Counted stitch patterns
designed and worked by
Iryna Varabei
Belarusan Motifs
Collection
Counted stitch patterns published in
magazine
Iryna Varabei is a proud contributor to
A Needle Pulling Thread magazine,
which features Canadian designers in Needlework Arts.
Up to date, there are 35 of my designs published in the ANPT magazine.
Here, you can see the pages where they appear and read my interview and articles which accompany the designs.
As I see that Belarus and its culture are quite a "white spot" on the world map for the most of Canadians, I tried to make my articles to slightly lift the curtain on it.
I hope you will enjoy them as well as my designs.
*All patterns are available in my on-line store on the Etsy.com
1) Ripples On Water. Spring 2010
There are many types and styles of needlepoint and each has unique techniques and stitches to set it apart. In this project, needleworkers can set their needles to Belarusan needlepoint, a traditional style from Belarus. The graphic geometric artistry of this framed project is reminiscent of the woven coverlets of the 1800s and the intricacy of the finest tapestry... read more
3) 'Dazhinki' - Harvest Feast. Fall 2010
Belarusan embroidery symbols represent the ancient and current philosophy and knowledge of the world. The key to the Belarusan embroidery is to understand that the geometric designs were originally pictographs to communicate with an illiterate society. Belarusans have preserved ancient Aryan symbolic scripts by stylizing them into ornamental stitchery.... read more
4) The Country of Downy Diamods. Festive 2011
As any Belarusan having experienced the northern climates, I love winter and snow. Winter images are very popular in our culture, arts and folklore.
In our very souls, white snow is associated with the name of our country. “Bela-rus” means “white-land”.
What in the world can be whiter, cleaner and purer than first fallen snow?
The solemn, festive whiteness of the first snow evokes in our spirits the feeling of the triumph of primordial purity. .... read more
5) 'Hramavik' - Thunder Spirit. Spring 2011
In our souls, we are all enthusiastic about the elements, and in the spring, after a long boring winter, we eagerly await the first thunderstorm to wash away all the remnants of snow and ice, even though it was, at times, nice.
My Hramavik - Thunder Spirit design is the result of three sources of inspiration: a Belarusan motif pattern, the Trianglepoint stitch technique and the colour palette Ice Is Nice proposed by A Needle Pulling Thread magazine. .... read more
6) United Family. Summer 2011
Among the other symbols in Belarusan motifs representing ‘children’, ‘mother’, ‘boy’, ‘girl’ etc., one in particular represents ‘family’, as in “united family”. In Belarusan language, the word for ‘family’ consists of two roots: ‘seven’ and ‘me’ – ‘seven-of-me’. And such is the symbol for “united family”—the rhombus divided into several pieces, which is also evolved into an intricate pattern within a pattern. .... read more
7) Mushroom Adventures. Fall 2011
Early, early in the morning ... We’re walking through a blue-gray meadow covered with a thick white veil of mist. The morning dew cools your bare feet (we are carrying our shoes to keep them not wet) on the path to the deep part of the birch forest. We are gripped with the sweet, thrilling sense of anticipation adventure which managed to get us up from our beds before dawn for our long walk...
Mushroom Adventure was a thrill to design and convert into a cross stitch pattern.
It’s an image that strongly evokes my childhood and youth memories. .... ...read more
8) Spring Keys. Spring 2012
Who, pray tell, is not bothered with winter yet?
We anxiously watch the weather forecast on TV, waiting for someone to conjure up some sign of spring...
To shorten the time until spring's arrival our ancestors would gather to sing vociferously and without interruption believing their magical songs echoed from one village to another, always reaching further south. There, in distant southern lands, were larks that held the keys in their beaks that locked up winter and unlocked spring. It was believed that the larks returned to their northern home thus bringing spring, using our ancestors' songs to guide them back.” ... read more
9) Special Delivery. Summer 2012
In some cultures it is told that babies are born in a cabbage patch.
Other cultures pick their babies off the sunflowers heads.
