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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