sparkling and tinkling

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#11 & #12A in Land of Laces’ 25 Snowflake Project

A week has passed since I last worked on the computer. I have posted 2 snowflake projects on facebook just so I don’t miss out since I only have 1 ‘free’ Sunday left ;-D Lots of patterns to write out…

I am taking this opportunity to post at least one pattern here – a 2D bell. When the 3D version is reworked and written out, I’ll combine both into a pdf.

The MatheMagical pattern has turned out to be quite versatile indeed – stars, tree, bells (and a possible angel, and later a coaster/doily, in future!!!). 

I first made a bell in silver metallic, without changing the original tree count (from which it is directly derived). Turned out to be a bit tubular. Then I took courage and tweaked the chain count and am so much happier with this version in gold! My tatting excitement has returned as well, lol.

MatheMagical Bell (2D) pattern

ctm - continuous thread ; - - picot ; dnrw - do not reverse work ; + - join ; rw - reverse work ; SS - switch shuttle.

Please let me know if you encounter any mistakes.

In the image below, the inset model shows sequence of working from A to P.

Black letters/numbers indicate rings while red shows chains.

2 shuttles, ctm.  1 teardrop bead on shuttle1.

Starting with shuttle1,

A Ring   : 8 – 7 – 1. dnrw

B Ring   : 1 +(A) 6 – 7. rw

C Chain : 9 – 7. rw

D Ring  : 6 +(B) 6. dnrw

E Ring  : 5 – 5. rw

F Chain : 6 – 4. rw

G Ring  : 4 +(E) 4. dnrw, SS

H Chain: 8. dnrw, SS

I Ring   : 4 – 4. rw

J Chain : 4 +(F) 6. rw

K Ring  : 5 +(I) 5. dnrw

L Ring  : 6 – 6. rw

M Chain: 7 +(C) 9. rw

N Ring  : 7 +(L) 6 – 1. dnrw

O Ring  : 1 +(N) 7 – 8. dnrw, SS

P Chain : 11 teardrop 11.

Join to starting space, tie, cut and hide ends. 

  

Snowflake Sparkle

And this is my 11^th snowflake where I’ve cheated a bit (I didn’t actually tat a new model this time, but will do so this week)…. 

If you remember, it is a 2015 pattern which I improved in 2017 but the updated pattern still hasn’t been shared. This image is from 2017 and I want to tat a new model in metallic thread before I feel confident of sharing the revised pattern.

Keep the tinkling sparkle in your smile :-)))

changing chain curves

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The outermost round of Rosette Enchained (shown in previous post) pattern is a chain where the middle segment faces inwards. Since the side segments face outwards, we can consider them as convex, and this middle one as concave.

Please note that convex/concave is relative to a specific design and reference point in case of tatting. For instance this example by Sabina Carden-Madden.

Changing Chain Curves : Convex and Concave

click here to download in pdf format

There are various ways of accomplishing this change in curve, and I wanted to experiment with each to compare the effect. It’s always good to have a menu of options, allowing the tatter to choose based on project or skill specifications.

• The first 4 methods can be done while working with a ball and single shuttle, but the 5^th one needs 2 shuttles.
• Some create a sharper point at the changeover.
• Some methods create a mono-colour chain, or the main shuttle colour can show up in the concave segment.
• For directional (fs/bs) tatting, the concave segment is usually tatted backside.

Do you have any other method to share? I would love to hear it.

IDEAS : Any of these methods can be used to create a long undulating chain. One can use it as a bookmark tail. Or each long chain can be linked to previous one to create a broader lace or latticed/reticulate fabric. Add beads and picots for a wonderful effect.

UPDATE: Bonnie Swank has demonstrated these options in Needle Tatting - video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ9BRdZ2Zl8 .

Related Posts

Chains in shuttle tatting  

Chains in shuttle tatting pdf 

catching up

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well, I’m trying to in my own small way.

Firstly, a very special thanks to Jane McLellan!!! I had asked for volunteers for the tree pattern and within hours she had sent me her feedback and observations – she even test tatted it. Very valuable in smoothening out the presentation. A friend InDeed.

So, here’s the link to the MatheMagical Tree pdf

And good news… It will be published in a newsletter for Christmas. Will give you details after it is published, since I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise ;-)

Here’s the collage of my 10^th snowflake for Land of Laces' 25 Snowflake Project - 

Rosette Enchained Snowflake and Ice Drop

You might remember the prototype from earlier this year. Since I couldn’t concentrate on a completely new design despite starting quite a few (bobbins all engaged!), it was a good time to finalise the ice drop. I’ll let you know when the pattern is ready. However, watch out for my next post where I will be showcasing options on how to change the direction of the chain in outermost round.

This time I deliberately went with 2 colours (both Lizbeth 20) for the ice drop. The bottom left shows the cab from the back. It would good as a pendant, wouldn't it?!

Hope to be back soon with some more progress on this front...