Belarusan folklore tells of babies delivered by storks, yet nobody knows from where exactly.
It is a tradition that everybody favours the stork, and attracts them to their household by placing an old wagon wheel high on a tree.
Another option is embroidering stork images on home linens.
"Honey", "Sweety", are names endearment used all over the world, but Belarusans call their children "soneyka mayo" - "My sunny".
Special delivery was a real pleasure to design and stitch, incorporating many folkloric symbols. The image of the cabin reminds me of the peculiar cosiness of our rustic wooden homes. The stork isn't only Belarusan favourite bird; it's the national symbol which came from the very ancient totem.
10) Lucky Charm Bookmark. Fall 2012
In this edition of ANPTmag, it is with great excitement to explore with you this distinctive type of Belarusan stitching technique called "Belarusan Nizanka".
To date, my designing work consisted in transforming Belarusan traditional patterns into modern stitching techniques and stiles. But I have often been asked if there is a specific, distinctive type of Belarusan stitching technique. Today, I am ready to say, “Yes, it exists”, and to introduce it to the readers of the ANPT, bringing it up for Canadian stitchers.
11) Bahach - Spirit of Wealth. Spring 2013
“It’s better to be rich and healthy, than poor and sick”.
Would anybody disagree with this folk saying?
My treasure box is not as large as I might like it to be, and it isn’t really filled with tangible valuables. It is still precious to me of that untouchable, symbolic content kept inside. I store my designing company’s leaflets, little flyers and business cards there. Remember? – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, …but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. My heaven is my stitching world. I embellished my box with the so-dear- to-my-heart traditional Belarusan motif, the Spirit of Wealth.
One of the traditional stitching motifs of Bahach (Spirit of Wealth) is a horn, whose meaning originated from the ancient times when cattle served as a currency. Another traditional motif is a spike of wheat. Both elements are symbols of goodness and wellbeing.
My ancestors believed embroidery to be a spiritual, magical action, so stitching these patterns will surely bring you fortune, wealth and health.
12) Ripples On Water #3. Homeland. Summer 2013
Hypnotical... Intricate... Whimsical...
I have been never tired of marveling these magnificent patterns that were used for traditional Belarusan woven coverlets.
And I can never get enough of these geometrical patterns, and the more I think about it I'm in complete wonder how they were ever designed in the first place!
Taking into account the intricacy and whimsicality of this patterns, yet their hoary antiquity, I try to imagine what way they had been designed at the times immemorial - I see my distant fore-mother working with ...a pencil ...on a piece of charted paper..? or directly on a primitive weaving loom at once? ...read more
13) Kaliada Star. Festive 2013
Kaliady is the pre-Christian celebration of the end of year and the beginning of the new one. It is believed the word “Kaliady” takes its root from word “kola” (wheel, circle) symbolizing the Sun, seasonal cycle and winter solstice. Later is was adopted for Christmas celebration by Orthodox and Catholic churches.
Celebrating this holiday people get together for frivolous fun and feisty frolics called “going kaliadaing”. Belarusans are well known for their love of jokes and improvisation. During three weeks, people dressed up as animals and mythical beasts, wearing masks to hide their identities and to encourage great fun parade through their villages horsing around, playing games and acting plays. ... read more
14) Talisman For Baby. Spring 2014
Embroidered talismans were very popular in the old Slavic culture. A talisman is an object containing the magical power of providing good luck and protection for the possessor. It’s believed to be charged with the magical powers by its creator (unlike an amulet which usually is made by the Nature), and embroidery is considered practically the most significant charging process. Generally, the ancient solar symbols are used for stitched talismans. In Belarusan culture, they were also used on embroidered ritual towels, clothing and home linens. In fact, all our stitched shirts, head wears, belts, etc. are talismans. ...read more
15) Traveń Centerpiece. Summer 2015
The Traveń Centerpiece is inspired by the colour of grass in spring that turns lush in summer. You can call it ‘a patch of of grass. The word Traveń in Belarusan means the month of May and is translated literally as “grass” or “the month of grass”.
