Maija Nygren: Knitted Textile Designer
Bernat Klein yarns designed for hand-knitting patterns by Margaret Klein
“One cannot but be inspired having had the visual feast of diving into the work of Bernat and Margaret Klein.”
Maija Nygren reflects on her experience in developing bespoke workshops for the Bernat Klein Foundation.
Researching the work of Bernat and Margaret Klein has led me in a personal journey of discovery, as well as pushing my creative practice.
Having time and creative space to explore the woven and knitted textiles by Bernat and Margaret Klein, gave me the opportunity to be inspired and visualise the scope of my own work. My knitted fabrics gained a new level of depth and detail, a richness of texture that was lacking. I now have a joyful journey filled with motivation to develop the fabrics I created during this process, into a collection of wearable knitted garments that are a play with colour, rhythm, conversation and even drama at times.
Every step of the research has a valued impact on the outcome; the textiles, yarns and pattern books, as well as knitting patterns. I was able to view, touch and examine at National Museums Scotland Archive and Heriot-Watt University Textile Archive, as well as Borders Textile Towerhouse. Each provided me with aesthetic and technical inspiration.
Of equal importance were the writings of Bernat Klein - ‘Design Matters’ (1976)‘Eye For Colour’ (1965) and ‘Bernat Klein; Textile Designer, Artist, Colourist’ (2005) - and in addition to the books I reviewed the invaluable material (interviews, garment stories) available through the Bernat Klein Foundation website. Together they provided me with a full and rounded picture of the legacy of Bernat and Margaret Klein, and the importance of their work that still holds relevance in Scotland and beyond.
