laying out the magic carpet

Pin It now!

A few months back, a call for free patterns was sent out for the IOLI Chapter Gift CD, which Anita forwarded to me. Long story short, instead of a single pattern, I sent in the magic square derivative ideas and patterns since this can make a good group project. I enjoyed collaborating with Shemene – she was prompt, accommodating, and enthusiastic.  

https://sites.google.com/internationalorganizationoflace.org/2020-ioli-convention/convention-info

Now that the CD is out, I am sharing the entire package with my dear readers. There are no new patterns, but some have been converted into pdfs, along with the Magic Square deconstruction series.

There are about 80 Charter Chapters in IOLI alone, besides the numerous local groups. With so many tatting groups active around the world, I hope some of you will enjoy the enormous opportunities and new perspective this activity can provide, and will take it up as a workshop or group project. But please send/leave me a line so that I can join in your creativity.

Here is the entire list of urls –

Magic in the Magic Square – complete article with loads of ideas and accompanying models  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bynpB4cDMTkVBiKu16A_8qRL1Qn3K4yq/view?usp=sharing

Magic Heart - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UFju_wctrzLeDMogxZ4Q3F5KH8ktIUOr/view?usp=sharing (this is a new diagram for the motif)

Bonds of Love Rakhi - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5MqI5ByadI4OHNGWndfMGVRaEU/view

Bonds of Love Bracelet - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5MqI5ByadI4Wm9LSDd1dURvaWM/view?usp=sharing (single-page version)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5MqI5ByadI4cm96OXlPaEdEbDQ/view?usp=sharing (stepwise pictorial version)

Better Than Nothing bookmark - https://drive.google.com/file/d/14y2uVcHnD7P0bxxIZQjPsJWV8uxSOOJY/view?usp=sharing

Magic Square Cross - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zpgW3TWP2P9aB2tKsKtoUPJqXNne1b-h/view?usp=sharing

I forgot to include the crosses in the above group pic! The bookmark and other models have all been gifted or used up. One of my favourite Asterix stories - Asterix and the Magic Carpet - partly because of it's India connection!

I have created a Google Docs file titled THIS  FROM  THAT wit ideas generated, extracted, or derived from existing patterns. All new ideas and their actual conversion to lace will be added to this file. Here's the link -  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bQMr97vyWITzsnS44ZYaMDRhCLYI8eTvemZhq0QlO8o/edit?usp=sharing

Earlier this year, my work was published in 2 issues of the IOLI Bulletin. Anita had been pressuring me to send for a couple of years in order to promote tatting. I finally took courage and spent time to prepare the presentations. And as gratitude, it seemed fitting to share our joint hearts patterns.

Add new thread WITHIN a ring (in the Spring 2020 issue) –https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g5GJz1rdzdKqpfw51Cm8lGptsY5S73ca/view?usp=sharing  

Buddy Hearts co-author Anita Barry (in the Summer 2020 issue) – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1frJpMRiHu5fOEH9Zs3VANVGIURZA126_/view 

The heart patterns were already shared as a pdf, but a few small tweaks were made for the article. So I am not creating a new pdf.

Oh, and if you prefer a single page diagrams-only version, then here it is - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DZFxEDvEwe-rPUv1evgPaxic1sbaEnHC/view

And this is how the cover looks scanned, courtesy Anita…. 

I was supposed to receive a complimentary copy of the magazine back in April. It did not arrive, probably got stuck in the lockdown situation. Sadly I have no physical nor digital copy to see or show. A few of my well-wishers enthusiastically let me know that they had seen/read them. The editor, Prabha, does not make a single change to the articles sent in and prepares beautiful layouts.

Although I have identified a few more things I would like to share, it is difficult to find the time to work diligently on them. Hence, I did not send in anything for the next issue.

A very special thanks to Anita for prodding me beyond my comfort zone and also for proofing the articles. And to the wonderful editors for accepting.

magical patterns

Pin It now!

A few eager tatters had requested the diagram-only pdf which I sent privately and Usha Shah’s lovely rendition in metallic thread has already reached my inbox.

Finally, after a lot of self-editing over several evenings, the pattern is ready to be published.

Magic Square Cross pattern. Click to download the pdf.

I had started it in Anchor size 20, in single colour above. But it was turning out so large, hence stopped and switched to Anchor Pearl cotton size 8 in 2 colours and reduced the count as well.

Instead of the pattern in my deconstruction series, I used the concept shared by Halibut04. It eliminates the central picot and rings are linked on either side.

And using only 2 decorative picots for the inner chains – this idea is taken from this exquisite Japanese Tatting Square Doily.

Huguenot Cross Pendant

The square in the center kept looking like a emblem or insignia, except I didn’t know where to start my search without a term. Fortunately when I accepted someone’s fb request, there it was in bobbin lace – Huguenot Cross! What a huge coincidence.

My intention was to have 2-coloured split rings all around. At the last moment I switched to a black chain edge so that the blue ring clusters look complete. This, unfortunately, decreased the indent. I do want to try the SR one later to highlight the Maltese Cross.

