In September 2019, Tatsiana Kupryianchyk of Lillabjörn Crochet released “Rozeta,” a rectangular blanket inspired by the stained-glass windows of a Gothic church and the variegated colors of Northern Lights. As soon as I saw the resulting design, I was hooked (no pun intended). I loved the visual and the majestic serenity it carried. Carefully thought out, as usual, the blanket combines tapestry and overlay crochet to create the desired effect. The stylized flower mandala centerpiece brings to mind many abstract and natural designs of so-called “wheel” windows.
Examples of such windows can be found in France (Reims Cathedral, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Amiens, and of course Notre-Dame de Paris), Italy (Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore in Verona and the Cathedral of Carrara), Spain (Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa María de Burgos), England (Lincoln Cathedral or St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln), and many others in the Old Country. The term and name of the blanket, “Rozeta,” is simply Czech for “rose window.”
The gradual color-changing, wonderfully soft skeins of Scheepjes Our Tribe in just the right colors reminded Tatsiana of the Northern Lights. She created her colorways in two different yarn weights to render other times of day when the rose window may be flooded with changing colors — adding warmth and depth. I must confess that I acquired all colorways, mixed between Our Tribe and Colour Crafter. I have completed two (Dawn and Midnight). I would love to work on the Twilight version later this year. It may be a great way to help rehabilitate my right hand.
The blanket comprises four parts: the center mandala is worked first, then squared by adding triangular corners. Next, a rectangular panel is attached to the blanket’s bottom. Finally, a lattice stained-glass alike border is worked around the whole blanket. If it seems like much work, it is because it is! Do not let this keep you from thinking one part at a time. Each requires shifting into a different gear, but it is worth it in the end!
Our Tribe is a tricky yarn to work with as it is challenging to frog or unravel. Yet it is possible to do it once or twice with the right speed and patience. I struggled a bit when I first attempted the pattern, but it all became more manageable as I got into the rhythm and the math in the repeats. Working with no distractions helps too. Crocheting a swatch before starting on this project may be helpful to get a feel for the yarn and how it behaves when worked.
I’m happy to have discovered Tatsiana’s work; thank you! “Rozeta” seems to be just representative of a complex art with simply pleasant results 🤩
I know so little about the world of crochet; I only learned the basics from my aunt Maria when I was about 12-13 years old, managing to create only some wool potholders with some holes attached, holes made by mistake, I mean 😅 Now, after seeing your works Sabi, and through your stories and writings getting to know Tatsiana’s work, I am fascinated by these incredible results that can be obtained with mathematics, creativity, and serene care. It is very stimulating to think about the process of conception and creation; I perceive a special way of being focused and serene. I can’t wait to see your Twilight version 🥰
Thanks Tatsiana, and thanks Sabi!
Ele
Rozeta has always been on my wish list, as much of Tatsiana’s work is. I find it peaceful & breathtaking. Your words make it sing just like in a church. 💜