I want to welcome you to my new home Aitana Villa, Come-in, take off your jacket and sit on the sofa. I have put on the chimney, I have prepared for you a cup of green tea and some ginger biscuits. You can take out your WIP and while you knit I am going to explain to new all the novelties I have.
Up until now you knew me as Sugarwoolly, the name I had invented when I started my hobby of designing knitting patterns 2 years ago. Since then, things have changed a lot, and after more than 30 patterns designed and a lot of courses, I consider it is time to construct my own home: Aitana Villa Knits.
At the moment my home is small and modest, with a living room in which we will meet each Friday to knit while I tell you many different stories. During our meetings I will teach you some tricks and techniques which I have learned during all my years of compulsive knitting. I will also introduce you to my designs in detail in the section “Novelties by Aitana Villa Designs”. You will be able to read interviews which I will do to other professionals related to this world in the section “Today we will have a cup of tea with…”. We will also be able to talk about whatever you wish, for this you have to send me an e-mail to info@aitanavillaknits.com or leave a comment in the box below.
I must thank @Mireiarmartinez for building this house and @knittingtheskyline for designing the beautiful Aitana Villa logo that identifies it. They are amazing, right?
TODAY WE WILL HAVE A CUP OF TEA AND WE WILL KNIT WITH AITANA VILLA…
JUSTINA DE FELIZ AND PUNTO YARNS
And to celebrate all those changes and to inaugurate this section, today our guest is my beloved friend Justina, the amazing yarns dyers from www.felizypunto.com.
- When and how did you start dyeing yarn?
My first dyeing experience? When I was a kid, with onions and beetroot and a good dose of vinegar, haha. Now seriously, I do not remember the exact date, but I think it has been some 5 years since I started experimenting which dyeing yarns as a hobby. As I have been surrounded by color in some way or another my whole life, I felt attracted to dyeing yarn instantly.
- How did you take a leap and start dyeing yarn professionally?
Taking a leap is saying too much. The change came in very small steps. Firstly, dyeing for my own projects, then for Friends and in 2019 I converted this activity into a business.
- What inspires your when you create color pallets
I always say that my most important inspiration is nature, but I can also get inspiration from an image of something I see on TV or a stained paper fragment. Everything can be inspiring if you let it and if you learn to observe.
- Which is your fetish fiber?
I do not have just a preference, but I really like the mixture of fibers with silk and linen. The more different it is the better it is for me. I love offering unusual qualities to knitters because out in the world, there is a lot more than just the traditional merino J. Although I love using merino yarn as a fiber which is good for everything.
- How has the pandemic affected your business?
Honestly, I do not know what to answer. I do not have so much data in order to compare. With the lockdown the demand of yarn increased everywhere. What has really affected my work is raw material deficit. Suddenly there was no stock available in any of my suppliers. The spinning mills are not working full time during the pandemic and therefore many fibers are out of stock. But we always have to look at the positive side, this situation obliges you to look for alternatives, to try new things and in general to change the mindset and be more flexible Moreover, these situations awaken our awareness that not everything can always be available.
- What can you tell us about your Luxury Sock? That is the yarn I have used when designing my “Cuello Sororidad”
Honestly, I do not know what to answer. I do not have so much data in order to compare. With the lockdown the demand of yarn increased everywhere. What has really affected my work is raw material deficit. Suddenly there was no stock available in any of my suppliers. The spinning mills are not working full time during the pandemic and therefore many fibers are out of stock. But we always have to look at the positive side, this situation obliges you to look for alternatives, to try new things and in general to change the mindset and be more flexible Moreover, these situations awaken our awareness that not everything can always be available.
- During your childhood, what did you dream about being as an adult?
Always being a dyer. Since I can remember I have been fascinated about colors, I love the smell of linseed oil paintings.
- What would you have yourself in 20 years?
I will let you know in 20 years, haha. I think it is difficult to ask oneself this question, but I would like to feel fulfilled and happy with the life that I have had.
- If you travel in time, where would you go: to the pass or to the future?
I would go back in time. I have really nice memories of my childhood. I miss the simplicity of the life I use to have, the innocence and pureness of the thoughts I use to have as a kid.
- Which animal would you like to be and why?
I would like to be a bird and fly. For me that is a symbol of freedom.
- How would your perfect day be?
My favorite day would have 48 hours. In this way I would be able to do everything which I want to do in one, very long, day.
I would like encourage you to follow her on Instagram at @felizpunto_yanrs because she dyes marvelous things. She creates beautiful colors with a flawless technique. You will also find her on Ravelry under the name felizypunto.
NOVELTIES BY AITANA VILLA DESIGN
Next Monday, 8th of March, the whole world celebrates International Women’s Day. As a tribute to all women who fight every day to get a place in the world where they have no place, I designed in 2019 a shawl called “Sororidad” (sorority). You can get more information about the shawl by clicking HERE. And today I want to introduce to you the cowl with the same name “Cuello Sororidad”. It is a large cowl which you can wrap twice around your neck so it feels cozier. It is knit flat, it has a simple lace pattern and garter stitch combining two colors.
This version has been knitted with the yarn Luxury Sock from Feliz y Punto. You can get the pattern at a special price until the 8th of March. See on Ravelry HERE.
I hope you enjoyed our first cup of tea together, our chat and knitting in my new home: Aitana Villa Knits. I will see you next Friday, at the same time, and be ready because I will have a gift for you!
Knitting is an act of love so
Knit a lot!
Visit my hand-dyed yarn shop by clicking HERE
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