There are a lot of symbols within this cross (heart, fleur-de-lis, Maltese cross, 8 Beatitudes, dove), some of which are recreated in a stylised form. Since I don’t have any dove charm or sequin, a butterfly sequin is used at the base, and converted into a pendant. Hope there is no religious sentiment being hurt. 

The Josephines are 8 half-stitches and extra chains are 5 or 6ds.

A Tiger Face? Perhaps a butterfly!

Wondering how only chains would look, for a deeper notch, I started another in green/black. Midways, it started looking like a butterfly, and then like the face of a tiger (focus on the negative space enclosed by the black chains above - they look like eyes and the rest of the facial features magically emerge)! 

There were 2 green rings where the top picots are. I had to untat one, and snip off the other and reattach black thread to make it symmetrical. Want to see how it looks after I complete a long black chain outlining the top of the head.

So many possibilities! If you wish to play, check out the ideas in this series - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3! Derivative patterns that have already been shared include heart, bracelet, and bookmark.

Magic Square Cross pattern. Click to download the pdf.

Best wishes ....

better than nothing?

Pin It now!

free bookmark pattern

I wanted to insert some bookmarks in a book to give away as a gift. Rummaged through my stash and chose a few. But an incomplete bookmark caught my eye. Remember I had promised a pattern back in 2014 at the end of the magic square deconstruction?

At the time all I did was the basic/central row derived from the magic square, 

but I couldn’t quite get the next row to work. 

You can see my woeful attempts along the left side before I had set it aside.

Slow forward to 2018 - This time when I laid it on paper, I could easily create a satisfactory design (sketched on the right side).

The recipient loves yellow. I Had to use it.

Combo of Lizbeth Falling Leaves & Anchor yellow both in size 40.

This combination looks even better in real.

The 2 rows were worked separately since I wasn’t sure what size ring was needed.

But if the same colour placement is followed, we can throw rings off row 1 chains using 2^nd shuttle. Then the outer row will be mostly chains all around.

It can be worked continuously if we climb out with a split chain.

With requisite beads, it can make a lovely bracelet or choker or perhaps adorn a headband.

Struggled with naming it. Thought of ‘magic square bookmark’ to mark the end, & remind me, of that exercise years ago. But the overall design barely qualifies as a magic square, right?! And the outer row is nothing special either. So what better name than: “Better than nothing” from the heading above ;-P

The book is "Einstein. In his own words" by Anne Rooney. It is a fairly good collection of his thoughts and ideas on varied subjects, with some rare images thrown in. A hardbound copy, good print, and one can pick up reading & leave off anywhere.  

Better than Nothing bookmark pattern

stitchcount

ROW 1 : shuttle and ball

R1: 5 vsp 2 vsp 5. rw

Ch: 6 – 6 – 6. rw

R2: 5 + 2 vsp 5. rw

Ch: 5

This forms 1 motif. Repeat for length required.

To turn corner, omit the 5ds chain. Instead make chain: 6 – 6 – 6.

Then turn back, joining the rings as you go. First ring will be joined to R2, and next ring will be joined to both the previous ring and R1. 

sequence

ROW 2 : 2 shuttles

Attach threads to one of the side picots.

R: 8 + 8. rw

Ch: 10 lock join to same place as ring, 8 lj , rw.

Repeat till corner is reached. To turn corner :

Ch: 10 lj 8 rw

R: 6 + 6 rw Switch shuttle

R: 10 switch shuttle

Ch: 8 lj 10 lj 8 lj 

Continue with ring as before. 

Turn other corner in same manner.

Add decorative picots if desired. 

a question :

Do you think it should have a tail? If yes, any suggestions?

Enjoy  J 

Deconstructing Patterns 2

Pin It now!

Triangulated Tessellation of a Magic Square !

The earlier post pulled out motifs from the magic square hat. Here, I tackle triangles.
I used the version 1 of the free pattern from here

The bold fonts are all hyperlinks to respective sites/blogs. Click on the word(s).
Abbreviations used : SR - Split Ring ; SSSR - Single Shuttle Split Ring ; SLT - Shoe lace trick

Fig 1. Magic Square in 4 colours !

Although the ultimate shape is a square, the progression of the Magic Square is in triangles, repeated to get a square,as can be seen in the above image! Jenn is currently working on it & you can see the progression on her blog.

Triangular / Corner Motifs

Triangular Motif #1

Fig 2.

Fig 2. This is how it all starts - with a single triangle – one quarter of the final square. I sewed this to the base of the neck on a dress I was sewing at the time. 

This same triangle, when folded on itself along the Y-axis, to form a ‘pocket’, can be used as a bookmark inserted in the corner of a page (from an observation by Judith Connors)!

danie7 shares her Tatted Corner & the page in the background shows how it can be used as a corner on a handkerchief, mat, etc.

Incidentally, Jon Yusoff, following the triangular pattern from “Tatting with Ann Orr”, went on to create a square from the 4 triangles, figuring it all out herself !  

In Fig 1 above, Each of these 4 triangles that go to make the square, are clearly visible due to the 4 colours used. I just went crazy coz it was the first time I’d bought & used variegated thread ! I tatted each triangle with 1 shuttle & ball.

