flowers and fire

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a tatted piece by Donna McDade (2024) 
Temperature Tat-Along designed by Helga

I first came to know Donna McDade when she participated in the DAL Celtic Snowflake challenge in 2024, designing the 3rd round in Five versions! We've been communicating off and on since then. And last year she participated with 7+1 versions of the 2025 DAL! Her twin passions include quilting and tatting and a lot of her tatted pieces get appliqued to her quilts as you witnessed with motifs from both the design alongs.

Below is her 3D Ruched Flowers quilt top and ... 

"I received the first place award in the national American Heritage fiber contest. There were over 3,000 entries in all the categories. The award was for "3D Ruched Flowers" unquilted top."
She is actually a descendant of George Washington!

Below are some close-up pics of three blocks to show some ruching details ...

Basket 1 - Sunflowers

Basket 3

Basket 4 - Cactus

This was the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) 2025 event and she also won the state level award for the same quilt top!

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This year again her quilt titled 'Words Catching Fire' placed first at the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) at the National level! She had sent me the story as a PDF file several months back at a time when she was uncertain if her quilt would be accepted or not! However, time slipped by and I couldn't blog about it and now her article is published in the latest IOLI Bulletin! The symbolism and acute focus on the topic is worth reading about to fully appreciate the thought and work Donna put in. Here is the link to her original PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ABNIRSEKrfwj4lzuy-RgTBKDIZxFXX80/view  

As you can see in the images below, there is ample use of tatting, besides embroidery, applique, quilting, etc. and her choice of colours and shapes provides an additional layer to the entire story of the 250 year celebrations this year.

bird's eye view of the quilt 

embroidered crown of King George III

each piece here, each colour here, has a reason, a purpose.

words scattered around, but not randomly!

tatted words catching fire!

tatted impression of the Stars and Stripes 

This quilted montage is a passionate representation of the role of women in the revolution. I hope you read the detailed story in the link above to understand and appreciate why she won the top award... how could she not! 

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Yet another feather in this unstoppable and ever-young octogenarian is her newsletter! She started the  Queen City Lace Makers (Ohio) Newsletter (a chapter of IOLI) late last year and has sent me 5 out of the 7 published so far! Within the first couple of newsletters one could see how much she learned and improved the presentation, layout, and format! From absolute novice to professional in a matter of 7 newsletters!!! 

Her group works on several different types of crafts and laces such as bobbin lace, crochet, knitting, and tatting, too. There is always lots of practical and inspirational information in the newsletters and often a pattern as well. In the latest issue #7 (June 2026), she included a pic of my Buttercup Trellis bracelet that applies the split/SCMR technique.   

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Congratulations, Donna ... well-deserved!

scrappy doily and scmr

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For the last few days I hadn’t picked up a shuttle. Housework was partly to blame, leaving me too tired to continue with my Blossoms motifs (I was on a whirlwind spree and the count is now up to 20 - halfway mark reached!!!). So, I took up sewing the edging on the saree – somebody (meaning me) has to do it!

Last evening, I didn’t even have the concentration to sew. But Madhur Dadlani's Unending Doily had been at the back of my mind as a wonderful way to empty shuttles and use up all the scraps! Picked up a shuttle and started.

My rings are ( 4-3-3-4 ). I started with 3 normal rings (white), then switched to SCMR.

Why? With scmr, I can use up almost every last bit of scrap thread, since they will only form the stitches. Can you see where I have a part purple part blue ring? Easily possible with scmr.

And I can have a continuous core thread throughout, not having to refill the shuttle every time.

To secure the scmr, I made an unflipped half stitch at the base.

I had first thought of making it rectangular, but I think with random colours, it is best to go circular. Although, here I am aiming for an oval and will decide on how to fill the center later. Hope the shape will hold.

It’s still scappy, fresh off my shuttle, with no blocking.

So far these are Anchor size 20 scraps, and the 2 rounds measure 2”x1½”.

