Designer
: Renulek
The
Reveal !!!
The discussion is 'broken' into some categories that may be worth considering – some of the factors that
went into my reasoning (!). Although categorized, the format is a kind of
stream of consciousness, based on relevant comments, my feelings, & mental
calisthenics that led to decisions (along with final thoughts on the same). I
think the categories might act as designing tattisms for beginners, as well as
when making all the choices for a new tatting project. Details of Rounds 1-9 in previous post here.
All comments can be read here, & here. I would strongly recommend a quick perusal – it is a treasure
trove of experienced sharing. In order to avoid confusion, the name of the
commentator has not been changed. I wish I could’ve added each person’s name
for their valuable inputs.
Relevant rounds are indicated in image, for reference
1. Spacing
Round
10 : To Do Or Not To Do
While I focused on the colour
arrangement, I learned something important about designing from Anonymous (StephanieW). Spacing within
& between rounds to balance lightness/laciness with heavier/denser pattern.
That was the reason a simple round like this was required to space out 2 denser
rounds !
Another angle to Spacing can
be in the ‘distancing oneself’ sense, either temporally & physically (as
suggested by Martha) . It generally
brings perspective & restores motivation.
2. Filling
v/s Featuring
Round
10 : Black & Beige Or All-Beige
This can be part of the
Spacing aspect, but I think it deserves a Special mention, because it has functional
implications for designing as well as for choosing colours. mb duke introduced this perspective
(new to me) . Consider whether a round is a “filler” round or a “feature”
round. In these times of colour tatting, the tatter can choose which rounds
s/he wants to bring forth/highlight, & which can be kept in the background.
The terms are self-explanatory. Filler round(s) serve mainly to highlight the
Feature round(s), hence will be more in the background, with subdued/muted
colours & patterns. Feature rounds can’t be clubbed close together,
otherwise their identity & usp will get lost; hence fillers are essential.
Both play a crucial role.
My Feature rounds in this
doily, from the start, were the individual cream flowers in Rnd 5, the
undulating Rnd 6, & Rnd 9. Unfortunately, Rnd 6 became muted when I chose
maroon for Rnd 4 & therefore couldn’t repeat it so soon. It became a
feature round unintentionally.
3. Echoing
Round 11 as Round 4 : Match or Mix ?
I agree, but then I should’ve
spaced it with the filler Rnd 10 (which most recommended); a mistake that could
only be rectified by snipping what I had already tatted.
Also, I did want a black
outline to bring it all together – I didn’t quite like to stop at that
particular pattern, because after all, it was the same as an earlier round. So
it didn’t seem like a Final round to me. My intention was to add a black
chains-only outlining round, Echoing the Contours of the previous round .
I did neither ;-(
4. “Muddying
the Waters”
Round 11 : Maroon & Black
I delayed, I procrastinated,
I over-thought, I overanalyzed, I stalled, I shelved, …. the waters had been thoroughly
muddied :-( Following GraceT’s advice, I started a maroon
rings & black chains last round over the Round 10. But I still couldn’t
decide ! At times it seemed okay, at others it seemed too dark & heavy. My
brain went into freeze mode. Stoically, in order to complete what no longer
excited me, I continued with the remaining half, differently from the previous
half. Thus paying a price for my ambivalence & overthinking . Follow Fox’s advice to avoid “overthinking
& muddying the waters”. It Will have a ripple effect !
5. “Tablescaping”
Round 11 : This Half Or That Half ?!
I rationalized, that since this
doily was going to be draped over my sewing machine, which is against a wall &
window, only One side/half will be visible at any given time ! Problem solved !
I had already ‘broken the round’ in Rnds 6 & 7; I could do it again
! So that’s the story … Both halves stayed. Any changes in decision are
relegated yet again to another day in the faraway future.
6. Spanning
Round 10/11 : Closing The Gaps
Closing the gap with rings
& chains in keeping with the pattern, was the obvious choice. But I had
just got into learning Cluny
An Olive Branch, it
was that brought Peace to my tortured mind ! 3 leaves each on a twig.
These are still at the
beginner stage, so the weave is not too tight & even. Plus I was working in
a small confined space, with Lots of threads hanging about (I didn’t want to
cut & hide, in case this didn’t work & something else needed to be
done). My inexperience also meant a lot of undoing & redoing. But my
excitement remained unabated.
Crystal
Ball Gazing
After the Horse has Fled the Stables !
Hmm, or, all beige for Rnd 10
& maroon & black for Rnd 11.
Errr, black & beige for
Rnd 10 & all maroon for Rnd 11 & a Rnd 12 black chained outline ….
Crrraaaaaashhhh ! Broke the rounds, now broke the globe/crystal ball
!
Huge Thanks to Renulek for a Lovely Pattern & a thoroughly enlightening
journey
I sincerely apologise if my experiments
& version send shivers down your spine
Very Special thanks to All who contributed their
valuable suggestions –
each one has been very helpful & insightful, & it's given me a great deal of perspective !
I hope you do leave a comment telling me what you truly feel about the final result - what you dislike/what you like ....
I start my 3rd round of the 25 Motif Challenge. Check out this resourceful site full of wonderful tatting.
And now I can finally add the Wiosna to the 25 Motif count ,
and celebrate my 100th post :-D
And now I can finally add the Wiosna to the 25 Motif count ,
and celebrate my 100th post :-D
Motif #1/III for 25 Motif Challenge
