This Monday, we are introducing maker Allison Kettlewell – a seasoned textile designer whose daily projects and products are inspired by unique treasures she’s cultivated over the years. What’s special about Allison is that she doesn’t take herself too seriously; showing organic skill through the different textures and styles that she homes. Her empathy for life itself is reflected in the way she carries herself, and the collections she crafts. Get to know Allison Kettlewell and her work in this week’s Maker Monday!
Pictured: the soft pink color palette that went into the making of these cottons, along with threaded rough drafts and further inspiration.
Andrew Joseph: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Allison Kettlewell: My textiles are heavily influenced by the treasures that I have found in junk shops, auctions, flea markets, Indian markets, vintage Japanese sari shops, souks in Morocco, etc. etc etc. I love handmade products and work hard to produce designs in a way that makes them relate back to their original form. Always trying to represent the beauty in imperfection. Indigo is always a must, alongside some faded charcoals, deep greens, pigmented reds, and sun-baked neutrals. Bring on the layers of texture, embroidery over a tie-dye warp, the subtle overlapping of hand-blocked prints, watery woven warp prints, fringed plaid, and playful patched stripes.
AJ: If you could guest star on any TV show -on or off air- what show would you guest star in?
AK: I would go back in time a bit and guest star on Arrested Development so I could do the chicken dance with Will Arnett and Jason Bateman. Those of you who know know. Those of you who don’t should definitely watch Arrested Development.
These neutral overlapping patterns show just how vibrant muted colors can be.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
AK: My design pet peeve is people who take things too seriously or adhere to too many rules. A space or product should reflect who they are and none of us are the same, right? No rules. Use what you love and mix it up.
AJ: What was your first job?
AK: My first paid job was planting carrots at a family friend’s farm. I think that was when I realized I was destined to live in a big city. I also worked in the yogurt industry quite a bit in my teens. The worst job was writing parking tickets on the university campus in my hometown. I would hide behind trees and fences while writing them and then run out, put them on the windshield and RUN like the wind. I had to quit because I felt too bad. I couldn’t hack it.
Though differing completely, the greens of these patterns seem to make the perfect match.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
AK: Soooo many dream projects! My immediate dream is to expand my business to offer wallcovering, outdoor textiles, tabletop, bedding and all kinds of finished product. I have so many ideas and feel like there is never enough time. I keep having to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race and take things day by day. And to buy a lottery ticket.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
AK: I am a huge pet person! I currently have two cats because that’s best for our lifestyle right now. My family always had pets growing up -horses, bunnies, cats, dogs. At one point my dad even brought my mom a monkey as a gift. When I was little I tried to keep some worms as pets but they didn’t really thrive. If it were up to me I’d bring home every animal that needed me. Hopefully, someday I will have the space to adopt more.
About The Maker | Allison Kettlewell is a NYC textile designer with 20+ years experience creating high-end home textiles. Born and raised in rural Ohio, Allison works hard to balance her love for both city and country living, a passion reflected in both her work and lifestyle.
Her appreciation of nature, artisanal crafts and antique textiles informs her personal aesthetic, as does her love of travel and music. Most of Allison’s design inspiration comes from special items collected during her travels around the world. In 2017, this passion turned into the unique Kettlewell Collection of home textiles, sold to architects and interior designers across the globe.
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