SOUPy vine

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Our game of the month for July was to tat a bookmark from any of Endrucks' patterns. Her book has a lot of edgings making it easy to choose one and adapt into a bookmark. I've done it with a few of her patterns already. However this time I went with a SOUP* (*Sewing On / Using Pieces) bookmark.

Bookmark directory (soon more models will be added): 

 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dtWGgZZEGBBwLDpJgRChAEo91l4uuXq-fxRNzKDc6r8/view 

I was actually rummaging for another project through my Endrucks' models stash which is now so huge that it is stored in several different truffle boxes! My eyes landed on these hearts (these include trials and prototypes) and it felt like a good opportunity to use them. It would keep them 'in line' and also be of use.

Not wanting to make it 'permanent', I tatted something that can be cut off if required.

This is my SOUPy Vine Bookmark from E37 for the game ....

Tatted with only one shuttle using teal shade, it is made solely of rings. A bit free style. 

The two large 'leaves' are lock joined to both heart motifs and joined somewhere along the edge, too, for stability. However since the heart edges did not have picots, I had to pierce a fine crochet hook into the space and make a join while tatting the ring.

In her book, Frau Endrucks advises: 

Should you have forgotten a picot, poke a needle between the respective double knots. The picot created that way is large enough for joining. 

[ from the English translation - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LzBnvzj7azCWLXJACSvcNHegXfP4fv_/view ]

Wanting to avoid cutting and hiding ends after each pair of rings, I went with a half-closed ring string! 

TIP: Half-closed rings (aka half rings, scallops) act like split rings with thread(s) emerging at a point away from the start. 

Each HCR is 3ds.

The leaf rings range from 20 to 30 ds.

The heart motifs were worked in Anchor size 20 which is like Lizbeth 10. Adding this connecting 'vine' in the same size would make it too bulky for a bookmark. Hence the vine is worked in Anchor size 40.

The tassel is made of short leftover lengths in brighter colours. And another HCR string or vine is inserted to sort of bring it all together.

The entire work took me less than 2 sittings and was a fun task. I now have one more bookmark to use!

In different colours the leaf rings could've been butterflies 🦋 .

PATTERN: Eye Spy Hearts #1 derived from Endrucks' #37 (E37). All hearts derived from Endrucks' book are collected in the Hearts Directory - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MpYw9XMB8Asz8zusj1ZpHvX8A8Ww424-rEVORtxcL1w/view

Related Posts -

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2022/01/hearty-round-robin.html

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2022/01/here-we-go-again.html

Q squares and flower

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Sharing the square patterns in the Quatrefoil series – 2 versions and a happy bonus !

Quatrefoil Square Flower !

But first things first ….

These are the 2 versions of the square medallion, worked in size 20 and size 40. 

Download Complete Pattern here

More pics, along with a larger square arrangement - to be converted into a magic square.

I traced out 4 different pathways for a quatrefoil magic square - 

triangulation , squared , zig-zag, and spiral ! 

Tatting trials of the first 2 are shared here. Zig-zag is what I have used for the upcoming bookmark, and spiral is something that popped out when I arranged the 4 tatted medallions for the above pic ! Some of these pathways are rings-only, while some require a short chain to span, especially if one wants to work with 2 colours. But more on that in future posts.

Jane has joined 6 individual triangles to create a circle ! Yet another shape :-)

Each version laid side by side.

Basic Quatrefoil

I have been including a Basic Quatrefoil diagram/pattern with the pdfs. Here is a complete explanation of what a quatrefoil is, and what factors affect and effect the final shapes created from repeating the quatrefoil. The above sheet can be downloaded as a pdf here.

Once the basic working of each shape is understood, the basic pattern for quatrefoil is all that is needed. 

The trial motifs have grown almost exponentially it seems. So I moved them all into a transparent plastic envelop. I took out 2 of my prototype squares when working on the final pattern, and they came out with a phase shift one on top of the other. Voilà it bloomed into a flower medallion ! 

This bonus pattern is included in the pdf. While tatting there is ruffling – an inherent design feature. However, if picot gauge is used as directed, the final piece will lie flat after a bit of blocking.

I tried to add picots to the inner rings, for more of a floral effect. I don't think they add much.

Just ideas if the flower medallion is used as a motif ….

