2025.10 Bobbin Lace Orchid
I bobbin-laced a butterfly orchid, adapting traditional techniques to a contemporary design—a contribution to the Ireland’s Lace Meadow project organised by the Laces of Ireland.
2025.09 Burano Lace
What a precious opportunity it was to learn Burano lace-making from the Lace Masters on this beautiful Venetian island! Even more magical? I was able to master two intricate patterns—a flower and a butterfly—all within a limited time!
2025.09 Woof Woof
While having a real dachshund is a dream, I handcrafted these two doorstops from cotton fabrics salvaged from old clothes to fulfill my desire.
2025.08 Stitch by Stitch
Needlework in progress: another piece that I’m passionately working on.
2025.07 Oink Oink
My recent experience taking care of an adorable pig on a farm inspired me to make a needle felted pig 🩷
2025.06 Beanies for Them
Quick knits: two MS Beanie hats for two gentlemen, designed by Woolly Wormhead.
2025.04 Bobbins, Lots of Bobbins!
Currently working hard on my latest piece, which combines bobbin lace techniques with wool yarns.
2025.04 Kenmare Lace
I joined the Lace Day organised by The Guild of Irish Lacemakers and learned how to make Kenamre lace from the wonderful Nora Finnegan. Let this beautiful tradition be passed on!
2025.02 Quick Knits
My creative world has been vibrant with colours lately. The vivid orange comes from Confetti, a recycled yarn by La Bien Aimée, while the green is hand-dyed Irish wool, over-dyed with indigo on nettle.
2024.12 Les Étoiles II
Les Étoiles II is the cardigan version of Les Étoiles, my self-designed sweater. More photos are available on my Knitting Collection page.
2024.09 Leaf Tallies
These dainty Bedfordshire leaf tallies, delicately made by hand, form part of a textile art piece I am currently working on.
2024.04 Haute Couture Embroidery
Steady pace wins the race—I’m continuing to add golden beads, sequins, wires, and threads to my latest embroidery piece.
2024.03 Les Étoiles
Les Étoiles’ is my self-designed sweater, knitted with positive ease, a longer body length, and a wider shoulder width (designed to accommodate shoulder pads). Together with its distinctive diagonal stripes, ‘Les Étoiles’ resembles the bold and powerful fashion style of the 1980s. Splashes of colorful thread waste, blended into the partly recycled wool Tweedy Noir by Hedgehog Fibres, simply add funkiness to the piece. I can imagine myself wearing it to disco dancing!
2023.12 Cushy Tushy
My Cushy Tushy pants, knitted with Irish Yarn Vibes Organic Yarn and Studio Donegal’s Irish Heather Yarn. I’m very glad to have these warm pants for the festive season.
2023.10 Lilac Charm
Made with love, for my dearest mother.
2023.08 Frangipani
It brings to mind warmth and sunshine, and its fragrance is divine. Without any frangipanis nearby, I nostalgically created one as a brooch.
2023.07 Borders
Borders is my self-designed sweater for him. The colorful, rectangular tile borders in Casa de Pilatos in Seville (renowned for their azulejo tiles) are the core inspiration for the sweater’s design. The weave pattern adds texture to the piece, and the silk content of Tibetan DK from Martin’s Lab lends a shine to the sweater, reminiscent of the glaze on the tile borders.
More photos of Borders are available on my Knitting Collection page.
2023.06 Haute Couture Embroidery
I’m thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to continue learning haute couture embroidery in France with Elisabeth Gasbarre. Photos of some of my completed works are available on my Embroidery Collection page.
2023.04 Duet
I’ve finally completed Duet, my first self-designed knitted dress. Allow me to pour myself a glass of champagne to celebrate! 🍾🥂🍾
Duet is inspired by the harmonious interplay between blue and white. The rhythmic interactions of these two colours construct the dress.
The creation and knitting process of Duet unfolded in various locations across Europe (Ireland, Switzerland, Croatia, Finland) and Asia (Hong Kong); I brought this work-in-progress piece with me on my travels.
