Wiosna 2016
Renulek
I wasn’t
going to tat a doily, especially not a Renulek doily this year. I have a lot on
my tatting plate already, including the snowflake challenge, the joins in
shuttle tatting series, the pinterest challenge, the Online tatting Class, the
Designer Class, and my personal learning (tatting needles were delivered this
afternoon !!!). Quite a shuttle-full & more !
But as soon
as Renulek posted this year’s pattern, and I saw the lovely centre, I caved. No
problem…. I have rounded up all my excuses for starting the doily and in case I
decide not to complete it !
My Current Excuses :
I do love Renulek's doilies - they are charming & beautiful & always lie flat.
Of the three Renulek doilies I tatted, her Spring 2014 doily (had to leave midways for want of thread) & Wiosna 2015 are already in use. But these are in size 20 - no longer my favorite size.
Then came her Snow Doily from 2012 in size 40 – loved the delicate lace, but has been gifted (remind me to post the final rounds). It was sent away far too soon.
Of the three Renulek doilies I tatted, her Spring 2014 doily (had to leave midways for want of thread) & Wiosna 2015 are already in use. But these are in size 20 - no longer my favorite size.
Then came her Snow Doily from 2012 in size 40 – loved the delicate lace, but has been gifted (remind me to post the final rounds). It was sent away far too soon.
Now all my
doilies – small & big – are in colour(s). My DH always admired the
white or ecru originals whenever I showed him & asked why I didn’t tat in
single colour. So here I am ... At present, it is the perfect foil to all the colour play in
Lene’s snowflakes.
Working
with a single colour is such a relief, such a breeze! No colour decisions
(major Phew!), no loading shuttles with different threads, easy climbing out of
rounds, …
I can practice direct tatting (reverse/unflipped stitch) for long stretches & really improve my tension there.
I can practice direct tatting (reverse/unflipped stitch) for long stretches & really improve my tension there.
Thread : Anchor Mercer size 40 . Art 4054.
Cream – 0300.
Measurements : Rnd 1 : ¾” ; Rnd 2 : 2½” ; Rnd 3 :
3½”
Techniques : 2 shuttles, CTM, direct tatting, split ring, directional tatting
Rounds 1 & 2 : I started with 2 shuttles loaded
CTM. This time I did not anchor the adjacent rings in center with very small
picot linkages as I did here because I liked the slight overlap in Renulek’s
picture.
Climbed out
with a split ring.
Round 2 was
tatted clockwise entirely from the front (Direct tatting or reverse/unflipped
stitches). Loved how quickly & smoothly it went with no reverse work.
As you can see I left a marker/spacer clip on the first chain where the round will join back on completion.
Round 3 : This is such a simple round &
despite my resolution, I preferred directional tatting this time. So rings are
normal stitches, RW, chains are RODS (reverse order DS).
I have deliberately left the last chain un-tatted. If required (& desired), I can tat a split chain to climb to next round... Postponing my decision for now.
Will I
continue ?
My Future Excuses :
My Future Excuses :
I don’t
really need another round doily. I do need a rectangular one, though.
I don’t
have the time to spare, especially as the rounds get bigger.
Tatting in
single colour might get mighty boring after a while.
Renulek’s
doilies are very excellent in construction & placement but not very challenging if one considers
techniques.
I did so want to make the Mystery Doily later this year.
I did so want to make the Mystery Doily later this year.
How far will I go ? Only time
will tell. For now, after Round 3, it makes a nice coaster. And seeing it lying there, makes me want to continue ! I've left a window open for now :-)
Before I sign off, please step over to Anna's blog to read her post 7 Reasons Why I Hate Tatting and why she wants to bang her shuttles against the wall !
Happy Tatting-Along :-)
Related Posts : Pink Chrysanthemum Doily
You are overthinking it and you have more chance of finishing this if you tat as she posts it and this is fun not knowing what comes next. I also think the doilies get better and find it challenging to find spare time(it found when waiting) you have lots on your plate but something tells me this make life exciting :)
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, Carollyn. Tatting along is part of the charm & motivation to carry on with large projects. And with single colour, I don't have to worry about choices & placement :-D
DeleteYes, staying on the edge is exciting :-)
It looks beautiful in one color! I haven't started yet... too many works in progress... but I have printed off the directions as they've appeared. I still have to pull out last year's doily and finish it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane, and it keeps my DH at peace with me not pestering him for colours combos/placements ;-P
DeleteYour Monster Doily in ecru/white was part of the inspiration.
Good for you - go for it!
ReplyDelete(((Hugs,Jane)))
DeleteA delightful post :) It's lovely till now, you can always add colors in next rounds.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ninetta, I am actually pretty happy with the evenness of my stitches (except in one place) - hope I can maintain that :-)
DeleteVery pretty and neat tatting! I will definitely be following along from the sidelines to see if you decide to continue on with the full doily. I tend to get bored very quickly with these larger projects, and my mind wanders endlessly while tatting them. I completely understand your hesitance!
ReplyDeleteWith so many excellent tatters doing it alongside, I hope to continue & complete it. I think a tat-along really helps one keep at a project. Like the 24 snowflakes project - unlike my resolution last year, this year I have managed to keep it going on a regular basis.
DeleteMaybe you could join along for as far as you wish to journey, Robin ?
The start of your doily is exquisite!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue :-) I hope you journey along too
Delete