Wepa!
Hola, Mi Gentes!!
Get ready to spice up your stitches because we are in the heart of Hispanic Heritage Month! Every year, during the period of Sept. 15th to Oct. 15th, we celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Americans and the outstanding contributions they have made to the vibrant fabric of the United States.
This week, please join me as I honor my personal ancestry (the Reyes in VanRey) by unravelling the colorful threads of creativity that run through our crafting community, and highlight some of my favorite Hispanic and Latinx makers who add a mosaic of talents to our world of fiber.
It's the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Wepa Edition!!
First, a tribute to Isabel, my late grandmother . . .
My Dad’s mother, Isabel Reyes, was born in 1924 in Sogamosa, Colombia. A town nicknamed City of the Sun because of the original Muisca tribal tradition of worshiping their Sun God at the Sun Temple, she remained there until moving to Bogota and on to America at age fifteen.
As a child, I thought my grandmother was larger than life! She gave me such a gift when she taught me to crochet, and I will forever be grateful. I like to think I not only inherited her love of fiber arts, but also her wacky sense of humor, terrible driving skills and most importantly, her fierce love for her family. I dream of someday visiting her birthplace in Sogamosa and meeting my family that remain there.
On that note, I also want to wish my amazing Mama, Corrine (of the Corrine Cardi) a very Happy Birthday today!
(clockwise from top left):
My beautiful grandmother, Isabel Reyes; The marketplace in Sogamosa as captured by my aunt, Isabel’s daughter; My grandmother holding me; Her childhood home in Sogamosa, Colombia.
Honoring Hispanic & Latinx Designers, Dyers and Weavers
Hispanic heritage and culture run through so many strands of fiber in this community, from hand-dyed yarn to woven fabric, and knitwear design. These artists create such beauty, I couldn't help but share them with you!
(clockwise from top left):
Yessydesigns (@yessydesigns);
Chileknitz (@chileknitz)
Portquoelio (@portquoelio);
Oddknotsandthreads (@oddknotsandthreads);
Zanyadornments (@zanyadornments)
Fivebouroughyarns (@fivebouroughyarns);
VRK Design Inspo Triad
Spotlight on knitwear designer Alejandra Alonso Rojas
“Women are the reason and inspiration for everything I do. I want to empower women to feel and look their best and to build a strong emotional bond with them based on lasting fashion, craftsmanship, and quality through positive impact.” - Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Madrid-born knitwear designer Alejandra Alonso Rojas launched her own brand in 2016 after studying fashion at institutions in Chicago, Madrid, Paris and New York. Inspired by old photos of her family in knitwear, she designs pieces known for their layerability and contrasting textures, creating a casual luxury.
Rojas resurrects cashmere from recycled fibers, dyes her garments naturally, and finds inspiration in the artwork of her mother. With precision tailoring, each piece is intended to be passed on from generation to generation.
For your consideration…
Click on the pics for links to the items
WATCH
Like Water for Chocolate - A visually stunning and emotionally gripping film that seamlessly weaves together love, food, and magic realism. With its captivating storytelling and exquisite cinematography, it's a cinematic feast for the senses that lingers in your heart long after the credits roll.
LISTEN
Buena Vista Social Club - This compilation transports listeners to the vibrant streets of Havana with its soulful and enchanting Cuban melodies. Its rich instrumentation and heartfelt performances make it a must-listen for anyone seeking to experience the essence of Cuban music.
DISCOVER
Ruben Toledo - The NYC based artist was accidentally discovered as a teenager when he ducked into Fiorucci during a rainstorm. The portfolio tucked under his arm was perused by drag artist Joey Arias, who then requested more of Toledo’s art to sell as postcards. Since then Toledo’s sketches have been seen worldwide in the pages of uber chic fashion magazines and collaborations with Nordstrom’s. A personal influence during my time sketching and painting fashion in watercolor while at FIT, I implore you to learn more about him, his wife Isabel, and how they magically turned their love into art.
READ
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende - Allende’s first novel, often regarded as one of the most important and beloved Latin American works of the twentieth century, follows three generations of the Trueba family through their triumphs and tragedies in post-colonial Chile. An epic tale of love, magic, and family that unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape, with rich characters and poetic prose. Written in the tradition of magical realism that blends the supernatural with realistic events, The House of the Spirits is a captivating exploration of the human spirit.
WATCH
Twin Aura Knits - Gorgina sisters Jes and Erica Velez talk all things lifestyle knitting, crochet, spinning, fiber, fashion and style on their YouTube channel, Twin Aura Knits. From filming vlogmas episodes to fiber festival hopping, Erica and Jes are always up for an adventure! They keep us entertained with their fab personalities, fashion sense. incredible crafting talents and genuine love for one another. These two are wise and cool beyond their years. Hit subscribe!
NEST
Alex Creates - launching his brand at just fourteen years old, Alex Reynoso has evolved from a yarn dyer, fiber spinner, knitwear designer and urban gardener to also throwing and sculpting clay! His pottery pieces are as functional as they are unique. From vases and mugs to bowls and planters, Reynoso's experimentation with glazes has proven truly exquisite! If you appreciate the warmth handmade pottery can give your home, Alex Creates does not disappoint!
FOLLOW
I Am Jessica Torres - Fashion, travel, lifestyle and beauty converge on the Instagram / YouTube channel of internet sensation Jessica Torres! Tirelessly seeking out the next fab thing, Torres takes us on journey after journey as she lives her best thirty-something life in NYC. She brings us apartment hunting, spreads body positivity with her clothing haul videos, teaches us how to transform our closets, and so much more! There’s never a dull moment when you're following Jessica Torres!
TASTE
Empanadas de Viento - I’ve never met an empanada I didn’t like, but these traditional Ecuadorian ones are next level! They’re filled with cheese, fried until crispy and served sprinkled with sugar! My best friend makes them for me on my birthday every year and I live for the moment when I sink my teeth into that ooey gooey cheese. I’ve linked a similar recipe by Layla Pujol, from her food blog Laylita's Recipes, because it is perfect! Give it a try, or like me, find a bestie who will make them for you!
A little BTS (behind the scenes) here at VRK!
Behind the scenes, I’m working on all the designs! The Seven Wonders Shrug is about to enter tech editing and then on to test knitting!! Please be patient with us as we build our test knitter database and get back to each and every one of you! Thank you so much for your volunteering to test knit my designs! It’s a dream!! I’m so lucky to have such a supportive community and I cherish you all!
Thank you for coming on this journey with me to celebrate my heritage!
Have an incredible weekend full of rejuvenation, creativity and love!
See you next Friday!
♥️ Vanessa Reyes