Instead of 4 colours, though, one can only use 2 colours alternately, a single colour, variegated colours, …. 

Small Triangular Motif #2

Fig 3. Pinwheel Square

These triangles can be smaller, too, as can be seen in this ‘pinwheel’ version (drawing only). I hope to make this someday – love the effect ! 

Of course, one will have to take recourse to SLTs !!!

These 4 &/or 8 triangulated square versions remind one of quilting blocks, don't they ?! Well, wouldn’t these tatted ‘blocks’ create lovely large-sized projects !!!

Triangular Corner Motifs # 3 & #4

Fig 4.

Fig 4–A simple triangle done in one pass, using 2 colours. Can be started at any point.

Fig 4–B Also a simple one-pass triangle, but needs to be started at the ring indicated by arrow (since there is no chain to connect the 2 rings in the end).

Triangular Corner Motif #5 & Triangular Pendant 

Fig 5. Corner Motif & Pendant

Fig 5–A . Triangular Motif :Requires 2 shuttles in different colours. If this scheme is followed, then the orange rings with a white line in center are SSSRs.

Fig 5–B . Triangular Pendant. I’ve tried to show a triangle within a triangle here. It can all be done in one pass, with 2 shuttles. However, rings with black lines within, are SRs. 2 short chains have been added on either side, in order to connect to adjoining elements (rings). Beads can be added wherever desired, with the help of long picots, etc.

So, What  is  this Magic Square  ?! 

Very simply, it is a one pass motif made up solely of rings &chains, that can keep repeating itself to any desired length, weaving in & out in the form of triangles (a tessellation of triangles! It is all geometry & symmetry) to create larger square. It is very versatile, as already glimpsed through these 2 posts. It’s character can change with slight changes in the factors involved. For instance :

• Use 2 colours – one for chains & one for rings to get a totally different look ( Halibut04 & laceladie , in InTatters*, have used this very effectively !)
• Change the stitchcount just a tad. eg. Jenn is using Halibut’s stitchcount, which gives a slightly angular look because the chains are straighter.
• laceladie's frivolite 14 version from “Design Burda Frivolite”, is slightly denser due to fewer chains & larger rings.  
• Liv Strind  has created a very stylized kind of motif that is essentially the magic square with SRs. She has also adapted parts of the magic square very elegantly & stylishly to make many different projects including runner, mat, clutch purse, coaster, etc. You can also see her pins here & have fun identifying the derivatives !!!
• Check out these two exquisitely beautiful versions called the ‘Tatting Square Doily’. She has added an equally exquisite edging in the 2^nd one ! 
• Beautiful Shawls have been made using this pattern (or a slight variation in terms of stitch count). eg. Wedding Shawl by Jean Younkin et al using extended repeats and one made by SnapDragonLace
• Carollyn has a fantastic 3-colour version with small rings & lovely long arching chains. Would make a nice bookmark too !   
• Kristen has needle-tatted “Star No.2” from “Tatting: Patterns & Designs” by Blomqvist & Persson. This is again the small square motif deconstructed in this earlier post.
• Scroll down to 3^rd last pic in this post. Piece #9 is pic uses small square motif to create a gorgeous pastiche colourwise !
• Jane uses size 40 in 2 colours, & a slight variant of the pattern (as discussed in these posts, slight variations give interesting results)

UPDATE (Oct 2015) : The earliest example found so far is a triangular corner in Ann Orr, 1935 .
And there is a collated list of links for patterns, projects, discussions in Craftree titles Magic Square- Serpentine Square * I have updated all dysfunctional InTatters links ... Please let me know if you still encounter any broken links.

As to where this pattern first originated, I have not been able to gather any concrete evidence, despite seeking info, except that it has been around ‘forever’ & is in the public domain. Multiple sources have been cited by tatters, all of which I have included in appropriate places in the posts, along with the respective tatter’s name.

However, many people have tried to “decipher” the movement of the pattern through diagrams, etc. There are a few threads in InTatters* where quite some discussion has taken place. Here is all that I’ve been able to find so far.

In addition to all the links scattered in the 2 posts so far, here are some more links where this pattern has been ‘deciphered’, diagrammed, &/or discussed :

• Alice Wolska shares her diagram here 
• Jon Yusoff has shared her observations too (links already provided above)
• Rachel has used the pattern from Helen Chesno’s “Tatting Made Simple”. She shared this in a discussion, along with a notated square in this thread 
• Yet another forum thread that discusses this 
• A diagrammed & written explanation to make it easy to tat by seesawyer here  (updated Jan 2016)

My next post, here, deals with many possible edging &/or insertion patterns, along with my thoughts on tatting the Magic Square. And in the last post in this series, I will share a Bookmark pattern derived from this Magic Square.

Hope you remain interested :-))

Related Posts : Square Motifs from the Magic square
Edgings from Magic square & My tips/thoughts
Bookmark pattern from Magic Square

Update : Robin Perfetti has spawned a whole new series of brand new Magic Squares. Check out her Tutorials and Patterns pages for all links.

Her initiative inspired Jane McLellan and Ninetta Caruso to create their own magic squares.