Crewel Intentions

Whenever I'm decorating for a client, a magazine, or even for myself, I love blending traditional and modern elements in unexpected ways. Take the crewelwork story I did at Martha back in November 2007. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, crewelwork is an embroidery technique done with wool thread on a closely woven ground fabric, like linen or cotton. Vine, tree, and flower patterns predominate. Now if the thought of crewel is so dated and dusty, it makes you want to sneeze, think again! As a decorating editor at Martha, I was always out and about at fabric houses in the city to preview new designs for future stories. It was fall 2007, and crewel, it seemed, was making a comeback! So we thought—why not do a story using crewel and other traditional embroidery patterns, but updated with a fresh, more modern feel? For the first scenario, we shot a bright-on-dark crewel pattern in my friend (and fellow blogger) Abby Jenkins Boal's quaint cottage in Connecticut. Thank you to Eric Piasecki for his great photography on this story!

The modern, clean-lined sofa was Abby's, so to mix things up a bit—and to save money in producing the story—I had a new slipcover made for the seat cushion and pillows for the back, each of which framed a central element in the textile. They may be different, but conceptually, I think they work well together. 

Apparently, so did Pottery Barn. Flipping through a recent catalog, I couldn't help but experience a bit of déjà vu when I saw this pretty pillow.

The crewel pattern is different with a ground color that's light, fresh, and far more mass—the black I used was for a fall issue—but the likeness I think is uncanny and the timing (two years out) impeccable. I love what we did for this story at Martha, but what I love even more is that beautiful crewelwork is now available to everyone! This scenario, a set I designed and my old colleague, the talented Thomas Eberharter, built, was definitely my favorite.

From the look of it, you'd think it was the most luxe loft in Soho, thanks to Tom! For a contemporary sectional sofa, I had pillows made from a traditional crewel textile but in a modern, boxlike shape. The ottoman we borrowed from Baker, then had an elastic slipcover made from a leafy pattern in wool with a decorative trim. Here's a close-up of the Stark geometric chain stitch on one of the custom pillows.

And here's a swatch detail of another pretty crewelwork pattern from Pottery Barn.

 

At Martha, we loved how serene and fresh the green looked in the living room so much, we wanted to carry it over to the bedroom as well. This upholstered headboard I had made from a whimsical paisley duvet cover, then available from Traditions by Pamela Kline. If you like the look of this bed...

...there's always this one too.

And finally, for a luxurious crewelwork curtain in the bathroom, I railroaded (oriented horizontally) a classic floral textile, then added linen borders at the top and bottom. Traditionally, crewelwork was finished front and back, so it's ideal for curtains, especially sheers. For the Martha shoot, I wanted to do a shower curtain that gave some privacy but that was still light and airy.

It seems PB liked the idea too. Here's a delightful drape from their current collection.

It's a crewel world out there, kids, but a pretty one at that!

Comments

[Sunil Eamani]

Crewel Lovers In U.S. and worldwide, checkout WWW.CrewelFabricWorld.com and see if you find a match for your Crewel Intentions. I fell in Love with Crewel like all of you and went into manufacturing and distributing. I hope you like it.

[Zia]

Zia enterprises is a best source of Crewelwork Fabrics

[hanako66]

It is such a pretty detail. I love the first room best, but they all are lovely! I am going to check out that pillow on Pottery Barn's site...it would look lovely on a chair in my office!

[sophie]

Am I to understand that Pottery Barn has copied your genius- you are kidding...really?

[M]

Eddie, your fresh take on crewel inspired then, and inspires now. I remember that issue of MSL so well--it really jumped out at me with possibilities for my apartment. Love the colours! The shower curtain was a revelation.

New Englanders can relate to this love of crewel work, I suppose. I have left New England (though I wish to return--know a cute cottage I could rent?)--yet crewel curtains may be my next project. They are fresh always, but so warm in the winter with a wool throw on the reading chair.

[LIMOM]

That couch in the first picture is MAG-FLIPPING-NIFICENT!!!!!!

[cj]

I had a friend whose mother did crewel seats for all the dining chairs. They were beautiful. She did a different one for each chair so it wouldn't be boring! However, lets not bring back macrame.

[Sanity Fair]

I really like the look of cushions and pillows in the dark fabric, and frame in the light - keeps the crewel from being too overwhelming. It's a great style!

[Ralphie]

Hi Eddie
Your pattern and color combinations are beautiful. Very unique! Whatever your inspiration or simply that it sprang out of your own genius, the creations are striking. Excellent work!

Thanks Eddie,
Ciao

[jewel]

that black bit... that is not your everyday crewel!!! it is just beautiful...

[abby jenkins boal]

Eddie, of course they copied it. That spread was like butter! Delicious!

[tona]

It sounds a bit like you are taking an awful lot of credit for Pottery Barn's latest "trend".

[Decorpad]

The upholstered headboard is a favorite piece!

[Shandell's]

I was so lucky last year a vintage textile friend of mine gave me 25 yards of vintage crewel. I had them made into wonderful curtain that hang in my new dinning room.