Do you see this turning into an Ice Drop?! A future project :-D

SCMR - self closing mock ring -

And on the topic of SCMRs, a Japanese tatter (kukka tatting) has been applying the scmr to small medallions and so far she has reached a count of 91 lovely medallions/motifs using scmr!!! I've been following her journey from the start, but it's a pity that I can't leave any comment on her blog. Do check it out. 91 scmr motifs !

Split SCMR
And Tim Kaylor has worked out a way to split the scmr in regular tatting (ie. when working with only 2 threads!). Randy Houtz’ split/scmr uses 3 threads. Tim has put up a video too. Now to try it out…

(added later in the day...) 

After some thought, this is the realisation I’ve come to –

Tim pulls open the scmr, exposing the core thread, then uses a split chain to cover and bridge the core thread.

Which is similar to what Dora Young did in her KM Ring (Knotless Method Ring). And Rachael Mohler did a slight modification by not closing the ring completely, then covering the open core thread with the knotless method (i.e., a split chain in modern terms).  

So it is basically the modified Dora Young’s Knotless Method Ring (a mock ring worked in 2 parts by anchoring with a lock join & doable with a single shuttle) on a SCMR! 

Clever, nevertheless, and opens up vast possibilities.

among friends

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A short thank you post to my creative and generous tatting friends for sharing such lovelies !

This is my version of Jane McLellan’s Leaf Braid with Flowers. 

I’ve been tatting the leaf braid for quite a few weeks now (for hanky, then saree, and now this), but haven’t tired of it yet! And of course this one with buds and blossoms was even more fun. I intend to use this short length on a future card. Worked in Anchor size 20.

Jane also has pics on how to work the split/SCMR! 

Again, this braid can be worked with 2 shuttles using a ball instead of 3rd shuttle for the top half of split/scmr).

Next is Ninetta Caruso’s Swirling Butterfly 

This is my one shuttle free flying adaptation. 

When winding the shuttle, leave a short length of thread (CTM) to act as core thread for the final chain. All the rest is worked as simple rings (one with treble tatting) starting with the head and moving clockwise. The body is a tds chain worked last.

So now we have 3 versions where the original 2 & 3 shuttle versions have the butterfly on a twig. Ninetta has great stepwise pics which made it easy to 'reverse' sketch and tat with one shuttle.

Now this butterfly is a 9 month old trial that popped out of my Cluny tatting box! It caught my attention because of it's positional similarity to Ninetta’s butterfly. I was trying to create a butterfly with the intention of later converting the 2 wing rings into Cluny leaves. I need to do a lot more work on it before it can work out properly. But design suggestions are most welcome.

That’s it for now. When I complete the tat-along, I will share another way to do the 2^nd part of the tds – one all experienced tatters have done or seen - as a twisted picot !!! So don’t fly too far - keep close to the blossoms :-D

an easier split

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2^nd split/scmr pattern - bracelet

This braid which I turned into a bracelet is a simpler version of Houtz brothers' split/scmr technique since no reverse (or unflipped) stitches are required. All tatting is worked as normal stitches, except that the second side/half has a double core thread. You see, we lengthen the scmr loop and use it to finger tat this half with double stitches. Hence, I still consider it a s/scmr – perhaps a variation or an adaptation?

Sunrise Sunset Bracelet

braid/bracelet pattern

No unflipped stitches ; no ends to hide !!!

I visualized this as a sun rising above the blue horizon or skies and & then setting on the ocean horizon. Colours were chosen accordingly. 

And if you notice, the blue bead in the sky is a different shade to the one used for the water … there is a tinge of green in the latter, flanked by green seed beads.

Measurements :

In Anchor size 20 (close to Lizbeth 10), the bracelet measures 6¾” X 1”.

There are 10 motif repeats.

Materials :

3 colours in Anchor size 20 (similar to Lizbeth size 10).

