Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
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  1. Last night I returned to the creative outlet that has been both relaxing and inspiring: zentangle. I've been feeling particularly stressed with the challenges of dog training, especially yesterday when we met for a 1:1 session with our dog trainer. I've found that taking some time to engage in this meditative drawing practice helped me unwind. Zentangle, with its unstructured patterns and focus on mindfulness, provides a calming escape and a way to channel my energy creatively.

    What I love about last night's zentangle is that it allowed me to experiment with different knitting stitches and patterns on paper in a completely random and spontaneous way. This freeform exploration not only helped me relax but also sparked some new ideas for future knitting designs. I found that each doodle lead to an unexpected pattern or stitch combination, offering fresh inspiration that I might incorporate into my next project.

    So here are the Zentangle tiles that I created. I'm not a good artist by any means and my hands are all wobbly (think it's an age related thing) but the whole process kept my mind at rest whilst creating something beautiful in my eyes. Watch this space because more tiles will be produced so I can eventually create my own Zentangled Sweater.

    Want join in? Send in your tiles or your finished zentangled garment. 

    Get your own Sweater to Zentangle
    Get your own Vest to Zentangle
    Get your own T Shirt to Zentangle
    Find out more about Zentangling from Sandra

    A boxy sweater with a patchwork of traditional Nordic knitting patterns.  
    Laura Dalgaard Knit 

    A beautiful design that does somehow mimic my zentangle thoughts.

     


    I just HAD to show you these new beauties that landed in my web site shop.
    Check out our ZENTANGLE BUTTONS
     

    Introducing Our Black and White Geometric "Zentangle" Buttons

    Elevate your crafts and garments with our stunning collection of black and white geometric buttons! These buttons are a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless style, designed to add a unique touch to any project. Whether you're a knitter, seamstress, or DIY enthusiast, our buttons are the ideal accessory to complete your creations.

    Why Choose Our Zentangle Buttons?

    1. Striking Designs: Our collection features a variety of geometric shapes, from classic circles and squares to edgy triangles and oval shapes. The bold black and white palette ensures that these buttons make a statement, whether they're used on clothing, accessories, or home decor.

    2. Versatility: These buttons are perfect for adding a contemporary touch to a wide range of projects. Use them to embellish knitwear, upgrade a plain shirt, or even as a focal point on a handmade bag. Their simple yet striking design complements any color scheme, making them incredibly versatile.

    3. Quality Craftsmanship: Made from durable materials, our buttons are designed to last. They are meticulously crafted to ensure smooth edges and a high-quality finish, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

    4. Unique Touch: Each button is a mini piece of art, capable of transforming an ordinary piece into something extraordinary. The geometric shapes offer a modern twist, perfect for anyone looking to add a stylish and contemporary element to their creations.
       

      CHECK OUT OUR BUTTONS

    Novelty Buttons
    Pre Loved Buttons
    Wooden Buttons
    Happy Zentangling Designing or Knitting !

    Sandra
  2. Historic Bath, WoW!

    Even though I've visited Bath a few times I always find something new to be amazed by.  This time the visit encompassed a family wedding held inside the Roman Baths and a visit to Victoria Art Gallery to see Toulouse Lautrec's work.

    See the top TEN things to do in Bath

    The visit also let us experiment with photographing the new Verdancy Wrap in the historic setting. 

     

    Outside the Abbey Gates

    Inside the Roman Baths

    Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a prominent figure in the Post-Impressionist movement, is celebrated for his vibrant use of color and innovative techniques that captured the lively spirit of Parisian nightlife in the late 19th century. His works often depicted scenes from cabarets, theaters, and dance halls, filled with dynamic compositions and bold colors. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery in lithography and poster art made his works stand out, showcasing his unique ability to combine bright, contrasting hues with expressive lines to create compelling visual narratives.

    His work is one of a few 19th century artists that I have admired and drawn inspiration from.  I had 6 reproductions of his work framed and on my living room walls when I was in my 20's. Walking into the Victoria Gallery made me smile so much. I had forgotten the feeling his art gave me.

    Influence on Knitting Designers

    Several contemporary knitting designers draw inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s vivid palette and inventive methods, incorporating his artistic essence into their creations. Here are a few notable designers:

    1. Stephen West

    Stephen West is known for his bold use of color and innovative patterns. The "Exploration Station Shawl" features a dynamic interplay of bright colors and geometric shapes, reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters. The vibrant color blocks and varied textures echo Lautrec’s love for bold contrasts and lively compositions, creating a visually striking piece that commands attention.

    2 Kaffe Fassett

    The "Big Flower Jacket" by Kaffe Fassett exemplifies his use of vivid colors and bold patterns. This design features large, vibrant floral motifs set against a contrasting background, inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s dynamic use of bright hues and contrasting tones. The intricate colorwork and dramatic visual impact reflect Lautrec's artistic techniques, making the jacket a striking and lively piece that captures the eye.

    3. Andrea Mowry

    Andrea Mowry’s "Find Your Fade Shawl" showcases a beautiful gradient of colors, smoothly transitioning from one shade to another. This technique draws inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s ability to blend colors seamlessly while maintaining a vibrant and engaging visual impact. The shawl’s fluid color shifts and expansive size make it a standout piece, much like Lautrec’s ability to create a lasting impression with his art.

    Conclusion

    Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s use of bright and contrasting colors, combined with his innovative techniques, continues to inspire artists and designers across various fields. Knitting designers like Stephen West, Kaffe Fassett, and Andrea Mowry have translated Lautrec’s artistic legacy into their textile creations, using vibrant palettes and dynamic patterns to create pieces that are both visually stunning and richly detailed. Each of these designers, in their unique way, pays homage to Lautrec’s enduring influence on the world of art and design.

    As I've mentioned before, I too was influenced by his work. Check out the 2 designs below.