Category: Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes – a peek into my creative process, work in progress, exhibitions, and the everyday life of a lace maker.

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Embroidered Quilt

Embroidered quilt size 2.20 x 2.20 m.

Embroidered Quilt, or recycling old clothes into beauty.

Hello everyone! I have posted several videos on my YouTube channel showing how I make an embroidered quilt. It is a lot of work, but I hope the results are worth it! So, first I cut up 2 old coats, 3 jackets and 2 pants. I cut out squares and embroidered each one. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without my amazing Bernina sewing and embroidery machine!

You can watch this series of videos and follow the sequence of my work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88-aBxhKIs4&list=PLmUVrN61lH3yBsE8IWUzG70p9-jiLNQp7

7 bloks for embroidered quilt

Finally all 121 blocks are embroidered. It was very difficult for me to choose the patterns for embroidery, because I have about 100 designs for embroidery blocks. In addition, on my machine you can combine different patterns together. So the options can be endless!

Now I can start connecting the blocks into strips. This method of joining is often used by quilters.

Embroidered quilt 1

The first step is to place together the embroidered block, the lining, the folded strip for the back side and the strip for the front side.

Embroidered quilt 2

Sew together. I use a seam guide when sewing to ensure that all seam allowances are the same and perfectly even.

Step two is to press the seam. I use a special mini iron. It saves time ( Of course, because I don’t have to get up and go to the ironing board every time ) and helps to achieve a perfect result!

Step three is to stitch the second block with the lining. And be sure to iron this seam.

Step four – sew close to the on the front side, catching the strip on the back side. To avoid having to baste each strip by hand before sewing, I also iron this strip. To avoid having to baste each strip by hand before sewing, I also iron this strip with my small iron.

Step five is a decorating stitch. I chose “Home Sweet Home”. I think it will add coziness and “cuteness” to my quilt. It will also strengthen the joints of the blocks.

Every block I sew brings me closer to finishing the work! Wish me patience and good luck!
And also comment and subscribe to my blog! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/blog/

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Mission impossible

Hearts from used men's ties in patchwork technique recycled

Mission impossible, or the suffering of a perfectionist.

Hello everyone!  Today I want to tell you how I created a small heart with great love. Because for painstaking work, you really need to love your craft, the people for whom you create your products and nature, if we want to save our Earth.

So, I once again decided to “recycle” at least part of my supplies. Because I realized that my craft supplies are filling up faster than I’m using them. I’m sure many craftswomen will understand me! Now it’s the turn of old men’s ties. Oh, I have a collection of about 50 pieces! And I decided to sew small hearts. I counted four reasons to do this. Firstly, it will free up space in my workshop. Secondly, I will give a second life to things (recycling helps us conserve natural resources). Thirdly, no one will wear these ties because they are out of fashion. And fourthly, it’s just beautiful! Oh yes, there is a fifth reason. I don’t like doing the same thing over and over again. So I decided to turn on my imagination 200%! After all, I can change color combinations, finishing stitches, and patchwork patterns as I please.

And then I realized how difficult it is to work with thin small pieces of silk. The edges of the patches literally form a fringe. The fabric “flows” between the fingers. The texture of each tie differs in the interweaving of fibers and density. In other words, “mission impossible”? It looks terrible. Calm down, don’t panic! By the way, I watched all 5 films with Tom Cruise and came to the right conclusions, LOL

Through trial and error, I found an algorithm of actions that led to an almost ideal result.

FIRST STEP

impossible task

Open and iron ties.

SECOND STEP

This is the most pleasant and at the same time the most crucial moment. You need to select the necessary components. Three ties and a piece of matching felt, polyester thread for embroidery, cotton thread for sewing and thread No. 10 for knitting. If all this does not combine well, the result will not please us.

THIRD STEP


Embroider words on felt. I liked “From Ukraine with Love”. It sounds beautiful and conveys my feelings.

FOURTH STEP

Cut the ties into strips and assemble the patterns.

FIFTH STEP

Sew all seams. I used a special clear sewing foot to ensure that the seams ran parallel to the pattern on the pieces of fabric. By the way, in order not to “sew on my fingers,” I use a wonderful tool – a thimble (I don’t know what it’s called correctly). Very convenient and safe!

