Easter Bunny Bunny Hat fro little bunny. As usual, my first models were the toys... ...and then the "real" bunny :-)) 'Zaichik' Zoey is 10 months young here :-) Yarn: For this bunny hat I used Baby Wool from Alize - bought in Russia/made in Turkey - 50g - 175m, 40% Wool, 40% Acrylic, 20% Bamboo. This blend is natural and healthy for babies. Bunny Sweater. To complete the Easter outfit, we have this sweater made of the same yarn. Knitting: basic seed stitch. Cable Bunny. Do you like this adorable little bunny rabbit shape? This sweet bunny pattern is pretty popular in knitting. The twisted cables create the backside of a bunny, complete with bobble tail. Another Easter Bunny? How many Easter bunnies are there? And how many Easter outfits? For these 'bobble' scarf and 'bobble' skirt for Amelia's bunny I used the gauge for my previous knit - Zoey's blanket. I pretty really make a gauge swatch before knitting - I usually improvise ... and I face the consequences sometimes :-( Same Yarn. For Zoey's blanket, my first idea was to do bobbles. I practiced, I liked it, but then I came up with a different pattern. Bobble Tail. And the idea of the knitted bobbles successfully travelled to the sweater's bunny tail and to this bunny's skirt :-) Happy Easter. Seriously, have an eggciting Easter :-) And, April, maybe it's time to be gorgeous!
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PREOBRAZHENIYE |
| Transformation by Crafts. The craft I want to talk about this time is a costume that my sister made for my husband's Birthday party. Why? Because it was a costume party. The theme was his last name which from Russian can be translated (in addition to transfiguration) as transformation, change, transition, update, modification, perfection, improvement, progress, review, change of scenery .... so that was part of temporary transformation! Thank you, Larisa, for this amazing piece of art!! |  |
 | 60 B-day The party was based on associations: Preobrazhenskiy Regiment in St. Petersburg - army; Preobrazhenskaya Square in Moscow - squares in other cities and the place we are from in Russia - Vologda; Bulgakov's prof.Preobrazhenskiy- studies and job. Andrey - in Russian Preobrazhenskiy Regiment Uniform. Other associations were anything that could transform, change, renew - poetry, music, theatre, wine, grandchildren, LOVE!! Happy Birthday! |
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Forever February
Purple Headband. I made this headband long before St.Valentine. Yarn - left over after I knitted a blanket for Zoey.
So cute! And it looks really cute on Zoey.
Even cuter! This beautiful headband (not made by me) inspired me to knit another one.
So cute! And it looks really cute on Zoey.
Even cuter! This beautiful headband (not made by me) inspired me to knit another one.
Fluffy Headband. This headband is made of the best yarn. I used Mohair Silk blend from Sanjo Silk to make this very soft headband for Zoey. Mohair 60% Silk 40% Country of origin: Japan
Mohair Silk. "The crazy-soft halo of this yarn leaves people a bit speechless. If angels were disguised as yarn, this would be the one. Not much of a disguise... The mohair "fluff" is long and regular giving the resulting fabric loft, warmth and luxurious softness. When knit with large needles, a little of this yarn goes a long way. " (from Sanjo Silk website) My Sweet Valentine. Is looks so cute on this sweetie :-)
Mohair Silk. "The crazy-soft halo of this yarn leaves people a bit speechless. If angels were disguised as yarn, this would be the one. Not much of a disguise... The mohair "fluff" is long and regular giving the resulting fabric loft, warmth and luxurious softness. When knit with large needles, a little of this yarn goes a long way. " (from Sanjo Silk website) My Sweet Valentine. Is looks so cute on this sweetie :-)
February Knit. I used some of my pink and red left-over yarn to make a warm winter knit.
Crocheted Heart. It is very easy to make this St.Valentine's knit: all you need is 1/Hook #3; 2/Basic single crochet stitch and 3/one evening :-)
Around the Neck Accessory. It's a neck wrap actually. It is frizzy and fuzzy, and it's really comfy.
Forever My Valentines. Cute sisters - Amelia (4 years) and Zoey (9 months)
Crocheted Heart. It is very easy to make this St.Valentine's knit: all you need is 1/Hook #3; 2/Basic single crochet stitch and 3/one evening :-)
Around the Neck Accessory. It's a neck wrap actually. It is frizzy and fuzzy, and it's really comfy.
Forever My Valentines. Cute sisters - Amelia (4 years) and Zoey (9 months)
Forever February
February will be forever snowy in Canada,
but it will be forever sweet!
snow hearts smiles chocolates
LOVE
Happy Valentine's!
XOXO
February will be forever snowy in Canada,
but it will be forever sweet!
snow hearts smiles chocolates
LOVE
Happy Valentine's!
XOXO
Winter Whites
  | Winter. Winter is officially here. We had real snow in Toronto only in the middle of January this year. Good timing! I just finished my 'white project' :-) Last January. I started it last January on the way from Florida - on the road. You can see the yarn I planned to use. I have 8 different yarns in this knit. Almost all of these shades of white are silk blends from SANJOSILK. Yarn Store. Their shop is located in the Silk Weaving Studio on Granville Island in Vancouver where I bought the yarn in 2016. January 2019. It was on and off knitting during the year, and I finished the cardigan right before the first frost. Tatiana's Day. January 25th is Tatiana's day in Russia. Happy "T - Day" to me and other Tatianas :-)) |
Silk Blends. "Although silk is so very yummy on its own, sometimes we want it blended with something else for the special qualities that other fibre brings. Often these blends create texture, either while you're working, or in the post-handcraft finishing. Or sometimes they're just particularly delicious." Totally agree with the SANJOSILK team.
Tussah. The light brown yarn in the picture is Tussah/Noil Fleck. What is it? "Tussah (aka Tassar) is a wild silk. Tussah moths have resisted domestication forever. You have to love that. Tussah is a warm tan colour, and has a bit more texture than Bombyx. Muga is the Empress of Silk. From the Assam region of India, Muga has a beautiful golden colour that defies description. Pedencal Tussah is the tussah from the pedencus (foot) of the cocoon. Rare and naturally brown." (from Sanjosilkwebsite)
Sanjosilk. Sanjosilk yarn is amazing. "We source our silks from Europe, Japan and India, buying the best quality and most beautiful yarns." (from Sanjosilkwebsite
Tussah. The light brown yarn in the picture is Tussah/Noil Fleck. What is it? "Tussah (aka Tassar) is a wild silk. Tussah moths have resisted domestication forever. You have to love that. Tussah is a warm tan colour, and has a bit more texture than Bombyx. Muga is the Empress of Silk. From the Assam region of India, Muga has a beautiful golden colour that defies description. Pedencal Tussah is the tussah from the pedencus (foot) of the cocoon. Rare and naturally brown." (from Sanjosilkwebsite)
Sanjosilk. Sanjosilk yarn is amazing. "We source our silks from Europe, Japan and India, buying the best quality and most beautiful yarns." (from Sanjosilkwebsite
Buttons. For this cardigan, I used metal maple leaf buttons. Since I did not have enough, one button is different.
Lace. I always wanted to combine knitting with fabric, and I started with lace. A 10 cm lace strip was inserted in the knitting.
Textures. "These are the pizazz yarns, the ones that get all the attention. They strut and preen and everyone coos over them. They deserve it." (from Sanjosilk website). I used very simple patterns like stocking stitch or garter stitch because the focus was on the texture.
Lace. I always wanted to combine knitting with fabric, and I started with lace. A 10 cm lace strip was inserted in the knitting.
Textures. "These are the pizazz yarns, the ones that get all the attention. They strut and preen and everyone coos over them. They deserve it." (from Sanjosilk website). I used very simple patterns like stocking stitch or garter stitch because the focus was on the texture.
Cold is here. This cardigan is not a winter knit - it is not warm or cosy. It's airy and light - so let's wait for the summer to fully enjoy wearing it!
Red? "When the weather turns chilly, our preferences often turn to velvety, warming red .... wines ..." (from Compliments of LCBO, Holiday 2018) So true! Same with knits. We want velvety, warm, red knits ...
White? Made in winter, this cardigan looks like summer's fresh, chilled wine ;-) I have other 'winter whites' - made in winter white knits.
Red? "When the weather turns chilly, our preferences often turn to velvety, warming red .... wines ..." (from Compliments of LCBO, Holiday 2018) So true! Same with knits. We want velvety, warm, red knits ...
White? Made in winter, this cardigan looks like summer's fresh, chilled wine ;-) I have other 'winter whites' - made in winter white knits.
Your Majesty Scarf 2018
A New Scarf for Christmas I made a new scarf from the leftover yarn. Apparently I had a lot, and it turned out to be very long - which is great! The yarn I used was: DK Merino Blend -Pure New Wool by KING COLE LTD., UK and SANDES GARN 100% Alpakka, Norway.
Feels like Felt I had three shades of green and a wonderful 'felt-like yarn" to insert in between the green stripes
Feels like Felt I had three shades of green and a wonderful 'felt-like yarn" to insert in between the green stripes
Merry Christmas and Happy Knitting!!
Decembre bianco 2017
Winter is here Winter arrived early this year, and the scarf I made for Anna's birthday came in handy right away. We had the first snow at Harbourfront on December 12th. It covered our beautiful roof garden, and everything got gorgeously bianco :-) The reason I am using some Italian words here is that the yarn for this scarf was bought in Italy during our trip to Venice with Anna.
Ivory Yarn The yarn I used for this scarf has a beautiful off-white, ivory colour. It is amazingly soft.
Lellabella This yarn is Soft Cashmere made exclusively for the Venice yarn shop Lellabella.
This yarn is exquisite. It's 100% Cashmere. I used one skein - 50g - 700m
Ivory Yarn The yarn I used for this scarf has a beautiful off-white, ivory colour. It is amazingly soft.
Lellabella This yarn is Soft Cashmere made exclusively for the Venice yarn shop Lellabella.