This project explores the unique Belarusan Nizanka technique for four-sided item such as a table cloth.
...read more
16) Love And Cherish Talisman Wedding Gift. Issue 46, 2018. Love Birds
Quite long ago, during my first years in Canada, I made a gift for my ESL teacher for her wedding. It was an embroidered piece using the traditional Belarusan symbol of love, Love Doves, a very popular and beloved symbol in Belarusan culture.
I decided to stitch them once again for this very appropriate lovebirds issue.
To leave room for your creativity, you have the opportunity to choose to make it in one of two colourways: Belarusan traditional colours and in alternate one in pastels. This is a flexible design where with a small amount of effort, you can substitute even these suggested colours to those to suit your personality, décor and accessions.
Besides the Love Doves in this design, the overall piece is very symbolic, where every item has a meaning:
... read more
17) 'Hramnicy' Candle Talisman. Issue 47, 2018. Chakras, mandalas, meditations...
My design is dedicated to Haramnicy holiday that is celebrated in Belarus. Hramnicy can be akin in some way to western European Candlemas Day and Imbolc holidays.
One of the characters worshiped and featured at this holy day is a holy candle. Its traditional symbol is in the center of my design.
People light up their blessed Hramnicy Candles during the church service and carry them home in the hopes the candles wouldn’t go out, so it can bring goodness to their homes. ..From a Belarusan perspective, the Hramnicy Candle symbolises the dual nature of humans... read more
18) Belarusan Nizanka Snowflake. Issue #48, 2018. Ornaments
As easy as beautiful, as well as unique and intricate to do
The ancient technique Nizanka was very common in Belarusan lands for making sacral embroidered items such as ‘roushniks’ which played an important role in old rituals and customs.
There are two Nizanka stitching rules that meet sacral requirements. ...read more
19) 'Pavouk' Talisman. Issue #49, 2019. Rainy Day fun
The idea of stitched ‘Pavouk’* came from the 3D straw decoration very popular in Belarus.
“Salamiany Pavouk” – 'Straw Pavouk' – is one of the oldest Belarusan traditional talismans made of straw.
It is considered a sacred thing because its shape and the process of its making repeat God’s geometrical way of the Universe creation. A 'Straw Pavouk' is done at the beginning of a new year believing it to serve as a protector for a home and family for that year long. It can catch an evil power and destroy it. ...read more
20) Serendipity. Colour Play. Issue #50, 2019. Cherish, Reuse, Recycle
It happened quite by serendipity. Suddenly, I found myself with a heap of leftover yearn. I also found a forgotten piece of evenweave fabric with an attractive texture to it, shortly after. The cloth is a great backdrop for Nizanka embroidery and if I gave the design some pop of colour, it will be quite the topic of conversation.
I thought, cushion cover! All the pieces came together at the right moment...
21) The Lure of Birchwood. Issue #51, 2019. Destinations
From afar, details disappear and only silhouettes remain.
Sharp corners of my memory have softened over the time.
From afar, everything is seen differently.
Although, I remember everything.
The birches and the beauty of the birchwood are one of the natural symbols of Belarusan culture besides the cornflower, the stork and the zubr (European bison). The Belarusans love their forests, especially birchwood, the same way as the British love the ocean, the Arabians love their desert, or the Tibetans love their mountains.
My design is a tribute to my memories and love for the splendor of Belarusian nature, which I remember with all my heart.
22) Talisman for Good Luck. Issue #52, 2020. Projects inspired by favourite relatives
I made this Talisman for my son who is an athlete. He takes this good luck charm to all cycling races, keeping it in his pocket. I taught him how to use it. Within the Talisman, there are three ancient magic symbols.
1. The main one is the burdock plant. The burdock itself is a symbol of good, happy luck. As the head of the burdock plant boors, and boors are therefore clingy, it represents good luck clinging and stick to whomever holds the charm. The burdock colour is Purple! It’s important.
