Warm Holiday Wishes!

Wherever in the world you are, and whatever occasion or tradition you are celebrating this season, may your homes and your hearts be filled with love and joy! Warmest wishes to all from New York!

Happy Holidays! Dressed in winter white and ivory for the season - recent designs from Elena Rosenberg Wearable Fiber Art.

Recent Press and Upcoming Events



 Last month, I was thrilled to receive news of being selected as a finalist in the 2014 NICHE Awards. My mustard-yellow Hand-Knit Shawl design is one of 5 finalists in the Fashion Accessories category, Professional Division. Only 174 entries out of more than 1,000 submissions were named as finalists, so this is quite an honor for me. Highly revered and known as the Oscars of the contemporary fine craft world, the NICHE Awards recognize outstanding achievements of American craft artists in technical excellence (both in surface design and form), distinct quality of unique, original, and creative thought, as well as market viability. As you can imagine, I am over the moon excited to be a Finalist. Winners will be announced in January 2014.

Elena Rosenberg is a 2014 NICHE Awards Finalist

Preparations are in full swing for one of the most important events of the year for me -- CraftBoston Holiday Show, December 6-8, 2013 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. The line-up of artists and designers at this event is remarkable, and I'm honored to be on the roster. If you are in the Boston area, I hope you will visit the show and explore my latest designs. Find me in booth 225 at the show.

Meet wearable fiber artist and knit designer Elena Rosenberg at CraftBoston Holiday 2013

 



A selection of my designs is part of the holiday show happening now at The Textile Center (A National Center for Fiber Art) in Minneapolis, MN. It was a treat to have The Textile use an image of one of my jewelry designs for the show's announcement. Pictured here is an original crochet bracelet design of mine in red silk. Festive and perfect for the season, isn't it?

Holiday Show 2013 at The Textile Center announcement featuring Elena Rosenberg's fiber jewelry

 

There's a lovely lifestyle and wedding magazine out there called Flutter. Its Fall 2013 issue's theme is Texture, and I'm delighted to see my ivory shawl featured among the Editor's Picks. Love the magazine's tag line -- "Inspiration To Make Your Heart Skip A Beat".

Elena Rosenberg's Rococo Knit Shawl in Flutter Magazine.

Save the date for the 2014 American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, MD! I will be returning to this magnificent show for the 4th time!

Many thanks to everyone who came out to see me at Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst, Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fair in Philadelphia, Crafts at Purchase Performing Arts Center, and CraftWestport -- it was wonderful to see many familiar faces and to meet new friends and fans too! Your interest in my designs and your support mean the world, and I am truly grateful. I hope you are all enjoying your Elena Rosenberg originals now -- the season is certainly right for beautiful wraps, shawls, hats, and scarves!

 

A mailing list invitation & recent newsletter preview

Are you on my mailing list? I invite you to sign up to receive occasional email updates on events and news from my studio! Here is a peek at my latest newsletter to give you a taste of what you might expect to see in your mailbox now and then, when you join my list of subscribers and fans. I look forward to staying in touch with you.

Dear Friends, Autumn is just around the corner, and what a perfect time to dream of treating your fall and winter wardrobe to beautiful new accent pieces! Think of rich and vibrant colors, intricate textures, and versatile styles for the modern romantic -- all exquisitely hand-crafted in some of the world's finest fibers. Come to one of my fall shows to explore my entire collection of hand-knit fashion and wearable fiber art in person. I will be appearing in five spectacular events celebrating art and contemporary fine craft in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Please see below for the complete schedule of shows. In the meantime, check out my feature & interview in the September issue of WAG magazine! Fall 2013 Schedule of Events Crafts at Lyndhurst Tarrytown, NY September 20-22, 2013 This weekend, in a gorgeous Hudson Valley location. Sensational shopping & opportunities to meet and interact with some of the country's best artists and fine craftsmen. Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair Philadelphia, PA October 11-13, 2013 A weekend-long celebration of art and fine craft in historic Rittenhouse Square in the heart of the city. Crafts at Purchase Performing Arts Center Purchase, NY November 1-3, 2013 An intimate show benefiting the Arts Center at SUNY Purchase. A unique opportunity for pre-holiday shopping in Westchester County, NY. CraftWestport Westport, CT November 9-10, 2013 Over 170 American craft artists in one location on the Connecticut Coast. One of my favorite shows of 2012. CraftBoston Holiday Show Boston, MA December 6-8, 2013 A prestigious and highly competitive retail exhibition of contemporary fine craft. Ideally timed for holiday shopping in New England. Have you visited my website and blog lately? I recently wrote about the unforgettable trip to Ireland I took earlier in the year. I invite you to follow my artist page on Facebook, and connect with me on Twitter and Pinterest. My online SHOP carries a selection of ready-to-wear hand-knit accessories and adornments. For availability of items not displayed in the online shop and for custom-order inquiries, please contact me directly. Have an enchanting autumn! Elena Rosenberg Wearable Fiber Art