This yarn is exquisite. It's 100% Cashmere. I used one skein - 50g - 700m
Lace Stitch The pattern for the scarf is one of the the most simple lace patterns - the Horseshoe knitting stitch.
Bella Scarf The scarf is beautiful, very warm and cozy. Bellissimo!
Have a beautiful winter!
Bella Scarf The scarf is beautiful, very warm and cozy. Bellissimo!
Have a beautiful winter!
M-mm-erry Christmas, dears! 2016
Christmas Hat 2015
Felt and Yarn Garland The starting point was the 'garland'- with its colorful felt pieces on hand-dyed yarn. I knitted a square and applied the 'garland'. Doesn't it look like a tree? :-)
Too tight? Too warm? Amelia's 'always' reaction to my knitted hats is to take them off :-)
Thanks, but no thanks Thank you, but No, thank you :-)... Just not her thing...
Too tight? Too warm? Amelia's 'always' reaction to my knitted hats is to take them off :-)
Thanks, but no thanks Thank you, but No, thank you :-)... Just not her thing...
Merry Christmas!!
Dear Deer 2014
| Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer ... do you recall ... the most famous reindeer of all? Use your leftover yarn to make this small holiday gift. Rudolf is knit in the stocking stitch. The nose and the antlers are crocheted. Wine Bottle Topper What a wonderful way to add an extra special touch to a bottle of wine you bring to someone as a gift. This Rudolf bottle topper knits up in under an hour. It's a wonderful weekend or (in my case) on the planeproject. Dress up your bottle or use it to brighten up and add some fun to your holiday decor or dinner party. |  |
| Shiny Nose Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw it You would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight. Then how all the reindeer loved him, As they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the red-nose Reindeer You'll go down in history. Happy Knitting in the New Year! |   |
Knit. Google. Knit. 2013
 | First Day of Winter December 21st. Winter solstice. Winter is officially here. So is my December headgear. It's a knitted hat and cowl set. Even though I love googling, I very seldom google knit patterns. This one is also my design - nothing special, just simple cables. As usual, you can see this letter as a web page. |
| Knitted Squares This set is two knitted squares - simple, but textured. Several horizontal and vertical cables of nice green color. Very christmasy! The yarn is amazing too:Classic Elite Yarns. Lush. 50% angora from Angora Rabbits, 50% wool. Happy Knitting in the new year! |  |
Winter Warmth 2012
What better way to keep you warm in winter than with knits!
Knits on Ice. Winter is here. It has its icy fingers firmly round the door. What can we do about that? "Fear thou not!"(Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 5) which in Shakespeare language means "Don't worry about that! "Then weep no more" (in Shakespeare language -Stop crying) Fight back! Of course - with knits!! Wool will keep you warm. Hat, mitts and scarf are musts in cold climates. Ironically, these half-mittens won't warm your fingers. I should knit real gloves:-) - next project!
| Knit. Knit. Meaou. What can better keep a kitten busy than a ball of yarn? "Cats find a ball of yarn irresistible. It’s a ball! It’s yarn! When the human starts playing with the yarn our cat’s heart warms up like cooked toffee. Let’s do this together!" ("Cats and Knitting" Blog, google this blog to read more) |  |
 | It takes balls to knit. If you don't knit, it's time to learn and enjoy crafts! Enjoy Winter!! (it takes balls too:-) Stay warm this winter! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ! |
Holiday Season 2011
| Arts and Crafts Show The show took place at Harbourfront, in the building next door. There were many exhibitors - painters, writers, photographers, jewelry makers, and ... a knitter. My sister and my mom helped me out with putting everything together. We made this terrific display and enjoyed every minute of it. |  |
The Joy of Crafts 2010
The Joy of Crafts I guess I have to confess that I have a passion to create crafts. I wish I had more time for it! But since it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go, I'd better hurry and make something artisanal (French for handmade:-) December is one of the best months for seasonal crafts - great-looking, environmentally-friendly and easy to make holiday gifts. Each of the projects in this newsletter can be done in less than an hour and makes a perfect Christmas present. All of them are my design, but of course you can find lots of similar things on the internet. Here is my Holiday Arty-Crafty Collection :-)
Gorgeous Ginger Autumn 2018
 |  Fox Scarf Knitted animal scarves for kids are very popular. This one was made last year. Ginger-red Leaves There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! Percy Bysshe Shelley Color Cacophony As usual, Toronto fall turns everything around us into a knitted blanket of bright colors. Bye-bye, gorgeous! Thank you, ginger-haired autumn. You were gorgeous!! |
Feeling Christmas in November 2017
Meeting the reindeer. Checking out holiday stuff. Petting a little friend. Making Christmas gifts. Decorating a Christmas tree. Playing with Christmas wolfies. Greeting a snowman. Strollong around the city ... together!!!!
Nice November Knits 2015
 Autumn Sunny Beam Meet my autumn model - our little sunny beam - Amelia. As usual, little Amelia was very patient during the photo session (she doesn't like hats :-( Click on image to see other baby knits) |  Autumn Sunny Necklace In the picture, I am wearing another sunny color object - felt balls necklace. Felt Balls November Necklace These felt balls were bought at one of the. One-of-a-Kind shows and just assembled by me. Fabulous fiber! |
Yarn and the City 2014
Yarn at The Bay I took these pictures in 2011 when the department store was decorated with the giant balls of yarn.
Beautiful windows, and what an inspiration to the knitters! Cute woolen white sheep (or lamas :-) are ready to take you on your next knitting journey. Click on the first image to go to Artisaknity Playful Sheep Bijouterie Collection
Cozy in Cashmere The theme of the display was 'Cozy in Cashmere'. Yarn and Knits have always been popular in decorating the store windows. Yarn Stores The actual yarn stores are very welcoming too.
Click on the third image for KUNA yarn stores in South America and Europe in the newsletter Kuna Knits
Beautiful windows, and what an inspiration to the knitters! Cute woolen white sheep (or lamas :-) are ready to take you on your next knitting journey. Click on the first image to go to Artisaknity Playful Sheep Bijouterie Collection
Cozy in Cashmere The theme of the display was 'Cozy in Cashmere'. Yarn and Knits have always been popular in decorating the store windows. Yarn Stores The actual yarn stores are very welcoming too.
Click on the third image for KUNA yarn stores in South America and Europe in the newsletter Kuna Knits
Make it Big! These huge scarves look very comfy. Have a Ball!
Happy Holiday Season, knitterati !!
Click on image to see The Hudson Bay Company Christmas windows
Click on image to see The Hudson Bay Company Christmas windows
November Elegance 2012
November. No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds - November!
Thomas Hood
Nevertheless, elegant :-)
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds - November!
Thomas Hood
Nevertheless, elegant :-)
 | Shades of ..... yarn What makes a nice sweater? Right yarn and simple stitch! Yarn: Sublime baby cashmere merino silk - 75% extra fine merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere. It bounces naturally; that's exactly what we need for cable knitting - this springiness makes it elastic. Colors: Grey brick is a versatile neutral color. It suits almost any style and fits into just about any color scheme choice.(And I am sure you are aware of the Fifty Shades of Grey ;-) This shade of grey pairs perfectly with soft yellow which brings the warmth of the November sun into our grey brick city. This combination gives this sweater extra elegance. Click on image to see more |
Simple and Sophisticated Stitches: the most simple Seed Stitch and the sophisticated Cable Stitch. Stitch pattern called American Seed (British Moss) Stitch gets its name from the tiny bumps that are created in the purl stitches.
"Are you able to cable?" I am :-) I love those crossing layers and twists. Cables in this sweater are simple. Check out my website for other (more sophisticated!) cable designs.
Easy Chic Right yarn, simple stitch - easy chic. You can see more cables on Artisaknity Gallery
"Are you able to cable?" I am :-) I love those crossing layers and twists. Cables in this sweater are simple. Check out my website for other (more sophisticated!) cable designs.
Easy Chic Right yarn, simple stitch - easy chic. You can see more cables on Artisaknity Gallery
| Simple Yet Elegant As you can see, a beautifully textured Cable and Seed Stitch pattern knit up to become a cute sweater. Simplicity is elegance. Very Vogue Playful Sheep necklace is featured in Vogue 2012 Holiday Gift Guide. Simple and elegant. Go to Knits Boutique Bijouterie Collection to see more  |  |
Fabulous Fall 2011
"November always seemed to me the Norway of the year."
Emily Dickinson
Comforting Fiber. Mohair is a very comforting yarn. It feels great to wear. Mohair knits have the lovely effect of making you feel relaxed and protected; they are stylish and feminine.
Mohair Jacket. I wanted my jacket to keep me warm and comfortable. I wanted to literally wrap myself in the layers of green with some yellowish melange yarn. The jacket is loose enough to put more layers undernearth if you want.
Mohair Jacket. I wanted my jacket to keep me warm and comfortable. I wanted to literally wrap myself in the layers of green with some yellowish melange yarn. The jacket is loose enough to put more layers undernearth if you want.
Have Fun with Fantabulous Fall!
Neat November Knits and Crafts 2010
I spent one night in November on doing these small accessories. Here are my neat November night crafts:
Felt bracelet with wet felted beads - carefully arranged and looking nice, Neat?
Small felt Purse with yellow ornament( can be a key or a card holder, you can put a crochet hook in it) Small and neat!
Felt Flower Brooch Nice and neat! and Felt bracelet with a coconut button. Neat!
Felt bracelet with wet felted beads - carefully arranged and looking nice, Neat?
Small felt Purse with yellow ornament( can be a key or a card holder, you can put a crochet hook in it) Small and neat!
Felt Flower Brooch Nice and neat! and Felt bracelet with a coconut button. Neat!
