too clever by half

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or too lazy ... take your pick, LOL. So I actually completed a motif from scratch today as celebration of the International Tatting Day! Wanted to tat enough to upload to our Endrucks 1920 Project FB group and then continue tomorrow along with a blogpost. Wonder of wonders, my smart take meant I 'finished' the motif et al much before the end of the day! 

I had decided to tat a butterfly when I realised it would mean a line/row bingo as mentioned in my post here. And my first search was in the EP directory of butterfly derivatives. This was one motif I hadn't tatted, so mind made up. That it would happen so soon, well .... and that it had block tatting was something I hadn't planned on either.

This is the E16 Grazia Butterfly derived and designed by Pina Pinto for the #Endrucks1920Project; pictorial and written pattern by Ninetta Caruso. with a bit of input from me. Here is the direct link to the PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/10mqdUjIcdRADIuGt5il0C2PUvGn0HthK/view

And as you can see if you compare the models in the PDF to mine, this is in profile! After tatting two wings it looked pretty complete for a butterfly in profile! I think it looks good even though it is only Half the pattern. Folded the central (body) ring and added one more antenna and voila, it's ready to fly or alight.

The decision was possible because I followed my alternate path (diagram on page 9 of PDF) and tatted the wings separately. However, I also followed my own tip to tat the antenna in one pass which is why the first antenna is too long. Shortened the 2nd one at the end, though.

In Anchor and Red Rose pearl cotton size 8, the butterfly is 3cm high and 5.5cm wide (without antennae). In Lizbeth size 20, these measurements should hold true. I didn't want the ombre tinted colourway to overwhelm the pattern, hence paired it with ecru/cream.

And so I submit my 4th motif for Natalie Rogers' Picot Bingo 2026 Level 2, crossing out two boxes and one line, yay!

• Block Tatting
• Tat a Butterfly

Here's where I stand at present ... please note that I have a couple more motifs already tatted but not shared, which is why I did not cross out any of the respective boxes.

PICOT BINGO for the last row, teehee! (Details here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/happy-new-year-147124370)

Hope you had or are having a great ITD. Ciao for now!

a new heart pattern

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This year our Endrucks FB group has probably felt a bit orphaned with both Ninetta and I being engaged elsewhere. We miss the interaction and games, but just cannot carve out enough time at present. So it was such a wonderful surprise to see a new heart derived from Endrucks' pattern E13 by Lella Loops! She is an excellent needle tatter and has been a participant in almost all our games and more. She sent us the diagram and I prepared the rest of the presentation for shuttle tatting.

E13 Cuore Mio (My Heart) by Lella Loops, Feb 2026 for #Endrucks1920Project ... click to download pattern PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hs_J5JF1kOf7j8RE-4xqZGK4y7fcQHFw/view  derived from Eleonore Endrucks' E13 pattern from 'Die Schiffchen-Spitzen', 1920.

It is a very clever construction ... Lella 'erased' parts of the lace and brought together two motifs to create this heart, with minimal changes to the stitch count, etc.! 

I quickly tatted up my own model with shuttle and though I am not overly happy with my work, it will have to do for now. Worked in Anchor size 20 (equivalent to Lizbeth 10), it is 2" across and a bit more than 1-1/4" high. 

It is a very easy pattern with the count being 6 or a multiple of 6 for each element and all rings are worked from the front in case of directional tatting. 

The drop or inward picot is made using the node or set stitch - 2fhs, p, 2shs.

Not only does it tat up quickly and can be used to empty shuttles (it needs very little thread on 2nd shuttle) but I also love the way the two long side chains on the lower side have that little curve before tapering down. Now if only I had noticed the uneven closure of the large ring it wouldn't have tilted to the right, LOL!

Please use the hashtag (#Endrucks1920Project) and the name of the designer & pattern when you post online. Not only is it a courteous gesture to give credit, but also makes it easier for others to find the pattern. , ......

I know it is too late for today, but hey we don't need a single day or a reason to tat hearts to our heart's content, right?! Do here are some more free heart patterns - Hearts from Endrucks directory -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MpYw9XMB8Asz8zusj1ZpHvX8A8Ww424-rEVORtxcL1w/view  and my own heart patterns -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LpHU69wNsQspIHgvt9pihgTNhHFDRBab3I5_MDEYyNw/view  (hmm, looks like need to update it!)

