craft Archives - FairyLace

Posted on October 15, 2024August 20, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

Embroidered Quilt

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

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.

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.

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/

Posted on January 10, 2024August 22, 2025 by Elena — 7 Comments

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

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

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/

Posted on October 13, 2023August 22, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

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

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/

Posted on July 24, 2023August 22, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

DIY fabric

DIY fabric, or creating a unique pattern from pieces of fabric.

Hello everyone! I am very pleased to read your comments and feedback on my new work. Thank you so much to everyone who supports me during this difficult time!
You know that my first and main hobby is tatting. But there are still many types of needlework that I can do well (as it seems to me!).

One of my favorites is patchwork. I’m sure you’ve heard of the pizza technique. Oh, it’s not about the food! Although I heard Italian housewives say: “I put everything I have left after dinner on pizza for breakfast in the morning!” Very economical and creative, in my opinion. So why not use practical advice in needlework ?! So, we use everything that remains from previous projects. And I used not only pieces of fabric, but also pieces of lace.

So, step by step we go to the ideal result. And I hope our pizza turns out “delicious” enough!

Step one

First determine the size of the placemat you need. I made 24×36 cm. Cut out a rectangle from the main fabric (I have it red-orange), adding 4 cm to the size of the placemat on each side. We also need rectangles of synthetic winterizer and adhesive double-sided interlining 24X36 cm. But you can make a non-woven rectangle 4 cm smaller. Also prepare a piece of 20X 32 cm from nylon, or mesh, or organza. It can be any fairly transparent fabric.

Ah, I almost forgot the most important thing! Prepare ANY pieces of fabric.

Step two

This step is the most exciting, I think. Here you can show all your imagination. Place fabric pieces on the non-woven rectangle as you like. No restrictions, no canons! You create a new fabric yourself. Remember you, I’m a fan of tatting? In the center I added a sample of one of my little lace projects. 🙂

Step three

Now gently “glue” the pieces of fabric to the interlining and synthetic winterizer with an iron.

Step four

Cover the resulting sample with a transparent cloth rectangle and secure with pins.

Step five

Put together all the layers of the prepared rectangles and quilt with a pattern that you like. It can be squares, circles, leaves, flowers. I chose a pattern that some craftsmen call “brains”. With the BSR foot, stitching becomes an absolute pleasure!

Step six

Forming the corners and borders. I plan to make a video on how to do it quickly, neatly and easily. So don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for updates. https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaKozinenko

Step seven

Iron the finished placemats. And delight your family with a new dinner decor from the new DIY fabric! This way, your meals will be much tastier!

A set of such placemats can be bought in my store, welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/four-patchwork-placemats-surprise/?removed_item=1

Posted on July 17, 2023August 22, 2025 by Elena — 6 Comments

How to use fabric scraps

How to use fabric scraps, or what I can do.

Hello everyone! If you follow me on social networks, you have seen my new work tatting. These are the seven bookmarks of the Chakras. Ah, making two orders in two weeks was not easy! Eyes and hands are a little tired. So I decided to take a break from lace and clean up my craftroom.

https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/bookmarks-chakras-tatting-patterns/

I’m sure many of my subscribers own several types of needlework. Therefore, you know that it is impossible to put things in order in the workshop without destroying the “stocks”. But throwing away even a small piece of fabric is IMPOSSIBLE! Do you agree? So, I started with a big box of scraps. I had an idea and it took two days to implement it.

First, I ironed all the pieces of fabric. Moreover, I did not select fabrics by texture or color, so as not to waste time.

Then I cut a lot of squares and rectangles. To speed up and facilitate the process, I used a patchwork ruler as a template. And I got the same width of all the pieces – 2.5 inches. By the way, the roller knife helped me to cope with this work wonderfully!

Then I sewed small pieces into long strips. Of course, all the seams must be ironed out. I thought that the connection of small pieces would be too colorful, so I prepared long strips of “zebra” fabric.

Now the fun begins! I sewed all the strips diagonally onto a base of light dense fabric and synthetic winterizer. I also stitched each strip, pinning the layers together. To adjust the fabric while sewing, I use an interstitial fixture. If you liked my special “thimble”, write in the comments!

And at the end of the work, I sewed strips of black dense fabric along the edges of the “variegated disgrace”. The result of my cleaning in the workshop: minus two bags of fabric scraps, minus two sheets of PVC, minus one old tablecloth, minus a bag of sintepon scraps and plus two empty boxes. You see the result in the photo!

So, I showed how to use fabric scraps. In addition to tatting and sewing, I own many other types of needlework. What kind of needlework do you do? Write about it in the comments, I’m very interested. Support my blog, subscribe and share on social networks, thanks!

Also visit my YouTube channel. Subscribe, comments and likes are welcome! https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaKozinenko

Posted on August 15, 2020September 15, 2025 by Elena — 4 Comments

Lace and music

Old piano sheet music with yellowed pages, inspiring lace creations by FairyLacefromElena

Lace and music. My favorite music.

Hello everyone!

I have a very short post today. I wanted to share a wonderful mood with you. By the way, do you remember that I am creating a collection of Summer Mood patterns? Check which patterns have already been completed: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

I have a wonderful craft room. And it’s not always a complete mess there 🙂 Remember? I shared with you what is going on around me when I create sewing projects. Fortunately, tatting doesn’t require a lot of space, a lot of materials, and doesn’t create a lot of clutter. Do you agree?

We have a very large music library. But our sons say that this is not relevant, alas. In the age of fast internet, you shouldn’t collect discs. Because we can listen to any music directly from the Internet. But to me it is like reading paper books. A special smell, rustling of pages, a beautiful cover. How can you compare this with a book on your phone?

