Page 54 - Simply Crochet - Issue 93 2020
P. 54
GOOD READ
Tinna’s distinctive style
features a liberal use of
colour within a mosac
crochet framework
Icelandic textile designer Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir injects
colour and creativity into her crochet patterns and her CALs
hat do Iceland, Havana, Cuba abroad have all been part of the inspiration CRAFT CULTURE
and Granada all have in of her crochet designs, “I would mostly seek Textile work using yarn might seem an
common? Despite the inspiration in my Icelandic heritage and obvious hobby for Icelanders, simply as a
thousands of miles between traditional textiles, and I still do sometimes. practical option for layering up with cosy
Wthem, these locations have all Lately I’ve been more inspired by cities. My garments in the country’s cold climate, but
provided inspiration to crocheter Tinna first mosaic crochet project, the Havana Tinna explains that it’s actually celebrated
Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir, resulting Afghan, was obviously inspired by Havana for another reason, “In Iceland work is
in her vibrant afghans, shawls, purses the city, where I have lived on and off for the considered a virtue, so the culture here is that
and bags. Tinna has a passion for last 14 years. There I wanted to capture the you should always be working or producing
mosaic stitch – a technique based on fact that in Havana you have such a crazy something,” she says. “I was taught that this
the Apache Tears Stitch from the collage of different vibrant colours and is a way of showing your love to your family,
seventies, which she has reintroduced patterns everywhere you look, which then to knit them socks in winter and then mend
into her modern mosaic designs. A somehow makes one beautiful whole. So, them the next autumn. That’s what my
tireless organiser of CALs, Tinna I designed my Havana afghan with that in grannies did. And it’s a custom that I have
currently boasts over 20,000 YouTube mind. My Terrazzo afghan came to be after kept as I grew up and had my own family. I
subscribers, and she also has published visiting Granada and the breathtaking often think of my grandmothers as I crochet.”
three Icelandic crochet books. Alhambra palace. I’m absolutely fascinated Crocheting in Iceland also has another
While Tinna is currently based in Reykjavík by the mosaic tiles and ceramics of Andalusia bonus – the incredible yarn. “I prefer working
with her two sons, her travels and stays and for me they are an endless inspiration.” with natural fibres,” says Tinna. “My favourite
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