From time to time, on X App, we introduce you to colleagues who, in addition to work, are engaged in interesting hobbies and beautiful handmade products come out from under their skillful hands. Dana Gog, GM's Safety and Security  department, is one of them.

Danka started doing handicrafts while still in elementary school, at work lessons. She had a good role model at home and did not have to go far for any advice or help. Her mother also knitted, crocheted and embroidered. The beginnings belonged to knitting pullovers with, at that time, popular, Norwegian patterns, from which she switched to crocheting blankets.

Recently, she discovered the magic of knitting with puffy wool. It is wool with eyelets, from which, without the use of needles, pullovers, pillows, blankets, vests, wrappers are knitted..

"I used to do pillows and bedspreads, but I also have a coat, a vest...", says Danka. More than 100 pillows and at least 10 bedspreads, even large ones, measuring 200 x 220 centimeters, have passed through her hands.

"I make only for family and friends. Especially as gifts for the holidays. For example, at Christmas, everyone got something and everyone was very happy," said Danka, and when asked if she also sells these products, she replies: "In my opinion, manual work cannot be paid.  If someone is interested in a large blanket, for example, the material alone costs more than 70 euros."

Currently, Danka has embarked on another type of knitting – she produces beautiful baskets and trays with a wooden bottom, or bags in her hand, the bottom of which is eco-leather. The bags are very nice and practical, I can judge because some time ago I received one such bag from Danka.

For the manufacture of baskets and trays uses twine for knitting. They have different uses in the home. They can be used for bread, in bathrooms for cosmetics, for medicines. Also, the shapes are different - square, rectangular, round, oval. Trays with a diameter of 30 cm with handles also make great pleasure. The tray fits a glass of water, a cup with coffee... It's a nice serve even for visitors.

"In the summer, I discovered another product I had to try - embroidered handbags. I've made three so far.  I have already donated one, one already has its future owner and I will donate the third one to the raffle for the ball," says Danka.

When asked where she gets her inspiration and how much time she spends on handicrafts, she said: "I've always enjoyed handicrafts. I regularly find out on the Internet what is new, what are the new trends, new products. When something catches my eye by trying it once, I usually continue with it. When there are no urgent household chores waiting for me at home, I sit down in the early evening to knit for 3-4 hours a day, listen to the radio and completely turn off my brain. On the weekend, I also devote a lot more time to these hobbies of mine.  I can already make one basket in an hour and a half, a pillow will take me an hour."

In summer, he knits more baskets, and in autumn he starts with puffy wool, because it is a warm, warm and very pleasant material. 

What is the biggest praise Danka has received for her work?  "What pleases me most is the joy in the eyes of those I gift. Last time, my niece was very happy, to whom I gave a purse for Christmas. That really needs to be experienced, such a joy that then warms my heart very much."

Is any of Danka's favorite techniques and will they prevail in her work in the coming weeks or months? "I don't want to do just one type of handicraft, I like them all. What I will produce when also depends on the occasion when and to whom I want to give something."

And it probably wouldn't be Danka if she didn't discover something new on the Internet that is definitely worth trying. And so she discovered the magic of knitting classic socks on a round needle.  She already has one pair made and quite likes it. So the family and friends she likes to give gifts have something to look forward to.

Do you also have colleagues who are engaged in interesting hobbies? Let us know about them at: ifalatova@sk.uss.com