a small gift

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derived from Endrucks (1920) pattern #17

We’ve had such a wonderful group of tatters contributing to the Endrucks 1920 Project, and Ninetta and I wanted to show our appreciation in some material form. We finally decided on this snowflake. It is a direct derivative from one of Endrucks’ own patterns (#17) yet has quite a trendy modern appeal and application, and the prototype was very well received. It lacks Endrucks' denser block segments, though.

In December 2021, we gifted it to all our original volunteers who had worked on their respective patterns. Since then, many more tatters have joined our FB group and displayed their skills and shared patterns, too. This gift now goes out to all who participate and show a completed working/adaptation of any pattern from the modern pdfs or the original book.

The finalization of this snowflake pattern is another reflection of joint effort. I wanted a test-tatter to try it in cordonnet cotton, but because it was to be a surprise gift, we couldn’t ask for volunteers. Ninetta finally suggested Anna Tedesco, who jumped right in with her characteristic enthusiasm and speed.

Using Sanbest 6 strands, she worked 5 complete samples, systematically sharing her feedback and even altering her style to improve on her previous samples till she was satisfied!

While the first round can be a standalone or tiled motif, with one arm of the 2nd round, it looks like an earring or pendant! She had to shorten a chain segment in the inner round, which might be due to the thickness/metallic nature of the thread or a longer inward picot.

These tips/links for inward-facing picots in both regular and direct tatting might come in handy-https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2021/12/inward-picot-with-marker.html

Ninetta, herself, got into the exercise, tatting 2 models, and we have a tweaked count for the inner rings and padded stitch (BDS) version for outer chains from her!

Notice the thicker chains on the arms. 

It is amazing that between the 3 of us, we had a total of 8 freshly tatted snowflakes within 5 days, including 2 variations! The power of the collective. This was in early November and the gift went out to all our original contributors in December. Now we are gifting it to anybody who completes a pattern and actively participates in our group.

As feedback poured in, I started a new model (mustard/gold in Anchor size 20) and much later I finished the earlier incomplete model in Lizbeth size 20, which is seen in the last photo here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2021/10/spirited-seventeen.html

While I worked on presenting the pattern, Ninetta composed a beautiful letter of thanks. She also translated the entire pdf into Italian because the largest contingent of volunteers was from Italy (followed by the USA). Pattern is diagrammed as well as written. And the composite diagram shows all 3 versions/tweaks. I’m getting to like this style of diagram!

Not merely did I get such diligent testing, there were a few design lessons to be learned along the way! A very satisfying and happy experience.

Remember the newsletter I spoke about? Well, one tatter already completed that doily, joined our FB group and has started more patterns from the project. Yes, she, too, has received her gift.

There is one very exciting news to be shared in future about the past!

All patterns from the Endrucks collection can be accessed here (feel free to innovate and adapt) - https://docs.google.com/document/d/17LEVftXweztBIOWh4sL4BB7bX65ssoOsOn4oXIgCepY/view

Ciao for now and many many thanks to Anna and Ninetta and our Endrucks community