Spoons? Spoons ... Spoons! 2018
This year I am celebrating 25 years of my hobby - collecting spoons. Almost all the spoons are 'just' souvenir spoons - brought either by me or by my friends from their trips to different places. It is a really great way to keep track of the trips and the best way not to spend much money on souvenirs (not my case :-) And to me, it is also one of the signs of friendship - meaning being happy for my friends' wonderful experience. Thank you for thinking of me during your trips!
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| The idea of a 'Spoons Party' was to thank my friends again for these pretty souvenirs... People travel a lot and bring spoons from all over the world. The winner became Boris Kats who has brought me more than 20 spoons from more than 15 countries since 1996; and the last one was from Berlin and it was brought to this party !! It was the 505th in my collection!! Thank you! The most exquisite spoon in my collection is still the Veliky Ustyug (severnaya chern) spoon given to me by Oleg Gordus. Thank you! Click on image to see more |  |
 | 'Spoons Jewelry' At the party, I was wearing all 'spoon jewelry' I had :-) I also made some - like this little knitted bracelet. Click on image to go to Fiber Bijouterie |
| 'Spoons Jewelry' These earrings are made of the spoon handles, and the pendant on the left and right is made of the spoon bowl. How cool is that ?!! I bought this jewelry in one of the souvenir shops right on Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. The company is called HUNTER STREET SILVER. They make jewelry and home decor items handcrafted from old silverware. Their new website is under construction, but you can google this name, and you will see amazing stuff. |  |
 | 'Spoons Jewelry' This 'spoon bracelet' I got at one of the One of a Kind shows. The designer-goldsmith is Danielle O'Connor from Ontario. Click on image to go to Fiber Bijouterie Yummy hobby :-))) |
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October FOX Scarf 2017
Animal Scarves Knitted animal scarves for kids are very popular, so I decided to make one.
Click on image to see other animal knits on Artisaknity Crafts
Fox Scarf I picked a Fox Scarf. It is very easy to knit - a two-three hour project. The process is described on numerous websites and on Ravelry. Click on the second image to see other kids knits
Yarn: Gray100% Fine Merino Superwash Wool Spun in Peru.
Coral 100% Wool. Soft touch ultra. Made in Canada (bought at Toronto Knitters Guild meeting for $1 !!)
Click on image to see other animal knits on Artisaknity Crafts
Fox Scarf I picked a Fox Scarf. It is very easy to knit - a two-three hour project. The process is described on numerous websites and on Ravelry. Click on the second image to see other kids knits
Yarn: Gray100% Fine Merino Superwash Wool Spun in Peru.
Coral 100% Wool. Soft touch ultra. Made in Canada (bought at Toronto Knitters Guild meeting for $1 !!)
Falling for Fall 2015
 | New Model For my October creation (!) I needed a new model. My husband's done it once (in Chile). Now it's the time .... again. I made a warm winter scarf, and 'who's going to wear it?' is still being decided. The weather, even at the end of October in Toronto, is not right for this kind of scarf, but in knitting you've got to plan ahead!! :-) So, he's Andrey sweating in alpaca.... Click on image to see Andrey modelling made by local knitters in Atacama Desert alpaca hat |
Shop This beautiful yarn was bought in Nova Scotia, Halifax - in The Loop - modern fiber craft shop. I bought 3 skeins of 3 colors. The yarn is called Alpaca 33 :-) Click on the first image to learn more about The Loop
Yarn Skeins become balls. It's 100% Superfine Alpaca. Made in Peru for Estelle Yarns. The yarn is thick, fluffy and soft
There's approx. 33 meters to 100 grams. Click on the second image to learn more about another type of Alpaca yarn.
Fabulous Fibers There are so many beautiful fibers for cool temperatures: mohair is one of them for sure - comforting, soft and warm. Click on image to see fall mohair knits
Yarn Skeins become balls. It's 100% Superfine Alpaca. Made in Peru for Estelle Yarns. The yarn is thick, fluffy and soft
There's approx. 33 meters to 100 grams. Click on the second image to learn more about another type of Alpaca yarn.
Fabulous Fibers There are so many beautiful fibers for cool temperatures: mohair is one of them for sure - comforting, soft and warm. Click on image to see fall mohair knits
| Fall Colors Every time October gives a party, we are happy to attend the colorful leaves ball ... and we are falling for fall again. Happy falling... :-) October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band. ~George Cooper, "October's Party" |  |
October Color Cacophony 2014
 | October Colors As usual, Toronto fall turns everything around us into a knitted blanket of bright colors. Some colors really stand out - like this yellow amber. Yellow is a color of a wide range of possibilities: from gold, butter, and ripe lemon to olive yellow and ginger ale. This wrist warmer is like a beam of the last sunny autumn days. It can juzz-up your fall outfits and bring some optimism and pleasure. |
| October Accessories Brown is another fall color. Many call it "safe". To me, it creates the feeling of warmth and friendliness - like these two autumn leaves paired together to make a hair pin :-) |  |
| One Color at a Time October color landscape is like multicolor knitting. There are many ways to weave in the new yarn. But both in nature and in knitting, the trick is the same-one color at a time. |  |
 | Cacophony of Colors Greenish-yellowish-brownish is the northern autumn palette. In some parts of the world, fall colors are different. My Chilean fall sweater paleta de colores is a combination of city colors on the earthy background. |
October Crafts 2013
| Knitters know that Knit the Season is Kate Jacob's third book from the series Friday Night Knitting Club. The novel is about life changes and decision making and, of course, knitting. In this mixed media I included some quotes from this book. One of them is: "Don't be afraid of messiness in life. The mess isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The world doesn't stop if you take a break." Yes, yarn and needlework can be messy sometimes :-) To me, knit the season means to knit the colors you are in now - colors of the beautiful Toronto autumn - a thoughtfully organized "mess" of leaves. |  |
October Party 2012
Fall and Fiber Dream
One of the most popular fall festivals in Toronto Nuit Blanche (first Saturday in October) originated in Paris.
Nuit Blanche: The mother of ‘all-nighters.’ This cultural festival originated in Paris and has been copied in cities throughout the world. Many attractions and the metro are open all night for free to the public, as well as concerts, film festivals, art, photography and multi-media installations and every other conceivable form of entertainment and culture.
This collage is my image of the fall in Paris. Oui.
C'est magnifique!
One of the most popular fall festivals in Toronto Nuit Blanche (first Saturday in October) originated in Paris.
Nuit Blanche: The mother of ‘all-nighters.’ This cultural festival originated in Paris and has been copied in cities throughout the world. Many attractions and the metro are open all night for free to the public, as well as concerts, film festivals, art, photography and multi-media installations and every other conceivable form of entertainment and culture.
This collage is my image of the fall in Paris. Oui.
C'est magnifique!
October Has Arrived 2011
| Fall in the city The poem below is the translation of the famous Alexander Pushkin's "Autumn". It's about the fall in Russia. Октябрь уж наступил — уж роща отряхает Последние листы с нагих своих ветвей; Дохнул осенний хлад — дорога промерзает. Журча еще бежит за мельницу ручей, Но пруд уже застыл; сосед мой поспешает В отъезжие поля с охотою своей, И страждут озими от бешеной забавы, И будит лай собак уснувшие дубравы. October has arrived - the woods have tossed Their final leaves from naked branches; A breath of autumn chill - the road begins to freeze, The stream still murmurs as it passes by the mill, The pond, however's frozen; and my neighbor hastens to his far-flung fields with all the members of his hunt. The winter wheat will suffer from this wild fun, And baying hounds awake the slumbering groves. |  Early October in Toronto is different from the same time in Russia. It is warm and sunny here, it is beautiful in both places though. This year Toronto is still geen. It has just started changing colors. My fall gift to myself was this crocheted carry-all bag. The leaves were made last year. |
Bittersweet October 2010
 | Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~Carol Bishop Hipps This time I was inspired by the following saying: Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower! - Albert Camus This outfit is the flower dance from my September newsletter. Click on the image to see more. Here, I decided to use the quotes about fall and leaves. |
| October Party October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band. ~George Cooper, "October's Party" |  |
| Napkin Ring One of those crocheted leaves made a wonderful napkin ring which can also be used with silver. Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot Napkin Rings Napkin rings not only take a small amount of yarn to complete, but they are really simple projects and can be completed quickly. They make a nice last minute gift idea. Spades take up leaves No better than spoons, And bags full of leaves Are light as balloons. I make a great noise Of rustling all day Like rabbit and deer Running away. Robert Frost Gathering Leaves. |  |
Hair Accessory and Ring One of the easiest and fastest projects- a hair piece and a ring.
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face. ~John Donne
Oak Leaf Hair-pin This Oak Leaf Hair-pin requires very little yarn and can be completed in no time.
"The sweet calm sunshine of October, now
Warms the low spot; upon its grassy mold
The purple oak-leaf falls; the birchen bough
drops its bright spoil like arrow-heads of gold."
- William Cullen Bryant
Two-Leaf Hair Piece Two crocheted leaves can make a warm and very "autumnal" hair piece.
"You ought to know that October
is the first Spring month."
- Karel Capek
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face. ~John Donne
Oak Leaf Hair-pin This Oak Leaf Hair-pin requires very little yarn and can be completed in no time.
"The sweet calm sunshine of October, now
Warms the low spot; upon its grassy mold
The purple oak-leaf falls; the birchen bough
drops its bright spoil like arrow-heads of gold."
- William Cullen Bryant
Two-Leaf Hair Piece Two crocheted leaves can make a warm and very "autumnal" hair piece.
"You ought to know that October
is the first Spring month."
- Karel Capek
Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence
There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! Percy Bysshe Shelley
Spring and Autumn
Every season hath its pleasures;
Spring may boast her flowery prime,
Yet the vineyard's ruby treasures
Brighten Autumn's sob'rer time.
Thomas Moore Spring and Autumn.
There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! Percy Bysshe Shelley
Spring and Autumn
Every season hath its pleasures;
Spring may boast her flowery prime,
Yet the vineyard's ruby treasures
Brighten Autumn's sob'rer time.