Our Adventures in Ireland - Greenery, Glorious Sheep, and the Unforgettable Enchantment of It All

In May-June 2013, my husband and I took a much-anticipated and hastily planned trip to the Emerald Isle. We knew, from reading and hearing about it, that we would have an unforgettable multi-sensory experience in Ireland, that there would be sheep by the thousands, picturesque country vistas, hearty food, and excellent music. But we didn't expect our every expectation to be exceeded, and to be so immensely captivated by and enamored with the land we saw.

 

A typical landscape on the hauntingly and quietly magnificent Dingle Peninsula. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

We had many quintessential Ireland experiences. From seeing multitudes of sheep around virtually curve in the roads, to being left breathless by the magnificent coastal landscapes of Ireland's West Coast. To enjoying pints of Guinness, delicious pub grub nouveau, and the soulful and toe-tapping Irish traditional music we both love so much, in a pub near Fanore. To staying in historic homes built in the 1700s and 1800s, and experiencing that renown Irish hospitality everywhere along the way. To witnessing Ireland's many shades and gradations of green, which, paired with the blues of the coast and the whites of the flocks of sheep, made for a vivid, refreshing, and delectable visual palette. We left a part of our hearts in Ireland, and cannot wait to return to see more of Counties Clare and Kerry we enjoyed the most, and to travel up to Donegal and Northern Ireland too.

 

Here is a handful of photographs from the trip. You can see more if you follow me on Instagram (find me at "elena_knitsandbits"). If you are planning a trip to Ireland, I'd love to give you a few tips about some of our favorite off-the-beaten path places to stay and visit, so feel free to get in touch.

 

This view from our B&B window, caught hours after landing in Shannon from NYC, couldn't have been more idyllic or ideal. We spent the first few days of the trip exploring County Kerry from a home-base outside of Killarney. Jacqui at Burke's Mulbur House was the epitome of hospitality, friendliness, and all-around good nature.

 

Killarney, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

The bright and jubilant abundance of gorse (flowering shrubs) seen everywhere around Kerry made driving through the late spring countryside quite magical. The obligatory sheep delightfully dot the landscape virtually everywhere. As a fiber and wool fanatic, I couldn't get enough of the gorgeous creatures, and each sheep sighting was accompanied by peals and shrills of giddy excitement even on day 10 of our trip. Though, sadly, only some of the sheep in Ireland are kept for their wool, we did encounter quite a few sheep whose fleeces were long and beautiful, and, I hope, used for wool.

 

While we did see lots of knitted pieces in tourist and mainstream shops in Ireland, I was disheartened to note that despite the complex cable designs characteristic of Irish knitting, the hand-knit items were often priced quite low considering the time-consuming work involved. Knowing first-hand the true high costs of using high-quality wools and designing and hand-knitting ready-to-wear and bespoke accessories and clothing, it appears that more consumer education and appreciation would be lovely, both in the US and in Ireland. Ironically, in packing for this trip I didn't anticipate just how chilly the weather could get along the coast in late May, and was glad to support the local knitwear economy by buying a cozy knitted wool hoodie mid-way into our stay.



Gorse growing in County Kerry, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

Spring Blossoms, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

While exploring the Iveragh Peninsula, in addition to the famous Ring of Kerry, we took a side trip to a lesser known Valentia Island, where we wandered around the overgrown sub-tropical gardens at Glanleam House and came across graceful horses on the hills overlooking the Atlantic. Unforgettable, magical, and otherworldly.



Horse grazing on Valentia Island, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg

We couldn't be happier when we had to brake for sheep crossing the roads, and the novelty and charm of this experience never wore off.



Sheep family crossing the road in Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

For NYC suburbs' residents like us, it's not often that we get to experience an environment and landscape that are virtually timeless. Our trip through the ancient Gap of Dunloe gave us that sensation of timelessness. I am so glad the weather was fittingly wet and brooding.

By the way, a major advantage to traveling the in off- or shoulder-season is that we were either among only a handful of visitors or alone almost everywhere we went (the Cliffs of Moher being one exception).




Gap of Dunloe, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

On our way from the West Coast to Dublin, we visited rural County Kilkenny, where we were treated to scenes like these.


The setting sun, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg  



Kilkenny Sheep. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

In Kilkenny, I lived out the fantasy of the countless period films I have watched, by staying at Ballyduff House, where the movie "Circle of Friends" (with Minnie Driver, Chris O'Donnell, Alan Cummings, and Colin Firth) was filmed. The house, the grounds, the ambiance, and the caring hostess, Bred, were all memorable.



Ballyduff House, Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

Family Portrait, Ballyduff House, Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

It was unbelievably wonderful to see hundreds of animals as an indelible part of the landscape wherever we traveled in Ireland.



Just another drive through rural Ireland - a herd of ivory goats. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.



This family of sheep has an enviable daily view of the Atlantic. County Clare, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.



Horses near Ashley Park House in Nenagh, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.
 

As rugged and severe as much of the West Coast of Ireland is, the way it is tempered and softened here by the pastel wildflowers and lichen, to me is somehow indicative and reflective of the wild and aloof yet delightful and endearing essence of Ireland itself.



Cliffs over the Atlantic, near the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.



A 'polka-dot' shell fragment on the beach in Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

We try to seek out special and off-the-beaten-path places and experiences when we travel, and the Burren Perfumery is the very definition of such a place, in a very literal sense. An oasis in the heart of the Burren region, it houses a most fragrant "body" shop, a quaint café, a charming herb garden, and an inspiring story. After hiking the "Burren in Bloom" (spring wildflowers of countless varieties among rocky outcroppings), a stopover for some aromatherapy and souvenirs of the Burren Perfumery's "Summer Harvest" and "Man of Aran" fragrances hit the spot just so. Not to forget, generous cups of herbal tea enjoyed al fresco around a moss-covered tree-stump of a café table.



A cup of herbal tea at the Burren Perfumery's Café. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.

Our trip was relatively short (10 days), yet we saw so much -- from castle ruins dating back 500+ years, to formal English gardens from the 19th century (in states of alluring disrepair), to trees, ancient and majestic. My one regret is not scheduling a visit to a dreamy looking alpaca farm (the first in Ireland!) down the road from Orchid House B&B where we stayed in Fanore. By the way, this was an excellent home base for exploring the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.



Medieval fortress ruins, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.



19th Century Gardens, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.



A very old tree on the Ashley Park House estate in Nenagh, Ireland. Photo by Elena Rosenberg.
  

And yet there is mightily plenty more to see, soak in, and experience in this country we enjoyed so much. We hope to return very soon. For now, I'll daydream of Ireland while looking in its direction from across the Atlantic.



While driving across Ireland. Photo of and by Elena Rosenberg.



 

New Press - Feature & Interview in WAG Magazine; Fall Schedule of Events

Thrilled to share that my designs and I are featured in the latest issue of WAG Magazine! You can read the full article online.  Learn about the inspiration for my designs, my roots, recent experiences, and future plans. It's a great write-up, and I am honored to be in great company on the pages of this beautiful issue. Other designers profiled by the magazine this month are Rolando Santana, and Sarah Phillips, and almost the entire issue is dedicated to fashion and style, with nods to Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, and others. It's a treat to be recognized by this great and well-respected publication as an emerging independent designer!


Elena Rosenberg featured in WAG Magazine, September 2013

WAG is a lifestyle magazine covering Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. I have the Artrider Productions team to thank for making the connection between the magazine and me. Artrider is the producer of three shows in which I will be participating this fall, here in the NY tri-state area. In August, I had a great time meeting the WAG staff, including Mary Shustack (senior writer), Dee DelBello (publisher/creative director), Bob Rozycki (managing editor and photographer), and Alissa Frey (audience development director and my wonderful model). Print copies of the September 2013 issue are available locally, and the entire issue can be accessed online.

 

Elena Rosenberg's Designs modeled by Alissa Frey

 

Speaking of Fall events, I am excited to have been invited to show my designs at 5 fantastic retail exhibitions this season, taking place in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts! The complete line up of shows appears below. I hope to see you at one or more of these events. I will be bringing many new designs and colors to the shows, as well as a few entirely new surprises from a small collection of wearable fiber art accessories I am developing. Hint: it's wooly, but it's neither knit nor crochet. You will need to visit me at the shows to see more!

Elena Rosenberg Wearable Fiber Art -- Fall 2013 SCHEDULE

 

Crafts at Lyndhurst, Tarrytown, NY, September 20-22, 2013

Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair, Philadelphia, PA, October 11-13, 2013

Crafts at Purchase Performing Arts Center, Purchase, NY, November 1-3, 2013

CraftWestport, Westport, CT, November 9-10, 2013

CraftBoston Holiday Show, Boston, MA, December 6-8, 2013

I invite you to follow me on Facebook for frequent updates and to sign up for my mailing list to hear about upcoming events and special offers.

Summer 2013 Issue of Fiber Art Now Magazine

The Summer 2013 issue of Fiber Art Now magazine comes out next week, and I am delighted to have contributed not one but two features to this issue. I curated the four-page spread "On View: Flora & Fauna" and wrote the cover article on wearable fiber art.

For "On View", the magazine's regular feature, we put a call for art out to the international fiber art community and received submissions from many countries and in every imaginable fiber medium. The selection that appears in print features everything from modern tapestry woven in Spain, to floral silk painting, to Jan Hopkins' wondrous fruit peel sculpture, to oversized felt masks, to....wait for it... an embroidered skunk pelt by Willow Rector. I am biased, of course, but this eye-opening selection of work alone, I believe, is reason enough to get this issue of the magazine or order an annual subscription. The summer issue also features articles on eco-dyeing and Kathryn Harmer Fox's multi-media fabric paintings.



On View: Flora & Fauna from Summer 2013 issue of Fiber Art Now  Magazine.



On View: Flora & Fauna from Summer 2013 issue of Fiber Art Now Magazine.

The cover features the Lithuanian nuno-felt artist Vilte Kazlauskaite, beautifully modeling her work. Along with five other exceptional fiber artists, she is the subject of my cover article "Wearable Art: The Most Intimate Art Form." The opportunity to interview Vilte, Amy Nguyen, Cassandra Shephard, Daiga Henson, Carter Smith, and Chris Triola, and to ponder and write about this art form that's very close to my heart, as you know, is something I will treasure for a long time.



Wearable Art: The Most Intimate Art Form from Summer 2013 issue of Fiber Art Now Magazine.

 

When I am not writing for Fiber Art Now, I contribute to managing the magazine's social media presence, and I also curate its Pinterest pages. The magazine's small and dedicated team, led by Editor-in-Chief Marcia Young, is a delight to work with, and I truly enjoy being part of the magazine. Visit the Fiber Art Now website to learn more about us.

Studio Yarn Sale

Friends, it's time for a little confession. Over the past few years of non-stop knitting and designing I have accumulated so many yarns (beautiful, colorful, soft and luxurious yarns!) that I may now own more yarns than your neighborhood yarn store.  There's yarn It's time for some of these skeins to find new homes and uses, and time for me to make room for... chances are, more fiber arts supplies everywhere I look!  As hard as it is to part with any lovely yarn, it's time for a studio clear-out, and a major YARN DESTASH SALE. It's time for some of these skeins to find new homes and uses, and time for me to make room for... chances are, more fiber arts supplies.
 