Duet is knitted with one of my favorite organic yarns, Økologisk Sommeruld (70% wool and 30% cotton) from CaMaRose. With its mid-length sleeves and a side slit at the hem, ‘Duet’ is perfect for spring and autumn wear.
More photos of Duet are available on my Knitting Collection page 🙂
2023.01 Rhinebeck Hat…again
There are knitting patterns you’ll love to knit again and again; the Rhinebeck Ha by Woolly Wormhead is certainly one of them! As I did last time, I knitted this hat with Drury DK from Townhouse Yarns.
Spring & Summer 2022
I currently have several knitting projects underway, each slowly becoming a reality. One is based on a purchased pattern, while the others are self-designed—yes, I’m starting to knit my own designs! There’s a lot to work on, and I’m very excited about it; even mistakes are a blessing, as they offer the best way to learn.
Now the chill in the air reminds me that summer is gone, and none of my projects are complete… I know! I didn’t, however, forget about knitting during my vacation sailing in the Adriatic Sea, as this picture proves.
Hopefully, I’ll have more updates in the near future 🙂
2022.02 The Pearl Bonnet
I knitted a white bonnet for the adorable newborn in our family using Rico Design Essentials Merino DK and the Perlerogperlerkyse pattern by Ina Kolstrøm.
2022.01 Happy New Year!
Wishing everyone good spirits in the new year 🙂
My handcraft journey has been on hold for the last few months due to significant life changes. I’m grateful, however, that I managed to complete two pieces for my family: a Snowy Forest Sweater for her and Chunkeanie, a beanie for him.
2021.08-09 Decorative Lace Collar
Lace knitting is always exciting because the lace pattern usually won’t be clearly revealed until you’ve invested weeks, if not months, of effort and then properly bathed and blocked the piece. I challenged myself by knitting this elegant lace collar, a pattern obtained from the book Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida. I used 100% linen yarn from Växbo Lin in Sweden, as I intend for it to be worn in hot and humid weather. This is how it looks before blocking; the finished picture will be added to my Knitting Collection page.
2021.06-07 Reis Sweater
Knitting Stephen West’s Reis sweater provides me with a valuable opportunity to practice color knitting. I didn’t think too much about which color to knit next, so the outcome will only be fully revealed closer to completion. It’s a piece for him, but the pattern itself is gender-neutral. I used Comfy, Tibetan, and Tyrrell DKs from Martin’s Lab, as well as Drury DK from Townhouse Yarns, to knit the sweater. Photos of the completed sweater have been added to my Knitting Collection page.
2021.05 Macramé
This year has been a bit bumpy so far, causing a pause in the progress of some of my handcraft projects. I did, however, start to self-learn macramé. Once the high-quality cotton strings from Createhoic arrived from Sweden, I made two plant hangers as gifts for my family. Both designs are from Mixed Fibre Macramé by Chantel Conlon.
2021.04 Hanami
Nothing can fully capture the beauty of nature, yet I want to create a small-scale lino print to express my pure love for sakura/cherry blossoms 🌸. I used Paint’ON Multi-Techniques paper for the printing process.
2021.03 Victory Jumper
Flowers are starting to bloom—a welcome sign of spring! I’m on track to finish this classic 1945 Victory Jumper, one of the original 1940s patterns from Britain, now freely accessible on the V&A website. The Irish Studio Donegal Darnie yarns (in Navy, Rowan Berry, and White) are excellent alternatives to the suggested yarns in the pattern.
2021.02 Snowy Forest
Snowy Forest completed! I’m wearing it on a snowy day 🙂
Pattern: Snowy Forest by Midori Hirose, from Issue 10 of Laine Magazine
Yarn: Thistle, Big Merino DK and Kid Mohair Silk from Qing Fibre
2021.01 Snowy Forest
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the launch of the latest issue (no. 10) of Laine Magazine, as I’m really looking forward to knitting this beautiful Snowy Forest sweater by Midori Hirose. Every knitting stitch has been a joy so far. My yarn choice is Big Merino DK and Kid Mohair Silk from Qing Fibre—so soft and squishy, and the lilac color (Thistle) is simply stunning!
