Monday, May 18, 2009

Newest Addition to the LAMP - Black Magic #2


That's it. It will have to do for now. I am thoroughly done with Black Magic. I do not know why this piece caused such grief, but I do know if I don't leave it alone, I will never tat again!

It started out beautifully - even and smooth and no mistakes - then all of a sudden, I was retro-tatting every few stitches and then whole parts of the piece.

Dreadful and unfortunate mood swings ensued.

I was not pleasant company. I ground my teeth at night.

Why does that happen - that stumbling into territory one thought was not unfamiliar anymore? There is such randomness to the occurrence of the shift to the Dark Side.

I really thought this attempt would be easier and more relaxing. I thought I would enjoy the process, as there are no tricky moves like SSSR's, dimpled rings or cluny leaves.
Just simple tatting, I thought.

Well, I was mistaken, but I am glad I persevered through this second attempt. I am pleased with the result, and my tatting has improved. This one is not as floppy; the tension is better, and the stitches are more uniform. It was well worth the effort.

The good news is that I did NOT have to add thread. That would have put me over the top as I do not excel at that particular skill. This is what was left at the end.



Just made it. Wound on an Aero shuttle

I have to say, I love the finished article. Black Magic is a beauty!

Numera Una
on the
LAMP OF FAME


~Fox ~~~Aspiring Adept of TATROMANCY (magical meanderings with rings, chains and picots)~~~

9 comments:

  1. I have experienced that during the 'bookmark' phase this year. One would be really troublesome; and, I'd do another (same pattern)~ nothing fancy ~ and it seemed every other stitch was retrotat..or worse adding thread...
    I know some can get in a "zone" and tat people some pieces "not thinking".. Not me, I have to focus, and not be distracted. But sometimes, it just "fident dit" LOL Those days, I begin outlining that counted x-stitch which is finished except for that! X Bev

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  2. I hope this one is for YOU, given all the trouble you've taken with it! You know, the wedding hanky edging I made for my daughter-in-law is very similar to this but only one side of the pattern and then a second different row was added. I think it's called Bridesmaids in a Row. Yes, I had to focus on it and would not tat on it unless I was in the mood to give it all my attention. Good for you! Now tat something more relaxing!

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  3. It's stunning. Really stunning. Do hope you do another sometime. Adding threads to your work shouldn't be a big problem. Contact me if you want help.

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  4. It is beautiful! I cut mine off last night. I'll have to start over. I made a mistake, and when I tried to retro-tat I shredded the thread. I think I'll concentrate on my Spinning Wheel for now. I don't have to think about it as much!

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  5. It looks lovely! Yes, that black magic pattern is so confusing at times, isn't it?

    You did a great job.

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  6. Very elegant! What a nice addition to the lampshade!!

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  7. Your works are wonderful.
    congratulations

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  8. I am glad you persevered. It is too pretty a design not to finish it.

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  9. Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments! I appreciate your visit and the time you took to respond. Your words encourage me so very much.

    Jane, I just may take you up on your offer. I have lots of books etc., but adding threads properly eludes me..... :( Fox

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