a hearty meal of tinies

 There was so much interest when I asked which of the 4 trial hearts tatters preferred, that I can't help but serve up a hearty buffet for whatever each person's preference might be. However since #4 received the most votes (only written comments, no reactions counted) - 33, and #2 - 19, these are the ones I am sharing first. 8 tatters liked all 4. 

This is the first batch of Eye Spy Hearts 1 from Endrucks' doily #37 - 3 versions in the pdf - click to download : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Auf-CIZYLUQdkA6jalQR4hkS7Ah-Deld/view

Linda Reiff saw an eye in the middle and suggested I call it 'Eye Spy' instead of 'I Spy' .... guess what, this is exactly what Anita Barry calls her extracted hearts (I had forgotten).

The hearts measure just around 3cms in Anchor size 20 which is equivalent to Lizbeth size 10.

This is by far the most favoured heart, hence the one I started diagramming first. Ninetta says this pattern can be used as a teaching model. Quite true; there are so many possibilities to play with sequence, techniques, effects, etc. It's size makes it an ideal practice pattern.

If you remember, this was the precursor to the picoted version. For first trials I keep picots to a minimum, especially decorative ones. Several tatters pointed out their personal preference for clean lines. 

It is easy to needle tat the motif. I am not focused enough to give instructions. But any needle tatter who wishes to test and share notes, please go ahead. I will include it in the pdf.

2 resources that show how shuttle patterns can be converted to needle -

RustiKate: https://www.rustikate.com/tatting/how-to-convert-shuttle-tatting-patterns-to-needle-tatting

Gloria Nelson: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1816846515090947&id=724059564369653

Amarilys Cwb wondered how a double picot would look. So I used that idea to string gold bicone beads over it! All the other crystals & teardrop are strung on shuttle 2 thread, with a single gold bead on shuttle 1. The large red crystal in the center can be sewn in later, or you can use this clever method by Ninetta - bead inside ring - https://www.flickr.com/photos/ninettacaruso/13713249233/.

Recently Alicja Kwartnik uploaded a video showing the same method - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DbYw2A1G7Q.

I don't know why I chose this metallic thread and not the solid gold or silver! The effect would've been much better.

So, I hope you enjoy these hearts that can be made with leftover threads in a jiffy!

Here's the link again (please use it when sharing your version and also click on it to check if there are any updates, before you print or start tatting) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Auf-CIZYLUQdkA6jalQR4hkS7Ah-Deld/view

           I'd like to thank All respondents for taking the time to choose and answer, and also for your entertaining comments and suggestions 💖💖💖