flagging off a new project

 This is our 75th year of Independence and celebrations have been going on through the year, but the festivities have intensified during the countdown to 15th August. 

Early this year, we found a 1947 coin in hubby's old coin collection! My idea was a no-brainer - it had to be used as the center (Ashok Chakra) of our flag, which would be tatted of course. Yet, I couldn't find the time to start the project, which I'd wanted to do as a tat-along. Finally started 3 days back.

Saffron. I chose picot flowers to symbolise marigolds which are ubiquitous with any auspicious occasion or ceremony. There are between 8 to 10 picots in each flower. 

I tied a large bead at one end of a thread and strung each flower through it for safe-keeping as well as to ensure that they all face the same side.

This is my progress after 3 days. I only get time to tat at night. I think these might be sufficient for now - 3 Pony bobbin loads of Anchor Pearl Cotton size 8. 

In the background is the sky blue fabric (Aida) I will use. Due to paucity of time plans were changed from lace-only flag to sewing to finally gluing on fabric. Keeping the coin in focus, this flag needs to measure 13.5cms x 9cms.

Like the marigold-saffron symbolism, my motifs for white and green will also be symbolic, but more about that later. Green motif is already decided and I will start tonight. White needs to be tested before finalising. And then comes the tatting around the coin. Wish me speed :-)

If you wish to join me in tatting a flag - Indian or your own - hop on! If there is interest, I will share the patterns, too. Watch this space ....