Sunday 14 July 2019

counting magic

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Snowflake/Star #5 in Land of Laces25 Snowflake Project

You are well aware of my mistakes in simple counting! Not this time. Using an elementary numerical sequence, I created a new snowflake … oops, star. So you understand why I am calling it the MatheMagical Star.

On the drawing board, it started off as a simplified, symmetrical spin-off of the Spin Away flake and can be worked with ball and shuttle!
I started with the 1st double ring (at the base) on top left arm, and proceeded to the tip of the arm decreasing each ring by 2 stitches.
I didn’t like the ring facing inwards between 2 arms, so changed direction from the next arm on.
The tip was going to be a single ring, but to avoid floppiness and to get a gradual gradient, I chose a clover….


As this progressed, I kept getting an uncanny feeling like it’s been done before. I first searched my blog and perhaps this is what caused the recollection – Sparrow Kelly’s ‘Celeste’

Hunted online (Google, Craftree, pinterest) for more snowflakes and stars and came across a few that seemed similar at first glance, but they all have single rings along the arms, not double rings. Usually the chain segments differ as well. 
However, if you think it’s been done before, please do leave a comment with details.

Started out as a snowflake, but could only fit in 5 arms, hence a Star Is Born!
Deliberated for ages whether to fill in the center or not. One of the ideas was this snipped off star from my doily. The 5 chains fit perfectly, but design-wise it is a misfit, right?

Another idea was to have inward rings. I tatted each ring individually to get a feel.
At the time it looked a bit cluttered and I liked the outlined negative shape. Hence started in Lizbeth size 20.
It measures 4½ inches. (In Anchor size 40 it measures 4")
I visualised the open center as a frame for a little photo. Or to dangle a charm....

This one has silver gunghroos (bells) like the ones used in anklets. And they make a dainty sound when jiggled.
The lead pic has a real sapphire pendant. Conch shell was another idea I had.

Comparing the 2 together, the tatted center doesn’t seem too bad. What do you think?
Should there be an open center or a filled one?
Or would you like to have both patterns? Since I haven’t had time to complete the pattern presentation, it will help to know when I upload.

I am currently tatting another smaller version (therein lies the magic of maths) but with those rings filling the center. More in next post along with pattern. This evening I have a date at Wimbledon and ordering-in dinner, yeah !!! Will Federer's star radiance increase by another grand slam win or will Djokovic dominate?! 

21 comments:

  1. I love your star/snowflake, so many possibilities with it and with the open middle you could hang anything in the middle or even make an ice drop using the star

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  2. I like the very first photo, with the larger medallion. It fills the space up nicely, I think that would be the best type of charm, one that is large enough and sits approximately in the centre. Since this is a very symmetric design, it would look good, in my opinion.
    You really spoil us with so many pretty designs! Most people would keep their best ones to sell online or put in a book. :) The tatted rings in the middle are a good option too, if you don't have a good medallion. It is really your choice which one you want to write.

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    1. That's an excellent observation about the charm placement, Lavi!!
      I shouldn't have been lazy when putting the ghungroos there, off-center. Thank you :-)))

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  3. Gorgeous designs, I like the filled one but would make both!

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    1. I asked on facebook, too, and opinion seems to be equally divided. So I'll end up writing a main pattern along with the tiny variations, Michelle ;-D

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  4. They are lovely! Hats off to you. I like the filled one, but the open one with a charm is also splendid. Yes, options are always good!

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    1. Thanks, Jane :-D One suggestion was to write pattern for filled one and give the option to not fill it. I may go with it instead of the other way round. Let's see ...

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  5. Really great star snowflake!!! :)

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  6. I like it both ways, but the one with the inward facing rings is my favorite!

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  7. I like both ways. If I have to choose the filled one is a favorite.

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  8. My choice is a filled center. They are both beautiful!

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  9. Thank you so much Sue, Diane, Ellafanta & Marja :-)))
    That seems to be the major sentiment - both or filled. Starting on the pattern writing now ...

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  10. Great pattern! So many possibilities..... Of course I see one version with about 100 beads ala Benile. And the color possibilities with a filled center.... mmmmmmmm
    Thank you! I treasure your creativity and gifts!!

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    1. Mel, I seriously think we should have a program that belts out tweaked versions from a template -- there are so many versions/variations swirling in my head 😄😄😄
      I love your Beanile idea 😍

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  11. Piękne są obie wersje :)
    Pozdrawiam.

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  12. It's lovely! Agree that you can put your favourite charm in the center, anything that you like :) Also, I would try to cover a xmas ball, it could work!

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    1. Now that's a cool idea as well !! Thanks, Ninetta :-)))

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  13. i just read the comment about federer!! made me so made he lost!!!! lol

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    1. You don't say, jml !!! He was playing so well throughout - much better than Djokovic. Made me mad and sad, sigh.
      And extraordinary though it sounds, this was the 5th time he lost after having championship points! Never happened with Nadal or Djokovic.
      Nevertheless, it was a thrilling and engaging match. Wonder how long it would've continued if they hadn't introduced the 12th set tie-break ;-P

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