an easier split

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2^nd split/scmr pattern - bracelet

This braid which I turned into a bracelet is a simpler version of Houtz brothers' split/scmr technique since no reverse (or unflipped) stitches are required. All tatting is worked as normal stitches, except that the second side/half has a double core thread. You see, we lengthen the scmr loop and use it to finger tat this half with double stitches. Hence, I still consider it a s/scmr – perhaps a variation or an adaptation?

Sunrise Sunset Bracelet

braid/bracelet pattern

No unflipped stitches ; no ends to hide !!!

I visualized this as a sun rising above the blue horizon or skies and & then setting on the ocean horizon. Colours were chosen accordingly. 

And if you notice, the blue bead in the sky is a different shade to the one used for the water … there is a tinge of green in the latter, flanked by green seed beads.

Measurements :

In Anchor size 20 (close to Lizbeth 10), the bracelet measures 6¾” X 1”.

There are 10 motif repeats.

Materials :

3 colours in Anchor size 20 (similar to Lizbeth size 10).

Shuttle 1 – red

Shuttle 2 –yellow

Ball or shuttle 3 – blue

Findings – jump rings and bracelet clasp

Seed beads – size 16/0 - 60 transparent yellow ; 60 transparent green

Crystals – size 8/0 – 10 red ; 10 yellow ; 10 sky blue ; 10 blue-green

Loose beads for danglers (optional) - 2 red, 2 sky blue, & 2 yellow crystals

Abbreviations :

Sh – shuttle

s/scmr – split/self-closing mock ring

rw – reverse work

ss – switch shuttle

b – seed bead

B – crystal

Preparation :

Prestring beads in each of the threads as follows :

SH1 Red : 10 crystals 

SH2 Yellow : [3 yellow seed beads, one yellow crystal, 3 yellow seed beads]x10

Blue : [3 green seed beads, 1 blue-green crystal, 3 green seed beads, one sky blue crystal]x10

Pattern proceeds from left to right.

Part 1 : Dangler to start

In order not to hide ends, I used dangling crystals on each thread tail on both ends.

Tie 1 crystal of same colour to each of the 3 threads. Gather the threads at different lengths and make a larkshead knot or luggage tag loop through jump ring, using all 3 threads.

Part 2 : Main body

** Start with Shuttle 1 (red) as core thread. Make a starting loop for scmr and use yellow for stitches.

s/scmr1 : 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 B 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 / lengthen the loop to use as core and finger tat with blue stitches 3 B 3. Close scmr.  rw. ss 

Keep red thread at back of work.

With shuttle 2 (yellow) as core thread ….

s/scmr2 : 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 B 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 / lengthen the loop to use as core and finger tat with red stitches 3 B 3. Close scmr.  rw. ss **

Keep red thread at back of work.

** to ** forms 1 motif. Repeat till there are 10 motifs.

Part 3 : Dangler to end

Leave about 10-12 cms thread tails and cut. Using all 3 threads make a larkshead knot or luggage tag loop through jump ring/bracelet clasp. Tie 1 crystal of same colour to each of the 3 threads, at different lengths.

To ensure the crystal knots in the 6 tails remain secure, dab a dot of fabric glue and press/twist.

This pattern can be shortened for earrings, or lengthened for necklace.

Trials that led up to this 2^nd s/scmr bracelet -

As shown in the previous post, I wanted floating/thrown rings on both halves of the s/scmr for the next braid.

I started the trials in size 40 thread. I kept messing up the onion rings!!! I’m not a novice, so I don’t know what was happening. Not very happy with the visual effect either.

But I do think this picoted version has some potential. Of course, there is a lot of switching shuttles to throw rings off.

 

Since the above trials were not giving me any zing, I took the plunge directly for a beaded bracelet version and I like how it turned out! Once the beads are strung, tatting it is pretty quick.

I was aiming for a more curved 2^nd half (like the half moon split rings), but soon realised that it is difficult to achieve because of the double core thread. But this adaptation of the s/scmr is easier than the hmsr.

ßßßßß

Trials for the 3^rd braid –

From the 2 tiny rings inside a large s/scmr, it gradually evolved into a heart shape with flower within. I still need a few more motifs to confirm and finalise.

What should I name this 3^rd braid/bracelet ? All suggestions are welcome …

Related Posts 

split/scmr technique and braid 1 pattern

links to tutorials/resources

I thoroughly enjoyed working the Sunrise Sunset bracelet.

Hope you enjoy it too.

the correct guess

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A couple of emailers & Ninetta came close, but Stephanie nailed it! In fact more than nailed it, giving 2 more ways to tat the braid/bracelet. Read her comment in this post. Thank you for playing along, tatters.