Shuttle 1 – red

Shuttle 2 –yellow

Ball or shuttle 3 – blue

Findings – jump rings and bracelet clasp

Seed beads – size 16/0 - 60 transparent yellow ; 60 transparent green

Crystals – size 8/0 – 10 red ; 10 yellow ; 10 sky blue ; 10 blue-green

Loose beads for danglers (optional) - 2 red, 2 sky blue, & 2 yellow crystals

Abbreviations :

Sh – shuttle

s/scmr – split/self-closing mock ring

rw – reverse work

ss – switch shuttle

b – seed bead

B – crystal

Preparation :

Prestring beads in each of the threads as follows :

SH1 Red : 10 crystals 

SH2 Yellow : [3 yellow seed beads, one yellow crystal, 3 yellow seed beads]x10

Blue : [3 green seed beads, 1 blue-green crystal, 3 green seed beads, one sky blue crystal]x10

Pattern proceeds from left to right.

Part 1 : Dangler to start

In order not to hide ends, I used dangling crystals on each thread tail on both ends.

Tie 1 crystal of same colour to each of the 3 threads. Gather the threads at different lengths and make a larkshead knot or luggage tag loop through jump ring, using all 3 threads.

Part 2 : Main body

** Start with Shuttle 1 (red) as core thread. Make a starting loop for scmr and use yellow for stitches.

s/scmr1 : 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 B 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 / lengthen the loop to use as core and finger tat with blue stitches 3 B 3. Close scmr.  rw. ss 

Keep red thread at back of work.

With shuttle 2 (yellow) as core thread ….

s/scmr2 : 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 B 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 / lengthen the loop to use as core and finger tat with red stitches 3 B 3. Close scmr.  rw. ss **

Keep red thread at back of work.

** to ** forms 1 motif. Repeat till there are 10 motifs.

Part 3 : Dangler to end

Leave about 10-12 cms thread tails and cut. Using all 3 threads make a larkshead knot or luggage tag loop through jump ring/bracelet clasp. Tie 1 crystal of same colour to each of the 3 threads, at different lengths.

To ensure the crystal knots in the 6 tails remain secure, dab a dot of fabric glue and press/twist.

This pattern can be shortened for earrings, or lengthened for necklace.

Trials that led up to this 2^nd s/scmr bracelet -

As shown in the previous post, I wanted floating/thrown rings on both halves of the s/scmr for the next braid.

I started the trials in size 40 thread. I kept messing up the onion rings!!! I’m not a novice, so I don’t know what was happening. Not very happy with the visual effect either.

But I do think this picoted version has some potential. Of course, there is a lot of switching shuttles to throw rings off.

 

Since the above trials were not giving me any zing, I took the plunge directly for a beaded bracelet version and I like how it turned out! Once the beads are strung, tatting it is pretty quick.

I was aiming for a more curved 2^nd half (like the half moon split rings), but soon realised that it is difficult to achieve because of the double core thread. But this adaptation of the s/scmr is easier than the hmsr.

ßßßßß

Trials for the 3^rd braid –

From the 2 tiny rings inside a large s/scmr, it gradually evolved into a heart shape with flower within. I still need a few more motifs to confirm and finalise.

What should I name this 3^rd braid/bracelet ? All suggestions are welcome …

Related Posts 

split/scmr technique and braid 1 pattern

links to tutorials/resources

I thoroughly enjoyed working the Sunrise Sunset bracelet.

Hope you enjoy it too.

the correct guess

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A couple of emailers & Ninetta came close, but Stephanie nailed it! In fact more than nailed it, giving 2 more ways to tat the braid/bracelet. Read her comment in this post. Thank you for playing along, tatters.

