Krystyna Świder

Needle and hook tell the Kurpie story

Embroidering and crocheting is her whole world, and the hook is her attribute. She carries it around with her wherever she goes, and crochets wherever she can. The intricate occupation is a part of the life of Krystyna Świder almost as much as breathing. She just can’t sit idle, i.e. not crocheting. Her face is very peaceful, which complements the activity perfectly. And it is one requiring ultimate patience: the miniature hook and thin thread flash in the capable fingers of Mrs. Świder, who conjures up delicate lace in no time.

However, this is not the only area in which she finds fulfilment. There is also embroidering, used for collars and wristbands of the Kurpie shirts. In the family home of Krystyna Świder was a loom, where straw mats and rugs were made for sale. It was a good start for creative work. For some time, Mrs. Świder worked with the Folk and Artistic Handicraft Cooperative Kurpianka, making napkins and aprons. She also started embroidering wall hangings according to old patterns. Nowadays, she sells the embroidered pictures to an online store in Warsaw, and demand is growing. She says that “embroidering is like an addiction; when you get into the swing of it, you can’t stop“. As becomes a good housekeeper, she also bakes great cakes – fafernuchy.

She also works closely with the cultural centres in the region, takes part in competitions, exhibitions and fairs of folk art. She exhibits her works annually, among others, during the Kurpie Wedding, Kurpie Sunday, or Kadzidło Sunday, and takes part in the project Disappearing Occupations.

She received numerous awards for her work. During her artistic career she was awarded the Medal of Merit for Cepelia and the the Merit for Polish Culture honorary badge of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. But most importantly, she is a person, for whom prizes are not the core of life, even though her products are very well worth it.