Hello, creative souls of needle and thread!
When we first discussed the magazine’s tile theme, I instantly knew what story I wanted to share. Being from Kyiv, I felt inspired to showcase one of our city’s hidden treasures: a stunningly intricate tile design that carries a rich history and artistic legacy.
This extraordinary tile, crafted in 1968 by Ukrainian artists Oleksandr Vorona and Yuriy Ilchenko, with ceramic elements created by Opanas Redko, is a masterpiece of its time. The techniques they used—maiolica (tin-glazed pottery showcasing floral and animal motifs) and ceramic mosaic—highlight their incredible craftsmanship.
For seventeen long years, this tile was obscured by small shops, almost forgotten by the world. But in 2017, when the shops were removed, this treasure was unveiled once again, revealing its fabulous motifs for everyone to admire.
In my project, I wanted to honor the beauty and spirit of this historic tile. I focused on recreating one of its floral designs using similar colors and shapes, drawing from its vibrant patterns and timeless appeal. To bring this idea to life, I created a stylish and functional bag inspired by the tile’s intricate motifs.
To achieve the look, I selected fabrics from the Northcott Toscana line in shades of brown, deep red, orange, yellow, green, and ivory. The ombre colors in these fabrics beautifully mimic the 3D and shading effects of the original tile, making the bag a perfect blend of functionality and artistry.
I was thrilled to collaborate with the exceptionally talented photo artist Anastasiia Nasyko, who captured the essence of this project through her stunning photography for its feature image. Her work truly brought the bag’s intricate details to life.
Find the step-by-step picture tutorial and a pattern to create your very own Ukrainian-inspired bag on page #48 of the newest Issue 61 of A Needle Pulling Thread.
Thank you so much, Carla! It’s always a great pleasure to work with you and your amazing team!
Link to the magazine 👉 A needle pulling thread Issue 61
Behave yourself quilty!
Sincerely yours,⠀
Olesya