The July 19th Bellaonline newsletter carried an article on some of the laces featured in the latest IOLI publication. Skimming through, one word caught my attention – ‘split/self-closing mock ring (S/scmr)’. First time I’d heard this term and was especially keen to understand because of my ongoing Mock Ring series. Randy Houtz’s tatting picture frame image was too small to realise what was going on. 
I asked Georgia immediately and she introduced me to Randy Houtz! What a stroke of luck ‘coz the internet-recluse was online! And this is what he graciously shared …

For making a split/SCMR –

after desired chain tatted past thread loop of SCMR, place thread loop on little finger, add third thread and tat un-flipped stitches (ufs) as would regular split ring over both thread of the thread loop. when desired stitches obtained, pass core thread through thread loop and close mock ring. Since you've added the third thread, it can be used for rings on the inside of the split ring. Hope this is clear enough to get you started?

This is my very first attempt following the above instructions, 

till I ran out of the scrap threads but not ideas.

This is my next trial from which resulted the first braid. 

I’m calling it Buttercup Trellis. Like the combo of split ring and scmr, this name is a combo of suggestions from God's Kid (Sue) and Anita Barry!

I continued on with more effects for the next two braids. Still working on them. 

UPDATE (Aug 2018) : A slight variation/adaptation of the s/scmr technique in the 2nd braid is shared with Sunrise Sunset bracelet pattern here.


Here’s the first pattern if you wish to give it a go, using the split/self-closing mock ring (s/scmr) technique … Let me know if you want in-process pics of the technique or the bracelet.

Buttercup Trellis

braid/bracelet pattern

Wind 3 shuttles with 3 different colours.

Sh1 – beige. This is the main shuttle throughout. 

Sh2 – purple

Sh3 – green
Note: If one does not want to switch colours in the trellis, then use ball instead of Sh3.

In Anchor size 20, 4 repeats of the motif measure 5cms in length, and ½cm wide. The tatted model (merely a sampler) with 8 repeats and end rings is about 11cms in length..

Abbreviations :

Sh – shuttle ; R – ring ; S/SCMR – split/self-closing mock ring ; SLT – shoe lace trick

How to start: Following is the way I started it, but you can choose to start in your favourite way.

Make a starting ring (R1: 12) with only Sh1, tatting over tail. Then make a loop for scmr and fold Sh2 thread over it. Start the chain, tatting over Sh2 tail.

For 2^nd side of the s/scmr, fold Sh3 thread over loop. Work unflipped stitches, hiding this tail in the first few stitches.
Both halves have Sh1 as the core thread, but the top half has single core, while the bottom half has a double core since the unflipped stitches are worked over the loop.

In case of bracelet, attach findings to the 2 end rings.

The pattern is worked all from the front, from left to right.

With Sh1
R1 : 12.
**S/SCMR : 10 / 10. close.
R2 : 1-1-1-1-1-1.  rotate
R3 : 1-1-1-1-1-1. 

(make a 3^rd ring for the center)
SLT with Sh2 & Sh3 from behind the flowers**
Repeat from ** to ** to desired length.

S/SCMR : 10 / 10. close.
last R (Sh1) :12.

To finish :

Make picot rings at end of each tail, at varying distances. Make 2 overhand knots at base of each ring to secure. Tie & Cut. No tails to hide!

For variation :

Try using a thinner thread for Sh1.

Add beads.

Finish off with tassels dangling on the tail(s).

The scmr has already had such an impact on modern tatting. I hope you create many more designs using this split/scmr variation with due credit to the Houtz brothers.

Gary & Randy Houtz’s latest book, Tatting GR-8 Triangles has several different tatting techniques, such as the split/scmr and a variety of two-shuttle rings i.e. alternate thread rings, un-flipped stitch rings, wrapped rings, and others. click here for more info on their books & resources.

In Randy’s own words …

Good luck with the Split/SCMR. It has tremendous potential since it gives opportunity to place rings on both sides of a split ring…. It is a technique that enhances the art of tatting and folks should know about it.

So, let’s rally round to thank him!

Loads of thanks to Randy

for promptly and selflessly sharing the technique

with the tatting community

Many thanks to all my tatting playmates, & a great big hug to Georgia.