Madeleine Kemsley
Today, we are chatting with Madeleine Kemsley, textile artist and illustrator with whom we’ve collaborated and who designed the embroidery on our latest vest.
Inspired by the folk traditions, Madeleine brings a very unique vision to her designs, blending nature, craftsmanship, and modern techniques. Her creations are a reflection of mindful art and the power of feminine expression.
In this interview, she tells us about her journey in the world of art, her creative process, and how she has managed to combine her passion for embroidery with sustainability.
PERSONAL STORY AND MOTIVATION
Hi Madeleine! Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in textile art and illustration.
What motivated you to start your own business after studying illustration?
To be honest, it took me a little while to figure out what I really wanted to do after finishing university. After graduating, I moved to Australia for a while, where I worked on a lemon farm. When I returned to the UK, I took on various hospitality jobs that kept me so busy, I couldn’t dedicate time to any creative endeavours. Then, when the pandemic hit, everything changed. The forced slowdown gave me the time and space to reflect on what I wanted, which was to get back into creating.
I knew starting my own business wouldn’t be easy, especially with no savings, but I was determined to carve out a space for myself. I didn’t want to be tied to working for someone else forever. That’s partly the reason I chose to live in my caravan—it allowed me to drastically reduce my living expenses and focus on building my business without the immediate pressure of needing to earn a lot of money. It was about creating the freedom to focus on my passion first, and the rest started to fall into place from there.
INSPIRATION AND CREATIVE PROCESS
Your work focuses on sustainability and folk art. How do you incorporate these aspects into your creations?
Folk art has always been a huge inspiration for me, especially in my embroidery work. The symmetry, simplicity, and timelessness of folk imagery translate beautifully into stitch work.
When it comes to sustainability, I make a conscious effort to use preloved or vintage clothing as the canvas for my embroideries. I enjoy the creative process of transforming an existing garment, and it feels more sustainable to breathe new life into something rather than creating from scratch. Additionally, I love sourcing fabric offcuts from other small businesses and incorporating them into my designs. It’s my way of minimising textile waste and creating pieces that have their own unique stories.
What is your creative process like? How do you choose and apply colours in your pieces?
My creative process is quite spontaneous. While I carefully select the garments I want to work on, once I’ve made that choice, I tend to dive right in. I usually draw my designs directly onto the fabric and begin embroidering with very little planning. There’s a freedom in that impulsiveness, though the embroidery itself is slow and meditative, which helps balance things out.
Choosing colours is hands-down my favourite part. I can spend hours at a haberdashery picking out the perfect shades and combinations of thread. I’m also always on the lookout for colour inspiration—if I spot an interesting combination during a walk, I’ll take a photo and save it for later. Cornwall’s natural beauty provides endless inspiration, with its ever-changing skies and landscapes.
CONNECTION TO FASHION
When it comes to fashion, how do you engage with this discipline? And what are your must-have pieces or those that define your personal style?
Yes, one piece that stands out as especially significant is a hand-embroidered wall hanging I made for my partner’s birthday a few years ago. It featured two horses. He was working with horses at the time and has always had an affinity with them. That project marked a turning point for me, both personally and professionally. It was one of the first pieces that gained traction on Instagram, and I feel like that was when my business really began to take off. It’s a sentimental piece and holds lots of good memories.
I think fashion is a really important way that we share our individualism with the world and let others know who we are. I engage with fashion in a way that aligns with my values—I prefer slow fashion, garments that tell a story, and pieces that feel like they have sentimental value. My wardrobe is filled with vintage items that I’ve collected over the years.
Must-haves for me would be simple, well-made basics that I can layer or style with one of my embroidered pieces. I love anything that allows me to move freely and feel comfortable while still looking unique. That said, practicality often wins out since I cycle to my studio and Cornwall’s weather can be less than forgiving. On a typical weekday, you’ll likely find me in my functional (yet ugly) raincoat, looking a bit disheveled!
Is there a particular piece or project that you consider especially significant in your career? Why?
CORNWALL
How does your environment in Cornwall inspire you, and how does it influence your work?
FUTURE PROJECTS
What future projects do you have in mind, and what can we expect from you in the near future?
I’ve got several exciting projects in the works, but they have relatively long lead times, and unfortunately, I can’t reveal too much just yet! However, you can definitely expect more hand-stitched pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and playfulness. I’m always exploring new ways to weave storytelling into my work, and there will be a continued focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for some surprises in the new year!
