not enough?

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I’m pretty much engrossed in some other stuff but here’s a quick peek into what I did last week.

Clover  Wreath  Mats

(DIP - design in progress)

This is the one with 3 strands of embroidery thread I shared here. I’ve stopped here and will decide what to do with it later.... 

Instead I started one in Anchor size 20 (thicker than Lizbeth 20) in 2 colours. I wanted to try a swirl join in the center of each medallion but kept forgetting. So finally I remembered while tatting the 3^rd motif and used it for the center.

What do you think? The swirl seems to round up the motif, right?

I was still too focused on the original 2-colour version that demarcated the inner clover ‘flower’ surrounded by arching ‘stems with leaves’. But when tessellated, these leaves formed another small 6-petal floret which gets lost in 2 colours because the eye is drawn to the yellow flower. 

Time to try it in single colour - this time in Anchor size 40. Also, picots on the chains seemed to add some clutter, so out with them! I didn’t want to change the chain stitches, though – they arch beautifully to form a larger petal outline, don’t they?!

This one has swirl joins in all motifs.

I love how little changes go a long way in altering one’s focus. 

Colour, texture (swirl join), clean chains (picot-free) are the 3 tweaks made in this 2nd version.

Which one of these do you prefer and why ?

Hexagon is my favourite shape, and especially so for tessellation – so many possibilities ! Reminds me of quilting. One can go 'straight' or go round, with numerous in-betweens.

3 hexagons in each version for a quick comparison -

Each medallion/motif tats up pretty quickly – one a day without stretching oneself. But I wanted to experiment with an edging. I’ve sketched a few simple ones trying to outline the chain arches and even started tatting one idea. But this project is stalled for the present. Any ideas are welcome.

And before signing off, please do check the lovely earrings Carollyn made using the poinsettia  version !!! I was thrilled to see them and the model too :-)

happy tatting always J

Related Posts -

All posts on clover wreath

switch the core !

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I have a few pictorials concerning split rings waiting to be shared for some time. To get things moving, I am uploading as a post now, and will convert to pdfs soon, including the sew-free hiding of tails in SR pictorial.

When working a pattern with numerous split rings as in a braid, the shuttle that is used for the core thread empties faster than the 2^nd shuttle. Despite starting with equal lengths in both shuttles, the core thread uses up an extra length, hence the mismatch in usage.

In another scenario, we may have just enough thread in shuttle 1 to make the stitches of the ‘last’ ring but not enough to form the core.

If we are working with same colour in both shuttles, we could use an overhand knot or shoelace trick (SLT) to switch shuttles, thus emptying both shuttles equally.

But what if it is a 2-colour braid? The SLT will cause a switch in colours. It also creates the tiniest bit of knot which I personally dislike.

Following is an alternate way to optimize use of both shuttles whether working with one or more colours. I haven't seen it anywhere, and it works for me....

Switch the Core Thread

Optimizing Thread Usage in Split Ring Patterns

muskaan  © Oct, 2017

Each split ring in this braid is 8ds/8ds. There is a very small mock picot between rings.

Shuttle1 (red) – cream thread ;  Shuttle2 (blue) – variegated thread.

1. I tatted over tails on either side for a knot-free start to split ring. 

Middle path mantra was followed. 

 2. Complete the ring, tug and snip off extra tails.

 3. Next split ring is also made using shuttle1 core

 4. Continue tatting split rings normally, using shuttle1 for core thread.

5. When we get to the point when either shuttle1 thread is running out 

or we want to use up some of the shuttle2 thread, Turn the work over. 

(notice the shuttles have now switched positions).

We will now be working from the backside.

 6. Start next split ring with shuttle2 (1st side of SR made - notice core thread). 

In case of fs/bs tatting, use reverse order of stitches (RODS) - 

ie. second half stitch, first half stitch. Stitches are flipped.

7. Now work 2^nd (unflipped/reverse stitch) side with shuttle1.

Make discretionary changes in case of directional or frontside/backside tatting. 

 8. Pass shuttle2 over-under, through the ring.

This is optional. I used directional tatting, and posting the shuttle works for me.

 9. Shuttle2 is now on the ‘front side’ and ring can be closed.

10. Continue working a few rings with shuttle2 to use up same amount of thread as shuttle1, 

or add new thread (2nd scenario) as the case may be.

Notice there is absolutely no difference in and between split rings 

whether they are worked with shuttle1 or shuttle2 !!!

Hope this is of some help. 

No doubt I will inform (and update with link here) when this is converted to a pdf; but in case you miss the notification, you can always check here.

I look forward to your feedback and suggestions, or tips on how you do it. Please do share.  

I like switching options in tatting and hope you do too.

happy tatting J

pattern and idea

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Pattern for the Poinsettia is ready!

Clover Wreath Poinsettia pattern pdf

My life has been quite scattered this entire month. Hence my disappearing acts ;-P

I do try to follow along, but leaving comments has been stymied due to erratic server on my desktop. Even this pattern and it’s conversion to pdf has been through a circuitous route through multiple devices. But I’d promised Carollyn! And the silver lining is that I learned something new!

This enclosed space medallion is constituted of inward facing clovers connected with chains and thrown/floating rings.

All beads are pre-strung and moved along the picot thread (not the core thread) – Nina Libin calls them “up’ beads.

In case of any doubts or questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me.

I hope you enjoy tatting this as much as I did.

UPDATE (Nov 3, 2017): Check how Carollyn adapted the pattern into lovely earrings using size 80 thread !!! I was thrilled to see them and the model too :-)

Meanwhile, I’ve been spending time joining the clover wreath medallions into mats. One coaster is complete & I have sketched a tentative edging for it. Need to put it to shuttles.

But here’s a peek into a bunting formation – just right for the holiday season if the colours are changed. Add a ribbon or straight header for hanging.  And if one wants triangles, simply join another medallion at the tip.

Here’s wishing I get more good days out of the server connection than bad ones :-D

My apologies for delays in responding to emails … 

happy tatting and  hope to stay in touch J