Square Motif - Take Two

Here it is, on its own:  the second round of the square motif from the previous post.  The centre is surprisingly small, isn't it?  It wouldn't need much at all to be added.  And I think I could make this into a one-pass motif, which would be even better!

At first I didn't like the fact that the small rings were attached a bit low onto the corner elements.  Do you know what I mean?  They are leaning down a bit.  So I debated whether to make another sample and move where the rings attach by a couple of stitches...

But that was until I photographed it on a dark background:

I love the diamond shape that emerges within the square one and I think if I moved the join of the small rings, it would alter this lovely shape.  On the other hand, I might trying joining the picots on the chains below the trefoils as they touch anyway and look a bit superfluous like that.

I really like this.  I might tat a few to put together... if I don't get distracted by something else!

Oh, nearly forgot:  here is a scan of the photo of this motif as it is shown in Anne Orr's book.

So yes, the two motifs "fit" together but look at those chains... I don't like to be too critical... but they're a bit like spaghetti, aren't they?!  And see how the outer chain of the trefoil is pulled out of shape as well by being attached to the small rings? 

And we finally had snow for the first time this winter!  All schools were closed today and not many people went to work.  It feels so peaceful with all that lovely soft snow all around.  I went sledging with the family.  Wonderful.

And I decided to let the little blue butterfly fly away...  He was very pretty but I thought he might be getting in the way sometime...

Best wishes,

Frivole

Vintage Patterns

I don't know if you find this too but sometimes when I tat vintage patterns, the stitch count just doesn't work for me.  It also happens occasionally with newer patterns but less often it seems to me.

I was looking through my books last night and was inspired by this square motif (yes, square, of course!).  It is to be found in Anne Orr's Classic Tatting Patterns.  In my next post, I will also show you a picture of the motif in the book because it's interesting but for now, just look at the photo below.

Nope, this will not flatten out.  No chance.  There is just too much tension between the elements.

I had to stop there and re-consider my options...

... snip, snip, snip...

The centre of this motif is quite simple and traditional:  a good place to start.  But it's the second round that particularly appeals to me.  Now that I've "freed" them from each other, you can see that these two motifs with the stitch count as it is were never going to fit together, were they.  Well, they did for Anne Orr obviously (though you'll see what happens when I show you the photo next post) but not with my tatting.

My plan is to re-tat the second round first and then make a centre for it.  Yes?

And then there is just a bit more on Jane's TIAS.  Still not much to go by to try to guess what it is.  The one good thing though is that it required a split chain which I'd not tatted since making the video for it (this is the method shown to me by Marie Smith).  I was able to do it without having to refer to the video - yeah!- and it worked well!  I know many tatters shy away from split chains but honestly, give Marie's method a try, I'm sure you'll find it's easier than you thought!

Oh, one last thing:  is anyone having problems with the butterfly cursor?  I've had one reader say the links on my blog didn't work with the butterfly...  I like it myself but I won't keep it if it's problematic.  Please let me know!

Best wishes,

Frivole