What summer calls for

Hi all,

 

How is the weather treating you this time of the year? It is getting warmer and more humid day by day in Korea. Well, still not too bad though. Sunny, flowery, breezy, and dry enough to enjoy outdoor. I am so~ loving it! Unfortunately, the rainy season is coming and it is my least favorite. Honestly I am pretty terrified with summer in Korea. (Isn't it funny that I worry about next summer during the winter season? I guess I could've enjoyed winter more if I didn't worry about coming season too much.) 

 

Now it is the last minute I can enjoy knitting before summer officially shows up and stops me from what I like most in the world. It means I better hurry up. So I decided to join KAL/ CALs to keep myself being extra busy with stitching. It is always helpful to have knitting friends to inspire and encourage myself. This time I joined some podcast KAL/CAL groups to maximize my stitching process. Watching and listening to podcasts are fun yet stitching together is double exciting! I've just started but I can say I am already pretty thrilled by this passionate waves of knitters. I didn't expect many people are knitting in this warm weather. I see huge numbers of fellow knitters joining those events and enjoying somewhat competitive ambience. This is super fun!

So far I finished two of my projects. Since I practice lace summer only (barely 2-3 months of the year) my lacework skill isn't great yet. But, as long as I don't gift them I don't worry so much about randomly broken holes and missing textures.. :)

I like this shawl because it is extra airy. Even though mainly made of wool it is still very breathable and light. Since it is pretty easy to squeeze in my tote I can bring it anywhere I go and put on anytime I feel uncomfortably chilly with the blow of an air conditioner.

The next shawl is made of Italian Linen. As usual linen never brings me down. The shawl does not stick to my skin and feels always dry and fresh. Just perfect for humid summer in Korea. I am glad I bought this yarn while I was travelling in Italy. I just wish yarn is not too heavy and bulky to carry. Sometimes I feel sorry to my hubby that I purchase too many things while we are travelling. We usually travel about a month so already many bags to handle. Adding more packages wouldn't be welcomed by those who doesn't shop at all. :) But, I have to say yarn collected from all over the world made my knitting way more vibrant and unique. It also reminds me of great memories of the trip whenever I play with it. How can I stop bringing yarns from abroad? (Don't tell my sweet hubby.)

What's on your needles and hooks? Anyone joining KAL/CALs? If you have something fun let me know. I'd like to join, too~ Happy summer!

XO,

Soyun.
 

Now you can find me on Instagram~

Hi there,

This is a short memo for those interested in my working process and behind the scenes of my little atelier. I started sharing my simple daily life on Instagram finally. (Warning: I might disappoint you with my extra-humble photo album. But, I am trying to improve asap so you can taste more of my creative life from the other side of the globe. I promise~)

If you're interested please visit and follow me. I will try to jazz up with cool photos of working in progress projects, my messy yet cozy atelier, the little nest I am building with my dear hubby, and something that surprise you. I truly hope you guys find some fun out of my page. I love blogging but as you guys know I cannot update as often as I want. So hopefully this would help us know each other better. Oh, but it does not mean I am gonna ditch blogging. I am still gonna be here as often as possible.

 

For those who prefer computer version here's a link. (https://www.instagram.com/atelierdesoyun/) If you already using Instagram you can find me simply plugging "atelierdesoyun" for search.

Thanks and see you there~

xo!

Soyun.

A sweater that would set a milestone.

 

After finished my pullover (Here it is. If you’re curious.) last year I started to grow extra-confidence about my knitting ability and attempted a new big project right away: A cozy-looking jacket I had been wanting to make, wear, and show off..  Obviously I was little too much excited about my first pullover that generated lots of compliments from friends here and there. However, the new one I started was a bit heavy garment taking a good deal of time and attention. The beginning wasn’t so bad but I was slowly losing my interest in it. Time goes by... During the hot and humid summer I totally forgot try to forget about the thick and chunky piece in deep deep bottom of my heart feeling pretty guilty. Frankly this unfinished business has bothered me so bad. Finally a few weeks ago when the weather got significantly chilly I decided to come clean and retake this challenge. Nothing fancy really. It is just a work of simple stockinet stitch but the construction was rather unfamiliar to this first time-sweater knitter at the begining. It took a little while to understand how ‘mitred hems’ work.

This time I didn't want to let it go. For some reason I felt this shouldn't take too long. So a few weeks of straight work (NO! I didn't get distracted by other projects as I used to.) I finally managed to complete this baby! I feel awesome to finish this Un-Finished-Object after a long neglect and also great to use up lots of this yarn stash. (Well, do you remember? I made a skirt last year with this yarn. It is going down but still I have lots left. Anyone, interested in swapping?)

Here I proudly present my new first ever sweater! (I know I knit a sweater before but that was a pullover style. Pretty easier than this. This one I could call a legit sweater! Even a jacket!)  Such a simple and minimal design yet it is rather cute and sweet!