I do want to add a couple of rounds to one of the flowers to create a coaster. Don't know how successful it'll be - my first time !

Download Quatrefoil Squares and Flower patttern here

All previous Quatrefoil posts here.

My next post will be another vintage edging, after which I hope to share how I end my quatrefoil medallions along with the 4 pathways (on paper).

till later then,

 happy tatting always :-)

tatted triangles pattern

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I had to start somewhere sometime! Already much delayed. Instead of putting all 4 shapes in one document as previously stated, I will be releasing them separately. This will give us all time to work. 

Quatrefoil  Triangle  Medallions

Click here to download pattern

The Quatrefoil Series starts with the smallest medallion, the Triangle - a good, quick way to familiarize oneself with the sequence, general pattern, etc. 

In order to make them ‘universal’, I’ve used Lizbeth threads and whatever else went with it in size. Hence a paucity of options, since my Lizbeth stash is limited to 3 balls ;-P

Size 40 Model – Lizbeth , 2 strands of Anchor embroidery thread. Each side measures 3cm.

Size 20 Model – Lizbeth , vintage Anchor Mercer. Each side measures 4cm.

Note :

Picot length between the split rings plays an important role in keeping the piece flat. The mock picot should be double the size of the inner ring picots. These, in turn, need to be of normal size - err towards small. This will keep the inner circumference small, giving sufficient room for the longer mock picots to span the distance.

Instead of mock picots, one can make a small 2/2 split ring. It creates a solid well-defined outline and changes the shape of the inner colour, too.
Version 2 worked in size 40 Anchor Mercer. Each side measures 3cm.

I hope you enjoy working this triangle. Go crazy :-)
And please don't hesitate - ask questions or leave suggestions.

It is indeed a blessing to have friends who step in to help. I can’t thank Jane McLellan (janemactats) enough for her valuable feedback & suggestions on the pdf presentation. (((Hugs)))

UPDATE (Aug 2, 2017): Jane is joining the motifs into a hexagon.
Below is the pic I had posted here to show one possibility arranging my trials. It can be done in one pass, to be shared ....One path is spiral and easy to work out ... game anybody ?

As for the Quatrefoil Magic Square – I am working on it at intervals and it is throwing up some interesting patterns (and difficulties) because of 2 colours.

Here’s how far I reached with the triangulation method – I’m sure you must’ve already seen Robin’s excellent tutorials on the same.

I could retrace my steps around the pink corner to continue, leading to a much larger piece. But I have cut off the threads for now, in order to work on the simpler sequence of squares. I definitely intend to return to the former, once I can upload more patterns in the series.

Here there are 4 squares, creating one complete magic square using the 'easier' pathway of working entire squares rather than triangles. Since I did not think too far ahead, there is a horizontal pink line on the right which can be corrected easily enough. 
But notice how the inner ecru has created rectangles in this pathway, with a short connection in the center. Also, I have exited in the 'centre' instead of corner and I haven't had time to work further on this. 
I ran out of pink thread here. Instead of continuing with this piece, I have started yet another, using this pathway, but keeping the pink out of the way. Not enough progress to show.

happy tatting everybody :-)

all in rings

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Sharing 2 more patterns . It’s all about rings this time, though the piece turns into a perfect square.

Inchies are 1 inch squares. I’ve seen them made with paper & fabric, but not yet with tatting. I Loved designing them. (How about Twinchies – 2 inch squares - next?)

And for photographic effect, in keeping with the season, they have been paced over baubles as embellishment. Now if only there were some beads in there !!!

Inchie - One

Download pattern pdf here

Most of the prototypes (& patterns) shared in last couple of months were created with This Way or Tat? in mind – I wanted something quick & small, incorporating the rules presented in TWoT diagrams. Little pieces that one could tat & explore with thread left over in shuttles. The difficulty level ranges mainly from beginner to intermediate.

Inchie One is a simple single-shuttle square with inward facing rings. Tension is important, though, to get the exact dimensions of a square. 

The pdf provides details of tension, considering the difference in individual tatting, thread brands, etc. But it would be a good idea to draw a square or use a grid. Use this as a template to cross check while tatting.

Realised only now that I haven't even blocked this piece.

