Tag Archives: ballet

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New ballet pattern: Relevé

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The next pattern in my Ballet series is here! While I was browsing through history of ballet dancing, I came across this photo of the Cuban prima ballerina Alicia Alonso performing the ballet figure Relevé. When I think of a ballerina, I pretty much have this beautiful pose in mind.

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Needless to say, I had to adapt it for embroidering! Can’t wait to bring her to life.

Amazing fact: Alicia was almost blind during her ballet career and yet managed to become a ballet superstar! I guess extraordinary circumstances produce extraordinary people… or extraordinary people thrive in extraordinary circumstances?

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IKEA and Thick Skin

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While I’ve only ever admired them from afar, last night I have most likely experienced what all ballerinas experience: grinding pain on the tools of their trade. In their case, their toes; in my case, my fingertips.

A while ago I have acquired a variety of textiles from IKEA. I was looking for something tightly woven to hold my stitches well. Most local and online shops carried counted linen which was too loose for my liking (16 count at most). Having had a great experience with the GURLI pillowcase from IKEA, I’ve found they carried nice, thick and tight cotton sold by the meter for half the price of AIDA linen: MINNA. It was really nice to the touch… drum-tight in my hoop…

Hoop Ballerina

 

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Ballerina With an Attitude

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Behold, my very first embroidery pattern! ❤

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This ballerina is performing the Attitude ballet figure. You can find the design page here, or in Embroidery Patterns > Ballet Figures in the menu above. I’ve kept her tutu nice and simple, that way you can design your very own outfit! You can even ignore the ruffling and go for a clean, straight hem or pleating!

Okay, to be completely honest, I’m at loss when it comes to her costume design myself. I’ve even gone so far as to print out copies of the pattern and color them in with different designs in question… I have a color palette, but still not a clue. Maybe you have any ideas?

As for the design, I’ve been inspired by a behind-the-scenes documentary series about the dancers of the Dutch National Ballet. I’m a sucker for ballets and operas, but can only afford a ticket once in a blue moon (usually sponsored). This way I can bring some of the drama into my life.

Make sure to tell me what you think! More ballet to come your way soon!

Un, deux, trois… rond de jambe attitude…