2021.01 Rising Dawn
Knitting continued after a quiet, almost cocooning break over the Christmas and New Year period. People say steady pace wins the race. After a month’s effort, here is Rising Dawn, the first semi-circular shawl that I’ve ever knitted. The pattern is designed by Stephen West, and the yarn choice is Field, hand dyed singles from the Irish mill Olann.
The picture on the top left shows the shawl before blocking. I do love the ruffled edge at this stage, but I know it will disappear after blocking, which I decided to do to better reveal the pattern. The shawl turned out pretty lovely 🙂
2020.12 Ball Dahlia
Another year is almost coming to an end. I’ve managed to review and upload photos of the ball dahlia lino prints that I created earlier onto my Paper Art Collection page. The unique three-dimensional structure of ball dahlias always amazes me. My printing attempts were experimental, focusing on both ink colour and paper choices: I printed with various pink and purple tones on Fabriano Rosaspina, Fabriano Mixed Media, and Paint’ON Multi-Techniques papers. The overall outcome was satisfactory.
Wish everyone a safe, healthy and hand-crafty New Year. 加油！
2020.12 Second Update
I can hardly believe I have a second update this month—my knitting turbo is apparently on! I finished two Beanie Bopper hats designed by Woolly Wormhead, one for him and one for myself as early Christmas presents 🙂 I simply love knitting this age- and gender-neutral pattern with Big Merino Chunky yarns hand-dyed by Qing Fibre in the U.K.
I also did a quick indoor photoshoot for my Bubble cardigan designed by Siv Kristin Olsen from Ravelry. An outdoor photoshoot is yet to come due to the persistent bad weather. I knitted the cardigan with the strong, undyed organic Zelazna Wool yarn from Martin’s Lab in Poland. I like the raw and rustic feel of the yarn, and the Art Deco buttons I ordered from Vintage Button Emporium match the bubbly design quite well.
All items are now included on my Knitting Collection page.
2020.12 Beanie Bopper
December, the peak of the festive season. As usual, I’m busy preparing heartfelt gifts for family and friends, including this Beanie Bopper hat by Woolly Wormhead, knitted with Big Merino Chunky yarns hand-dyed by Qing Fibre in the U.K.
I was planning to take some photos for my super warm Bubble Cardigan—yes, it’s finished! The dull and grey sky these days, however, isn’t providing me with good natural lighting. Let’s hope the weather improves.
2020.11 Bubble Cardigan & Fingerless Gloves
Another lockdown. Another knitting project underway: the Bubble cardigan with undyed organic Zelazna Wool yarn from Martin’s Lab in Poland. The pattern is designed by Siv Kristin Olsen and available on Ravelry.
On the other hand, the peachy fingerless gloves are finished! I’m grateful to have them to keep my fingers warm.
2020.10 Fingerless Gloves
I discovered a large hole in my very old pair of gloves while getting ready to wear them! Repair is an option, but they’re so worn that I’d be better off knitting myself a new pair. What a great excuse to self-learn how to knit gloves using YouTube tutorials! The pattern is indeed simple, incorporating a 2×2 rib, cable stitch, and knit. The left hand is almost finished. I’m now knitting with the peachy Drury DK yarn from Townhouse Yarns on 3mm needles.
2020.10 Autumn Photo shoot
The achievement of this autumn month is being able to take better pictures of my first ever knitted Art Deco sweater. The autumn leaves serve as a stunning backdrop, which has the magic to make my sweater look even nicer. The knitting pattern is from Art Deco Knits: Creating a Hand-knit Wardrobe Inspired by the 1920s – 1930s by Jemima Bicknell, and the yarn choice is Økologisk Sommeruld from CaMaRose.
