Kit Kemp & Elizabeth Ashdown collaboration

One of my passementerie napkin rings shown here holding one of Kit Kemp’s Italian linen Blanket Stitch napkins.

I am thrilled to share my collaboration with renowned interior designer and craft expert Kit Kemp. Known for her vibrant, imaginative approach to interiors, Kit's work celebrates craftsmanship and storytelling, making her an inspiring creative partner. Together, we have explored the intersection of traditional techniques and contemporary design, showcasing the beauty of bespoke craftsmanship through a limited edition collection of passementerie napkin rings.

A napkin ring being hand woven on my loom in my studio in London. Each napkin ring has been lovingly handmade from a combination of British wool, cotton and silk.

Kit and I were recently interviewed together for the Great British Talent feature in Country Homes & Interiors magazine at Kit’s Number Sixteen London Hotel. We had a wonderful time discussing craft, collaboration and my favourite subject - colour! During the interview we looked at the synergies between our work with textiles, including our love of hand crafted passementerie.

During our interview, I brought along a selection of my passementerie work, and it was then that Kit spotted one of my playful, brightly coloured samples. She immediately fell in love with its vibrant design and asked me to create a limited-edition collection of handmade napkin rings for Shop Kit Kemp, bringing this lively pattern to life in a new and exciting way.

Together, we have created napkin ring holders that beautifully balance artistry and functionality. Each piece showcases my meticulous craftsmanship while celebrating our shared love for playful and vibrant design.

Each napkin ring has been entirely handmade in my studio using traditional, heritage passementerie making techniques including cord spinning, weaving, Crete making, knotting and hand sewing. These detailed making methods not only highlight the intricate craftsmanship behind each piece but also ensure that every design carries a sense of uniqueness and timeless design, making them true treasures for the table.

The orange and pink British wool & silk cords were hand spun using traditional making methods in order to create unique and special materials to use within the woven napkin ring designs.

Silk bobbins in shades of hot pink, fuchsia and magenta loaded onto the creel in my studio, ready to transform into hand spun cords.

The yellow and pink warp threads being wound on to the back of my loom.

‘Elizabeth truly embodies the spirit of passementerie, drawing on a rich heritage while infusing her creations with modern flair. As one of only four passementerie makers in the UK, her workshop is a sanctuary of creativity, where vibrant yarns intertwine to bring her visions to life. Together, we aimed to create something truly unique: napkin rings that elevate the dining experience, inviting guests to appreciate the beauty of handmade design. These napkin rings are more than just table accessories; they are statements of individuality and creativity.’ Kit Kemp Design Studio