Thomas Moore Spring and Autumn.
Happiness
Every leaf speaks
bliss to me,
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
Emily Bronte
When nature is aglow
"Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow."
Author Unknown
The leaves fall...
"The leaves fall patiently
Nothing remembers or grieves
The river takes to the sea
The yellow drift of leaves."
- Sara Teasdale
Smile ....
Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.
William Cullen Bryant
Every leaf speaks
bliss to me,
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
Emily Bronte
When nature is aglow
"Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow."
Author Unknown
The leaves fall...
"The leaves fall patiently
Nothing remembers or grieves
The river takes to the sea
The yellow drift of leaves."
- Sara Teasdale
Smile ....
Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.
William Cullen Bryant
Take a Walk 2018
| In time ... This walk was taken about 40 years ago! In Russia. ...and in place This walk was in Germany in 1983, and the dress was also made in the 1980-s. The yarn that was used was linen, and is was on cones. I made the dress on the knitting machine. Happy crafting and knitting in September! |  |
T for September 2017
| T for sweet September September is always beautiful in Toronto, but this year, we are blessed with the summer weather. No colours yet, all is still green. T for Toronto Beautiful city!!! T for Knitting One of the best hobbies! T for Crafts T for Tea ...T for teaching ...T for TIFF ... T for Tango T for Nuit Blanche ... T for Party ... and so much more! Happy September knitting!!! |  |
September Spirit 2016
Get hooked by wine glass holder You never know where the new ideas for your new crafts come from. With the wine glass holder, it was in a small hotel in the beautiful town of Penticton, B.C. where we stopped by on the way from Vancouver to Calgary.
Nice Idea The hotel owner's mother was making these holders for some charity auction.
Project on the Road The next day I crocheted mine from leftover yarn. Now, at the end of September, it looks like the last 'drop' of sun ...
Nice Idea The hotel owner's mother was making these holders for some charity auction.
Project on the Road The next day I crocheted mine from leftover yarn. Now, at the end of September, it looks like the last 'drop' of sun ...
| Cheers spir·it 1. the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul. e.g. "we seek a harmony between body and spirit" September spirit .... It's not that we need wine for it, but .... Cheers! -ulous a suffix occurring in adjectivesborrowed from Latin, with themeaning“inclined to do, habituallyengaging in” the action specified bythe initial element: Septemb-ulous-ly yours, Tanya Preobrazhenski |  |
September Shells and Stones 2015
About SSS collection This collection was inspired by the beautiful shells and stones collected on different beaches. In combination with high quality fiber, they make nice summer accessories.
Florida Sun Pendant When you have a beautiful stone, you don't have to come up with a complicated design. The stone speaks for itself. Just add a nice thread ... Stone - Florida. Yarn - silk and cotton.
InSpiration, Sun, Smile, niCe, StoneS, acCeSSorieS, shellS - all these words whisper - Shhh..... September .....
Fabulous Fish Pendant Stone - Chile Yarn - mohair.
Black Pearl Shell Pendant Yarn is always a special ingredient. The background for this stone is soft mohair which adds texture to the whole piece.
Florida Sun Pendant When you have a beautiful stone, you don't have to come up with a complicated design. The stone speaks for itself. Just add a nice thread ... Stone - Florida. Yarn - silk and cotton.
InSpiration, Sun, Smile, niCe, StoneS, acCeSSorieS, shellS - all these words whisper - Shhh..... September .....
Fabulous Fish Pendant Stone - Chile Yarn - mohair.
Black Pearl Shell Pendant Yarn is always a special ingredient. The background for this stone is soft mohair which adds texture to the whole piece.
Summer Flowers Pendant Shell - P.E.I. Yarn - Japanese cotton
Maritime Beauty Pendant Stone - P.E.I. Yarn - Japanese cotton
Florida Sun Bracelet Stone - from one of the beautiful Florida beaches. Yarn - silk and cotton
Maritime Beauty Pendant Stone - P.E.I. Yarn - Japanese cotton
Florida Sun Bracelet Stone - from one of the beautiful Florida beaches. Yarn - silk and cotton
Black Pearl Shell Pendant Shell - P.E.I. Yarn - mohair
The Maritime Cold Water Pendant Fabulous Fiber helps this shell shine :-)
The Maritime Cold Water Pendant Fabulous Fiber helps this shell shine :-)
| September Smile She sells sea shells on the sea shore of the Seychelles Shhh..... Summer is not over yet :-))))) Click on images to see more |  |
The Art of Knitting 2014
Welcome to the 50th issue of Artisaknity newsletter
| 50 This newsletter is the 50th! This time, I decided to focus on several shades of this wonderful hobby of mine which have been described and shared with you since 2010. Cards It looks like I am into mixed-media!! It was a wonderful discovery for me - in 2011 - and I am still learning. Bijouterie This particular collection has a special name - A Playful Sheep. Crafts Check out my website for more crafts. |  |
Web Design
On Artisaknity you'll find reflections about yarns, designs, colors, and also insights on knitting as a hobby and passion. Artisaknity is a game of words. I like words both in my native Russian and in English. Artisan has become one of my favourites. There's art and handicraft, creativity and spirit in it. I blended it withknit and got the name for this site-Artisaknity . In other words the state and quality of being an artisan in knitting. I hope I meet the definition.
Happy Knitting!
Tanya Preobrazhenski
On Artisaknity you'll find reflections about yarns, designs, colors, and also insights on knitting as a hobby and passion. Artisaknity is a game of words. I like words both in my native Russian and in English. Artisan has become one of my favourites. There's art and handicraft, creativity and spirit in it. I blended it withknit and got the name for this site-Artisaknity . In other words the state and quality of being an artisan in knitting. I hope I meet the definition.
Happy Knitting!
Tanya Preobrazhenski
September Whisper 2013
| Whisper this "There is an unseen life that dreams us; it knows our true direction and destiny. We can trust ourselves more than we realize, and we need have no fear of change." John O Donohue I am back from Spanish speaking countries ... ...But Shhh! Don't tell a soul ... |  |
September Grapes 2012
| Queen of the Fruits Grapes, also known as “Queen of the fruits”are storehouse of so many health promoting nutrients such as poly-phenolic antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and this month they are in, ripe, ready to eat, sweet, delicious and healthy, just what the doctor ordered! (Doctor in the Kitchen Blog) Yes, grapes are great! That's why I put them on my wine bottle cozy. And since it's a summer wrap for a wine, I knitted it in cotton. I actually made this bottle cozy in the winter and am displayng it in September - wine time. One of a Kind Grapes harvested in September have been hanging on the vine all summer benefitting from the long days of sunshine and warmth. Red and black grapes are large and sweet and the green ones are especially favorable right now. (Doctor in the Kitchen Blog) My knitted grapes are purple. I used the pattern from the Love of Knitting Holiday 2011 Special Issue, or you can find it on Ravelry. Wine is a perfect gift. Just sleeve it! And you have the unique gift for the special people. Click on image to see more crafts. |  |
Pink Necklace Knitted jewelry can be really stylish. This easy necklace is made of cotton. It goes with anything.
Anemone carry-all This easy-to-knit carryall with leather straps is made of hand-spun yarn. I like how the purse plays up the rainbow palette of this beautiful hand dyed yarn. Two purple needle-felted anemones are a finishing touch. The flowers are very easy to make. I had fun making them.
Anemone carry-all This easy-to-knit carryall with leather straps is made of hand-spun yarn. I like how the purse plays up the rainbow palette of this beautiful hand dyed yarn. Two purple needle-felted anemones are a finishing touch. The flowers are very easy to make. I had fun making them.
School September 2011
September is a special month for me. I have worked in education all my life, and beginning of the school year has always been the reference point. Thus the topic of this month's newsletter is school - learning from the "knit" angle.
Learning and Fun Knitting is not as hard as it might seem... And it's not as easy as it might seem:-) ... like juggle. The clown in the picture represents craft skills. And he is obviously having fun!
The Art of Knitting If you have any doubts that knitting can be art, check out the book The Art of Knitting: Stitches. Colors. Fashion. on Amazon.com
Learning and Fun Knitting is not as hard as it might seem... And it's not as easy as it might seem:-) ... like juggle. The clown in the picture represents craft skills. And he is obviously having fun!
The Art of Knitting If you have any doubts that knitting can be art, check out the book The Art of Knitting: Stitches. Colors. Fashion. on Amazon.com
| Learning to Balance Vocabulary. You all know what chakra is. But do you know that its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" ? Chakras are like vortexes of energy which spin (like balls of yarn:-) And of course you know that the art of hand-knitting has been praised for it’s therapeutic and relaxing benefits, and compared to the practices of yoga and meditation. Click on images to see mores cards |  |
Sweet September 2010
Sweet September The summer is almost over, yet the fall is not entirely here. In September, lots of flowers are still blooming. This September's blooming became my next project. Small, simple, and time -efficient. I picked a few fall flowers and knitted and crocheted them. They make a terrific embellishment.
Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. ~Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts, 1858
Thirty days hath September...Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits. Samuel Butler
Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. ~Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts, 1858
Thirty days hath September...Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits. Samuel Butler
 | Flowers are quick and easy to make, and you can use them to jazz up your outfit within a minute's time. If my dress is looking a bit tired and I want to update my image without spending money on a new wardrobe, I just add a knitted flower as a simple cute brooch. You can impart texture and colour to the outfit with flowers. These felt anemonies on a knitted purse are a great way to infuse some colour and light into a black outfit. Click on images to see more crafts |  |
I love these daisy-like flowers. I never knew what they were called. I know now. They are Rudbeckias. There are twenty-five species in the genus Rudbeckia, all native to North America. The genus was named for Olaus Rudbeck, the Swedish botanist and physician. The yellow beauty of Rudbeckias brightens up our roof garden. The petals are crocheted and the centre is needle-felted.