2020.08-09 Secret Projects
There are some ongoing secret projects. They need to remain secret because the finished products will be given as birthday or Christmas gifts to family and friends who might visit my website occasionally. A sneak preview is a lino print of a dahlia. More to be revealed soon 🙂
2020.07 Let’s celebrate!
This July is a month of celebration, as I’ve finally finished both the Art Deco sweater and the antique diamond lace collar! After months of effort! Just poured myself a glass of rosé 🙂
2020.05-06 Victory Jumper & Knitted Baby Booties
I love vintage patterns and I’m very excited to start knitting this classic 1945 Victory Jumper, one of the original 1940s patterns from Britain. During the Second World War, women in the country were encouraged to contribute to the war effort by knitting, particularly for the troops. Many patterns were given away for free. This pattern, along with others, is now freely accessible on the V&A website. While the originally suggested yarns for the jumper are discontinued, I find the Irish Studio Donegal Darnie yarns to be good alternatives.
I’ve also been spending time knitting a pair of baby booties for a newborn family member. This is my second time knitting these booties; the last time was for a baby boy, and this time it’s for a baby girl. I’ve chosen the same yarns, as I find the variegated colours suitable for both genders. Click here for more about the booties.
2020.03-04 Art Deco Sweater
Knitting this Art Deco sweater was one of my main stay-at-home activities during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The pattern is from the book Art Deco Knits: Creating a Hand-knit Wardrobe Inspired by the 1920s – 1930s by Jemima Bicknell, which I bought a while ago. The yarn is Økologisk Sommeruld from CaMaRose, a summer yarn spun with organic wool and cotton fibers. This is my first time knitting a sweater—fingers crossed!
2020.01-02 Splash Mini Scarf & Bobbin Lace – Bedfordshire Teardrop Edging
I like the idea of mini scarves—portable yet still capable of keeping you warm. The sophisticated scarf pattern is found in the book Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida. The frills at both ends are striking, and the variegated splashes of colour help to add a playful feeling. The yarn choice is Fade St 4ply from Townhouse Yarns.
For the Bedfordshire teardrop edging, the pattern is adapted from an antique pricking by Christine Springett. In the world of bobbin lace, I find that the smaller the pattern, the potentially more difficult it is to make. Having broken the fine cotton threads many times, I’ve managed to gain better tension control.
2019.12 Parelli Shawl & Beanie for Him
I’ve been working on some Art Deco knits recently. For this project, I chose the Parelli Shawl design from the book Art Deco Knits: Creating a Hand-knit Wardrobe Inspired by the 1920s – 1930s by Jemima Bicknell. The leafy pattern is classic and timeless. Knitting with laceweight yarn is challenging, but the fineness of the completed piece makes it worth all my time and effort. I’m currently working with Trinity 2ply from Townhouse Yarns for this shawl.
Another project is a beanie for him, intended as a Christmas gift. I’m mixing and matching some leftover yarns that aren’t enough to create something if knitted individually. I tend to go with the flow and let the remaining length of the yarns define the design.
2019.11 Antique Diamond Lace Collar & Slovenian Lace Workshop
I started this antique diamond lace collar pattern prepared by Christine Springett a few months ago. I’m excited to learn the new technique for making the raised tallies, which feels like magic to me. This is indeed my first time handling 45 pairs of bobbins—I’d better concentrate!
I also attended a Slovenian lace workshop conducted by OIDFA. The warmth and knowledge of Simona Strgulc Krajšek, our wonderful Slovenian bobbin lace teacher, simply inspired all of us. I’m thrilled to have been able to make a number of beautiful Slovenian lace flowers under Simona’s guidance, and I would never underestimate the difficulties of making these flowers, despite their small size!
2019.10 Bobbin Lace Edging with Little Hearts & Knitted Baby Booties
I love black, and I also enjoy using black threads to make lace. I recently came across the book 100 Traditional Bobbin Lace Patterns by Geraldine Stott and Bridget Cook, which showcases various lovely Bucks Point lace patterns. My first attempt was the pattern called Little Hearts, using 12 pairs of bobbins and 1 single gimp.
I’m also spending time knitting a pair of baby booties for a newborn of a friend of mine. I decided to use the lovely design from prjaga.ru, where the clear instructions are making my knitting easier. My choice of yarn is the hand-dyed variegated Irish Drury DK from Townhouse Yarns, which I bought at This Is Knit in Dublin and comprises 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon.
