Owen Kelly
Shares stories and traditional influences behind his distinctive and colourful 'flow stitching' hand embroidery. We hear about the memory skirt, the adventures of Seamus O'Comanssy, and the hand stitched 'quilt'. Intrigued? Read on, and also Listen!
In this episode, host Susan Weeks sits down with Owen Kelly, a fifth-generation stitcher with over 50 years of experience. Working from his remote home on the SW coast of Ireland, and inspired by the natural beauty of the wild Atlantic coast, Owen shares his colourful creative journey—from traditional family techniques to his innovative “flow stitching” and narrative-inspired projects.
Known for his playful globe-trotting character Seamus O'Comanssy, and his ever-evolving quilt project, Owen reveals how he blends art, storytelling, and textile heritage to create pieces that are as personal as they are visually striking.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE A GALLERY OF OWEN'S ART RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
AND LOADS OF IMAGES OF SEAMUS WHEN HE CAME TO VISIT HORNSEA, EAST YORKSHIRE!
Owen & Susan chat about:
Family Heritage: Owen’s lifelong connection to stitching, passed down through generations.
Remote Creativity: How life on SW Ireland's wild Atlantic coast and the surrounding natural world shape his work.
Flow Stitching: His distinctive, freeform stitching style that tells a narrative as it evolves.
Seamus O'Comanssy – The Creative Proxy: The story behind his character Seamus and how it bridges his passion for travel and art, sharing creativity and interesting insights into other people's creative lives.
Quilt Project: Insights into his ongoing quilt project assembled from recycled, stitched squares.
Commissioned Works: How Owen tailors designs—using personal motifs, astrological signs, and indigenous symbols—for bespoke commissions.
Digital Storytelling: His use of social media (Facebook and Instagram) to share his creative process and connect with fellow textile enthusiasts.
Narrative & Folklore: Drawing on Irish oral traditions and global folk tales to imbue his work with hidden meanings.
Ambassadorship: His role as an ambassador for “World Peace One World, One People, One Stitch at a Time.”
Challenges & Inspiration: Balancing multiple projects while embracing the spontaneity of creative expression.
Some links & further info:
Follow Owen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owen.kelly.75
Follow Owen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Slavetothestitch
Follow Seamus O'Comanssy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555416757284
World Peace, One World, One People, One Stitch at a time (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/968783837184739/
About Stitchery Courses!
VISIT Stitchery Courses a brilliant new place to find expert teachers, helpful info & fun courses to learn stitching, making & crafting with thread, fabric & yarn
https://www.stitcherycourses.com
GET LISTED on Stitchery Courses if you teach you art, craft, skills with thread, fabric & yarn and tap into this unique place to regularly market your classes and courses and get a steady stream of eager new ‘eyes’ onto your business!
DON’T MISS OUT! https://www.stitcherycourses.com/join
Support Stitchery Stories:
Please share the podcast with friends and leave a review to help others discover the show.
Buy Me A Coffee
If you love Stitchery Stories, how about you 'buy me a coffee' and make a donation to help the show keep going?
https://buymeacoffee.com/sueweekspodcast
Are We Connected On Socials?
Why not pop over to your fave social media places, connect and say Hello!
I always LOVE to see what you are stitching and sharing!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stitcherystories
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanWeeksYoutube
