peony interlaced

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Moving beyond linear designs, my next interlacing project is circular. It is still a work in progress since I want to go beyond a single round. I have an idea of what I want, but the exact number of rounds is still a mystery.

And this time there are 4 shades, one in each shuttle. Here’s how I started the first split rings without any knot. (scroll down to 'C')

A short while back Anita sent me a photo of her peonies, and I have tried to capture the flower as best I can in the shades I have.

Anchor cotton, size 20.

4 shuttles. Shuttles 1 & 2 have the darker reds; shuttles 3 & 4 have pinks.

Basic pattern :

SR1 : 12 / 11, do not close. Pass shuttle #3 front to back through SR1.

SR2 : 10 / 10. Pass Sh3 front to back again, close both split rings and repeat, joining back to first pair.

Peony Wreath pattern

For a floral effect, as seen in the model, the outermost edge has graduated picots and the pattern is as follows –

Refer to Pictorial for front to back interlacing  

SR1 : 1 (–1)x11 / 11, do not close. Pass shuttle #3 front to back through SR1.

SR2 : 2 (–2)x4 / 2 vsp 6 vsp 2. Close both SRs after posting Sh3 again.

Repeat these 2 SRs, joining to the vsp of previous ring, and back to first pair. There are 10 pairs in total.

This can be a standalone project. Add beads and findings for earrings or pendant, or use as a tree ornament. Perhaps a miniature frame? It measures 2" across.

If you wish to continue, here’s the next round with petals….

Peony pattern (DIP)

Folded chain technique or Victorian Sets is used to create the dimples – a set of 1^st half stitches (fhs) followed by a set of 2^nd half stitches (shs) creates a beautiful dent.

Worked with one shuttle and ball, continuous thread. Attach to space between outer split rings.

Chain : 2 vsp 8, 4fhs 4shs, 3 – 5 vsp 2. lock join to next space.

[Chain2: 2 + 8, 4fhs 4shs, 3 – 5 vsp 2. lock join to next space.] Repeat all around.

Note: I count the lock join, followed by 2^nd half stitch as 1 double stitch.

Since the next rounds are going to be in variegated pink, yellow was chosen to break the excess of pink (not a shade I am fond of). However, one can continue with pinks or any colour of your choice, and climb out using split chain.

At this stage it measures 2½” across.

So, what do you think? I’m pretty happy at how it’s shaping out, though there is ample scope for improvement in all areas. But I'll let it be for now.