Designer of the Month - Iryna Varabei

This month's designer is Iryna Varabei.  Born in Belarus Iryna immigrated to Canada in 1999 and is now sharing her very distinct design style with Canadian stitchers.     Her designs are reflective of her Belarusan traditions with ornamental motifs and Belarusan images.  She transforms traditional patterns into modern designs enriched with a diversity of stitching techniques such as cross stitch, canvas work, Open work, Needlepoint, Nizanka (a Belarusan Wicker Stitch), and String art.
She has had many of her designs published in A Needlepulling Thread Magazine, and also self publishes under "Spirit of Belarus".
 



 


For  stitch night on Wednesday May the 8th, Iryna will introduce us to one of her Belarusan techniques, Nizanka.  It is a reversible stitch; a great ornamental stitch for table runners, table cloths, pillows, sheers, and much more.  During stitch night we will make a Nizanka bookmark, shown on the left.  The kit charge for this bookmark, including 18ct linen, wool, and instructions is $15.00.  Please RSVP if you are planning on partaking.







Iryna will also be in the shop on May 11th, for a "Meet the Designer" day, and she will also hold a more formal Workshop on May 25th.   Shown on the right is Iryna's contribution to our Designer Collaboration Sampler now available in the shop.  In her Nizanka style, this motif is called  "Berahinia", the Guardian Lady.  Along with the runic symbols, on either side of her, she provides protection and well-being for you, your home, and your soul.

Here is a sneak peak at the sampler as it is progressing.  Carolyn Mitchell's is in the top middle, Brenda Franklin's is the beaded rose bud on the left (we still have bead kits available for $3.95), Iryna Varabei's "Berahinia" is the top right, and the bottom right is Maria Golleck, of Marnic Designs.  Maria will be our "Designer of the Month" for July.  

So, drop by the shop, see Iryna's designs up close 

and try your hand at a new technique.