The July 19th Bellaonline newsletter carried an article on some of the laces featured in the latest IOLI publication. Skimming through, one word caught my attention – ‘split/self-closing mock ring (S/scmr)’. First time I’d heard this term and was especially keen to understand because of my ongoing Mock Ring series. Randy Houtz’s tatting picture frame image was too small to realise what was going on. 
I asked Georgia immediately and she introduced me to Randy Houtz! What a stroke of luck ‘coz the internet-recluse was online! And this is what he graciously shared …

For making a split/SCMR –

after desired chain tatted past thread loop of SCMR, place thread loop on little finger, add third thread and tat un-flipped stitches (ufs) as would regular split ring over both thread of the thread loop. when desired stitches obtained, pass core thread through thread loop and close mock ring. Since you've added the third thread, it can be used for rings on the inside of the split ring. Hope this is clear enough to get you started?

This is my very first attempt following the above instructions, 

till I ran out of the scrap threads but not ideas.

This is my next trial from which resulted the first braid. 

I’m calling it Buttercup Trellis. Like the combo of split ring and scmr, this name is a combo of suggestions from God's Kid (Sue) and Anita Barry!

I continued on with more effects for the next two braids. Still working on them. 

Here’s the first pattern if you wish to give it a go, using the split/self-closing mock ring (s/scmr) technique … Let me know if you want in-process pics of the technique or the bracelet.

Buttercup Trellis

braid/bracelet pattern

Wind 3 shuttles with 3 different colours.

Sh1 – beige. This is the main shuttle throughout. 

Sh2 – purple

Sh3 – green
Note: If one does not want to switch colours in the trellis, then use ball instead of Sh3.

In Anchor size 20, 4 repeats of the motif measure 5cms in length, and ½cm wide. The tatted model (merely a sampler) with 8 repeats and end rings is about 11cms in length..

Abbreviations :

Sh – shuttle ; R – ring ; S/SCMR – split/self-closing mock ring ; SLT – shoe lace trick

How to start: Following is the way I started it, but you can choose to start in your favourite way.

Make a starting ring (R1: 12) with only Sh1, tatting over tail. Then make a loop for scmr and fold Sh2 thread over it. Start the chain, tatting over Sh2 tail.

For 2^nd side of the s/scmr, fold Sh3 thread over loop. Work unflipped stitches, hiding this tail in the first few stitches.
Both halves have Sh1 as the core thread, but the top half has single core, while the bottom half has a double core since the unflipped stitches are worked over the loop.

In case of bracelet, attach findings to the 2 end rings.

The pattern is worked all from the front, from left to right.

With Sh1
R1 : 12.
**S/SCMR : 10 / 10. close.
R2 : 1-1-1-1-1-1.  rotate
R3 : 1-1-1-1-1-1. 

(make a 3^rd ring for the center)
SLT with Sh2 & Sh3 from behind the flowers**
Repeat from ** to ** to desired length.

S/SCMR : 10 / 10. close.
last R (Sh1) :12.

To finish :

Make picot rings at end of each tail, at varying distances. Make 2 overhand knots at base of each ring to secure. Tie & Cut. No tails to hide!

For variation :

Try using a thinner thread for Sh1.

Add beads.

Finish off with tassels dangling on the tail(s).

The scmr has already had such an impact on modern tatting. I hope you create many more designs using this split/scmr variation with due credit to the Houtz brothers.

Gary & Randy Houtz’s latest book, Tatting GR-8 Triangles has several different tatting techniques, such as the split/scmr and a variety of two-shuttle rings i.e. alternate thread rings, un-flipped stitch rings, wrapped rings, and others. click here for more info on their books & resources.

In Randy’s own words …

Good luck with the Split/SCMR. It has tremendous potential since it gives opportunity to place rings on both sides of a split ring…. It is a technique that enhances the art of tatting and folks should know about it.

So, let’s rally round to thank him!

Loads of thanks to Randy

for promptly and selflessly sharing the technique

with the tatting community

Many thanks to all my tatting playmates, & a great big hug to Georgia.

guess the technique

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I have to make a comeback somehow… after the glut of posts last month, I seem to be spent ;-P I've continued to tat, but am not spending much time at the computer or online. And all the while my pending pile grows higher, deeper, wider! I'm just so split on how to close the gap !!!

So here’s a quick query – 

can you identify the technique used in this braid?

3 shuttles were employed, but it can be done with 2 shuttles & ball if the purple & green are not alternated.

I came across the technique in a recent Bellaonline newsletter. Only the term was mentioned and on further digging, the originator graciously explained the technique and also gave me permission to post. But I’d like to prolong the mystery for a bit :-D

But if you need some clues, ask & I will respond (there is a bit of a clue in this post itself).

So this is the first of my 3 braids/bracelets. But what should I call it?!

Any help with naming it is also very much appreciated. I’m at a total loss for names right now.

Meanwhile, I’ve made 2 more Blossoms motifs, and a corner motif for a handkerchief. And am tatting Jane McLellan's leaf braid for the edging.

Also completed one design round robin doily which I converted into a snood and using it already!

And if you haven’t seen any comment from me, it’s because I’m just not online for long enough. I do try to keep abreast as far as I can, though, and hope to catch up …

eager to hear from you …