Just one thing I am not completely happy about this is the ‘mitred hem’. I like the idea but it didn’t come out neat enough. This is the look from the back. The hem looks little too bumpy and rough to me. My knitting wasn't consistent? Maybe one more blocking would help? Well, I could try.

 It took a while to finish but I am generally happy now. I've learned lots of new techniques from this pattern that I want to use later on and enjoyed knitting quite well. It just required a bit extra patience to finish. I think totally worth it though. What do you think?

 

 

My next project? I am thinking.... something to gift. I know not so much time left. So... I might crochet something as last-minute gifts. Still I have to brush up my crochet skill but I think I crochet faster than knit. I am gonna share them on my next posting if they turned out good. (Please wish me luck!) What about you guys? What's on your needles or hooks? Are you ready for Holiday season yet? Hope you are~ :)

Teatime

Last summer was fun. I had nicely busy days with sewing and crafting: great way to enjoy some extra free time and prepare the exciting new season. One of my favorite things I’ve developed is knitting while sipping a lovely herb tea at my local teashop. I used to be a huge cappuccino-holic, and still I worship it every day (cannot imagine starting a day without one), but recently I explored a new joy from drinking herb tea. I might put up my experience this way: Coffee energizes and inspires me while the herb tea relaxes and calms me down. This means tea goes with knitting perfectly. So, what’s my favorite? Chamomile and lemongrass so far. There are many different kinds of leaves and I am so tempted to try new ones every time I visit the shop. Shapes and fragrances of tea leaves and petals amaze me all the time, but most exciting part is watching those tealeaves are getting infused creating a breathtaking colorways in the special teapot.

 

 

While the tea is getting ready, here’s something I would make: little coasters for tea cups. I got this heavenly soft and beautiful yarn by Debbie Bliss (http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/debbie-bliss-cotton-denim-aran) a few years ago and saved it for something special. The only problem is I have ‘one’ ball that it is little too small for any kinds of projects. Then one day while I was hanging out at Ravelry (Yes, I know. I am having too much fun over there), I found this gorgeous pattern called herringbone stitch. I fell in love with it instantly when I tried first time and thought it would go with my denim yarn perfectly. There are a few different types of herringbone stitches out there, but I realized the first one I tried looked most gorgeous and constructs a very durable fabric.

 

 

If you’re interested in the pattern this is the one I tried (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/herringbone-stitch-dishcloth). Pretty simple one, but I should warn you one thing. It is very hard to fix once you make a mistake. At the beginning I attempted to ravel and tried again in the middle, but it wasn't successful. I ended up starting  over from the very begining again. However, it was totally worth it. Anyway, you might want to give an extra attention until you’re familiar with the pattern. I purely adore the texture the pattern creates and the yarn matches the pattern beautifully. Since the pattern makes the fabric pretty thick and tight it is ideal for creating mats or something needs to be sturdy. I think of making placemats in autumnal color next time.  

 

So, what about you? What are you working on recently? I am sure you guys have long lists to knit or create as I do. I heard many of my Ravelry friends finishing some fabulous projects for Christmas gifts already. Aww.. I am so~ jealous! I will really have to kick some butt this season. Hope the beautiful weather inspires you and you have lots of fun with your creative activities in this fall. Endulge yourself with some tea or coffee and enjoy whatever you do and see you soon.~

 

Soyun.

Handmade fair in Seoul, Korea

Everybody is having a lovely summer? Hope you guys stay cool and happy! It’s been a pretty busy summer for me since ‘J’ left for his own vacation to mountain Kilimanjaro. Missing him, working on new lines for the next season, starting on knitting projects for coming autumn, cleaning up my little atelier before the busy and hectic season launches, and cooking something healthy and refreshing for myself (ssshh~ I am on a fabulous vegi-diet while he is away. I will introduce this next posting.). Anyway, while I was a busy bunny there’s something I’ve been waiting forever: handmade Korea fair 2012. A handmade boom arrived here in Korea a few years ago, but still not so many people are familiar with its concept. This event could help people get to know how fabulous it is! 

Today, this happy bunny was hopping down to the exhibition center with full of excitement. First of all, look at this! Isn’t this cool? A bracelet style entering ticket!

 

Finally, I am in! There are so many things to explore. As a sewer, knitter and crafter of little bit of everything, I couldn’t resist all the vibes those little goodies sent forth.  

 

This is one of things I’ve wanted to learn so long: Korean traditional knots. Terrific vivid color combos and gorgeous texture created by knots are just my style! Wait a minute! Now I remember I grabbed a couple of how-to-knot books a few years ago. Where have they gone? Oh, well, time to check out my junk box somewhere at my atelier before I forget again. 

