Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background.
My name is Kathy Andrews. I’m a retired music teacher and professional musician. I’ve lived and worked in 8 different countries – Switzerland, England, Scotland, Taiwan, Turkey, Qatar, Germany and the USA. My husband and I now live in the home my grandparents built in 1954. It sits on 2 1?2 acres of oak woodland and it feels like we live in a tree house – we love it! I’m now an embroidery designer and teacher, with a particular interest in historic and historically inspired embroidery.
What ignited your passion for Tudor history?
My paternal grandmother – in whose house we now live – loved England, all things English and English history. There were always books about English history to read and, when I was 14, my mother and I went to England for a week long trip. We visited London and Winchester and I fell in love with the country.
What’s something you love about where you live?
The big sky. Iowa is prairie and the sky here is endless. After living in so many big cities all around the world, it’s wonderful to see the sky. And being so close to my family again – except my brother who lives in Wollongong, Australia, which is NOT close at all!
What are your hobbies?
As a retired musician, I still play some instruments “for fun”, mainly the piano and the Native American flute – my granddaughters especially enjoy listening to the flute. We have also started to enjoy feeding and watching the birds that live in our woods. Every evening we have drinks on the deck and watch the birds come to feed. I know, I sound like an old lady twitcher…but it’s very relaxing!
What’s been one of your favourite episodes of ‘Talking Tudors’, and why?
Episode 39 with Alex Hildred. The navy and its development in England is fascinating. I’ve been to the Mary Rose and loved the museum with all the artefacts- especially the old musical instruments.
Share a brief story. It can be inspiring, funny, spooky, heartwarming or historical. Anything you like!
While I was studying embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court Palace, our class would often continue on after the palace had closed for the day. It was simply magical to wander through the hallways, across the court yard and out the door near the kitchens at the end of the day with no one around. One evening, as I was leaving, a very tall man in a long coat was walking towards me. As he came towards me, I realized it was Dan Cruikshank. It isn’t often you meet someone in an empty Tudor palace who you’ve seen on television! I had the presence of mind to tell him how much I enjoyed his programs and we talked briefly about the palace and the project he was working on. When I left for the evening, I was amazed at my good fortune!
When do you listen to Talking Tudors?
While I’m embroidering. The slow pace of stitching and the fascinating conversations you have with your guests makes for a perfect afternoon.
Finish this sentence: I’d like to learn more about…
The “other people” who made up the Tudor world. The everyday men and women. It’s one of the reasons in love with CJ Ransom’s books – he includes everyday people in his stories.
Tell us about someone you admire.
My daughters. They have both grown into amazing, resilient, creative and strong women. Their insight and wisdom is incredible.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the next twelve months?
Being able to travel again. I’m longing to see my granddaughters and return to Europe to see family and friends!
Connect with Kathy!
My website is called “The Unbroken Thread”
Latest Comments