Iduna Foi

Ago & Filo Chic

Embroiderer

©Iduna Foi

Guardian of lyrical stitching

Iduna specialises in free hand machine embroidery of clothing and paintings
Through her needlework, she tells stories inspired by literature and art
Her pieces are inspired by nature and the landscapes of the Friuli region

Iduna Foi's passion for embroidery has been with her since she was six years old. Over time, she learned various embroidery techniques, both from her family and by teaching herself. Throughout her studies in literature and art, Iduna also took courses in pattern making and sewing. For 15 years, she worked as a CAD pattern maker, cutter and made-to-measure manager at a men's tailoring company, until she felt the need for a more creative practice. Embroidery once again became fundamental to Iduna's life, even if in a more modern and unusual way. “Inside every little dot there is an entire world, a unique angle and a new story to tell. I like to lose myself in works, in a contemplative way,” she says. Today, in her atelier Ago & Filo Chic, near Udine, Iduna creates clothing, accessories, paintings and installations that focus on personalised decoration.

Interview

©Iduna Foi

©Iduna Foi

What sources of inspiration fuel your creativity?: Creativity is fuelled by knowledge. I like the idea that my embroidery is inspired by concepts I picked up from literature. This way, the works convey a message, either stylistically and conceptually, and reference a work of art. Creativity is also fuelled by freedom, so I love working outside of established norms.
Does nature play a big role in your work?: Nature is important to me as it is part of my story. Each of my paintings features at least one tree or animal. I am inspired by and love embroidering the nature that surrounds me and the landscapes of Friuli, the region where I live.
Is there a special quality that distinguishes your pieces?: I feel best represented by freehand machine embroidery, a technique that grants me great freedom and one that I have interpreted on my own terms. The fabric becomes a canvas for painting and I can move beyond traditional patterns. I love creating plays of colour and texture to enhance how light passes through the pieces.
What advice would you give to an embroiderer starting out?: Always strive for the highest quality, never settle for less. Artistic craftsmanship is part of a precious niche that must be protected – only by nurturing this savoir-faire can a culture be kept alive. The greatest risk is the loss of skills from previous generations. The artisan is a cultural guardian.

Iduna Foi is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2015