Rising Stars: Meet Kat Luzny

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Luzny.

Hi Kat, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started during the pandemic when I was furloughed from bartending and photography Like many others it was a difficult time staying home and trying to preoccupy one’s self. Started off by breaking in my sewing machine making masks for friends and the community. Took the time to learn and expand my knowledge of sewing and seamstress work. Eventually, embroidery made me curious, so I bought a small beginners kit online to play with. Of course my projects weren’t perfect at first, but slowly I became obsessed with the history, techniques, and soothing therapeutic quality of it. This was the beginning of what was yet to come.

Growing more into embroidery as time went on taking on small projects for friends and family. Enjoyed creating the texture and incorporating bead work to make pieces more dynamic. The movement and repetition put me in a good head space to feel calm and lower anxiety. With handwork embroidery it’s a beautiful and delicate process that can take time. There was a sense of hunger for more than just hand work I wanted to explore other options of making embroidery by machine. Doing the research the computerized embroidery machines are excellent, but I craved something still hands on. That’s when the hand crank chainstitch machine came into view.

After a few months of finding the right machine for the right price I invested in one for myself. Once it arrived from overseas I was giddy to get it operating, but there was that feeling of anxiety again. Stared at the machine for about two months trying to study it, watch YouTube videos, and reach out to fellow chainstitchers for help. The momentum was there just needed a little push to get started. Started with my hand crank machine back in 2024 and haven’t looked back. Not only did I invest in a machine but importantly I invested in myself to make this not only a hobby, but a career.

Fast forward to today I can proudly say I am carving my path in this. Learned how to make patches, upcycle clothing, and put my sewing skills to work making banners. Integrated a lot of my seamstress knowledge into this process as well. The reworking of existing clothing and making it more personal is a work of art. Personally, I like to thrift a lot of denim jackets and materials to make one of a kind pieces. One, it helps save the planet and two its like a tattoo for your clothes! There is also the enjoyment of doing live pop-ups for clients and providing a custom designs right on the spot. Love it when people get to watch me work and be curious. It’s silly but to me this is one of the coolest machines my hands have ever touched. In a world that’s being filled with AI this is more personal and a form of resistance. Making art is the most wonderful human connection we can have.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has been a life altering experience.

At first I was underestimating myself and intimidated by the machine once it arrived. I stared at it for weeks reading the manual, watching videos to learn the ins and outs of this new endeavor. Reached out to fellow chainstitchers in different states for guidance, and what a welcoming community! Started to feel more confident about handling and maintenance.

It’s all about practice makes perfect. Every day was a new project with its challenges and learning from mistakes. The funniest moment translating cursive through the machine, because it felt like learning cursive back in grade school. There was the consistent “fill” stitching where creating looped circles over lapping each other to make a solid pattern. This took a lot of time and had to be just right for it to look right.

There was the lesson of what types of fabric are best suited for the machine too. Anything with stretch was out of the question. Denim, cotton and wool provide better stability for the designs.

The biggest hurdle was starting to invest in live stitching events, and it was not easy. The loading and unloading could be a struggle but the biggest worry was handling guest and stitching at the same time. Had to bite the bullet and go for it even thought I didn’t feel confident the work wasn’t completely “outstanding”. That’s okay to feel the anxiety and work through it, and eventually it felt natural. In the future I am looking forward to traveling more to do live pop ups. Think it’s probably one of the coolest things you can add to existing garments.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Specialize in hand crank chainstitch embroidery and seamstress work. Creating banner designs for businesses, customizing jackets (and hopefully suits!), to smaller projects like patches and home decor. Known for my quirky American Traditional style, but can adapt to others visions and styles too. It’s taken some time but I am completely self taught and with some guidance from a few in the community. Proud of overcoming a huge learning curving and embracing the unknown with a chainstitch machine. There are a good few of us chainstitchers out there with their own style and techniques and I applaud all of them for their constant dedication. The only thing that sets me apart is I am still learning and growing in this industry.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My friends and community here in Athens, Georgia have been the biggest support. Without them I would not be able to showcase my skills and artwork around town. Wonderful friends of mine, Esther and Dianne, have helped me get into markets and made it a comfortable experience. Huge shout out goes to my dearest friend, Karinna, who always had my best interest and has cheered me on for years. Even when I have to craziest idea she said go for it, do it! If it weren’t for all of the I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_motherofstitches_