enclosed space medallions

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Enclosed Space Medallions

I have no idea where I got this lovely pattern or when. UPDATE Nov, 2017 : This is Medallion #84 with pattern on page 23 of Il Chiacchierino Vol 1  1999.

Years back I had made several (in blue and white) and have since given them away to my MIL, except for a couple. This was shared as part of “the flower within” series of snowflakes.

Last couple of days I tatted these afresh, for a document on medallion classification I was preparing (for Design Class). It will be shared soon – with explanation and respective samples.

Based on Elgiva Nicholl’s book (Tatting: Technique & History), these medallions come under the category of ‘enclosed space’.  

Notice that there is a central negative space surrounded by rings.

Traditionally this medallion is tatted in 2 separate rounds – the inner rings-only round and then the outer one with clovers and chains. When done in this fashion, the rings face outwards and we also have a choice of using 2 different colours for each round.
(We can climb out with a split ring,  though. Even with single shuttle and ball, pull a length of tail to be used for the last split ring).

20^th century tatters like to tat in one pass. The easiest way in this case is to work the inner round as thrown rings off the chains, using 2 shuttles.

Notice anything?

Yes, the rings are now facing inwards ! We thus have an enclosed space with inward facing rings. And the inner rings will take the chain colour, being tatted with 2^nd shuttle.

More on Inward and Outward Rings (Ring as Fish)

I like the flower within medallions, but the one-pass medallion is quicker and easier to tat. The 8 rings of the ‘flower’ tend to overlap until joined (one can add tiny joining picot at base of each ring to stabilize).

Notice the difference in the size of each medallion ? These are all worked with Anchor Mercer Crochet Cotton. But –

The white-only is in the new size 20 (probably close to size 10 or thicker in Lizbeth);

The blue center one is in vintage size 20 (equivalent to size 20 in Lizbeth);

The variegated (embroidery, 3 strands) center one is in size 40 (equivalent to size 40 Lizbeth).

How can one combine threads (same brand, same ‘size’) for a pattern ??? Anchor (Madura Coats, India) has really gone down the dumps – not just in size ; even the smoothness and silky sheen are missing!

‘Picots’ is the topic for ‘I Love Tatting’ series, posted this time by Renata. It actually translates to “picnic” !!! Either way, it was an enjoyable picnic tatting these and the picots do perk up the medallions :-)

I was hoping to create something new - I have something in mind, but in case I don’t get the time, this is my entry for now. Do check in the other entries – lovely tatting as always !

tatting is always a picnic to be enjoyed thoroughly !