💗 Many many thanks to Lella Loops for her lovely heart and all her contributions!  💗

full of options tatting

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 In our endeavour since July 2025 to update patterns in our Endrucks 1920 Project collection, some PDFs posed a dilemma. For instance whether to leave the E1 shamrock and it's butterfly offshoot in the same PDF or to separate them. A survey in our FB group voted overwhelmingly in favour of the former. We took the opportunity to include a stepwise pictorial, add some missing portions, as well as options to work certain parts through some mini-pictorials.

E1 Happy Hands Shamrock and Butterfly by Diana Howe and Muskaan : 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_D5xY68NyfsKMB4LDr0GUv-WYC0VCba6/view (updated pattern link)

Following are some notable features -

This Way or Tat? (TWoT Notes): This is one of those patterns where many paths and options are possible.  Diana had diagrammed both clockwise and counterclockwise pathways (my E1 Happy Hands Heart from which it was derived could also be worked either way), and my working of the shamrock followed a third. Since it is a two shuttle pattern, just follow the shuttle which is in the right position, but adjust the instructions accordingly.  

I used contrasting colours in size 10 knitting cotton for the pictorial to clearly indicate which shuttle is in use.

Dimpled Yorkie: Since the heart ring is fairly large, it is a good idea to apply the two-step closure option as in the dimpled yorkie. Notice the bare thread on the left, just before the ring starts? It is part of the false picot ....

False Picot: Since there will be two back and forth chains at the base of the heart, a false picot is needed to prevent overcrowding. And the bare threads need to be long enough to accommodate them.

False Picot v/s Mock Picot): I distinguish between a false picot and a mock picot. The former is just bare thread left before and/or after an element to simulate a picot. The latter usually uses an overhand tie, a lock stitch, or a paperclip/spacer to make the picot. False picot is a much more vintage term than a mock picot, often used interchangeably, and the construction is left to the discretion of the tatter. However one should be aware of this since it may affect which of the two shuttles you will be using to continue. Does it coincide with what the designer intended? If not, the tatter will need to adapt accordingly.

Lock Join and Under-Over Join (U-OJ) aka Alligator Join: During my early trials with the original E1 pattern, I finally settled on making a lock join through the false picot in order to keep the chain in place. This was followed by ensuring that the two threads/shuttles were on either side of the picot (one above and one under).  

However the lock join can be eliminated completely and only the U-OJ can be used if so desired. And which thread you wish to keep above and which under is entirely up to the tatter. Just make sure to adjust instructions accordingly.

The first heart motif is complete in the above image. 

Armadillo join: While in the above model we went with the original consecutive joins (picot join on top and lock join below), this can be substituted with the armadillo join as explained in my previous post. https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/12/armadillo-join.html . 

Over The Top Join (OTT): This is an adaptation of the U-O join when the space is too small for a shuttle to pass under (or one forgets to position the shuttles ahead of the final chain segment in the pattern). Above image shows Ninetta working it in the 2nd or 3rd repeat.

 

Ninetta's E1 shamrock and butterfly versions! Can't thank her enough for all her enthusiastic and prompt support in so many unexpected ways!

Stem : Diana recommended the BDS or padded chain for a stem. However, any decorative chain or cord can be applied such as the lock chain in above model, a pearl tatted chain, etc. 

Never let it be said that tatting is just rings and chains and picots, LOL.

We will soon be releasing the EP Tutorials document which endeavours to list all tatting techniques, effects, and terms used in the Endrucks patterns - original, reworked, and derived. Until then you can find tutorial links in the Tatting Resources tab above (https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/p/tatting-resources.html).

Please give credit to the designer and pattern, and use the tag #Endrucks1920Project when you post your version of the pattern.

more E15 leafy stars

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 Stars started shining almost immediately after I had posted about Manju Talekar's E15 Leafy Star here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/10/leaf-to-star-spinoff.html. It is my fault that I couldn't blog about the new entrants sooner. So let's go chronologically (all from Nov 2025) ....

Stephanie Wilson 

It was such a pleasant surprise to find this beauty waiting for me in my email inbox! Here's what she said -

I couldn't resist. This is size 40 Lizbeth thread, yellow ombre to suggest 'twinkling,' although that's probably a very BIG stretch of the imagination. I left out the decorative picots for a smoother look....more like a star, to me, at least.
For a Christmas ornament, it would probably be better to tat in size 20 thread.