Pattern pdf for Inchie One

Inchie - Two

(a prototype)

Inchie Two can be worked with split rings, thus avoiding lock joins. But

1. the direction of the split rings would change – I wanted all rings to seemingly radiate from the center.
2. It would necessitate knowledge of working the split ring.
3. I wanted to see for myself the antique tatting style – I’ve been an admirer of Mme Reigo’s Bunch of Grapes !

For these reasons I chose to go with the old world style of tatting. Antique patterns use a needle to attach bare thread to picots, before the chain was invented; I chose to make a lock join where required. The lock join helps me manipulate the position of the small rings, without resorting to split rings, yet gives an idea of how directions & sides (front, back) change between elements.

Reverse Work (RW) between each ring.

Inchie One is tatted all from the front.

Inchie Two can be tatted using directional or frontside/backside tatting. The small rings can use reverse order of double stitches (RODS).

Take care to hide the bare thread behind the 3DS of small ring before joining to picot of that ring. This will remain hidden on the back side of the piece.

Also make sure that there is just enough slack to cover the distance – thread will show if too loose; tatting will warp if too tight.

This requires a bit of practice the first time.

In my sample, the rings to the right are properly made with the traversing threads carefully hidden. This really Has to be tatted again properly!

I like the old world charm here, but would certainly like to see how the SR one would look.

These are not glued down or secured - only inserted for a photo-op - an inspired idea last night !
I think both Inchies can be used as charms for bookmarks. Or they could be joined to make a larger fabric; or joined tip-to-tip to make a bookmark or a headband adornment. Or simply sew on as embellishments.

happy tatting :-)

Rings of Wool 

Remember my August pinterest challenge? I took it a notch further and completed my wool yarn inventory this month ! That leaves only beads and related accessories, for which I bought containers last week.

These tiny crochet rings are all 6 Chain using size 13 or 2.25mm crochet hook, for consistency and comparison. Many of these are between 5-10 gms only, after their inclusion in my Memory Afghan.

That afghan used up over 60 colours/shades/yarns includig all my old stash (most of which did not even make the grade to 5gms !), and around 6-7 brands . That was part of the ojective - mission accomplished !
By the way, the afghan weighs 1.25 kg - not as heavy as my earlier ones. But oh so pretty!

I may be forced to hold off on commenting as well as a lot of my desktop work, coz now my keyboard is playing hookie!  Have ordered a new one but will be delivered only next week ! Even this post has been corrected on my tablet. Many slip betwixt the cup and the lip ! 

HEYYYYY ! I'm back for a quick update. DH was chatting, saying I must've uploaded 100 posts & I said they are closer to 200. And guess what, when I checked, this is my 201st post ! In 3 years precisely. Not bad, eh?!

Related Posts
TWoT - Rings Only
complete TWoT at present
Organizing Thread Stash
Memory Afghan

A goodie bag of free patterns

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at least I hope you think they are goodies, and not ho-hums. 
and plenty more patterns to come, so keep your bag open in the coming weeks for snowflakes, squares, triangles, flowers, ....

There is also a notification at end of post ...

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I was thrilled when Georgia asked if I would share my Bonds of Love Rakhi/Bracelet pattern for this year’s Palmetto Tat Days goodie bag. Preferably with beads. Hmmm, working with beads – a challenge but also an opportunity.  

Staring at my plain rakhi, one thing was for sure – I wanted beads inside the 2 hearts, following the curve of the long chains and filling in the space. Ninetta uses beads so beautifully, and she sent me loads of Gorgeous beaded tatting – various ways in which beads could be incorporated – pics of her own works and other resource links. She was just as excited as me and test-tatted a sampler that very night while I slept! Thanks, cara amico :-)

In the end, though, I kept it as simple as possible, adapting the rakhi to a beaded bracelet. Jane’s earrings helped me solve the problem of the braid. 

“Bonds of Love” Bracelet / Rakhi
Single page pdf  ;  Longer version pdf 

The bracelet is tatted in 3 segments, joining as you go : The central medallion, and 2 heart medallions with braids on either side.

Diagrams follow the stitch colour of the tatted model, and I hope that makes it even more easy to follow along.

Single page pdf 

This single page diagram-only version was for the Tat Days goodie bag where Georgia added some lovely beads, buttons, findings, etc. Colour-coded diagram follows the stitch colour of the tatted model. 