These yellow cuties look like seedbox flowers, but I am not sure. Evening primrose, by the way, looks similar. Evening primrose has beautiful blossoms and blooms all throughout the summer, but each blossom lasts only one day. It blooms as the sun sets and then withers in the sunlight, which is why it is called “evening primrose.”The healing powers of this plant are well-known to millions of women. Click on the picture to see one of the websites.
I just liked the way this flower (seedbox/primrose) looks and the fact that its big petals are very easy to knit. I thought that the dark marking around the centre would look nice too.
I just liked the way this flower (seedbox/primrose) looks and the fact that its big petals are very easy to knit. I thought that the dark marking around the centre would look nice too.
Roses have always been appreciated for their beauty and elegancy. Since ancient times the rose is the symbol of love and prettiness. They were even identified with various goddesses of love like the Greek goddess Aphrodite or her Roman equal Venus.
A knitted rose is a classic. This is a bee's eye view of the centre of the flower and a crocheted flower in a vase.
A knitted rose is a classic. This is a bee's eye view of the centre of the flower and a crocheted flower in a vase.
When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese Proverb The stamen in my lily is a little bit bigger than in the picture on the left, but it is what it is :-)
This flower is from our roof garden. My guess is that it's a wild rose. I hope that rose hips will develop from these wild rose blossoms later in the fall. We all know that rose hip tea is rich in vitamin C, and that rose hip oil has multiple benefits. Below on the right - a crocheted rose.
I am a big fan of Nicky Epstein, one of today's most celebrated knitwear designers. Every knitter knows her flowers, they are beautiful! I didn't use her books for my flower embellishments, but I know I will enjoy browsing them in the future. Both books definately are inspiration!
You can tell I am not a gardener:-( I just like creating my own flower embellishments from yarn.
August, Go Green 2018
 | August Bejouterie August this year is gorgeous! Not a single sign of summer's end - as green as spring! Look at these beautiful shades of green. This Lime Green goes perfectly with one of the best natural accessories - an ocean shell. InSpiration, Sun,Smile, niCe,StoneS, acCeSSorieS, shellS - all these words whisper - Shhh.... August ... |
Shades of Green
These beautiful flowers - hydrangeas- which have dozens of different colours - go green too! In August!! This shade seems like kiwi green. For my short cardigan, I picked several shades of green, some melange, and a blue one. What did I get? A beautiful combination of colours(Amelia's favourite expression) - various shades of green yarn!
Yarn Store in Vienna
I bought yarn for this project in Austria in 2014. The store is called Filati, and it has a wonderful collection of yarn. I bought Italian Lana Grossa, Cool Wool Print, 50g=160m, 100% Virgin wool. If you are interested, here's the store address: 1220 Wien, Donaustadtstr, 1 Top 760
Yarn and Design
I started combining the colours into the stockinette stitch raws and made the back and the front, but I didn't finish the project, and it was sitting sleeveless (!) in my knitting drawer for the next four years. Design is mine - meaning I just knit and see what comes out :-)) It does not mean I do not 'read' my knitting - I know where it is taking me :-)
These beautiful flowers - hydrangeas- which have dozens of different colours - go green too! In August!! This shade seems like kiwi green. For my short cardigan, I picked several shades of green, some melange, and a blue one. What did I get? A beautiful combination of colours(Amelia's favourite expression) - various shades of green yarn!
Yarn Store in Vienna
I bought yarn for this project in Austria in 2014. The store is called Filati, and it has a wonderful collection of yarn. I bought Italian Lana Grossa, Cool Wool Print, 50g=160m, 100% Virgin wool. If you are interested, here's the store address: 1220 Wien, Donaustadtstr, 1 Top 760
Yarn and Design
I started combining the colours into the stockinette stitch raws and made the back and the front, but I didn't finish the project, and it was sitting sleeveless (!) in my knitting drawer for the next four years. Design is mine - meaning I just knit and see what comes out :-)) It does not mean I do not 'read' my knitting - I know where it is taking me :-)
Sleeves Sleeves were finally made this summer. I like knitting sleeves right into the armhole - I just pick up and knit stitches along an armhole edge. Like for the pockets, the pattern for the sleeves was the wrong side of the basic stockinette stitch.
Buttons I didn't want the buttons to stand out, so my choice was knitted covered buttons. You can hardly see them, but they are there :-) - green, blue and melange.
Stitches and Crosses After I finished the jacket, I decorated it with stitches and crosses of various colours.
Buttons I didn't want the buttons to stand out, so my choice was knitted covered buttons. You can hardly see them, but they are there :-) - green, blue and melange.
Stitches and Crosses After I finished the jacket, I decorated it with stitches and crosses of various colours.
 | Green as Grass Green goes great with grey, so this August-made cardigan is good for a cool end-of-summer day and for a green spring weekend in the city. August, Be Awesome They say that August is like the Sunday of the summer. Right - we want it to stay a little longer. They also say there are Sundays and there are SUN days :-) Dear August, please stay sunny and stay longer ... |  |
Venice Scarf 2017
Inspiration One of my travel destinations this summer was Venice, Italy. What inspired me?
- airy, stone lace of palazzi on a busy and beautiful Piazza San Marco
- old narrow calles - like wrinkles on fabric
- fading pastel buildings looking like unraveling knitting
- numerous canals and crooked bridges like yarn on the needles
- evening magic of orchestras on St. Mark's Square
- airy, stone lace of palazzi on a busy and beautiful Piazza San Marco
- old narrow calles - like wrinkles on fabric
- fading pastel buildings looking like unraveling knitting
- numerous canals and crooked bridges like yarn on the needles
- evening magic of orchestras on St. Mark's Square
 | Interpretation All of the above inspired me to make something vintage and elegant, airy and kind of transparent, long and narrow, light, not cold as marble but warm and soft, a bit Vivaldi like ... and definitely feminine. Yarn Internationally famous Debbie Bliss Angel Super Kid Mohair & Silk: 76% Mohair, 24% Silk 200m/25 g - 2 balls Needles N5,5 Hook N3,5 Design The design for this scarf is taken from the Europe's Top Knitting Magazine Verena - Winter 2008. I very rarely use patterns from magazines, but in this case, I followed almost all the instructions and recommendations. I changed the colour a little: not pure white but faded shade of off-white. The two lace patterns were used. Scarf length size is 10 x 205 sm. I started knitting the scarf on the plane and finished it in Toronto. Fine Accessory The scarf is not very busy, heavy or too warm, so it can be a great accessory for any summer or winter outfit. |
 |  |
2008 Same Store
Like in 2007, I stopped by at a beautiful yarn store on San Marco 3718 (Calle della Mandola)- Lellabella.
"At Lellabella, you won't find just "wool", but the highest quality Italian yarn and unique products from the most sought-after brands. We use our yarns to create a large variety of personalized items made by hand."
Meravigliosa lana!
Italy, 2008
Like in 2007, I stopped by at a beautiful yarn store on San Marco 3718 (Calle della Mandola)- Lellabella.
"At Lellabella, you won't find just "wool", but the highest quality Italian yarn and unique products from the most sought-after brands. We use our yarns to create a large variety of personalized items made by hand."
Meravigliosa lana!
Italy, 2008
| Viva! Venice is not a 'man' city (like New York) to me. Venezia is a woman ... aging gracefully ... knitting her yarn of dreams, trips, people, stories ... keeping glowing from the inside :-)) Viva Venezia! Viva Knitting! |  |
Busy Bee Bijouterie 2016
Three Bracelets Time in the summer really, literally flies ... like a bee. You want to do so many things and catch up with people you don't often see during the year. You want to read and knit and .... be busy :-)
In knitting, planning ahead unfortunately does not often work for me - I prefer to knit in season. This way, time for big projects is never enough :-( So what?! I knit small things - like this Busy Bee Bijouterie set.
In knitting, planning ahead unfortunately does not often work for me - I prefer to knit in season. This way, time for big projects is never enough :-( So what?! I knit small things - like this Busy Bee Bijouterie set.
Sunny Color It's one of my favourite colours - very close to 'busy bee' shade on the colour palette. Yarn is my summer favourite silk and cotton.
Summer Gifts Such small knits make nice small gifts. All pieces are crocheted with the 3,50mm hook.
Simple Circle It didn't take me long to knit this set-just one Amelia's sleep (2 hours :-))) Pattern: basic stitch-single crochet.
SSS Collection
SSS stands for September Shells and Stones. It's the name of my last year summer accessories collection.
Summer Gifts Such small knits make nice small gifts. All pieces are crocheted with the 3,50mm hook.
Simple Circle It didn't take me long to knit this set-just one Amelia's sleep (2 hours :-))) Pattern: basic stitch-single crochet.
SSS Collection
SSS stands for September Shells and Stones. It's the name of my last year summer accessories collection.
Knitted Bracelet This bracelet was made some years ago. The technique is the same - you knit around the metal base bracelet. Cable looks nice and creates volume.
Perfect Fit This bracelet also works well as a wrist warmer. My new little model Amelia loves it!
Wrist Warmer I have a 'line' of wrist warmers in different colours.
Perfect Fit This bracelet also works well as a wrist warmer. My new little model Amelia loves it!
Wrist Warmer I have a 'line' of wrist warmers in different colours.
Under the August Sun
Summer, you were gorgeous!!
Summer, you were gorgeous!!
