Valentina Devine
Los Alamos, NM USA
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Specialty |
Hand knitted garments, one of a kind or art to wear. Abstract use of colors and shapes. Almost never a pattern. Knitting geometrical shapes and combining them to form a garment. Developing the technique of knitting in different directions, adding surface embellishment of either crochet or embroidery worked into the knitted fabric.
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| Contact Information: |
1222 Big Rock Loop Los Alamos, NM USA
505 662-1440
rdevine@sisna.com
Yarn Creations
StitchesMarket.com Yes
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| Favorite Knitting Book |
New Knitting (Das Neue Stricken) Horst Schultz
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| Favorite knitting reference |
Barbara G Walker
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| Classes |
Creative Knitting
Knitting without Bounderies
Bring Your Botched Up Jobs out of the Closet
(Men's) Vested Interests
Cross-stitch Cable Patchwork
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| Biography |
Born in Russia, raised in Germany I have always knitted. Living in New York I became affiliated with a wonderful fiber store "The Niddy Noddy" where I helped with designing and marketing.
Moved to Washington, DC and became member of the Patomac Craftsmen and Life Member of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria VA. While there I had three one person shows. Exhibited at the Brandeis Art Council and many other shows.
Moved to New Mexico where I was part owner in a shop in Santa Fe "The Craft Collection" and a co-op gallery in Taos "Open Space". Was resident fiber artist in a Santa Fe boutique "Suzette International". Show my garments at "La Lana" in Taos where I got exposure when I knitted a little red hat worn by Julia Roberts in the movie "Stepmom" I am a vendor at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, Estes Park Colorado Wool Fest and Taos NM Wool Festival. I am a participant in the Los Alamos NM Artist Studio Tour and the Dixon, NM Studio Tour.
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| What inspires you? |
Everything! Mostly nature, unusual color combinations, oriental (mostly Japanese)shapes, yarn, yarn, yarn and my husband
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| Confess - when it comes to hiding your yarn, what are your secrets? |
I meet a lot of knitters who hide their yarn. I have never done that. I have it all out, all over the place in my studio.
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| What is your idea of knitting heaven? |
I must be shameless and admit that I have it all. In my studio, on top of a mountain, listening to recorded books, my cat, Fabio, by my side, and knitting.
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| How many UFO's (Unfinished Objects)do you have going at once? |
Never more than five
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| Whom would you like to see accept an Academy Award wearing your creation? |
Gwenneth Palthrow
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| What knitting commandment do you most like to break? |
All of them
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| What frequently-asked knitting question do you hate to answer? |
How long did it take you to knit this piece?
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| What is your most dog-eared knitting reference? |
You Knit Unique by Lee Andersen
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| What is the most unusual place you've ever knitted? |
On a bus touring Turkey
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| How long can you last without knitting? |
I try not to think about it.
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| If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one yarn, book, or gizmo would you want along? |
I have to agree with Lily Chin, my yarn winder. She can have Tom Cruise.
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| How many hours have you knitted non-stop - and why? |
About 48 hours. Deadline naturally
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| What do you want your knitting epitaph to say? |
I'll see you all in Knitting Heaven
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| Who would you like to greet you in knitting heaven? |
All of you
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