I knit something either practical or wearable. So there’s one kind I’ve never tried yet: knitted dolls. I’d like to wow them and talk to them (only when I am alone!), but I’ve never thought about making them by myself. This time, I found some booths full of knitted or sewn dolls. Those are amazingly adorable and cuddly. I purely felt cozy and calm when I hold them. Now I understand why babies long for those little creatures and knitters are tempted to make them. So, I took some of class information sheet they handed out. And… what a coincidence!! One of ateliers is just right around my neighborhood where I used to pass by. Obviously I knew the shop! I’ve been wondering about the owner of the shop and I’ve just found out! She is a kind and friendly lady and very informative, too. I might stop by her atelier soon or later to learn how to make little lovelies~

This is one of the biggest artwork I met at the site. A wooden piano. How fabulous! Not sure how it sounds like, but at least it is looking just beautiful and I hardly believe it is handmade. Must’ve taken lots of time, energy and talent!

Those are handmade (decorated?) wedding cakes. Gorgeous western inspired cakes got lots of attention from visitors. The last one is one of my favorites: small yet lovely. The subtle color is a plus!

BTW, here I want to share a few more cakes I found at the other bakery show a few weeks ago. Those demonstrate how Koreans decorate cakes and I guess you guys might be interested. J

Do you know what these are? I will give you some hints. You cannot eat them, yet they smell refreshing and delicious. They will melt on your body and make you feel pampered. Those are soaps made of ginseng and mushroom in a shape of traditional Korean coin money. I am wondering how I feel when I take shower with money ~ J

Here’s another Korean style artwork: Korean traditional quilts. Isn’t this similar to western one? Maybe the fabric we are using is different, but I think they are equally beautiful!

Finally, this is the place I took almost forever to wow and take some photos: Doll houses. Again, I’ve never been into doll-related things before, but who knew that I might find another wonderland today. Look at those tiny stuffs! Elegant details and constructions. I wish I could shrink myself and be a litte bunny in the middle of the photo and then live right there making all those fantastic things mine!! (I know, I know I am greedy. .. you can call me ‘piggie’ now.)

Wow~ someday could I have a closet like this? (hope 'J' is reading this!) Well, these might be more than I need, or not? J

Anyway, exploring little houses is really fun as well as inspiring! However, what I really liked was this!!! My simple and forever joy: knitting!

So, did you enjoy my little story? I had a fun time recalling my visit while I am writing the post. My brain is busy for processing lots of new ideas and inspirations I got from the exhibition. Now time to return to my little atelier and get to create something pretty!

Have a marvelous summer and enjoy your crafting~ 

XO, 

Soyun.

Something fun indoor

Hello, everyone. How’s your summer going? Hope you have a fun and enjoyable summer whatever you’re doing. The weather in Korea is getting summer-y now. Rainy almost every day so… the humidity is way high and the temperature is going up little by little. Pretty much not my kind of weather. But, as we all do I have lots of projects to finish and orders to fulfill. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy creating things at my little atelier. I won’t trade it with anything. But, I am such a curious girl that my little antennas are always looking for something fun out of my studio. So, the other day I visited this lovely museum in Seoul. There were many posters promoting the exhibition near by. Literally every shop around the area displayed the poster of this exhibition so it was too hard to miss it. The poster was showing one thing: awfully cool-looking chair. I got instantly hooked~ and made a trip to the museum. So here’re posters from the museum’s website. Cool, isn’t it?

A hot and rainy summer day. It is just perfect to enjoy something interesting indoor. This is an exhibition of north-European style chairs by Finn Juhl a famous artist from Denmark. I am sure lots of you are from the Scandinavian area and familiar with those chairs I am going to introduce. Seems like he is a pretty popular designer who also designed the interior of the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York.  

So here are some of photos I am excited to share with you. I did a bit long and tiring trip to the museum and those chairs were looking so inviting. Aww.. it could’ve been amazing if I could rest my little booty on one of those sweet chairs.

Loved all of the chairs displayed. Those are pretty different from Korean styles I am familiar with. As some of you know Koreans used to sit on floors and we didn’t really develop styles of chairs and tables much. Those fun and cool-looking furniture inspired me so much that now I really want to decorate my atelier with some nice things. I will get some cute chairs and then cover them with blankets that I am going to knit some day (hopefully by this fall).  

Finally we arrived at the top floor where we can sit on and take photos with one of famous chairs. The chairs you can sit on switch every month and this month it was the one called ‘easy chair’. Me and my boy friend J did some ‘not-so-easy’ pose (Oh, well. Anyway I tried, but I was a bit nervous if I could break the precious chair.). We were just happy to have a little date in the cool museum as you see through the photo.

It was such a fun day. Museums are exciting and wonderful places to take a vacation from time to time. You will get inspired and recharged by something you rarely pay attention in your daily life. If you’re interested I hope you check out their website, daelim museum. Also, if you’re in Seoul, I recommend you take a trip to the area. There are lots of things to enjoy including the Korean old royal palace and garden called 'GyeongBokGung'. I am sure you will be thrilled by it. I will try to blog about it sometime soon.

Hope you enjoyed my little story. If you have any questions or requests please let me know or leave a message. I will be more than happy to help you. Have a creative and fun summer and see you soon. 

XO, 

Soyun.