Summer and the Sea 2015
 | Summer and the Sea Crafts My August 2015 knitting was inspired by the Pottery Barn bottle toppers summer collection. I took a picture of them in the store to have it as an idea for my projects in the future. It was not long in coming because my travel destination this summer was The Maritime Provinces. What could be better for crafts on the road than these cute sea motives?! |  Maritime Sea Creatures The model items are knitted (left). My project is crochet (right). |
Summer Yarn For these wine bottle toppers, I used leftover yarn from other finished projects. Again, it was my favourite blue cotton. (I have tons of it :-))
Bobbles Bobble ... - a fun word to say. The technique to make them is fun too. You have to create 3-dimensional texture on the knitted surface. I wanted 8-10 small bobbles for my sea star. I knew how to knit bobbles, but I never crochetedthem. A crocheted bobble stitch exists, but apparently I invented my own since my bobbles looked different :-)
Sea Star My sea star does not probably look very elegant, but I thought it was okay since my product was supposed to be a kind of rough - like the rough craggy sea shore rocks through which we were passing :-)
Bobbles Bobble ... - a fun word to say. The technique to make them is fun too. You have to create 3-dimensional texture on the knitted surface. I wanted 8-10 small bobbles for my sea star. I knew how to knit bobbles, but I never crochetedthem. A crocheted bobble stitch exists, but apparently I invented my own since my bobbles looked different :-)
Sea Star My sea star does not probably look very elegant, but I thought it was okay since my product was supposed to be a kind of rough - like the rough craggy sea shore rocks through which we were passing :-)
Summer Yarn For the next bottle topper I picked beautiful, very soft orange yarn. Cotton again. Marine colours can be so bright! Last summer, I crocheted from grass green cotton. The project was never finished ... :-(
From the Shoreline and the Deep I took the crochet-in-process pictures in different sea creatures habitats - by the sea, on the beach, on the boats. I have no idea what fish it is. I didn't have any specific pattern. It was just crocheting the shape of a fish. But when I was putting everything together for the newsletter, I found the link to all crochet sea creatures.
Looks Fishy? Fish? Fish ..... Finished!!!!!! It doesn't look like an ocean sunfish, but it looks pretty much like a lake sunfish (no kidding - you can google the image). Who would have thought these types even existed?! .... And the colour is sunny!
From the Shoreline and the Deep I took the crochet-in-process pictures in different sea creatures habitats - by the sea, on the beach, on the boats. I have no idea what fish it is. I didn't have any specific pattern. It was just crocheting the shape of a fish. But when I was putting everything together for the newsletter, I found the link to all crochet sea creatures.
Looks Fishy? Fish? Fish ..... Finished!!!!!! It doesn't look like an ocean sunfish, but it looks pretty much like a lake sunfish (no kidding - you can google the image). Who would have thought these types even existed?! .... And the colour is sunny!
 | Summer Yarn For the last wine bottle topper, I picked two shades of purple. Purple is a color between red and blue in the color wheel. In my project, it's between a red fish and a blue star :-) Purple Lupines Wonderful color! It can represent deep cold ocean water and beautiful lupines in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. where they bloom mostly in their natural color in the wild - purple. Researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island are trying to figure out why purple is the dominant colour amongst the lupines that line P.E.I.'s roadways. Oh, Octopus This friendly octopus has a spiraling single-crochet light-purple body and several curly dark-purple tentacles. |
| Aquatic Wonders There are so many other aquatic wonders to knit and crochet. Each of them is fast and easy to make and can be yours in an evening. Cheers to the summer and the sea! |  |
In the Loop 2014
Loop the Loop Our annual early September activity is the air show. This year we watched it from the Toronto Islands. What a performance!!
loop-the-loop [loop-th uh-loop] noun
1.an airplane maneuver in which a plane, startingupward, makes one complete vertical loop.
2. a ride in an amusement park that simulatesthis maneuver.
Loop Knitting Naturally, this maneuver reminded me of
one of my favorite stitches - the loop. This techniques gives projects a nice depth and texture.
loop-the-loop [loop-th uh-loop] noun
1.an airplane maneuver in which a plane, startingupward, makes one complete vertical loop.
2. a ride in an amusement park that simulatesthis maneuver.
Loop Knitting Naturally, this maneuver reminded me of
one of my favorite stitches - the loop. This techniques gives projects a nice depth and texture.
| The Loop It also reminded me a lovely yarn store in Halifax, Nova Scotia: an amazing shop girl and beautiful local yarn. And, as you can see in the picture, the knitters' creativity. The entire block was under construction, but it didn't spoil the party. The work platform got a nice graffiti knitting touch - the shop used it to colorfully display knitted and crocheted yarn along with the enthusiasm of its visitors. How artsy-craftsy!! P.S. The name of the shop is The Loop. Nova Scotia, 2015 |  |
Buenos Aires Many yarn stores go creative displaying the yarn they have to offer. When I travel, I always check out the local yarn shops and purchase the yarn from the new place. Beautiful Wool! Argentina, 2012
Santiago I stopped by at some nice yarn shops in Pueblito Los Dominicos (Los Domonicos Village) - a crafts market in a heritage zone of Santiago. Lana maravillosa! Chile, 2012
Lima KUNA yarn stores are in many cities in South America. I visited two of them and bought yarn in Kuna shops in Chile and Peru. In the picture - KUNA store in Peru, 2012
Santiago I stopped by at some nice yarn shops in Pueblito Los Dominicos (Los Domonicos Village) - a crafts market in a heritage zone of Santiago. Lana maravillosa! Chile, 2012
Lima KUNA yarn stores are in many cities in South America. I visited two of them and bought yarn in Kuna shops in Chile and Peru. In the picture - KUNA store in Peru, 2012
Vienna I bought yarn in Vienna as well. They love knitting here. My Austrian yarn project is still work in progress.
Wunderbare Wolle! Austria, 2014
P.E.I. Just opened this summer - a lovely shop in Kensington, P.E.I. Wonderful yarn! PE.I. 2015
Kensington The yarn is beautifully displayed. I bought very nice wool there. PE.I. 2015
Wunderbare Wolle! Austria, 2014
P.E.I. Just opened this summer - a lovely shop in Kensington, P.E.I. Wonderful yarn! PE.I. 2015
Kensington The yarn is beautifully displayed. I bought very nice wool there. PE.I. 2015
Venice "At Lellabella, you won't find just "wool", but the highest quality Italian yarn and unique products from the most sought-after brands. We use our yarns to create a large variety of personalized items made by hand."
Meravigliosa lana! Italy, 2008
Provence I forgot what shop it was, but it was a good one. And they've got wonderful yarn - wool in particular.
Merveilleuse laine! France, 2008
New York You can buy beautiful yarn at the knitting workshops and shows - like at Vogue Knitting LIVE. I visited the first one - in 2011. The last one was in January 2015
Meravigliosa lana! Italy, 2008
Provence I forgot what shop it was, but it was a good one. And they've got wonderful yarn - wool in particular.
Merveilleuse laine! France, 2008
New York You can buy beautiful yarn at the knitting workshops and shows - like at Vogue Knitting LIVE. I visited the first one - in 2011. The last one was in January 2015
 | Want to be informed? I'll keep you in the loop :-) Happy knitting! |
August. Andean Knits. 2013
| Colors in the rocks Source of inspiration: The Andes in Chile extend thousands of miles through several climate variations, and the scenary in the mountains. In the north, the Atacama, is completely different than in Patagonia in the south. In the north, the rocks look like lifeless brown desert hills, ugly, yet beautiful. Colors in the cities, on the other hand, are lively. They are everywhere: in graffiti, architecture, women clothes, etc. |  |
 | Chilean sweater My Chilean sweater paleta de colores is a combination of city colors on the earthy background. This project was colorfast :-) - just knitting simple stocking stitch and changing various shades of the yarn rainbow. Fast and fun! As you can see, I tried to come up with a kind of a pictorial motif - imitation of the traditional knitting technique. My focus was geometric shapes - the main pattern in ethnic Andean knitting (which looked to me like ancient graffiti). |  |
Knitting graffiti. Knitting graffiti This is what you can "knit between the rows": "Zigzags may symbolize rivers or roads, which provide transportation through the mountainous terrain. They may also represent serpents, who bring wisdom and knowledge of the ancient past to the wearer, or earthworms, who bring fertility to the fields. Cross motifs are used to remember a recently deceased friend or loved one, as well as to provide protection over the fields during the growing season. "The project was "motiffast" :-) - the motifs were not knitted but embroidered on the finished sweater. Fast and fun!
Pre-winter knitting I usually knit winter things in the winter and summer things in the summer- not knitters' logic at all.
If you don't make some warm knits in the summer, they won't be ready for you to wear when it's chilly. But this year it works for me: I am in the middle of the Chilean winter, and the warm knit I have just finished is ready for the Canadian winter. Super lógica, no? It was a "buttonfast" project :-) - buttons were made out of yarn. Fast and fun!
If you don't make some warm knits in the summer, they won't be ready for you to wear when it's chilly. But this year it works for me: I am in the middle of the Chilean winter, and the warm knit I have just finished is ready for the Canadian winter. Super lógica, no? It was a "buttonfast" project :-) - buttons were made out of yarn. Fast and fun!
 | Colorful knitting My last August knitting color palette was completely different - aqua - like Chile on this map. Prep-for-chilly-season knitting can be fast, and colorful knitting in Chile is fun. By the way, one of the explanations about the origin of the name "Chile" is derived from the native Aymará word "chilli" meaning "the land where the earth ends." And my Chilean adventures will end at some point as well, but ... |  Sweater season ... there's always time for knitting, and ... they say it's always sweater season. I am gonna make another one! Chao! |
Aqua August 2012
Colors Aquamarine, turquoise - a bit blue, a bit green. Beautiful tint, and goes well with so many other colors. You can pair it with anything. In this azure top I mixed the aquamarine with yellow and shades of blue. The yarn is my favourite Japanese habu. It feels great on a hot summer day. As you can see, the design is very simple.
Accessorize It The eye-catching greenish-blue pin is a beautiful accessory for the habu airy knits.
Aqua Attic In the aqua assemblage (found in the attic :-)) everything is filled with this fantastic color!
Accessorize It The eye-catching greenish-blue pin is a beautiful accessory for the habu airy knits.
