The Exemplary 2026
A Swatch Embellished by Theresa Kundrot
Honorable Mention, Non-Professional Mixed Media

This project began with a knitted swatch in the entrelac pattern that had been pinned to my wall for some time. When I became interested in combining my knitted work with my embroidery, I chose one of my favorite knitted swatches to work with. I pulled it down and began experimenting with feather stitches for a crazy quilt look. Instead of a crazy quilt, though, I kept seeing a garden trellis in the interlocking squares. I began adding embroidered floral elements and experimented with different techniques, such as varying the number of floss threads used (given the thick knitted stitches underneath), and adding padded work. Bright colors that “popped” were used to contrast with the muted colors of the knitted background.

To stabilize the knitted fabric and the added embroidery, the piece is backed with muslin. A crocheted “frame” of embroidery floss was added, which was also embellished. Basic stitches used included chain stitches, French knots, straight stitches, and the pistil stitch. Padding was added by using felt in single and double layers under some design elements to add dimensional interest. Some of the white felt was dyed with watercolor to match the floss. The yarn used is cotton and cotton/soy. Silk, cotton, and linen flosses were used. The work is placed on a background of linen fabric. Besides being creatively fun, this project was an exercise in design and color; practicing the balancing of textures, planning a focal point, making decisions to increase visual impact, and working with color values, intensity, and proportions.