Pop Maria Lenuta

And this one twinkled in my blog feed! Read what Maria writes in her blogpost -

https://maryshandmade.blogspot.com/2025/11/fulde-de-zapada-leafy-star-by-manju.html

Jane McLellan

You can imagine my excitement when these emerged in my blog feed! Read what Jane has to say in her blog - https://janemactats.blogspot.com/2025/11/seeing-stars.html

And they only multiplied!!! Here's what Jane posted - https://janemactats.blogspot.com/2025/11/still-tatting.html

And the stars are finally settled in their very own milky way! 

https://janemactats.blogspot.com/2025/11/one-done.html

Katie Verna

Are you wondering whether the star is partially hidden behind some clouds? Here's what Katie writes - 

My little version of the Leafy Star--ran out of the red thread, so thought to add green at the bottom to make it like a flower, but it looks more like a demon or fierce animal with a beard! Fun little piece to tat!

I suggested adding a few whiskers to bring out the animal better :-D 

 Padma Mandayam

Padma was so inspired by Katie's version that she worked her own star, too, in variegated thread. Clearly the pattern lends itself to variegated shades as well.

Elzusia

Elzusia did not exactly tat the star but she showed us her collection of fall leaves one of which is the E15 Leaf Doodle that inspired the star. Check out her blog post here -https://mojeroznerobotki.blogspot.com/2025/11/jesienne-liscie.html

UPDATE (8th Dec2025): Somehow I missed Elzusia's post where she actually tatted this star in metallic thread! I am so glad she left a comment with her link - https://czasnafrywolitke2.blogspot.com/2025/11/srebrzysta-gwiazdka.html

Is it any wonder I am seeing stars (of the brilliant, optimistic, happy kind) everywhere?! 

Thank you all so very much for your wonderful 'gift' of Endrucksian tatting

ps: I want to apologise for not responding to every comment left in my blog over the past several weeks and for not leaving a comment in other blogs. I do read all comments and blog posts, but due to a large amount of time already spent in front of the screen deep in other commitments, I am taking a bit of break where and when possible. It is also the reason why I am not blogging as frequently as I'd like or want to.  Thank you for your patience and support - always treasured 💕💕💕

a winter butterfly

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 Trying to catch the last golden rays of the wintery sun! 

Ninetta Caruso has shared a lovely new butterfly pattern with us! She was updating the E13 edging  pattern which Silvia Passaquieti, one of our original volunteers, had reworked back in Nov 2020. This update is part of the ongoing exercise to systematise all presentations in the Endrucks 1920 Project.

And that's when Ninetta noticed that ....

... a motif from the E13 edging looked like a butterfly's wing in profile! 

I was privy to all the trials, thoughts, doubts, and discussions - the various stages leading to this final pattern. Let's hope she shares her design process, too.

 

E13 Disclosed Butterfly by Ninetta Caruso pattern PDF link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yxSqjL2ZpKPnwcqhG9YkbhBG_wjfLQmT/view

TWoT Notes: Habitually, I worked it directionally, starting the first wing (on the left in above pic) with the first ring frontside. For the right wing, I started the first ring backside to get a mirror image.

The pattern itself is a scroll - alternating rings and chains - throughout.  In fact each wing is worked with a ball and shuttle. Yet, it is not a pattern one can easily commit to memory. The rings and chains are cleverly arranged and attached and require mindful tatting.

 

An upended view with the butterfly playing dead ;-P 

Each wing is worked separately. Then the split ring braid attaches to both simultaneously. I chose to do the body in a different colour and twisted the head ring from vertical to horizontal .

I really liked Ninetta's version of the antennae where she lightly twisted the picots [actually she cheated by twisting them afterwards, LOL] so unlike all my earlier tightly twisted picots, these are less tight.

Now there is cupping in the wings which I kind of like, except that mine face downwards as if the butterfly is just getting ready to lift off; contrary to Ninetta's model where the wings are uplifting!

I really must make my chains less taut or add one or two extra half-stitches to avoid cupping. I seem to have this problem in several patterns.

The proof of how much I liked the pattern is that I just had to squeeze in time and energy to tat it! It took two sittings only, but took several days to finally take pics and blog. Incidentally, this is my first E13 pattern/derivative. Can't thank my dear PIC, Nin, enough, for this pattern and all she does for the Project!