Aqua Attic In the aqua assemblage (found in the attic :-)) everything is filled with this fantastic color!
| The highest good is like water... The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In business, be competent. In action, watch the timing. ~ Tao Te Ching ~ |  |
Online Store 2011
It's nice to have a lot of free time in the summer. So between reading and knitting I actually opened a store... an online store of course - at CafePress. So, sneak peek at Artisaknity design at my online store :-)
| Read Knit Love Tote bag This 100% cotton canvas tote bag has plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. It includes a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying.
|  |
 | Knit Seasons Thermos Food Jar Perfect for lunch bags or picnics, this durable food jar does an incredible job of keeping your food hot or cold. Although small enough for easy transporting, it’s big on convenience. Soups on!
|
Late Summer Purse 2010
Late Summer August is a wonderful month when the summer is almost over and the heat is usually mild, but not this year. I guess we are all hoping for the 'cooldown' these days.
Late Summer Purse I called the carryall I made last month a Late Summer Purse. It has all the summer colours but they are a little faded. I thought that just a couple of bright blooms of anemone would add a blast of colour to the purse.
This easy-to-knit carryall with leather straps is made of hand-spun yarn.
I like how the purse plays up the rainbow palette of this beautiful hand dyed yarn. Two purple needle-felted anemones are a finishing touch.
Late Summer Purse I called the carryall I made last month a Late Summer Purse. It has all the summer colours but they are a little faded. I thought that just a couple of bright blooms of anemone would add a blast of colour to the purse.
This easy-to-knit carryall with leather straps is made of hand-spun yarn.
I like how the purse plays up the rainbow palette of this beautiful hand dyed yarn. Two purple needle-felted anemones are a finishing touch.
Anemones Anemone, pronounced as 'a-NEM-o-nee'. The name is derived from the Greek word 'anemos' meaning 'wind'. In Roman times Pliny wrote that the anemone flower was opened by the wind. The flowers of the taller types are carried on long, wiry stems and nod gracefully in a breeze. This flower comes in vibrant shades of white, pink, purple, magenta and burgundy, and although it is quite showy, it has no scent. Felt flowers are very easy to make. I had fun making them and am planning on adding some more to my website.
This flower comes in vibrant shades of white, pink, purple, magenta and burgundy, and although it is quite showy, it has no scent. Felt flowers are very easy to make. I had fun making them and am planning on adding some more to my website. The meaning for this flower in flower language is "expectation".
William Congreve: Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life.
This flower comes in vibrant shades of white, pink, purple, magenta and burgundy, and although it is quite showy, it has no scent. Felt flowers are very easy to make. I had fun making them and am planning on adding some more to my website. The meaning for this flower in flower language is "expectation".
William Congreve: Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life.
| Anemone inspired quotes: Claude M. Bristol: We usually get what we anticipate. Brian Tracy: Your attitude is an expression of your values, beliefs and expectations. Eli Khamarov: The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations. Laurence Overmire: Expect nothing and accept everything and you will never be disappointed. Celia Thaxter: There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. |  |
July Dragonfly 2018
Focus on living IN the moment 'The dragonfly normally lives most of its life as a nymph or an immature. It flies only for a fraction of its life and usually not more than a few months. This adult dragonfly does it all in these few months and leaves nothing to be desired. This style of life symbolizes and exemplifies the virtue of living IN the moment and living life to the fullest. By living in the moment you are aware of who you are, where you are, what you are doing, what you want, what you don’t and make informed choices on a moment-to-moment basis.'
Knitting in the moment Living in the moment ... Not dwelling on the past ... Being in the present ... Wait! It's exactly what you do when you knit. You are staying in the moment creating something. It's meditation, innovation, positive thinking.
Knitting in the moment Living in the moment ... Not dwelling on the past ... Being in the present ... Wait! It's exactly what you do when you knit. You are staying in the moment creating something. It's meditation, innovation, positive thinking.
Good advice, dragonfly! Knit in all seasons and knit in the moment. Happy knitting!
Summer and the Sox 2017
Perfect Fit Do you see this happy face? It's because Andrey is wearing these amazing socks. They fit perfectly!
Perfect Feel They are so soft. They feel great!
Gift These beautiful socks were made by my sister-in-law and a friend Nina from Russia.
Socks The socks are made of the melange yarn, and it takes Nina a couple of evenings to knit a pair. I like them!
Thanks Like it? Yes!!! Happy knitting!!!
Perfect Feel They are so soft. They feel great!
Gift These beautiful socks were made by my sister-in-law and a friend Nina from Russia.
Socks The socks are made of the melange yarn, and it takes Nina a couple of evenings to knit a pair. I like them!
Thanks Like it? Yes!!! Happy knitting!!!
Sea-to-Sky Scarf 2016
The Name Sea-to-Sky is the name of the famous route 99 from Vancouver to Whistler. The beauty of it is in the name - you drive along the magnificent ocean to the sky-punching mountains. We did this route from 'sky' (Whistler) to 'sea' (Vancouver). And that's how the scarf I made during the trip got its name. To me, 'Sea-to-Sky' was not only Highway 99 route. This water-mountain blueness started in Banff with its heaven-touching peaks and continued to Okanagan Valley with its stunning Okanagan Lake and amazing wineries and then to the BC Coast.
Art of Yarn Yarn for the scarf was bought in Kelowna (Okanagan Valley) in a beautiful shop
called Art of Yarn.
Yarn Shop I try to visit local yarn shops in all places I go. This one impressed me by how organized the yarn and the accessories and other things for knitters were.
Be Sweet The yarn is from Be Sweet boucle baby mohair collection: Made in South Africa. 50 g (200yards) - one ball is enough for a pretty long scarf.
called Art of Yarn.
Yarn Shop I try to visit local yarn shops in all places I go. This one impressed me by how organized the yarn and the accessories and other things for knitters were.
Be Sweet The yarn is from Be Sweet boucle baby mohair collection: Made in South Africa. 50 g (200yards) - one ball is enough for a pretty long scarf.
Sea The scarf was crocheted on Route 99. It's just the basic crochet stitch - double crochet. Hook 6.0.
Sky Since the yarn - baby mohair - is soft, the scarf is soft too. It's light and airy, and it feels warm.
Sky Since the yarn - baby mohair - is soft, the scarf is soft too. It's light and airy, and it feels warm.
| Summer Knitting I was blown away by the beauty of the West of Canada, but was also happy to come back to the Great Lakes. Knitting by the Lake Ontario is so inspiring. |  |
July Little Stars 2015
Beautiful Baby Booties Even though babies are not able to walk, we can still adorn their pretty little feet with shoes.
I started with the stars .... and started a while ago. The blue cotton stars were supposed to be for the other project. Now, they are a beautiful embellishment for these summer sandals. Baby shoes make a great gift for a baby :-)
These booties were made for Amelia's 6th month birthday.
Summer Sandals They look adorable on our Amelia's.little feet. I am not sure if she likes them though. The intention is to take them off right after I put them on :-)
Cute Cotton They are easy to knit. You need a hook 5,5 and two colors of yarn. No buttons - just crochet small flowers.
Yarn for these sandals is one of my favorite - cotton. I used this yarn for several other projects
Beautiful Blue The color is great too - like the sky in July.
I started with the stars .... and started a while ago. The blue cotton stars were supposed to be for the other project. Now, they are a beautiful embellishment for these summer sandals. Baby shoes make a great gift for a baby :-)
These booties were made for Amelia's 6th month birthday.
Summer Sandals They look adorable on our Amelia's.little feet. I am not sure if she likes them though. The intention is to take them off right after I put them on :-)
Cute Cotton They are easy to knit. You need a hook 5,5 and two colors of yarn. No buttons - just crochet small flowers.
Yarn for these sandals is one of my favorite - cotton. I used this yarn for several other projects
Beautiful Blue The color is great too - like the sky in July.
Cotton Content 2014
Cotton is a fiber we all wear, knit and use in our daily lives.
It is a source of endless variations for clothes and accessories.
5 summers Five summers ago was issued the first Artisaknity newsletter, and my knitting journal began. I started with blue cotton and a very simple pattern. This small crocheted summer purse was made in Aruba (the button-stone from the Eagle Beach is the silent witness to it:-))
Cotton: Habu From the Habu Textiles website. We carry “slow” materials, not flashy, not necessary pretty, not cheap, not easy, but those that will give a soul to the fabrics. Sounds like the description of this top below: not flashy but with a certain character. This azure top is made of Japanese habu. I mixed the aquamarine with yellow and shades of blue. It feels great on a hot summer day.
Cotton Comfort Cotton is the most popular yarn for the summer knits. It's comfortable to wear, pleasant to work with and easy to care for. This top was made more than 30 years ago and is still in pretty good shape!
Cotton: Habu From the Habu Textiles website. We carry “slow” materials, not flashy, not necessary pretty, not cheap, not easy, but those that will give a soul to the fabrics. Sounds like the description of this top below: not flashy but with a certain character. This azure top is made of Japanese habu. I mixed the aquamarine with yellow and shades of blue. It feels great on a hot summer day.
Cotton Comfort Cotton is the most popular yarn for the summer knits. It's comfortable to wear, pleasant to work with and easy to care for. This top was made more than 30 years ago and is still in pretty good shape!
| Cotton for Cozy I love this cotton wine bottle cozy. This time last summer I had to knit something really warm because I spent it in Southern Hemisphere where July is a winter month. |  |
 | Going Green Green grass, green yarn... It's a pattern sample. The knit itself is yet to be done ... may be for the next summer... but it already looks like something earth-friendly, doesn't it?!! Russian village(where I spent some of my summer time this year) is a source of infinite inspiration for cotton knitters. |
Kuna Knits or winter knitting in Chile in July 2013
| Yarn Brand Kuna is a Peruvian lifestyle brand with a unique prêt-a-porter collection made of Alpaca, Vicuña and Pima Cotton. Kuna is part of the Inca Group, the pioneer in exporting Alpaca products to the world. My alpaca vest, which I knitted in July, is made of KUNA yarn. KUNA Stores I bought this Alpaca yarn for the jacket in Santiago. Next time I am there, I should get some more and knit the sleeves :-) This yarn is amazing. It can produce knits that are soft, smooth, and comfortable. |  |
Winter Knits Winter has come to Southern hemisphere. And even though there are no bare trees here, in the north of Chile, the brisk breeze is whispering - wrap yourself in warmth ... it's time for winterwear ... and I am thinking: something thick and cozy.
