Lumièna ◆ March 24, 2016
Hello, everyone.
I’m Mitsue and my artist name is Lumièna.
I make amigurumi as an artist and also as an instructor, teaching people how to make amigurumi – Yes, amigurumi is a large part of my life.
Actually, when I look back on my childhood memories, making something by my hands has always been a large part of my life.
I was born in a small town of Okayama prefecture, which is located west area of Japan.
I was raised there, went to school there, worked there, and got married there-doing all these things while still living in Okayama!
My father loves D.I.Y, my mother loves knitting, and my grandmother loves to grow vegetables in her garden.
I naturally learned the joy of making things from my family.
Because of the influence of my mother and grandmother, I started knitting/crocheting when I was a little girl.
The reason why I started to make amigurumi is very simple.
When I became a mother, I wanted to give my children handmade toys.
I kept trying to create my original amigurumi to make my kids happy.
Then one day, unexpectedly, a shop owner offered me to sell my work at her shop.
That was the first step of my career as an amigurumi artist.
When I make amigurumi, I don’t use any charts or recipes – just to commit the moment and try to keep my inspirations flow.
I prefer unique, vintage, or dead stock yarn rather than ordinary yarn for my amigurumi.
Searching imported yarn on the Internet or checking my mother’s old yarn box is like treasure hunting for me.
My mottos are to pursue the potential of the yarn, and to enjoy every process to become three-dimensional art from a line.
In January, I visited New York City for the first time to see RESOBOX’s World Amigurumi Exhibition.
I was very impressed to see my work along with so many unique amigurumi from all over the world! It was truly an amazing sight.
At the same time, there was another exciting event held in NY, “ Vogue Knitting LIVE”-every knitters’ paradise.
I joined the RESOBOX booth and held SUSHI amigurumi workshops. I also gave a special lecture about Japanese amigurumi during this time.
Having workshops and a lecture in NY is already a huge deal for me, furthermore, performing in English made the pressure even bigger.
But after all, I enjoyed every moment, which made everything become a great experience.
Besides of my duties, I walked around booth to booth and enjoyed shopping for interesting yarns, etc.
My NY stay was only for a week, but that was the most exciting one week ever.
All the people I met there are so sweet and fun.
I will definitely visit NY again near future and hopefully meeting more amigurumi fans there.
Amigurumi culture was born in Japan and now the word “amigurumi” has become an universal language.
I am dreaming to be an amigurumi nomad- holding just one crochet hook in my hand, traveling around the world, and make amigurumi with the local people.
That would be so amazing!!!!
As you can guess by now, this blog will be all about amigurumi.
I will introduce interesting works of Japanese amigurumi, useful amigurumi tips, sharing my original recipes, etc.
Eventually, I would like to have interviews with amigurumi artists.
Please come back and explore the wonderful world of amigurumi with me.
Last but not least, let me give a shout out to all the people in NY, RESOBOX’s World Amigurumi Exhibition is open until the 31st of March!
Go there and enjoy the happiest atmosphere with your friends and family.
My amigurumi is waiting there for you.
Okay, that’s all for my first post.
Until next time….. Happy Amigurumi~~~~!