The sign of the Burdock is the very stylised outer pattern of both designs. Very stylised, yes..:)
2. In the center of the red side of the charm is the solar symbol of the Fern Flower which symbolizes strength and health.
3. In the center of the purple side is a symbol of your (exactly ‘your’ – for everyone its own) first ancestor, your forefather. In Belarusan it’s called “Chur”.
I remember as a child playing games with friends, we often called out, “Chur, chur…!”, as if calling out some magic spell to win.
It is a ritual now before the start of a race or any important event, that my son will say three times, ‘Chur, to me! ..Chur, for me!”. Which implies ‘Chur, help me, make this to me or for me’. And so, the spell goes...
23) Mir Castle. Issue #53, 2020. Architecture
In medieval times, Belarus (the former Grand Principality of Litva) was considered a “country of palaces and castles”. Unfortunately, there are very few 'old' things left: the numerous wars and 200 years under Russian occupation are to blame.
Still, Mir Castle is undoubtedly known to everyone who has heard about Belarus at least once. Belarusian pride, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mir Castle is a unique monument of Belarusian architecture that impresses with its strength and solidity and with all that, gracefulness and finality, and sophisticated external decoration.
The Castle was built as a fortress at the beginning of the 16th century ...read more
24) A Good Omen. Issue #54, 2021. Faces
Do you believe in superstitions?
In the old days when water was drawn from a well and carried back to the house in buckets on shoulder poles, there was a superstition about it in Belarus. If one came across a girl or woman with her buckets full of water this was considered a lucky omen. If instead the buckets were empty then the contrary was fated. Although we don’t carry water in buckets any longer, the superstition persists.
I like to stitch a good omen in all my cross-stitch projects linking back to the times that started it. While I worked on this design and the stitching of this piece, I poured good thoughts for all those who would endeavor to stitch it. Little did I know at the time how much we would all need a good omen in 2020. I wish you good luck in everything you do.
25) Simon the Musician. Issue #54, 2021. Faces
Simon the Musician is one of the first designs I created when I moved to Canada. I wanted to create a Belarusan archetypal image. Simon the Musician is a popular character from the poem of the same name written by celebrated Belarusan poet Yakub Kolas. Simon is a young village boy shunned by all for his love of music and beauty. The story is about his travels around the country meeting all sorts of people and getting into trouble until the day he finally reaches his goal, which is freedom of creation.
26) The Tale of Baba Yaga Issue #55, 2021. Trees
What better story to highlight for the trees theme than the folktale of Baba Yaga? It’s a Belarusan folktale, set deep in the massive forest, that has been used to spook children over dozens of centuries in an attempt to get them to behave!
Among the snaggy trees lives the ferocious witch Baba Yaga in ‘The-Cabin-On-Chicken-Legs’, and this cabin is said to possesses magic powers. The incantation goes, “Cabin, Cabin, turn your back to the forest and your front to me", and ...read more
27) Slutsak Belt Issue #56, 2021. Pop! of Colour
'Me fecit Sluciae', which is Latin for 'Made in Slutsak', is a sign which was branded on every Belt, damasked by masters of the Radzivills'* Slutsak manufactory. The town of Slutsak became famous for its manufactories of the most expensive and luxurious piece of garment of the Litvian Szlachta*.
The Slutsak Belts are known all over the world as the Belarusian national relic, as a symbol of the nation. They have turned into an invaluable work of art and have . ...read more
28) Herodotus Sea Issue #60, 2022. Oceans
My homeland Belarus has no sea.
Still, I have something to say about the Belarusan sea. Scientists and historians say that long ago, there was a vast sea in the Palessie region in the south of the country, called the Herodotus Sea. It is named so after the ancient Greek historian and geographer who made the first mention of the Belarusian Sea 2500 years ago.
The Sea disappeared ...read more
29) Blessing Issue #61, 2023. Tiles
In my culture, embroidery is believed to be a spiritual activity, like prying to God. From time immemorial, Belarusan people have used the ancient symbols to embellish customary items like a roushnik (towel) and magical powers are associated with these embroideries creating a talisman.
