Snowflake Christmas Ornament by Iryna Varabei

Iryna Varabei is a member of Toronto Guild of Stitchery and I was able to meet her in May.  She told me that she has been doing some teaching in her guild and is always happy to share her interpretation of Belarusan stitching techniques with people who are interested in this two-sided form of embroidery.

It was very nice to hear that Iryna had two submissions accepted into the Threadworks 2016: Flashback show. Information about the upcoming exhibitions are available on our Upcoming Events webpage.

You may have seen Iryna’s patterns published in A Needle Pulling Thread magazine or display at the CreativFestival in Toronto. Check out the free online sample issue offered by A Needle Pulling Thread – one of Iryna’s ornaments, Kaliada Star, is on page 30 and available as a download.

Iryna generously provides a free  multi-page Belarus Nizanka tutorial on her Craftsy page. In addition to a very thorough step-by-step guide with a small sample to try, she has included all of the basics for Belarusan stitching and some great finishing techniques in the tutorial. Iryna offers a variety of patterns for sale through Craftsy. Find out more about Iryna’s work on her website or her Facebook page.

if you happen to be at CreativFestival in Mississauga this weekend, you can find Iryna at booth 731.