Iryna Varabei is a proud contributor to
A Needle Pulling Thread magazine,
which features Canadian designers in Needlework Arts.
Counted stitch patterns published in
magazine
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.
“The Belarusans believe stitching is a magical action,” says designer Iryna Varabei. “It’s a way of communicating with the spiritual world.” The ancient geometric figures and signs are a form of symbolic writing that connects the stitcher to the spirit world.
Ripples On Water. A Spring
Canvaswork
The stitches used in Belarusan needlepoint are cross-stitch, satin stitch, white work and elements of black work, but it is in the design that the stitching sets itself apart.
Iryna says Belarusans began to lose interest in stitching in the 1960s for some reason and she has made it her mission to inspire and encourage stitchers to embrace this spiritual art form.
While Iryna says she designed this project to be at an intermediate level, she says stitchers need to be comfortable reading a chart. “I tried to design something that could be fast and easy,” Iryna explains, “though maybe combining single segments into a whole composition may be tricky.”
Iryna began creating her own designs when she saw there were no patterns for Belarusan needlepoint in Canada. For this project, she was inspired by Belarusan images, by the diversity of stitches used by Canadian stitchers and by the encouragement of her “stitching fellows” at the Toronto Guild of Stitchery. She draws on the history of Belarusan motifs, patterns, clothing and claims to have “a swarm of images and ideas inside her head.”
Iryna says if you don’t want to frame the project, it could be used for a pillow or to make a book cover. “You can make a larger piece by combining segments of this design,” she says encouragingly.
In a country rich from the stitching traditions of many nations, needleworkers can now try their hand at stitching a piece inspired by the traditions of Belarus.
Iryna says when she came to Canada she was envious of the needlework projects that were available in the stores that celebrated the work of Celtic, Ukrainian, African Mexican, and native stitchers. Now, with this project, she is offering stitchers an opportunity to try Belarusan needlepoint and to include it in the mosaic of Canadian stitching stiles.
A spring is healing water.
A spring is life energy and strength.
A spring is a holy place.
A spring is love for your homeland.
A spring is the spirit of Belarus itself.
Counted stitch patterns
designed and worked by
Iryna Varabei
Belarusan Motifs
Collection