SIXTH STEP

For the hearts, I made a transparent template from plastic. I cut out the hearts and felt according to the shape of the template with an allowance of about 1 cm on all sides. I glued an embroidery stabilizer to the reverse side of the silk piece with an iron. Alas, it later turned out that this was not enough! So I first applied double sided fabric tape around the edges and then added embroidery stabilizer.

SEVENTH STEP

the mission is possible with the right tools

Now you need to make finishing seams at all joints. It’s so good that my wonderful Bernina performs 1131 decorative stitches! But at the same time it makes it difficult to choose, haha! By the way, I used a special foot to help me stitch exactly into the seam.

EIGHTH STEP

Now you can finally connect the silk piece with the felt lining.

NINTH STEP

mission assistance

This stage consists of several operations. First you need to trim off the excess fabric and felt very close to the stitching. Then sew a medium-density overcast stitch along the edges. If the result is not very good (and I am almost always unhappy!), use a lighter to burn the edge. Here you need to act very carefully so as not to spoil the main fabric and threads. I also had to make sure that my assistant didn’t burn his paws with a hot lighter!

TENTH STEP

Sew an overlock stitch along the edge one more time. But this time the seam must be very tight to get a perfect edge.

ELEVENTH STEP

All that remains is to crochet the cord, tie a bow and sew it to the heart. Of course, you could just take a satin ribbon. But I think a handmade knitted bow gives the composition a special “cuties”!

I liked the first result so much that I decided to make several options. I’m sure no one will say that this “mission impossible”! I hope you like my idea. Ready-made hearts are available in my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/from-ukraine-with-love/

Mission impossible
Mission impossible
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What is cro-tatting

Yellow jewelry set of earrings and bracelet in the Cro-tatting technique

What is cro-tatting, or do tatting masters deserve poems?

Hello everyone! I want to say Wow! No not like this. Wow Wow wow! This is my cry of joy and pride. And we especially need these positive emotions in this terrible time.

I want to thank the editor of Simply Crochet magazine Alison Maney ( link to the magazine website: https://www.gathered.how/magazines-simply-crochet/ ) and blogger Rebecca Parker ( https://beccaparker.journoportfolio.com/ )for their support and help in popularizing cro-tatting. Of course, it was very difficult for me to talk about such a rare, but very interesting type of tatting in a short interview. Because I am equally passionate about three types of tatting and am ready to talk about them for a Thousand and One Days (almost like Scheherazade!). Besides, I always forget that brevity is the sister of talent, LOL!

By the way, the article is called Crochet’s Quirky Cousins. You can read about Tunisian, Bosnian crochet and cro-tatting in this article. And also look at photos of the works of talented masters of their craft. You’ll understand why I’m proud. After all, it is a very honor to be in the company of such talents! Also I hope my subscribers recognize photos of my work!

Magazine pages with my cro-tatting works

What is cro-tatting
What is cro-tatting

I am also glad for this publication because cro-tatting is undeservedly deprived of attention from tatting and crochet masters. So, how can I briefly say what cro-tatting is? This is a symbiosis of crocheting and needle tatting. And it would be fair to put this type of lace making on a par with the rest of its sisters! Do you agree?

And not just publications in magazines. But also poems should be written about tatting! Agree, the lines from Guido Gezelle’s ode to a lacemaker sound very beautiful. “I love to watch you making lace…” I was very interested to learn about the work of this unusual author, a monk who wrote poetry in the Flemish language. And then I thought, maybe there is a poet who will glorify the masters of the shuttle, needle and hook? Alas, I do not have such talent. But for now I can shoot a video where you will see the beauty and grace of this wonderful type of needlework! https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaKozinenko

I always welcome your comments. Follow me on social networks. And don’t forget to check my store, welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

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Results of the competition

Results of the competition for the best doily name, or how the wrath of injustice is for us to live.

Hello everyone! The competition for the best name for my new doily is over.
I am eternally grateful to all participants for their extraordinary creativity and activity!
Alas, my holiday mood was very spoiled today. One of the members of the FB group accused me of quackery. She wrote in several groups that I was a liar and was not giving away any prizes. How can you be so unfair? After all, this lady didn’t even try to take part in the competition. I was upset and very offended.
I hope you can share some positivity with me and I will feel better. Please forgive me for being too emotional. Alas, I could not come to terms with such injustice.