[Hans L]

The product development cycle at Pottery Barn is NOT two years. From concept to in-store, they run on a 42 week development calendar (except for furiture which is closer to 52.)

[Julia]

Love the pun, Eddie. Good work :)

[Unsure]

I don't understand your statement about Pottery Barn. If you were inspired by new fabrics being shown in New York, isn't it far more likely that Pottery Barn was also inspired by the new fabrics rather than your shower curtain?

[Jennifer]

love crewel, and remember loving that story. it's so fun to learn that you were the brains behind it (and so many of my other favorites!).

[pve]

....so crewel to be kind! I love it. As always - Eddie - you have a way with things and giving life and beauty to them.
pve

[jill]

Gorgeuus... I've always been a fan of this type of fabric. Back in the day when I made handbags, I found this delightful fabric...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/justjill/205305536/in/set-72157594177381535/

just thought I'd share it with you!! Thanks for being YOU!!

[Renovation Therapy]

I've been thinking about reupholstering my headboard with an old crewel bedspread. Thanks for the kick in the pants!

[LindsB]

I love crewel! That black and yellow sofa that you did at Abby's place is beautiful, it looks amazing!!

[Tricia - Avolli]

I hadn't noticed that crewel was coming back. I'll pay more attention now!

Tricia - Avolli

[brand-eye]

oooh. i remember that article, i loved it.

[Rhoda @ southern Hospitality]

Love crewel work & glad to see it coming back around. It's a classic look and so pretty.

[Lucien]

I agree, using crewel on the black so updates it! Another great idea!

[lauren in the tundra (although recently some springish weather)]

Recently, I've been a bit disappointed with the Pottery Barn...but I saw that pillow recently and was instantly drawn to it. I had no idea it had a proper name. Fabi. You seem to be quite happy in your new abode and I'm happy for you and your handsome man. Keep the great post comin!

[Linderho]

I love crewel and do remember that segment of MSL -- and saved that particular article. I've always LOVED crewel wing chairs -- alas, I don't have one but I still covet!

[Judy]

I love crewel. It's aways been one of my favorite things especially in a bedroom. I'm so glad it is still around.

[Kwana]

Seems Pottery is betting big on crewel. I love the headboard and shower curtain. Great post.

[Thea]

I absolutely love it especially in the bedroom. The best thing is it can be changed to different patterns depending on the season and on your mood :-)

[Carla Fox]

Love the black crewel sofa cushions! I have a vintage coat (from a thrift store, of course!) that is very similar. I love it!

[Nouveau Stitch]

Thanks for jogging my creative juices! I can "crewel" although it's probably been since the seventies since I've picked up a crewel needle ~ when rusts, browns and golds were all the rage. I feel a new project coming on and I'm loving lime. Thanks for the inspiration!

Ellen

[Cailean]

I hope you got credit in their catalog! :)

[.amanda.]

Mmm, the shower curtain is divine!

[Kathi]

I have a collection of crewel work pillows and some that are framed. I've collected them over the years and love them! I would NEVER have the patience or skill to actually make one myself. I do appreciate the beautiful colors and intricate details!
My search is on for a vintage crewel bedspread! Wish me luck! Another great post Eddie and Co.!

[Charla]

Eddie,
Just fan-tas-tic! I loved crewel in the 70's and I love it again. As always, thank you for a great story.

[An Aesthete's Lament]

Crewel is an amazing material/technique. Thanks for reminding me of that!

[Rowena]

I loved that story!! I remember staring at the pages, especially the ottoman.

[Karen]

I have always wanted a crewel bedspread with pillows in a fresh bright look!

[Visual Vamp]

Leave it to you to make something old and classic new and fresh again!
I miss you too!
I'll be scouting the French Quartet for you next weekend. Put it off until after FQ Fest and Jazz Fest.
xo xo

[The Undomesticated Wife]

I love crewel work, especially the vintage stuff (that seems to be hard to find around these parts). That headboard is just gorgeous.

[Blushing Hostess]

I do love crewel work. I would love to be able to do it myself but even if I could I would be in the rest home before I could use it to decorate... lovely photos and ideas, Eddie!

[Christine]

What a great post! I love your insights on the Martha photo shoot, and how Pottery Barn has brought the same look to the masses. The whole process is very interesting to me, and I am so happy that you are the one setting the trends! I love and trust your taste. Thanks for such a great post!

[Kristen@PajamaMama]

thanks for the education...i'd never heard the term before! i especially like the ones that look so simple from afar, but have so much detail with a close look.

[heidikins]

You're so famous. :o)

Love your ideas and style!!

xox

[JJ]

That is still one of my all time favorite spreads in MSL. I love the modern take on crewel and fresh ideas! Some of my favorite childhood homes in Bel Air were filled with gorgeous crewel, which is where the nostalgic love comes from!

[stacy di]

my grandma taught me to do crewel embroidery when I was a girl...I taught my daughter too...I love all of your crewel finds!

[Sarah's Fab Day]

I have always loved crewel. I really love it on the black, such a great update!