey floresdelsur-nope i'm a libra but we have very similar tendencies.

Aug. 23, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. nat1489

love love love!

Aug. 23, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. MyKangaroo

I am inspired already and I don't even have the book yet. Great article.

Aug. 23, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. nicolecarey

neat!

Aug. 24, 2008 at 2:46 a.m. IvyKat

Oh... I want that skirt.

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. atouchofvintage

oooh! i want to get this book.. very inspiring!

Aug. 24, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. QuiltsandQuotes

Very impressive!!!! Thanks for sharing - the book looks fun to read!!!!!

Aug. 24, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. PresenceofColor

can't wait to get my hands on the book!
congrats, Kayte!

Aug. 24, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. Alliecraft

I want to be Kayte Terry when I grow up!

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. mullishmuse

for realz alliecraft, i was going to take the night off, but i've got craft to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. RAINIES

I enjoyed reading this interview! I actually came across newnew the other day when looking for a team to join in the NYC metro area. :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. ClassiclyAmber

Fabulous article! Kayte Terry has mad skills.

Love the free download, too!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. chiccosas

Obssesssed with the books,the projects,the gorgeouse project photos and all the things its inspiring me to do with the fun techniques.LOVE Lurv Adoring!

Aug. 31, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. raghousenternational

Very insightful article!! Thanks.

Sept. 8, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. sweetpeapockets

so inspiring - just starting to focus on Etsy and am excited to get my crafts photographed and up.

Oct. 31, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. designline

Is there a shop in India where I can pick this book from ?
Can't wait to get a copy of it.

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