Of course, I couldn’t choose one option from the many most unexpected, most imaginative and most beautiful names! You are extraordinary! Thank you very much for your creativity, imagination and support of my blog! I really liked absolutely ALL the options! So I resorted to drawing lots. And I made a short video report. You can watch on my YouTube channel how I chose the winner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03JPh1vhfjM&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

So, Results of the competition!

The winner of Connie’s competition with the name for doily Galaxy Flower. Congratulations!
I send her the pattern by email.
To celebrate all participants of the competition, I am providing a 30% discount coupon for the purchase of this pattern to ALL participants. Please check your emails.

Now the doily pattern with a wonderful name is available in my store, please check it out! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/galaxy-flower-tatting-pattern/?removed_item=1
Thank you again for your active participation and support!

Follow my blog because I am planning some more contests with exciting prizes!

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Easier done than said

Fragment of a round doily in the tatting technique

Easier done than said, or a new competition for tatters.

Hello everyone! Of course, you know the expression “Easier said than done”. So I’ll tell you honestly, this is not about me! It’s easier for me to do than to come up with words to describe my work. I mean, it’s easier for me to do than say! LOL

Besides, I don’t speak English well enough. I have already asked my friends on social networks and subscribers for help several times. I need a nice name for my new doily. Help! And I just remembered the competition that I held for my followers. What wonderful names you came up with for my doily Honeycomb . I was impressed by your imagination. I promise I couldn’t have come up with a better name! I wrote about this competition and the winners on my blog. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/2020/06/

I am sure you will be happy to take part in the new competition for the best name for this doily! After all, the winner will receive a doily pattern as a gift. And the first 20 participants will receive a discount on the purchase of this pattern in my store.

Easier done than said
Easier said than done

And I will definitely add a video lesson on my YouTube channel, as well as a video report on choosing the winner. So don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated! https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaKozinenko

So, the conditions of the competition:

  1. Subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already.
  2. Come up with a name for my new doily and write it in the comments to this post. ATTENTION! Only titles written on the blog, not on social networks, will participate in the competition!
  3. The winner will be announced on September 15th.

I wish you all good luck and look forward to your wonderful doily names!

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Must-have lady’s makeup bag

Flat lay of cosmetics and lace handkerchief by FairyLacefromElena on terracotta background

Must-have lady’s makeup bag , or why a handkerchief in a cosmetic bag.

Hello, everyone!

In this post I want to talk about the manners of a real lady. Of course, I understand that during the quarantine, our movements are limited. It should be so, no doubt But even on those rare days when we leave the house wearing masks, we want to look beautiful. Do you agree? My great-grandmother used to say: a real lady can never look unkempt. Of course, you will not paint your face, for example, in a supermarket or restaurant. I’m sure you do it at home. Same as me. But sometimes we have to fix our makeup. Therefore, I always carry a cosmetic bag in my purse. And in my cosmetic bag I put the necessary minimum of cosmetics. Because if I put together a complete set, I have to carry a huge suitcase!

So what do I put in my cosmetic bag.

This is a lip pencil, lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, powder with a mirror, a small bottle of perfume and a handkerchief. Probably your set is different from mine. Or they are similar. But do you have a beautiful handkerchief? I’m not talking about compact packages of disposable antiseptic wipes. Because we have this subject all the time. In the car or in your pocket. Yes? But I feel like a real lady when I take out a thin lace handkerchief. Ah, those lace accessories. Ladies at balls dropped them at the feet of their gentlemen, hiding a note in a fabric. And what conflict arose between the musketeers over a silk handkerchief? Have you read Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers?

How to sew tatting lace to fabric

I don’t throw a handkerchief on the floor or hide notes in there, ha ha! But I can laugh to tears. Yes, I am a very emotional lady. In this case, my makeup is slightly disturbed. And the contents of the bag will help me! I will gently and delicately remove the tears from my eyes with a handkerchief. And I like it if my handkerchief makes the ladies around me envy. So I make my handkerchiefs myself. Everything is very simple. I need to weave lace, sew this lace to the fabric. And voila, you’re done! Try it too! I’m sure you will like it! Moreover, I have prepared for you a new edging pattern and a video tutorial on how to sew tatting lace to fabric. The video contains three methods. Therefore, you can choose whichever one you like.

