How a new peacock feather design
took shape
I've just listed a new
peacock-inspired pattern in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. It's called the Art
Nouveau Peacock Feather because for this design I was influenced by the colours
and beautiful lines of the Art Nouveau style movement. Normally, when I design
crocheted peacock feathers, I tend to look very closely at the real feathers.
It's just amazing how each time I discover new shades and shapes in them
because not one feather is exactly the same. This time I decided to have a
close look at how artists in the late 19th and early 20th century used peacocks
in their work.
In the late Victorian era and in
early Edwardian times, the peacock was a very popular design inspiration in Western
culture. Back then, peacocks symbolized wealth, beauty and decadence and could
be found as ornamental motifs in home decoration, jewelry and clothing. The
sumptuousness and iridescence of the feathers had a great aesthetic appeal for
Art Nouveau artists, who in general took their inspiration from nature.
In my search for Art Nouveau
peacock designs, I was surprised to see that the peacock feather was a very
popular motif for all kinds of ceramic tiles: from bathroom tiles to ornamental
plaques. It was these tiles that I had in mind when I started playing around
with colours and shapes for a more stylized feather.
The Art Nouveau Peacock Feather Motif
Of course, my design doesn't look exactly like the designs I studied. That's not what 'being inspired by' means; you don't copy, you develop your own ideas by looking at colours, shapes, possibilities.... The possibilities of practical application. I think you could use the feather I designed for multiple purposes. I can imagine you might want to make them to create garlands or bookmarks or to decorate box lids, cushion covers, notebook covers or laptop / tablet sleeves, or use as coasters. And they make lovely birthday, teacher, holiday or housewarming gifts.
Pattern includes:
1. Clear written instructions and an elaborate photo tutorial with no less than 40 photos to guide you through the pattern for the "Art Nouveau" Peacock Feather motif
2. US and UK crochet terms
3. Details on Scheepjes Catona yarn and the colors I used
4. Available in English and Dutch
Yarn:
Once again, I used Scheepjes Catona yarn because it has such a large variety of shades. The pattern includes all the yarn and colour information you need and also where you can purchase it. At the bottom of this post, you'll also find links to retailers around the world that stock Catona.
Shops:
The Art Nouveau Peacock Feather
Pattern is now available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops in both ENGLISH and DUTCH
Here are the links:
Where to shop for Scheepjes Catona
Scheepjes Catona is available from WoolWarehouse, Deramores, Knotty House and Loveknitting. If you purchase yarn through one of the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Scheepjes Catona is available from WoolWarehouse, Deramores, Knotty House and Loveknitting. If you purchase yarn through one of the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Scheepjes Catona
UK: WoolWarehouse (international shipping)
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