Friday 10 May 2013

Thinking Ahead

I've not yet completed my current large project (the Butterfly Doily) but I'm getting itchy fingers already and started to think about what new large project I will be tackling next.

I'm not going to go round the next time.  I think I'd like a rectangle.  So it's likely it will be made from many motifs assembled together with a border.

I tatted the one below before which is from Jan Stawasz's first book.  I still like it and it may be the one!    So I'm tatting it again in different colours and threads to try to decide which to use...

I feel that I want a change from the ecru I'm currently using.  But then I quite like larger pieces to be traditional and timeless, so is cream or ecru a better option? (I'm afraid I don't like white!).  Opinions would be welcome.




I managed to make mistakes in both the samples above.  For some reason I couldn't get my head around the stitch count of the outer rings and kept putting one picot too many!  

I also feel I may have to tat this FS/BS due to the opposing rings in this design which would mean you'd have one front-side on and the other back-side facing if tatted with the traditional method.  

As there are no directions in his books, just diagrams, I'm not sure how he made the motifs himself but I didn't want to have to cut and tie between the two rounds so I used a split chain which I now feel really comfortable with since learning Marie Smith's Method.  I used to dread split chains but since learning Marie's method, they are a piece of cake!  Oh, how I love the internet and all the resources therein!  Including all the wonderful tatters who share their knowledge.

Now, of course, I have plenty of time to change my mind before I start this next large project but this one is definitely a possibility.

Best wishes,
Frivole

9 comments:

  1. Jan Stawasz= many mistakes! But, the patterns, once conquered, are so beautiful,

    I just watched the split-chain video - wow! That looks like a good method. I use the old way, which you even gave me good grades on, but I will definitely try this new one. Thanks!
    Fox : )

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    1. Yes Fox, and you really have to work hard at deciphering the tiny, badly printed numbers on the diagrams! But I can only agree: definitely worth it.

      The split chain method is wonderful, I highly recommend it (there are two versions for each of which I made a video: traditional tatting and FS/BS tatting so the stitches all look perfectly the same). It's just GREAT!

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  2. I like ecru but it can be dull to work with, however the final result is so worth it and you won't have a daughter bemoaning the fact that the gorgeous piece of tatting is lilac and she doesn't have anywhere for it!

    I learned the split chain from your video too and really like them now. Mi've got two projects in mind for them!

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  3. that is a nice design and will look good joined together for a larger piece.
    I would agree to the FS/BS for this.
    I am not a fan of ecru (shudder), but a cream or silver gray would be pretty

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  4. I hate ecru, always have, I would rather used white than ecru. I don't mind a cream or a solid colour but I love the variegated threads the best.
    I rather like the second one in the browny shade, well it looks a brown on my iPad, it seems to have more going for it than the green.
    I am still hoping to get his book,
    Margaret

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  5. I love ecru for doilies vs. white OR cream, but I usually stick with earthy tones throughout my home. My mom, however, prefers white. I agree with you on the "traditional and timeless" thought.

    Love both motifs - but JS patterns do cause me some grief too. I better learn that split chain - I've been sort of avoiding it :)

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  6. Both your motifs are lovely!

    I have never done a *big* tatted piece, but to me the colour choice has more to do wih where it will be used...

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  7. I love that motif! I prefer cream over ecru, but I suppose it all depends on the look you're trying to achieve. I'm sure whatever you choose will look beautiful!

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