When a new baby comes to the world ...read more
30) Namitka. All Stars Are in Our Hands. Issue #62 2023. Universe
Namitka is a distinctive married woman's headdress as a part of traditional Belarusan folk dress. It is a long, long thin fabric wrapped around the head and tied in the back. The ends of the fabric are embroidered with traditional motifs in red.
My design features my feelings of wearing the traditional Belarusan costume.
Have you ever worn a traditional costume? What feeling did you have?
When I wear it, I can no longer stand like a weeping willow. Instead, I keep my body straight. And especially, when you have this wrapped thing on your head – almost a crown – you can feel just like a queen!
On the other hand ...read more
31) Kaliada Goat. Issue #63 2023. Traditions
In Belarusan culture, the goat is the sacred, magical animal believed to easily make a person successful just by its presence in one’s personal space. The folklore says, "Where the goat walks, there rye grows. Where the goat horns point, there is harvest growth".
The goat is worshiped during the winter holiday season, namely the winter solstice time, when the old year comes to an end and a new one begins.
In the Belarusan language, this holiday is called 'Kaliady' from the word 'kola' meaning a circle. This is fun-filled time of the year when it’s customary for groups of people dressed in fancy clothes to solicit food door-to-door by singing carols, leading the magic “goat” ...read more
The piece was a part of the juried ‘Threadworks 2016’ three-year Traveling Show
32) Ripples-On-Water 4. Issue #64 2023. Texures
I am so happy to share with you this fourth installment of my Ripple On Water Series. These mesmerizing designs are based on Belarusan geometrical weaving patterns.
Such patterns were used for making bed coverlets, wall hangings, towels and such. The designs have a distinctive optical effect and work as mandals to refresh and energize the observer.
Most designs are associated with water and a spring. In turn, the spring is a symbol of Belarus itself. Over time these waterlike designs became a brand of Belarusian culture.
I never tire of marveling these magnificent patterns ...read more
33) Pavouk Talisman 2. Issue #65 2023. Texures
The Straw Pavouk, which translates to Straw Spider, is among of the oldest talismans in Belarus. It was traditionally hung in the most honorable place before the New Year to protect the house and the family throughout the upcoming year.
The Pavouk is assembled from light straw tubes and looks weightless and lacy. When suspended from the ceiling, it resembles a skillfully woven web, hence the name spider. Belarusians believed that any evil forces, misfortunes or diseases that get tangled in the web would be taken away by the spider, keeping peace and harmony in the family. ...read more
34) The Fern-Flower. 'Paparać-Kvetka'. Issue #67 2024. Trails in the Woods
Deep in the forests of Belarus lies the elusive Fern Flower, steeped in ancient magic and mystery.
According to Belarusan folklore, the Fern-Flower blooms solely only on the shortest night of the year, the Summer Solstice, revered as the Koupala-Night holiday in Belarusan tradition.
Legend holds that whoever discovers the Fern-Flower shall be bestowed with great fortune and extraordinary powers. Possession of this enchanted blossom grants the ability to comprehend the language of animals, unveil hidden treasures, and effortlessly bypass any obstacle, whether it be a lock or a spell. Each tale weaves its narrative of the flower’s gifts, with some (the most romantic) luring the young in search of love’s favour. The legend continues with the quest...
35) The Straw Pavouk Talisman. Issue #68 2024. Geometrics
At the start of a new year, Belarusan families gather in the evening to create the Straw Spider—known as Salamiany Pavouk. The activity isn’t just a craft; it’s a kind of game that engages the whole family, as exciting as building cities out of Lego or working on a 1000-piece puzzle.
The Straw Pavouk is one of the oldest talismans in Belarus, traditionally made from straw and thread. It’s considered a sacred object because its geometric shape and the process of making it are believed to echo the divine geometry of the Universe’s creation.
According to legends, the entire universe was woven as the greatest masterpiece of a spider...
To be continued...
*My great thanks to Carla A. Canonico, the Editor-in-Chief, for edditing my awkward :) English