Marjolein van der Heide

Embroiderer

©Jolanthe Lalkens

©Marjolein van der Heide

Alluring textiles

Marjolein's embroidery is inspired by Haute Couture exhibitions
Experimentation has resulted in innovative collaborations
She teaches the Lunéville technique

Marjolein van der Heide’s story started when she decided to become a tailor, having chosen a completely different career path as a creative therapist. Growing up, her mother was an inspiration, teaching her to work with textiles. During her studies in Paris, she had the opportunity to admire garments by Dior and Chanel, which sparked her imagination and a desire to create similar pieces. Her epiphany culminated in her mastering the Broderie d’Art technique using the Lunéville needle. “This is a special technique where the embroidery is produced by working from the underside where the material is stretched onto an embroidery frame.” Using flourishes such as beads and sequins, her textiles become works of art.

Interview

©Jolanthe Lalkens

©Marjolein van der Heide

What do you love most about your profession?: The materials I work with are so beautiful and unique that at times they command their own designs. Sometimes my work is extremely glamorous and at other times I work on modest pieces with exquisite details.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: When you master a traditional technique, it allows you to cross over into a different realm of creativity. Collaborating with other creative minds can inspire unlimited innovations, such as melting materials with a heat press and making new sequins or using copper threads for embroidery.
What are your specialisations?: Besides various stitches using the Lunéville needle, I also create three-dimensional effects with couching and filling techniques using a beading needle and working with decorative cords and bands. Furthermore, teaching these skills is one of my strengths.
How is your craft linked to your region?: There is more of a European link than a national link. Though fashion designers are showing increased interest in applying various techniques here in the Netherlands. Hopefully, I can play a role in spreading the knowledge and appreciation for this craft.

Marjolein van der Heide is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2015