© Copyright: Jelena Cekina, 2020 - Certificate of publication
№220090601423
The theme of
the Jacquard shawl is far from new.
It is said that the production of the first shawls was originated in 15th century in Kashmir, Northwest India. Wool items were surprisingly warm and light. At first,
shawls were only woven. But later the embroidery over the shawl, as the additional decoration brought more and more fame to such a fashionable thing.
The development of the craft did not stand still.
And a century later, far from colonial India, on the shores of Foggy Albion, warm and heavy shawls, knitted in Fair-Isle technique, added their chapters to the life story of this product.
The craftswomen found very attractive the opportunity to show not only technical skills in knitting, but also to demonstrate their artistic vision.
Perhaps that is the particular moment that continues to inspire knitters all over the world today for a very precise, and frankly speaking, not very profitable manual labor.
For a long time, a lot of motives and techniques have been collected. That greatly helped to make the process easier not only for the master, but also for the beginner. And the Internet defiantly played its leading role in sharing the ideas.
Of course, with such a variety, it is difficult to “say your own word” on this topic, or surprise with a non-standard solution, or attract someone with an unusual composition.
And yet.
When, in January 2019, I started working on the project, I was motivated by the desire to look at the theme of the Shawl from the point of view of historically established traditions: both in the technique process and in the bases of composition.
I was inspired by the samples of the famous Manila and Lyons shawls. Their production was established at the beginning of the 19th century. The garment became so fashionable that the idea of building a factory in Russia, in Pavloposad was formed. On first steps of manufacturing, craftsmen and artists from France were invited to teach the local workers.
I wanted to create a garment, using my professional skills and knowledge, to bring to life those ideas that have been stored in drafts and sketches for so long ... I wanted to touch the dream with my hands.
Work on the composition and master class took nearly six months. Three times I started practically "from scratch", remodeling the principle of construction, as I wanted to make the plot line of the pattern solid and completed. In the end, I saved EVERYTHING! And now it gives the opportunity to choose not only the size of the shawl, but also the plot of the motive.
Further, it was necessary to work-over “the cooking recipe". To set up this, I used various techniques, including my own tips. All the details are explained in the Master class.
And finally, as the British say "Last but not least", it was necessary to find the same "crazy nuts" as myself, in order to bring it all to life.
I am so grateful to you girls, for these months spent in ON-line communication. God bless WhatsApp for the opportunity to hang out for two and more hours on telephone discussing the process, and just "heart to heart" chatting about: which row you’ve got stuck on, about the weather ... and, of course, about a future photo session when everything is ready.
You know, when I receive your photos, I am overwhelmed with such feelings as if one more pair of ... no, not wings! But one more pair of caring hands grows up. These are your hands, girls!
And I feel how important it is: to bring what has been started to the end, to share with my thoughts, and let you feel the moment of your own victory.
My biggest gratitude to you, girls!
The Tutorial started in spring, 2019. And exactly one year after, I was pleased with photographs of your results! Dreams Come True!
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