An Overview of Orenburg-Style Knitted Lace

• Event Date: Friday, May 18, 2007
• Time: 7:00 pm (CDT)
• Location: Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL
• Cost: Free Admission

• Talk
• Exhibit-Related tag

Galina Khmeleva

Elegant borders, sensational pattern motifs, intriguing knitting techniques, and the fascinating women who make it all happen…. Join Galina A. Khmeleva for an in-depth look at Orenburg knitted lace from technical and historical prospectives. This will present a rare opportunity to see Galina’s stunning private collection of original handspun/handknit lace and engage in a lively discussion of the evolution of knitted lace.

Our speaker:

Galina A. Khmeleva, owner of Skaska Designs and author of Gossamer Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and Gossamer Webs: The Design Collection, has earned the reputation as one of the most respected and knowledgeable lace-knitting instructors in the country. As a former clothing and costume designer who worked with the “aristocracy” of St. Petersburg’s music and theater society, Galina was a pioneer in breaking down barriers in the “new” Russia that allowed Russian women the opportunity to achieve ownership status in private companies. As the principal student to Orenburg’s lace-knitting elite, Galina brings the classic style and revered traditional knitting techniques of Russian lace to her classes. Her unique, inspiring, fun-loving teaching style has made her the guru of knitted-lace enthusiasts across the U.S. And as an extra bonus, Galina’s classes are an unforgettable cultural experience.

This event is held in conjunction with the Campbell Gallery exhibit “Why Knot?” The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild and the Spurlock Museum Guild. It is sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.