If you had told me nine years ago that some rope and knots would completely change my life, I would have laughed in your face. No way. I wasn’t brave enough to be an artist. I wasn’t good enough. At least, that’s what I had convinced myself for most of my life.
I grew up in an artistic family, surrounded by creativity. Everyone assumed I’d be an artist too. But self-doubt? Oh, it had me in a chokehold. I spent years not even trying—too scared to fail, so I just told myself I didn’t care. I avoided art classes, dodged opportunities, and played small.
The one thing I was always sure of? I wanted to be a mum. That was never up for debate. And just as if I could sense it, motherhood allowed me to step into a part of myself I had been avoiding for years. It softened me and, at the same time, made me stronger. It cracked me open in ways I never expected. It gave me purpose beyond myself.
It also gave me permission—to create without expectations, to explore something just for the joy of it. Fibre art found me in those quiet moments, in the stillness of long evenings while my son slept. I picked up some rope and started knotting. My first piece was huge—a completely wonky, 2m x 2m creation. I had no real direction, no grand plan, just this overwhelming pull to create. And once I started, I couldn’t stop.
It became my therapy. The feeling of the rope moving through my hands, the rhythm of knotting, the way light and shadow played across the textures—it was meditative, addictive, something I needed. And now, years later, I still can’t imagine doing anything else.
And that brings me to this moment—being part of Melbourne Design Week 2025. I still can’t quite believe it.
So, What’s Melbourne Design Week All About?
If you’re not familiar, Melbourne Design Week is Australia’s biggest annual celebration of design. Over 11 days, the city is filled with exhibitions, talks, workshops, and installations that explore how design impacts the way we live. It’s a space for creatives to push boundaries, spark conversations, and reimagine how we interact with the world around us.
The 2025 theme focuses on ecology, connection, and designing the world we want—which couldn’t be more in line with what I believe about fibre art.
Because to me, fibre art is more than just something pretty to hang on a wall. It’s about how a piece feels in a space—how texture, material, and craft can bring warmth, depth, and a sense of calm. It’s about sustainability, working with natural fibres, and creating in a way that respects the environment. And it’s about connection—to the materials, to the process, and most importantly, to each other.
Introducing: Threads of Connection
I’m beyond excited to be hosting my own event as part of Melbourne Design Week: Threads of Connection: A Collaborative Fibre Art Experience.
It’s not just an exhibition—it’s an experience. A chance to step into the world of fibre art, to see it, feel it, and even be part of creating it.
Here’s what’s happening:
A Curated Exhibition – Showcasing bespoke fibre installations that explore how fibre art can transform a space—not just as decoration, but as something that shapes how a space feels. You’ll also get to explore a tactile materials station (because let’s be honest, we all secretly want to touch the art).
Live Demo: Watch Me Work – Ever wondered how these intricate pieces come to life? Come see the process up close—the knots, the textures, the techniques, and yes, probably a bit of untangling along the way. Ask questions, watch the magic unfold, and get a real look at the craftsmanship behind fibre art.
Piece Co-Creation – This is the big one. We’re making a large-scale piece together. No experience needed—just bring yourself, and let’s create something meaningful as a collective. The final piece will stay on display or be donated to a public space, leaving a lasting mark beyond the event.
This event is everything I love about fibre art—collaboration, connection, and creativity. It’s about breaking down the idea that art is something distant or exclusive and instead making it something we can all be part of.
If you’ve ever been curious about fibre art, if you love getting hands-on, or if you just want to be part of something beautiful, come join me!
Melbourne Design Week runs from 15–25 May 2025, and Threads of Connection will take place from 22–25 May. I’ll share more details soon, but for now, just know that I’m beyond excited (and slightly terrified in the best way). Get in touch either via email or DM so you don't miss a thing.
Follow along while I prep, get overwhelmed, drink too much coffee, and ride this creative chaos. And please, cheer me on—I’m gonna need it.
Let’s make something amazing together.
About the Artist
Kasia Dudkiewicz is a Melbourne-based fibre artist and the founder of Knotted by Hand, a studio dedicated to creating bespoke fibre installations that bring texture, movement, and warmth to interior spaces. Her work explores the intersection of art, sustainability, and sensory design, redefining how fibre can shape the atmosphere of a space.
With a background in creative arts and a lifelong love for craftsmanship, Kasia’s work is deeply influenced by organic forms, natural materials, and the quiet power of handmade pieces. Her installations have been commissioned for high-end interiors, wellness spaces, and hospitality projects, each piece designed to respond to light, texture, and the energy of its environment.
Threads of Connection marks her debut at Melbourne Design Week, where she invites audiences to experience fibre art not just as an aesthetic element, but as a living, breathing part of a space.