Warmth for the Winter Blues You really need something warm in the Andes in the winter. This yarn is super warm! Di no al winter blues!
Alpaca Turunku The yarn is called Alpaca Turunku. It's bulky big stitch yarn. I used 8mm(US size) needles to knit. And it's so-o-o natural: 91% Alpaca, 7.5% Wool, 1.5% Nylon. Loops that spring out of the core yarn make it a bit tricky to knit, but this "curly" textured surface feels good.
Artesanía North of Chile is mining. Copper is gold here. In the local arts and crafts shops - tiendas de artesanía - you can find all kinds of jewelry - all made of copper.
Chilean Blue Sky Saying No to winter blues, yours, Tanya P.
Warmth for the Winter Blues You really need something warm in the Andes in the winter. This yarn is super warm! Di no al winter blues!
Alpaca Turunku The yarn is called Alpaca Turunku. It's bulky big stitch yarn. I used 8mm(US size) needles to knit. And it's so-o-o natural: 91% Alpaca, 7.5% Wool, 1.5% Nylon. Loops that spring out of the core yarn make it a bit tricky to knit, but this "curly" textured surface feels good.
Artesanía North of Chile is mining. Copper is gold here. In the local arts and crafts shops - tiendas de artesanía - you can find all kinds of jewelry - all made of copper.
Chilean Blue Sky Saying No to winter blues, yours, Tanya P.
July - Blue Sky 2012
Sun is shinin' in the sky There ain't a cloud in sight It's stopped rainin' ev'rybody's in a play And don't you know It's a beautiful new day hey,hey (Mr. Blue Sky lyrics)
| Blue Cables It has all knitted together this summer - warm weather, blue sky, brigantine, and my cotton cable bag (which looks nice on the boat ropes:-)) Canadian Sky carry-all This blue cotton carry-all has been transformed from the unfinished pull-over which I started many years ago. I unraveled some of it this summer, stitched the side seams, crocheted around the top, added a fabric lining, attached the handles - and got a new summer purse. Aruban Sky Purse This small summer purse is made of Aruban sky blue cotton. The button is a stone found on Eagle Beach. Florida Sky I crocheted this small key-holder during my trip to Key West, Florida last year. It made a nice summer gift. |  |
German Blue
Die sommer ist fantastisch! Das blaue meer ist wunderbar! This dress on the cover of German Verena (which comes first, after that European, and then international issues) resembles the cotton dress I made last month. Dieses blaue kleid ist naturlich viel besser!! :-)
Die sommer ist fantastisch! Das blaue meer ist wunderbar! This dress on the cover of German Verena (which comes first, after that European, and then international issues) resembles the cotton dress I made last month. Dieses blaue kleid ist naturlich viel besser!! :-)
| Russian Sky This top was made 30 years ago when I was 20. Guess how old I am today :-) |  |
Out of the Blue
Out of the blue we are in the Vogue Knittingmagazine with the jewelry collection for knit lovers. We called it Sisters Knit, and the playfu sheep you see below is the "face" of it :-)
Out of the blue we are in the Vogue Knittingmagazine with the jewelry collection for knit lovers. We called it Sisters Knit, and the playfu sheep you see below is the "face" of it :-)
Summer-licious Knits and Cardmaking Craft 2011
| Wishing you blue skies This sheep might look a little blue, but in fact it is quite happy and really enjoys the view of Lake Ontario's beautiful water :-) Every proud Canadian :-) knows that the word "ontario" comes from the Iroquois word "kanadario" meaning "sparkling" water. Happy belated Canada Day!! Hey there mister blue We're so pleased to be with you Look around see what you do Ev'rybody smiles at you (Mr. Blue Sky lyrics) |  |
May you be loved and knit together in true friendship under the blue sky. July 2012
Summer-licious Knits and Cardmaking Craft 2011
Summer knits
Summer knits are light, airy, and water-colour. So is this summer newsletter. Not so much text, just pictures and links. Summer Headband. Yarn: Habu, Cotton, Gima ("fake linen" in Japanese)
Summer pullover
This summer pullover is perfect if you want to give your skin a break from the sun for a few hours.
Yarn: Cotton. Pattern: Cables.
Summer knits are light, airy, and water-colour. So is this summer newsletter. Not so much text, just pictures and links. Summer Headband. Yarn: Habu, Cotton, Gima ("fake linen" in Japanese)
Summer pullover
This summer pullover is perfect if you want to give your skin a break from the sun for a few hours.
Yarn: Cotton. Pattern: Cables.
Arabesque Aruba 2010
The title of this newsletter was inspired by the word Arabesque which means resembling Arabian. I am using this word here for the sound and alliteration effect and just to play with suffix -esque:arabesque-arUbesque-picturesque-Picassoesque. Etymology. From French -esque (“‘-ish, -ic, -esque’”) from Italian -esco (“‘like’”) from Medieval Latin -iscus, of Germanic origin, from Frankish *-isc (“‘-ish’”) from Proto-Germanic *-iskaz. Akin to Old High German -isc (German -isch), Old English -isc, Old Norse iskr, Gothic-isks. More at -ish.
| Arabesque  | Arubesque  |
Arabesque font
I told you I like words. This time it's Arubesque. The original word is, of course, arabesque, but for us who have just come from Aruba it's with a U. The -esque words here turned out to be a surprisingly close-knit word family that resembles Aruba:-)
Aruba. This picturesque place has become a synonym for paradise. By the way, as I learned from Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat Pray Love, which I am rereading at the moment, the word paradise comes from the Persian and means literally "a walled garden" (p.236)
I told you I like words. This time it's Arubesque. The original word is, of course, arabesque, but for us who have just come from Aruba it's with a U. The -esque words here turned out to be a surprisingly close-knit word family that resembles Aruba:-)
Aruba. This picturesque place has become a synonym for paradise. By the way, as I learned from Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat Pray Love, which I am rereading at the moment, the word paradise comes from the Persian and means literally "a walled garden" (p.236)
Definition 1. As you may probably know one of the meanings of this word is a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other extended to the back. I wish I could do it (as I used to - in the first grade :-), but now ... my lovely bones (which are knitting well I guess) can't do this.
 Man ice skating on outdoor ice rink doing an arabesque. Some of you might think that it's Andrey doing his free dance Hey, Rulla-te-Rulla-te-Rulla-lala (Russia, 60s) - he is famous for this dance and for portrait similarities:-) but it's not him. |  Like a statuesque dancer in a graceful pose, the watapana, or divi-divi tree, is one of Aruba's hallmarks. The divi-divis are always bent toward thewest (where the best beaches are). |
Definition 2. The next definition is about design. An ornate design of intertwined floral, foliate, and geometric figures.
 The arabesque patterns can be very beautiful. |  My design is not intricate at all; in fact, it's pretty simple, but you can see geometry there :-) This small summer purse is made of Aruban sky blue cotton. The button is a stone found on Eagle Beach. |
"the fluctuating shapes of a cloudscape, the complex arabesque of a camera movement, the blink of a character's eye" (Nigel Andrews). |  "the fluctuating shapes of a cloudscape, the complex arabesque of a camera movement, the blink of a character's eye" (Andrew Preobrazhenskiy - my shot). |
Debussy’s Arabesque. Debussy is a famous French composer. His arabesque is a popular piano piece. |  Beautiful Aruban dance. Very PaulGauguinesque!! |
Arabesque Art
There are two modes to arabesque art. The first recalls the principles that govern the order of the world. These principles include the bare basics of what makes objects structurally sound and, by extension, beautiful (i.e. the angle and the fixed/static shapes that it creates).
In the first mode, each repeating geometric form has a built-in symbolism ascribed to it. For example, the square, with its four equilateral sides, is symbolic of the equally important elements of nature:earth, air, fire, and water. Without any one of the four, the physical world, represented by a circle that inscribes the square, would collapse upon itself and cease to exist.
There are two modes to arabesque art. The first recalls the principles that govern the order of the world. These principles include the bare basics of what makes objects structurally sound and, by extension, beautiful (i.e. the angle and the fixed/static shapes that it creates).
In the first mode, each repeating geometric form has a built-in symbolism ascribed to it. For example, the square, with its four equilateral sides, is symbolic of the equally important elements of nature:earth, air, fire, and water. Without any one of the four, the physical world, represented by a circle that inscribes the square, would collapse upon itself and cease to exist.
 Geometric arabesque tiling on the underside of the dome of the Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz. |  Beautiful palapas on Eagle Beach. |
The second mode is based upon the flowing nature of plant forms. This mode recalls the feminine nature of life giving.
 Beautiful lines of plant forms |  Aruba has its own aloe farm and factory where they show you how the gel is extracted from the aloe vera plant and used in a variety of products. We all know the healing powers of this plant. It makes a good skin toner too! |
In addition, upon inspection of the many examples of Arabesque art, some would argue that there is in fact a third mode, the mode of Arabic calligraphy.
 For some cultures, calligraphy is a visible expression of the highest art of all - the art of the spoken word (the transmittal of thoughts and of history) |  I don't know what this bird is, but it looks very pelicanesque to me:-) |
Fun with -esque Words and PicturesDoes it resemble anything you've seen or heard before?:-))
 Arubare(foot)esque |  Not Kafkaesque |
 Arubassque |  Gaugenesque |
 JoeDassinesque |  Arabesque Aruba |
Author
yarn artisan
Tanya Preobrazhenski
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