March equals
Loopy !
"March was the month when most people went loopy, like the Marchhares" (Edna O'Brien).
The tale of loops started
when Ninetta posted her Quad 13 pattern here, & mentioned how she loved
Frivole’s method of hiding ends in a chain ! Intense curiosity (one has to heed the wise words of experienced & talented tatters !) led me to her
post, but the pictorial link had been removed.
When contacted, Frivole promptly
& graciously sent me the link & the 2nd loop commenced, leaving me in
knots ! On her recommendation, I also looked at the Magic Loops & during our conversation checked out the Magic Thread Tricks (MTT) on various sites/blogs.
Long
loop short, I finally “got it”, first Jon’s ‘Magic Thread Method’ of hiding ends which
had eluded me so far , topped with Frivole’s pictorial ‘Finishing on a Chain’!!!
Hiding
Ends sans Sewing - 2 methods
For my 1st attempt, early
last year, I had chosen a size 40 Anchor cotton as magic loop while tatting
with size 20. That was a miserable failure.
This time I chose a strong
Coats thread (spool in pic) but doubled over ! Following Jon Yusoff’s tutorial on Magic Thread Method, I used it at both ends (start & then at finish).
And as many commentators pointed out, I chose to do the very last 2nd half of
double stitch ‘normal’ (ie. without the loop). When the loops were pulled, they
were wonderfully successful !!! Yippee !
Finishing on a Chain by Frivole
With this confidence under my
belt, I tried Frivole’s method. She was kind enough to communicate with tips
& suggestions, and also cleared my doubts. Hey, it worked so Smoothly !!!
Yes, this is my new favorite, my go-to !!!
Before snipping the ends, I
tugged on both ends together, making sure the wrap was tight & snug. Only
then did I snip the ends completely.
Again, to make sure, I pulled
at the chain that was hiding the ends. No Problem ! Nothing popped out !
Update : Here is the link to Frivole's pictorial : Finishing on a Chain
Update : Here is the link to Frivole's pictorial : Finishing on a Chain
TIP : An added advantage to this method is that no other thread/loop/floss/etc. is required. And in case one forgets to add the magic thread in the beginning, it makes absolutely no difference because all one "needs" is the core thread itself :-) Except for a scissors, one does not need anything else in one's work basket !!!
Quad 13 by Ninetta Caruso
Back to original loop. The
place & reason where this all started, viz. the square motif. Well, here it
is …. Ninetta’s Quad 13 photo-tutorial & pattern . Easy, enjoyable, quick, beautiful ! Thank you so much
for sharing the pattern !
And yes, I used Frivole’s method to hide ends. Look Ma, no sewing :-D
Threads used : Anchor Mercer
size 20.
Olive Green : 4054-0269
White w/ Tan (variegated) :
4054-1218
The completed motif measures
approx. 3”x 3” (at the broadest parts) & approx. 4” diagonally.
I am adding all the links
relating to Hiding Ends, that I collated, in the Tatting Resources page.
Including the ones mentioned here. And the comments therein have pearls of wisdom too.
Hearty Thanks to Frivole, Jon, Ninetta :-)
Motif #16/II for 25 Motif Challenge
Well done! I don't mind sewing ends in, under the caps, so I gave up on magic loop after not trying all that hard.
ReplyDeleteSomehow it all came together very easily and smoothly this time, once I picked up my shuttles, Jane ! Frivole helped with her tips, and it was really easygoing. I guess all the stars aligned in the right formation ;-P
DeleteA small amount of madness is healthy indeed! Lovely tatting :)
ReplyDeleteI'll leave the measurement on loopymeter, to Frivole ;-P
DeleteSo glad you liked it, Ninetta !
The magic loop is great if I remember to add the loop otherwise I sew it in, I also am a time cruncher with tatting and it seems to take a bit of time to fiddle with the loop that sewing it in takes less time. But I also know the more you work with it the less time it takes and old habits die hard :)
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for your sight and how you set things up for quick access Thankyou sooo much hugs from Carollyn
I think that is where Frivole's method is far more practical ! No need to remember to add the loop, no need for additional tools/materials, no Needle ;-P Provided, of course, that the last chain is at least 6 ds in length. A shorter chain might not keep the ends secure it is going to be a much used piece of tatting.
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words :-) I always look forward to your wise tips & suggestions :-)
Was a knitter and could not master it there either... The Magic Loop and I do not play well together...
ReplyDeleteNever tried it with knitting, Fox. In knitting, I don't mind sewing in the yarn. I have started to enjoy it in fact (loopy me!) ;-P
DeleteBut in tatting, I am now a firm convert ! I couldn't Believe how easy it was. Especially Frivole's method where the threads slide through so smoothly, even before you know it you feel the slide between your fingers !
I don't want to be presumptuous or preach or anything, but do give it a try just this once ? I'm sure you will be satisfied especially with the very fine threads you work with :-)
Always nice to have you stop by, Fox :-)
Great resources, I have never had much luck with the magic thread, either I forget or the thread breaks. I will look for some strong smooth thread just for may tatting box.
ReplyDeleteWhen I Googled for details of my Coats Griffin thread, turned out it is used for eyebrow threading ! It is a size 40. Last evening I started Renulek's 2015 doily & remembered to add the magic thread. It worked, & hopefully it will become a habit :-))
DeleteThanks Bernice
Great motif!! :)
ReplyDeleteAll kudos to the designer for sharing such a lovely motif pattern ! Thanks, Sue :-)
DeleteYour square is very nice, well done!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy if I did justice to the square & so glad you liked it, Lilas :-))
Delete