This week, the Hand & Lock design & production teams are looking back at some of their favorite embroidery developments for interiors, art installations & furniture designs.
For the past couple of years, H&L has developed a special relationship with furniture designer Kara Douwma of ‘Uncommon Ancestor’.
We spoke with Kara about the story behind her intelligent designs and her experience working with our team. Read more below to discover more about Uncommon Ancestor.
Uncommon Ancestor by Kara Douwma
Uncommon Ancestor creates finely crafted furniture with bespoke embroidery. Specialising in footstools and benches, each piece is designed with custom motifs that stitch a unique story into the canvas of the fabric.
Designed by Kara Douwma, the work weaves together Kara’s background in architecture and cultural analysis with a passion for textiles and historical iconography.
Each bespoke commission begins with a consultation and a set of images, hand drawn & painted by Kara. The chosen motifs are then translated into embroidery by our team at Hand & Lock, in our machine embroidery department.
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Digital Embroidery Manager Connie, and Digital Embroidery Designer Charlotte, work closely with Kara to carefully translate her drawings into intricately detailed machine embroidered files - where each stitch is meticulously considered to create a beautiful translation of Kara’s drawing in an embroidered form.
As the pieces are intended for interior spaces, our team makes thoughtful considerations on the most appropriate stitching techniques. These include classic tatami stitch with shortened stitch lengths for durability, paired with satin stitches to add depth, texture and variation.
Kara has a keen eye for colour and chooses a distinct palette for each series, which beautifully finishes each piece.
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A quote from Kara. "The motifs designs are inspired by my interest in our rich history of symbolism and iconography. How the Renaissance artists used pomegranates for rebirth, whilst Vanitas depicted candles for mortality. Rococo’s shells evoked romance whilst the Symbolists moved away from nature to embrace mythology. In contemporary art, many of my favourite works repurpose everyday objects. Just as symbols have long reflected artists’ beliefs and identity, my Story Stools aim to do the same for their owners."
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The embroidered seat pads sit on top of a solid walnut frame, combining comfort and practicality. Kara designed the tapered legs to highlight the strength of the natural material and lend the frame a refined, elegant silhouette.
A quote from Kara, "My first collection is called Haikuriosity. I’ve always loved a haiku, for me the seventeen syllables can capture entire worlds. Each of the Story Stools in the Haikuriosity collection is derived from a haiku, inviting the owner of the piece to dive deeper into the meaning behind the embroidered motifs The collection is made-to-order or the motifs can be used in a bespoke design." She continues, "But more than anything I love to create something new, so if you have a story to tell I’d love to hear it. ‘’
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We spoke with founder Kara further about her experience of working with H&L, and the future of Uncommon Ancestor.
What is currently your favourite design from the series?
"Good question! I love the plate of fish - it’s a memory of a trip to Croatia, and the mix of threads and appliqué fabric really makes it shimmer. I’m also drawn to the colours in Stonehenge. It’s hard to pick a favourite design from the collection. I have Garden Party by my fireplace, and I love how the light catches it in the afternoon."
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How have you found the process of working with H&L to translate your designs?
"The process has been really enjoyable. When I first came to Hand & Lock, Liss really helped me to explore different embroidery styles and understand the potential of the machines. Since then, I’ve been honing how we translate the designs with the talented Connie and Charlotte."
What is the future of an uncommon ancestor? Are you planning to expand into different types of furniture?
"For now my focus is on footstools and benches, for me the seat pad is my artist’s canvas. They also often sit centrally in a room, which is perfect for inviting conversation about the motifs. That said, I’m open to exploring new furniture types with clients."
We are so glad to have the opportunity to work with Klara on her incredible designs and can't wait to see where she takes Uncommon Ancestor next.
Author: Liss Cooke