I put a few music CDs for myself in the workshop. This is my favorite music: jazz, rock, soul, and of course classical music.

I am a musician. Therefore I understand and love classical music ( I think!). And today I listen to Mozart with pleasure. Divine music!

I want to share with you my mood, lace and music. So, one minute of video, welcome. And come back to answer a few questions, please. https://youtu.be/7PTRzbOJEfc

So, I invite you to answer a few questions:

Do you like listening to music when you tatting or doing other handicrafts? Or do you like working in silence?
Which music do you like?
Do you have a craft room? Or at least a small corner where you can be creative?

Take care of yourself!

Posted on August 8, 2020September 16, 2025 by Elena — 13 Comments

What to do at home

A soft handmade cat toy sewn from plaid fabric, created with love as a gift for a granddaughter — by FairyLacefromElena.

What to do at home. Or what kinds of handicrafts can you do?

Hello everyone!

I haven’t written an article on my blog for a long time. Some bloggers try to do this every day! But I will not bore you with my constant “presence”! Moreover, I have so little time to create content, alas.

First of all, I create tatting patterns. And I really love doing projects of other tatting masters. I like intricate and original patterns.

Secondly, I love sewing. I sew clothes for my family. This is one of my works.

These are dresses and denim bags for my daughter-in-law and eldest granddaughter.

Thirdly, I love to sew quilts with embroidery. And I make blocks in the hoop on an embroidery computer. This is an exciting activity! Because I like coming up with designs and creating compositions.

Do you like my big embroidered patchwork quilt?

This photo clearly shows the embroidered elements.

I also like to do macrame, knitting, crocheting, luma weaving, kumihimo. I have not forgotten anything? Also string-art.

But I do my drawings without nails. I do this on recycle DVD discs.

Oh, what a mess it is in my workshop when I sew or embroider.

Let’s call this a creative mess. Ha ha!

But in any case, I always keep one special place in my workshop in order. This is my “tatting corner”.

I pamper my back with this soft sofa.

This is my new doily from the Summer Mood collection. As usual, I need some time to describe and draw this in a computer program. But I will try to do it soon. Until then, you can check my patterns. Perhaps you will find a fairly interesting pattern for yourself. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. And also join me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

Write in the comments what types of needlework you are doing. Perhaps you are not limited to just tatting. Because now the question is especially acute: What to do at home. 😀

Posted on December 2, 2019September 25, 2025 by Elena — 8 Comments

Tatting in resin part 2

Round transparent resin medallion with white tatting lace snowflake and yellow beads inside, an elegant handmade Christmas tree decoration by FairyLacefromElena.

Tatting in resin, part 2.

Hello everyone!!
I was glad to receive feedback on my previous post. Thank you all for your support and interest in my blog! Please leave more comments, questions, suggestions. Because it will help me to make blog better, more useful and more interesting for you, dear subscribers!

Have you watched my video “Tatting in resin?” Welcome and liked, please! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHCUs5n3Gw8&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=55

So, today we’ll talk about molds for epoxy resin. What are the molds for epoxy? These forms made in latex, polyurethane, polysulfide and silicone. We can divide all types of molds into two large groups: purchased molds and homemade molds. Usually, it is believed that the silicone is the best material for both groups. It is believed that silicone is the most optimal material for both groups. Because Silicone mold is subject to elastic deformation, and its walls are smooth, which makes it possible to easily remove frozen products from resin. Of course, you can make your own molds from special silicone for molds and fancy objects. These products will have an unusual interesting shape. But I would advise starting with simple purchased molds until you gain enough experience.

My little trick: I sometimes use lids from plastic containers. However, you must first make a test fill to work with such “extraneous” objects. Because the final product may not be smooth, not glossy. Or, in general, it may not separate from the form, alas …

You can also make fillings in metal frames or homemade silicone fences. I tried to make a silicone heart frame, and I got … Nothing worked, because the silicone leaked overboard. 🙂 I understood my mistake and will return to the correction when there is time.

Thus, first you have to make a choice and answer the following question: What do I want to do? According to your fantasies, choose a mold! But everything is so simple, haha! I originally wanted to make a small heart 6X6 cm, but could not find a suitable size and shape of the mold. The most suitable mold for my design was about 5X5 cm. Therefore, I had to change the pattern for tatting my heart several times. The threads became thinner and thinner, the pattern became more interesting and more interesting, and in the end I got three options that I am pleased with! And which heart option do you like?

Finally, I bought suitable molds. Oh, my plans are so vast that I bought several types (it’s impossible to stop!). 🙂

Would you like to get a perfect smooth surface for the finished fill? Then, first of all, you need to prepare molds for work. How to do it? I immerse molds in soapy water (dishwashing liquid), then rinse with water under the tap. After washing, I spread the wet molds on a towel to dry. So that I do not have to wash my forms every time, I store them in a closed package. In this way, dust and debris do not contaminate the mold. And I can always get to work! Also, you can keep Molds in a closed box.

Here’s another little trick for you! I wrote a table. In this table, I drew (schematically) my molds and wrote the volume for each of them. It is very convenient, when mix the exact amount of solution for work. I usually make several different products at a time. How to measure the volume of mold? Take a syringe and clean water. You can calculate how much water enters the form if you look at the digital scale. Everything is very easy!

So, my story “Tatting in resin, part 2” turned out to be quite long. I will not abuse your patience! To be continued …
Subscribe, leave comments, ask questions. I will be glad to talk!

Welcome to my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/