Discover a World of Blue and White

I have a fondness for blue-and-white textiles. I suspect many of us do, given how often this color combination appears across cultures, across time. This global fascination with blue and white forms the backbone of the stories gathered in this new issue.

Our contributors have traveled across the world, and indeed the centuries, to bring you the stories. Mimi Seyferth learns about a centuries-old indigo resist-dyeing tradition from its last two practitioners in Austria. Holly Dumont spins a tale of learning the skills and traditions of Japanese stitch and dyeing techniques as she creates a unique coat for her husband. As she learns, we learn, and it's fun to follow along.

A striking block-printed pillow from the Wagner blaudruk workshop in Austria, one of only two remaining in the country.

Erin Rodewald and Judith Copeland trace the evolution of crewelwork and blue outline embroidery in America, showing how blue traditions are carried forward, adapted, and reinterpreted across generations. Of course, there are fun companion projects inspired by Japanese traditions, feminist history, and nineteenth-century quilting.

Inspired by Alice Roosevelt, Rebecca Tolley and Deanna Hall West pay tribute to Alice's snake, Emily Spinach!

I hope you enjoy this extraordinary journey through the many worlds of blue and white. Get the Summer 2026 issue of PieceWork today!

Happy Stitching,
Karen