You can read more about the pattern here: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/edging-pattern-fluffy-clouds/

And this is a link to a video tutorial, welcome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akpnypHDdW8&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

I will be glad if you write in the comments what lies in your cosmetic bag. And also leave feedback on my new pattern and video, please. Subscribe to stay informed. Thanks!

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Languages of the world

Black engraving of Babel Tower, symbol of world languages and FairyLacefromElena blog translation

Languages of the world, or why I chose English for tatting patterns.

Hello, everyone!

You will certainly agree with me that 2020 was not the kindest year for everyone, alas. But there are also pluses. We can devote more time to our own self-education, right? I enjoy reading wikipedia articles. Because this way I can learn a lot of new and interesting things!

It turns out, there are 7174 languages on Earth for 2020. Do you know this?

Some statistics

About 2/3 of the world’s people speak the 40 most spoken languages. Most people speak Chinese, Hindi, English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian and French. So it is written in the Russian version of Wikipedia. But in the English version of the same Wikipedia, the following is written: English is the foremost—and by some accounts only—world language. In sociolinguistics, a world language (sometimes global language, rarely international language) is a language that extends far beyond its national boundaries and makes it possible for members of different language communities to communicate. Beyond that, there is no academic consensus about which languages qualify; Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili are other possible world languages.

Yes, I have read many different articles on the subject of World Languages. Of course, it is difficult to calculate exactly how many people in the world speak a particular language. Statistical data should be based on population censuses. Therefore, the numbers in different publications do not match. It is much easier to count the official languages of the countries of the world. In 56 countries the official language is English. Ah, that’s probably why I chose English for the instructions for my tatting patterns!

To write or not to write

At first, I couldn’t decide if detailed descriptions were needed. Because it was easier for me to just draw a graphical diagram with numbers. I have asked many tatters if a graphical diagram is enough for them. And the majority told me unanimously – no. You know that a person assimilates a visual picture better than just text. And detailed description helps to understand difficult points. I’m talking about pivot points of work or changing work’s and shuttle’s threads, for example. Besides, I do not always create the patterns are simple and easy. I love to surprise sometimes! I worked as a teacher for many years. And so I understand how important it is to explain the lesson correctly. Only then will the students be able to perform the task perfectly.

So I decided to combine the visual range with a detailed description. But what language should I write? You have read carefully, I hope. Therefore, you will immediately understand me. Yes, I chose English. 🙂

However, gradually I decided to translate my instructions into other languages. And I started with Italian. I cannot explain my choice. Probably because Italian sounds beautiful, like a song. But perhaps because I really like the country of Italy. And also because I am a member of the Italian-speaking group of tatting masters on FB. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my FB friend, group administrator Ninetta Caruso. Ninetta is an unusually talented and experienced tatting master. You will understand my admiration for her work if you visit Ninetta Caruso’s blog: https://ninettacaruso.blogspot.com/

English, Italian, and …

So, I’m starting a new stage of working on patterns. My goal is to create new master classes in English and Italian. And, if possible – a translation of my previous lessons.
Now you can check out my new bilingual pattern, Easter Egg Bouquet. This is very important because Easter is coming soon. Welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/easter-egg-bouquet-pattern/

Languages of the world

But maybe two languages are not enough? And what language would you advise me to translate the patterns into? Please write in the comments.

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips! Welcome!

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The torment of creativity

White tatted lace collar “Kitty” with bow, handmade by FairyLacefromElena

The torment of creativity, or pursuit of excellence.

Hello everyone! Today my post will consist of two questions. I really need your answers and advice.

I’m a perfectionist, alas. This trait of my character relates primarily to creativity. I already wrote about my firm conviction that tatting is creativity. Do you remember? Yes, and therefore, when creating new tatting patterns, I can redo the product several times. I am constantly striving to make the “perfect product”. But as we know, tastes differ! It is also quite possible that I am too demanding of myself. I have already made several variants of new earrings. Oh, you have no idea how much time and thread I ruined (so it seems to me).

The torment of creativity

I finally decided to leave the two most suitable options. But I don’t really like both of them, alas. And now I think I need to do the third option. What do you think is wrong with these earrings? Help, help, help please! I need any of your advice!

This was the first question. To make it easier for you to read, I “screwed an automatic translator” to my site. Have you noticed? It’s a button at the top of every page. So, and now my second question. Does automatic translation work correctly? Is your language in the dropdown? Add me some more languages? It turned out not one, but three whole questions, ha ha! But I hope it doesn’t scare you!