Longer version pdf

This longer 4-page version was meant for some book/booklet that they release (I have no idea what it is, or the title, etc) and has a step-wise pictorial besides a written & diagrammed pattern.

Diagrams follow the stitch colour of the tatted model. 

The Design Process

A peek into the design/conversion process …. My objective was to keep the lines clean and pattern simple. It was the idea more than the execution, where one can choose any small medallions or motifs and join them together to create a bracelet, bookmark, insertion, etc.

Tacking on the beads to the old bracelet, with simple sewing thread & needle, to get a feel of what, how, … tried these 3 placements. Bead in the small rings of center would only make the rings floppy ; the one in 3rd pic looked too crowded! Settled on the last pic.

The single ring connection between the medallions was also weak and floppy and needed to be strengthened. Perhaps 2 rings would work.

Test-tatting …

The 2-ring attachment worked fine and was doable.

First Version … Okay, everything worked, except for the ring in the very center. It appeared too small. At this stage, I had to string a couple of beads on the shuttle. Could I do it without Any bead on shuttle ?

TIP : Keep the long beaded picots just a tad longer than required for joining purposes, in order to maintain curvature. The beads need room to create the curve; if tightly snugged, it will become a straight line.

Second Version …Used a large pearl for the centre. Yes, it lifted up the whole ensemble, acting as a good focal point. This time, the center medallion was tatted first, and the 2 heart-braids joined on the go.  Worked much better !

Update Oct 20 : While posting, I noticed that there wasn’t a single pic with close-up of braids. Finally took one showing the braids in all 3 bracelets....

TIP for Braid : Do not close the SCMR too tightly – it will create a curvature on the way back. Leave it ‘straight’, with plenty of room to join back.

Both these versions will require some stiffening, since size 20 thread was used.

Third Version/Working …. I didn’t have any polyester thread or metallic thread (hadn’t organized my stash then ! Only later did I discover my metallic threads in silver, gold, and copper !!!), except for this pre-twisted green with metallic silver. This one stays nice and stiff.

TIP (above pic) : One way to load beads was with paper clips holding them in place. But these get in the way. So, when making the first long picot, load the number of beads required and hold with clip. Make 1 stitch and remove the clip and the beads and continue tatting. When it comes to the joining point, load the beads with a crochet hook, join and continue.

This accomplishes 2 things – one can determine the picot length for beads used, and it makes tatting smoother with no beads and clips hampering work.

Now that I have plenty of stashed metallic threads, my jewelry tatting will have some shimmer :-)

I like the fact that not a single bead needs to be pre-strung! And depending on the size of bead, one can adapt the length of the picot.

I didn’t have any clasps or toggles, hence left it with metal split rings.

Download pattern pdf : Bonds of Love diagram-only pattern

Bonds of Love pattern with stepwise pictorial

Many many thanks to Georgia, for giving me this wonderful opportunity !!!

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Ring In The Bouquet

I have already shared the diagrams in the TWoT Rings Only pdf.

Here, I have added written pattern alongside the diagrams. This will go to my pattern page in the tab above.

Not to bore you further, but for a new reader ...the bouquet comprises 3 simple, rings-only patterns. These can be considered beginner patterns, I think.  

As seen in collaged pic above, Wiggly Flowers, Butterfly Liberated, and Laurel Leaf. constitute the 3 patterns that can be tatted separately or combined into a collage sewn to a fabric, or glued to a card. These are all small enough to empty shuttles and use as charms, clip ornaments, etc. etc. Check out Eliz’s adaptations of the flowers and butterfly here. 

Download pattern pdf : Ring In The Bouquet

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Please Note : 

Rachael’s Hen n Chick Square Motif link did not work in the Set I pdf. Click on name for updated link. Link to video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SoGklhCqL0 

And when I checked further, the entire pdf can only be viewed, but am unable to download or open it in Window. This is the file that I edited using DocHub. I can't correct the link, hence have created a new revised link. This Way or Tat? Set I - Rings Only updated Oct 16

happy tatting always :-)

TWoT 2 : Back to Basics !

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That’s exactly how it felt ! I don’t remember tatting many rings-only patterns when I first learned, especially not with bare thread space. This time it was different – it felt like I was starting from the basics of tatting design.  I have learned (and am still learning) a lot while working on this series.

