Friday 17 August 2018

an easier split

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2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 3rd braid/bracelet ? All suggestions are welcome …


I thoroughly enjoyed working the Sunrise Sunset bracelet.
Hope you enjoy it too.

18 comments:

  1. Oh this is very lovely work and so glad you made something with these beautiful colors, it does look like a sunset 🌞

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  2. I can’t wait to try this. I love that you always include your thought process, it really helps me think through the pattern and why it works the way it does. A name for the third braid...Hearts around Daisies?

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    1. Thanks, Jeanne :-) It is all an evolutionary process ;-P
      I like the name you suggest !!!
      Did you find a solution to the Joins? You can email me any time.

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  3. That's lovely and the technique is interesting. The 3rd braid it's like a seedpods line, I can see beads in picots for the yellow rings!

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    1. I can hear the tiny hunger pangs, Nin ;-P But yes, beads would definitely lift up the 3rd braid ! Thanks for the idea :-)

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  4. I love reading the way your thought processes work! All three are beautiful, but I really love the first one. Your danglers are very clever. I may try them!

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    1. I'm all for easy work, Diane, hence those danglers ;-P

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  5. Beautiful bracelet, those wonderful colours, are really the colours of a sunrise or sunset. That would be great name for the bracelet.

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  6. Replies
    1. Next time I'll choose more 'Indian' colours to bring out the Indian-ness that you pointed to, Jane :-)

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  7. Love this bracelet! Thanks so much for sharing your patterns.

    Your third braid/bracelet puts me in mind of the sun in a sky with a few fluffy white clouds.

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    1. Now that's an idea, Emily - sun and sky playing cat 'n' mouse! Those are my 'trial' threads that I want to finish off, so never see any merit, until you pointed it out :-)

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