YARN DESTASH SALE from ELENA ROSENBERG Wearable Fiber Art

The 90+ yarns I'm offering for sale are all high quality hand-knitting/crocheting yarns, including many merino wool yarns, merino & cashmere blends, alpaca blends, plus several non-wool yarns, including bamboo and cottons. A number of the yarns are from the hard-to-find category and are no longer produced. All of them have been carefully and neatly stored in plastic bags, in a smoke-free & pet-free environment. Some yarns I have only in quantities of a couple of skeins (perfect for small-scale projects likes gloves), while other yarns are available in large quantities or 10 or more skeins (great for large projects like shawls).

What's more, all of the yarns are priced below retail, so there are some excellent deals to be had here. I am happy to ship within the US or internationally, just contact me for a shipping quote.

If you are not a knitter, please feel free to share this blog post / Yarn Sale announcement with your knitting friends.

Here are a few peeks at just some of the yarns available, as well as a list of brands. You can find complete information about each yarn (including dye lot #'s, quantities, pricing) on my RAVELRY DESTASH SALE PAGE. Note: this page is viewable only if you are a registered Ravelry user -- if you are on Ravelry, log in to your account to view it. If you are not yet on Ravelry and you are a knitting/crocheting fan, you should definitely join this amazing worldwide community of over 3 million knitters!

Of course, you can use many of these yarns for my original Knitting Patterns. Feel free to contact me if you would like specific recommendations regarding what yarns to use with what patterns, or if you have other questions.

I plan to add even more yarns to the sale in the near future, so please keep an eye on my Destash Sale page on Ravelry.  Happy yarn shopping and happy knitting!

The Yarn sale includes yarns from the following brands: Debbie Bliss, Tahki Stacy Charles, Berroco, Louet, Elann, Elsebeth Lavold, and others.

 

  

For full details regarding each yarn, and to see all of the available yarns, please visit my RAVELRY DESTASH SALE PAGE.

See you this spring in Boston!

 

My next event of the season is CraftBoston Spring, April 19-21, 2013! This exceptional show, now in its 12th year, is run by The Society of Arts and Crafts, and it is the premiere New England exhibition and sale of contemporary art, craft and design. If you are in the Northeast, this is a show worth traveling to, and I hope you can make it to Boston for the event. Please send me an email if you would like a personal invitation to this event (with a discounted admission) mailed to you.

 

The natural world inspires my designs all the time. Here's one of my new 100% silk hand-knit cowls alongside a photo I took at this year's magnificent Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden.

 

I am bringing many exciting designs to this show, including lovely accessories especially suited for springtime and beyond, in luxurious silk, bamboo, and cotton, in beautiful bright colors as well as in timeless neutrals.  I will have a selection of new fiber jewelry too. The timing is perfect for adding exquisite hand-knit heirlooms to your collection of accessories and for Mother's Day gift shopping.



CraftBoston Spring Hours Friday April 19, 10-6 / Saturday April 20, 10-6 / Sunday April 21, 11-5
(Preview Gala: Thursday, April 18, 6-9pm)
 Location: Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd (Boston, MA)
 

SAVE THE DATE: My fall 2013 schedule of events is lining up, and in September you will find me here, close to home in Westchester County, at Crafts at Lyndhurst. Located on the grounds of the grand and historic Lyndhurst estate, overlooking the Hudson River, this is one of the best-known outdoor art & fine craft festivals in the country. Take a weekend trip to the Hudson Valley and visit me at this beautiful event, September 20-22, 2013.

In other news, the Spring 2013 issue of Fiber Art Now magazine includes a feature I curated, with work by ten international fiber and textile artists, on the topic of "Growth and Renewal."

A feature curated by Elena Rosenberg, from the Spring 2013 issue of Fiber Art Now Magazine.

I invite you to follow me on Facebook for more news from my studio and inspiration from the world of art and design.