Subscribe and comment. I really look forward to your comments with answers and tips.
Also don’t forget to check my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/shop/

Also visit my pages on social networks, welcome:

https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

https://www.pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/_created/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uaLkTHdZ7Y&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=36

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Happy New Year 2021!

Transparent resin coaster with green tatted lace Christmas tree and blue snowflakes, handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Happy New Year 2021!

Hello everyone! The new year 2021 has come! I want to congratulate all of you on this long-awaited holiday! May this year bring health, happiness, peace and prosperity to all of us. Love and kindness!

Happy New Year
Happy New Year

I thank all of you for your support and kind words! Believe me, this is very valuable for every master. Your feedbacks helps me feel needed and talented. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This is our Christmas tree with my husband. We always try to combine old rare toys with new ones. Our Ded Moroz (Santa Claus) is 65 years old this year. Wow, this is a family heirloom! I am making some new Christmas tree decor myself. There are simply tatting, there are also tatting snowflakes in the resin. What are your family heirloom New Year? Perhaps you have interesting family traditions. Write in the comments, please. It is very interesting.

And, as always, I have a lot of new ideas. New year, new plans, new lace! The new project has already started. And I plan to finish the two designs I started (jewelry box and new earrings) in January. Therefore, subscribe to my blog, write your tips and questions in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer and help, as always! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/blog/

Happy New Year 2021 and do not forget to visit my pages on social networks: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

https://twitter.com/ElenaKozinenko1

https://www.instagram.com/elenakozinenko/

https://www.pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/_created/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uaLkTHdZ7Y&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=36

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Instant Christmas Gift for tatters

Christmas tree, Santa Claus and fireplace, festive mood for Instant Christmas Gift for tatters by FairyLacefromElena

Instant Christmas gift for tatters, or one question and one piece of advice.

 Hello everyone! In this post I want to ask you one question and also give you one good advice (so it seems to me)!

First a question. Perhaps you will find it strange to hear this question: cheaper or more detailed?

But I will try to explain. You may remember my lace jewelry box. I finally took the time to create a tutorial about this box. Trust me, it takes time and effort. Moreover, I personally do the entire process of creating a pattern. I invent it myself, draw a graphical diagram myself and test the created product myself. Yes, I don’t invite testers! This is a very delicate topic for me. Because I want to be 100% sure of the correctness of my plan. And also I am personally responsible for the quality of each of my tutorials. Perhaps someday … 🙂

Instant Christmas Gift for tatters
Instant Christmas Gift for tatters

Ah, I’m distracted. If I only do the pattern for the lid and sides of the box, I won’t spend a lot of time and materials on it. Accordingly, this pattern will not be expensive. But if I do a FULL detailed tutorial on how to make a box from the beginning to the last knot (this is a lid, sides, bottom, fasteners), then, of course, I will spend a lot of time and materials on it. Here’s my question. Which option do you prefer, cheap or detailed? It is very important for me to find out. Write in the comments, please.

Now my one piece of advice. I hope you enjoy my thought. Although (I’m sure) this idea is not new.

Christmas is near! And the issue with the delivery of parcels is especially acute. Have you made your Christmas orders online? Awful workload of postal warehouses in different countries. If you haven’t taken care of this beforehand, then your package might be here (I’m sorry):

But there is a good way out. I think the best gift for a tatter is threads, tools and patterns! Do you agree? Unfortunately, the threads and tools will not arrive before Christmas. Therefore, remains INSTANTLY LOADED pattern ! Show the next paragraph to your friends and family (ha ha!).

I suggest you buy any pattern, or a whole set. Of course you can do it at any store, but check mine first, please! Moreover, the 10% discount on all patterns continues until December 31st! Coupon code OFF10HAPPYPATTERN https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

And print the purchased pattern. Moreover, all my patterns are created in PDF format and you can easily print them on your home printer. For this purpose, in addition to the pattern, I created a cute picture. See how cute your gift will look! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/additional-file-for-tatting-pattern/

Do not forget to wear a protective mask before giving your gift! Believe me, this is a nice and very useful gift. But if you are very strict in quarantine, I can send your purchase to any email address you specify. To do this, just contact me before buying by email fish20085@gmail.com or FB: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

I look forward to your comments and questions! Happy Holidays!