E15 from Eleonore Endrucks' 'Die Schiffchen-Spitzen', 1920, reworked by Silvia Passaquieti Nov2020  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qZ0BsgjQ81es0J7G1FI3mng3xwjjeHOT/view

For more butterfly patterns and inspiration check out our Butterflies from Endrucks Directory - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dtWGgZZEGBBwLDpJgRChAEo91l4uuXq-fxRNzKDc6r8/view 

Please do not forget touse the tag #Endrucks1920Project in your social media post, and please state the name of the designer and the pattern, too. 

leaf to star spinoff

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A large majority of our games in the FB group have ended up with more spin-offs and patterns than what we originally went in with. The same happened with the #LeafMeEndrucks Sep2024 game where you got to see the beautiful versions collated in four roundup posts (links at the end). One such is a star (which started out as a starfish) born from the combination of five E15 Leaf Doodles #2.

Following is the E15 LEAFY  STAR  by Manju Talekar (Sep2024)  pattern PDF link -   https://drive.google.com/file/d/15PQwxt3BXZkEv7kPSRK_U091VnSsqTTj/view

Manju sent in her drawing with the stitch counts, notes and tips and we soon converted it into an Inkscape diagram and complete presentation.

The negative space in the center created when 5 leaves are joined, is filled with a simple medallion.

NOTE: The model can be tatted continuously (in one pass) by climbing out of the center motif with a split chain and climbing into the first arm with a split ring. This option is provided in the PDF.

It didn't take long at all for some members to jump in with their versions!

Gelsomina Carbone - (Nov2024) 

Now isn't this interesting how Gelsomina arranged the star as a flower with a large bead in the center!

Jessica Hanson - (Oct2024 and Oct2025)

Notice that she did away with all decorative picots, giving clean outlines and a sharper star shape!

Such lovely backgrounds!

Jessica tatted her white version last year and showed us the two pink models earlier this month. She considers this one of her favourites!

Notice that the lower model has beads - minimalist but strategically placed. Let me repeat what she asked in FB to help her decide, and perhaps you can pitch in with your preference -- 

"To bead or not to bead? Which do you like better?"

Liberata Cacciottolo - (Nov2024)

This version in metallic thread looks quite sparkly with relatively long picots and the shadows seemingly uplifting the model!

Mela Cabo - (Feb2025)

Another lovely shade of metallic thread and a nice background . 

Silvana Buonvino - (Nov2024)

Silvana's silver center and gold arms highlight the pattern in a way different from the monocolour ones.

Now that it is stars and snowflakes time of the year, we expect plenty more models to fall into our lap!

Now this E15 motif is so versatile that I myself adapted it to one or more versions of leaves, tree, candle flames, bell, poinsettia, maize, etc. etc. And a year before this leafy star, Paola Emilia Rotuletti created the E15 Star (Oct2023) which was also used in the Dec2023 game. While Ninetta will share all pics and details, you can find Paola's version in our Snowflakes and Stars from Endrucks Direectory here -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NKMYK3i4PI9pRmyotGCk5GkV2xcDS_hSgJfh322EQFQ/view

Moreover, if you remember, Manju herself also created the enigmatic E15 Ganesh, E15 Holly Leaves, etc., during the game.

Please use the hashtag #Endrucks1920Project, and cite the name of the designer and pattern when you post your version on any social media platform. And the hashtag for this game is #LeafMeEndrucks.

Thank you everybody, for making this all worthwhile and keeping Ninetta and me happily busy :-) Now if only we could tat all of the wonderful ideas and patterns that keep coming in ;-D

Related Posts
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/10/leaf-me-roundup-1.html
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/10/leaf-me-roundup-2.html
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/10/leaf-me-roundup-3.html
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/10/leaf-me-roundup-4.html
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/08/festival-tatting.html

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-power-of-15.html

leaf me roundup 4

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I can guarantee that you haven't yet had your fill of the Leaf Me Endrucks Sep2024 leaves that have been gracing the last three posts. So here's the final installment, for now at least. Showcasing what our members made with the E15 Leaf Doodle versions 1,2,3 pattern! Details of the game and links to the pattern PDFs can be found here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2024/09/leafy-game.html and pics from our members in Part 1 , Part 2 , and Part 3 .

27. Paola Bevilacqua

Tatted with Sanbest metallic thread with quite a nice sparkle!

"Earrings, Sanbest metallic yarn,"

"A small composition of leaves and pumpkins, (interpreted by me, shrinking the form and the small leaves). Sanbest gold and green-gray metallic yarn, gold-red master of E. Goosebumps."