The This Way or Tat? series starred with a Preface – Quo vadis ;

then an Introduction with practice patterns (pdf here)

Continuing from where we left off in the Introduction, here is the first set - diagrams for Rings Only scenarios.

UPDATE (Oct 15, 2016) : In case the link does not work, here is an updated, revised pdf with new link --- TWoT? Set I Rings Only updated

This Set was taught in Georgia's Online Tatting Class On Oct 10, 2016

This Way or Tat? Set I - Rings Only Updated

This part consists of a guide to read the diagrams ; many small but graded (difficulty level) patterns for practice and exercise ; and questions scattered throughout the document.

Answers will be shared in the next post.

I am grateful to Rachael Mohler & Eliz Davis for graciously & enthusiastically sharing their patterns, 

and to Renata who equally enthusiastically permits me to share her doily links for this series.

I hope you have tremendous fun playing with the patterns, while keeping a close eye on the whats and whys.

I will share my own thoughts, pics and working of the wreath and square motif patterns in next post, along with some links and answers.

My own practice patterns are pretty basic, while incorporating some application of the diagrams.

These 3 patterns constitute this collage-in-the-making called …

Ring In The Bouquet !

The bouquet comprises of rings-only patterns worked with a single shuttle in size 20 thread.…

Wiggly Flowers

Forgot to join the picots in the 5-petalled yellow flower, making it fidgety. Noticed only when I started to work on the pics at my desktop. Hence the name. Maroon flower is the prototype.

Butterfly Liberated

I have struggled to design a simple butterfly. This time, it wasn’t that difficult! Hence this name.

The maroon one in topmost pic was the prototype where I deliberately left out picots.

Laurel Leaf

 Shape of this leaf had always appealed to me....

 but I joined the leaflets a bit differently, to create that mesh-like effect.

I can’t believe these or similar ones haven’t been done before; even so, I created them from scratch. 

Wiggly Flowers were easy. 

Butterfly Liberated took 1 trial. 

Laurel Leaf took 3 trials. 

When I started to design and tatted a prototype of leaf and butterfly, I searched Google, Craftree & Pinterest. The way I worked them is a bit different from the ones I found. I will willingly give credit to any designer if you can guide me....

These patterns are deliberately shared only as diagrams in this file. However, I will upload all patterns to My Patterns page, properly formatted, with written notations. These are all free to use, even if one does not want to follow the exercise.

download pdf here :  This Way of Tat? Set 1 - Rings Only UPDATED pdf

pdf for pattern only : Ring in the Bouquet

All feedback and criticism is appreciated and welcome – it will help me improve on the next diagram sets.

Inchies 

While comparing the Set diagrams to practice patterns, I wondered if I could design a square using outward facing rings. These 2 Inchies (yes they are exactly 1” squares!) are the result of a quick tat. The right (pink) one was made first, then the beige one. These are prototypes, and I need to better them … but I like the potential of these simple airy square medallions that can be joined into a larger fabric. 

Meanwhile, I am thrilled to see at least 3 tatters working this series (3, or at least 2 More than I had anticipated,since Eliz had committed to it :-D !) 

Read Eliz’s excellent observations and applications of the previous exercise and how Ninetta has applied the exercise to her current doily project with curled rings !!! Mama Martin left a nice comment here, on how it helped her.

Set II comprises of Chains Only diagrams. But I doubt there will be these many practice patterns ;-) Hope to share it in about 10 days ...

happy tatting always, whichever direction you take :-) 

Related Posts : Preface – Quo vadis

Introduction

UPDATE (Oct 8) : Left-handed tatting by Eliz Davis
My working of the Hen n Chicks Square Motif & Ring Only Wreath

UPDATE (April 2021): While I try to find the time and focus to complete this series, please check out these links:

TWoT posts and TWoT Notes.

Practice patterns: 

Chains-only: https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2016/12/all-in-chains.html & Rosette Enchained snowflake 

Rings & Chains: Minarets in the Sky; Aspiration snowflake; Hidden Rose Snowflake (rings & chains) - 

 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r4OmXX_c5LjFebMN2UbSNiYqXYETLmoridK0X1YIQco/view 

Mark Myer's Luster Snowflake  Paths/choices when climbing out with a split ring . pictorial pdf.

Lock Join Plus series - several methods that can result in change of direction, colour, etc. including when climbing out. https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2020/07/lock-join-plus.html