Author: Verónica

Cross-Stitched Magazines

| Verónica

I was struck by the artistry in these cross-stitched magazine covers and newspapers. Another instance of finding threads in unexpected places. The artist, Inge Jacobsen, has taken an everyday disposable item that displays one-dimensional images of beauty and fashion and converted it into a unique piece of art. I learned about this artist from an article in Design Milk, Stitched Magazines by Inge Jacobsen | Design Milk. Here are a few cross-stitched images from her website at Inge Jacobsen.

Cross-stitched Vogue magazine cover. According to the artist's website, a cover like this can take 50 hours to create by hand.
A cross-stitched Beyonce from the cover of Dazed & Confused superimposed on a page from a magazine or photograph.
Three cross-stitched super-models from a page in Vogue magazine.

The embroidered images on newspaper is surprising and refreshing. The image of the woman almost floats over the page.

I like this last one in particular because we see violent images like this repeated in the media so often that we become anesthetized to them and stop seeing them. The artist has taken a hazy picture of a violent scene and forced us to take a closer look.

Visit Inge Jacobsen’s website to read about the philosophy behind her art and see more of her handiwork.

WIP – Adrift in Green

| Verónica

This is one of my WIPs (works in progress). I love how the cabling gives it depth while the stockinette stitch gives it smoothness. I am using drift by Rowan, a super bulky wool in a deep green color with blue highlights (#905). It reminds me of soft rolling waves in a warm sea.

I still have a couple of balls of yarn to go before it’s finished. Stay tuned for the finished product.

The Boy in the Suitcase

| Verónica

One activity that often competes with my knitting is curling up with a really good murder mystery or psychological thriller. You can do many things while knitting – listen to music, watch tv, have a conversation, sing – but you can’t hold a good book (or electronic reader) in your hands and read while knitting. I just finished The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis. It’s a #1 international best seller and won Denmark’s Best Thriller Award.

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The title piqued my curiosity. It turns out that the book does revolve around a three year old boy found curled up in a suitcase, that was stashed in a public locker, inside a busy train station. Who he is and how he got there is the crux of the story.

The opening chapter instantly drew me in. An unnamed female struggles to push a heavy suitcase to a parking lot. Before heaving it into her car, she opens it and discovers the boy inside, barely moving but alive.

The ensuing pages weave the story introducing new characters with each new chapter. I made it about halfway through when I lost interest. It was hard to keep the characters straight. I kept having to flip back to old chapters to remind me of each character’s storyline. I think the culprit was poor character development. Even when I reached the end, I found myself questioning the character’s motivations. They simply didn’t feel plausible.

The story did start to come together more meaningfully in the last few chapters. I liked that the ending left the characters with possibilities for redemption. Also, the reasons why there was a boy in a suitcase are revealed. (As you can tell, I am deliberately avoiding spoilers).

There are some interesting aspects to this book beyond the main story. It seems to contain a social criticism of the plight of refugees in Denmark, particularly the exploitation of women into prostitution and child trafficking.

Overall, I would give this book 3 stars out of 5. I wasn’t overwhelmed by the prose or left with memories of endearing, memorable characters, but it’s a good read while relaxing in my comfy chair, with my yarns and needles on the floor beside me.

My Review ★★★☆ ☆

Knit Owls

| Verónica

Flipping through pics of all the fabulous designs from New York Fashion Week, my eyes focused in on these whimsical knit owl hats. The knit hats are by designer James Coviello and were featured in Anna Sui’s Fall 2012 collection. Besides the bold colors and the smiling models, the hats added a bit of fun to the whole look. (Also see the knit owl gloves in the first pic). Who thought knit hats could be so cool? To see Ms. Sui’s full collection, go here (same source for all pics).

WIP – Electric Blue Avenue

| Verónica

This lone bootie is one-half of an extended work-in-progress. I have a hard time knitting in pairs. Just when I experience the satisfaction of finishing one item, I sigh at the prospect of having to start all over again with the second.

The second bootie was languishing on its needles from lack of attention.

I used Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino in color #340032. I call it “electric blue.” This baby soft yarn is made in Italy from 55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre and 12% Cashmere. One ball is more than enough for a pair for wee little feet. So after MONTHS of dangling around, I finally took up the needles and finished bootie #2.

Now all I need is a bouncing boy baby shower invitation and I’m all set.