Lianka Azulay Died: The Founder of Bonita Patterns And The Creator of the Crocodile Stitch, Passes Away
The crochet world is mourning the loss of one of its most talented and innovative designers, Lianka Azulay, who passed away on December 31, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. She was 42 years old. Azulay was the founder and owner of Bonita Patterns, a popular online store that sells crochet patterns, yarns, and accessories.
She was best known for creating the Crocodile Stitch, a unique and eye-catching technique that resembles the scales of a crocodile. Her first collection of patterns, “Crocodile Stitch Fashions,” was published by Annie’s Attic in 2012 and quickly became the #1 best-seller in the publisher’s catalog. The huge success of her pattern collection sparked a trend, and the Crocodile Stitch became one of the hottest crochet techniques in crochet today.
Who Was Lianka Azulay?
Lianka Azulay was born in Brazil, where she picked up her first crochet hook at age 7, and never put it down since. She learned the craft from her grandmother, who taught her the basics and encouraged her to experiment with different stitches and colors. Lianka developed a passion for crochet and a knack for creating original designs that combined traditional and modern elements.
She moved to the United States in 2000, where she pursued a career in marketing and graphic design. However, she never gave up on her crochet hobby, and continued to design and sell her patterns online. In 2011, she decided to quit her day job and focus on her crochet business full-time. She launched Bonita Patterns, which means “beautiful patterns” in Portuguese, and started to share her creations with the world.
New #CrochetPattern : Braid Scarf by @BonitaPatterns http://t.co/U5VZ2nKKos #yarn #crocheting #crafts #diy #crochet pic.twitter.com/cZQVOUq4NH
— Bonita Patterns (@bonitapatterns) October 10, 2013
A Legacy of Innovation
Azulay was not only a skilled crocheter, but also a visionary and a pioneer. She specialized in the research and use of unique stitch patterns in her designs to bring fashionable and contemporary style to crocheted pieces. She was always looking for new ways to challenge herself and her customers, and to push the boundaries of what crochet can do.
As per her Facebook profile, One of her most remarkable achievements was the invention of the Crocodile Stitch, which she discovered by accident while playing with yarn. She was fascinated by the texture and shape of the stitch, and decided to name it after the reptile it resembled. She then created a series of patterns using the Crocodile Stitch, ranging from hats and scarves to bags and boots. Her patterns were an instant hit, and soon crocheters all over the world were hooked on the Crocodile Stitch.
Lianka Azulay did not stop there. She continued to explore and experiment with other stitch patterns, such as the Dragon Scale Stitch, the Pineapple Stitch, the Star Stitch, and the Butterfly Stitch. She also designed patterns for various types of garments and accessories, such as sweaters, dresses, shawls, gloves, and jewelry. She always aimed to create designs that were not only beautiful, but also functional and comfortable.
A Source of Inspiration
Lianka was more than just a designer. She was also a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration for many crocheters. She loved to share her knowledge and passion for crochet with others, and to help them improve their skills and confidence. She published several books and videos, and taught online and in-person classes and workshops. She also maintained a blog and a social media presence, where she posted tutorials, tips, and updates on her projects and life.
Lianka Azulay was always generous and supportive of her fellow crocheters. She encouraged them to try new techniques, to express their creativity, and to have fun with crochet. She also collaborated with other designers and yarn companies, and participated in various crochet events and charities. She was well-respected and admired by the crochet community, and received many awards and recognitions for her work.
Azulay was also a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was married to Rafael Azulay, who was her partner in life and in business. They had two children, Lucas and Sofia, who were her pride and joy. She also had a close relationship with her parents, siblings, and extended family, who supported her in her endeavors. She cherished her friendships, and always found time to connect with her loved ones.
Lianka Azulay Obituary, And Death
Lianka Azulay’s death was a shock and a tragedy for the crochet world and beyond. She had been diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and had undergone several treatments and surgeries. She had been optimistic and hopeful about her recovery, and had continued to work on her crochet projects and business until the end. She passed away peacefully at her home in Miami, surrounded by her family.
Azulay’s legacy will live on through her designs, her books, her videos, and her yarns. She will also live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew her, loved her, and learned from her. She will be remembered as a talented, innovative, generous, and passionate crocheter, who made the world a more beautiful and colorful place with her hooks and yarns.
As a tribute to Lianka, we invite you to crochet one of her patterns, or to create your own using the Crocodile Stitch or any of her other signature stitches. You can also donate to the Azulay Memorial Fund, which will support her family and her crochet business. You can also share your thoughts and condolences on her Facebook page, or on her website.
Lianka, you will be missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for everything you have done for crochet and for us. Rest in peace, and crochet in heaven.