"I combined the August job with the September one." 

This is quite a composition! The August reference is to the Veg Patch Endrucks Aug2024 game which required us to tat a pumpkin from either of two patterns. Details can be found in our EP Events doc here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZiNdE53cvqj2cLlxVP-wlga8aocPtzs5/view

28. Reiko Akamatsu

I notice that Reiko has used different colour for the rings and chains in every leaf, making each one almost unique.

Quite an enticing assembly! 

29. Sally Biggers

"For my contribution to the September Game #Leafmeendrucks, I have created 5 leaves from the E15 patterns Doodle #1, #2 and #3. In the photograph, leaf # 1 was created using Doodle #3, leaf #2 was created using Doodle #2 and the ones numbered # 3, #4 and #5 were created from Doodle #1, modified only a little at the base. I attached each leaf to a cloth-wrapped florist wire then bound them all together using floral tape. Lizbeth size 20 threads in the colors 181 Cranberry Bush and 683 Leaf Green Light. Almost ready to add a flower to the mix!"

"#leafmeendrucks leaves and flower completed. The flower petals are based on the E15 Doodles #2 and #3 although they have been oriented with the pointy part facing downward toward the center of the flower and an extra edge of picots added to enhance with some frill. That extra edge hides some 26 gauge silver beading wire so the petals can be shaped more easily."

Clever inversion of the leaves to create the flower petals, and a nice sprig or boutonnière is assembled!

30. Stella Marina

On a tatting spree for sure!

Stella hopes to fill the tree with more leaves since it still looks a bit bare to her. We must ask her if she has a new pic! 

31. Stephanie Mc

"Inspired by the work of Ninetta Caruso. I changed the way to add the wire so that it’s completely hidden by the thread (it’s a sewing thread. So time consuming!!!). I would love to finish it for the end of the weak . Wish me luck and perseverance!"

"So, I haven’t finished yet, but the project is well under way. About 10 more leaves to reach the 24 leaves suggested by Ninetta before assembling the plant!"

Hmm, another update reminder in the works. Hats off to such fine miniature lacework! 

32. Ulrike Klauser

All three leaf doodles tatted!

"Two leaves in a new context. Many thanks to Muskaan. The snowflake is a spontaneous variation of an etsy-pattern."

Ulrike enjoys displaying tatted lace in a mixed media composition.

33. Vani Kattoju

From simple leaf to compound leaf!

An eye-catching 3D flower.

"The leaf doodles from E15, I enjoyed tatting them & have so many ideas & ways to use them .
Here are some simple & compound leaves, great as book mark or a small framed piece and a 3D flower (brooch, clips or just for decorating a vase)"

So we had 33 participants who sent in easily over a 100 leaves, probably closer to 200?. As you would've noticed hardly anybody tatted one single leaf! They not only went in for multiple models, several tweaked, but also creatively gathered them into inspiring compositions and applications ranging from flat to 3D, in  diverse threads, sizes, colours, shapes, and uses! Yet the fount of ideas hasn't dried.  

As with most of our games, new patterns emerged. We encourage our members to share their notes, tweaks, patterns. At least a couple PDFs are currently under construction, a couple already shared, and soon I will post about one such star offshoot which members immediately picked up and tatted within a few days.

For details and links of all our events starting Aug2022, check out our EP EVENTS doc here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZiNdE53cvqj2cLlxVP-wlga8aocPtzs5/view and these are the links to each pattern : 

E15 Leaf Doodle #1 by Muskaan - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NL5KHsLxOHkfILCTTKojfhHy6B9v9EG3/view

E15 Leaf Doodle #2 by Muskaan - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i8XWpjtcrvK8C_cfa8KyGvJiXNn_KPP7/view

E15 Leaf Doodle #3 by Muskaan - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8chbwS1oD6Xjq4Uwm2R291zdAUL1VJ1/view

Please use the hashtag #Endrucks1920Project, and cite the name of the designer and pattern when you post your version on any social media platform. And the hashtag for this game is #LeafMeEndrucks.

My heartiest thanks to Ninetta Caruso for her constant presence, action, and support, working shoulder to shoulder with me on this ever-growing Project. We both rue the fact that we cannot accomplish all that we want to and only wish life would give us more time ;-D

Many many thanks to all our participants for all your hard work, enthusiasm, encouragement, and contribution!