2019.09 Bobbin Lace – Bedfordshire Handkerchief Edging
The more I practise making Bedfordshire lace, the more I fall in love with it. Vivid and elegant are the words I would use to describe this style of lace. While it’s not easy to learn and usually requires a lot of pairs of bobbins to complete, the satisfaction I get after finishing a piece is incredible. My recent work is this edging, which would be perfect as the edge of a handkerchief for a bride. The pattern was prepared by Christine Springett, and I used 18 pairs of bobbins.
2019.08 Bobbin Lace – Brooch & Sachet Edging
August has so far been busy, not for handicrafts, but for a summer vacation with my dearest family, with whom I enjoy spending time. I still managed to learn a few new techniques in bobbin lace from Ann Margaret Keller, my bobbin lace teacher, including spider and rose ground filling, as well as making leaves, plaits, and picots in Bedfordshire lace (a style of bobbin lace).
2019.07 Bobbin Lace – Circular Torchon
July began with more bobbin lace making, this time a circular torchon designed by Ann Margaret Keller, my wonderful bobbin lace teacher. Working with black cotton threads makes it more difficult to see what I’m doing compared to using white or other lighter colours; therefore, I relied heavily on daylight to create the piece. This pattern required 13 pairs of bobbins, and the high-quality black threads were from Fil au Chinois, available at Maison Sajou in Paris.
While I initially thought making the torchon was the most difficult part, mounting it onto the slightly stretchy recycled denim fabric to serve as a mat proved even more challenging, and I struggled for quite a while to complete it. Now, however, I have a new mat for my afternoon tea.
2019.06 Bobbin Lace – Srce (Heart)
Idrija, Slovenia, has a unique bobbin lace making tradition. Designed by Simona Strgulc Krajšek, this beautiful heart is an iconic pattern, and its level of difficulty is suitable for me to practise as a beginner. To make the lace, I used nine pairs of bobbins and high-quality Fil au Chinois cotton threads, which I bought at Maison Sajou, one of my favourite shops in Paris.
2019.06 Denim Blossom Brooch
I was reviewing my previous work when an idea popped into my mind: how about putting a twist on the felt flower brooch that I made earlier, using recycled denim fabric from my old and torn pair of jeans, plus a bit of stitching with colourful DMC cotton threads?
2019.05 Willow basket for now, perhaps a handbag in the future
It was the second time I’d joined the willow basket making workshop at Tinahely Farm Shop in County Wicklow, taught by Heike. I aimed at making a smaller and more delicate basket than my last one, which I thought would be easier, but Heike told me that smaller baskets are indeed more difficult to make. What a challenge I set myself! I’m glad that the basket’s turned out very nice, and now I’m thinking of upgrading it into a handbag. Yes, a handbag. Sounds a bit crazy, but I’m exploring the possibility. We’ll see if it works.
2019.05 Rhinebeck Hat
I’m truly a fan of Woolly Wormhead; her creations are simply amazing. I bought the Rhinebeck Hat pattern and I’m now following the instructions to knit myself another hat with yarn from Drury DK by Townhouse Yarns.
2019.04 Bobbin Lace
Lace making seemed so distant to me until I joined the Guild Lace Day organised by the Guild of Irish Lacemakers and met my current bobbin lace teacher, Ann Margaret Keller. It’s been an amazing experience learning bobbin lace so far, and currently I’m making a pincushion designed by Ann and a heart designed by Simona Strgulc Krajšek. What is bobbin lace? Click here to read a good introduction from the Guild.
2019.03 Winter Dunes
I found this beautiful rib and fan pattern at Drops Design called Winter Dunes and decided to give it a go. I’m using the hand-dyed variegated Irish Drury DK from Townhouse Yarns, which I bought at This Is Knit in Dublin. This double-knit yarn comprises 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. It’s a pity that winter is gone and I’m still in the process of knitting—can’t wait to finish it and wear it.
Puiming · Textile Art 