Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Hacking The Hump

The last row of the Jan Stawasz doily was not working and I could not figure out why. Then I saw it.

Suddenly I realized I had tatted only 5 picots instead of 6 on repeating middle chains all around the last row!

There was no way I was going to cut the previous round, so I only snipped what I had done so far on the last row. That was quite enough exercise with the scissors.

Behold! I like it better than the original! Joy! (Mind, just my opinion! I don't mean to diss the pattern.)


You can see the different shapes, mine and Jan Stawasz’s in the photo.

I am not fond of edges that go up in a peak, or a humpy shape, as does the design that was intended. By having only 5 picots to work with, my edging has a more gentle slope to each element, a shape I much prefer.

This will take a while because of all the beads. They are tiny and the thread is #30 Cèbèlia, of which I have a lot, thanks to Sally.

 However, it frays and splits badly because the hook I must use is a #4. That is VERY tiny. Very dangerous! So, I am taking my time. Ah, it’s always something...

18 comments:

  1. It's looking pretty. Mind, your effort will be well worth it in the end if it all works out fine. Take your time. :)

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  2. I like the new shape. Very smart of you to figure out the problem. It will be just right when it is finished.

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  3. It's a very elegant piece - you are so clever with colours!

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  4. Great save! I bet it's also the beads contributing to the original hump - they would change the shape a bit, wouldn't they? But now you've solved it. :-)

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  5. it's lovely as it is, I like the beads you chose, very very nice, as usual. And for the rest, do you remember Fox and the Grapes? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_and_the_Grapes) :))

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    1. Really? You think it is "sour grapes?" I hope not! I actually prefer the other shape, always have, if you look at my tatting history! But, I'll give it some more thought.
      : ))

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  6. Well done! I'm glad you could find a way of proceeding without cutting the previous row or giving up.

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  7. I love that way you have modified the last row. Does not look as cramped. Great save.

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  8. Hi Fox

    Well done for sorting the pattern and finding a way without sniping it off, I looked at the picture not sure it might be the way the photo is but I saw a tiny little mistake on the last row, I don't think it will show when finished. Don't you go fretting and sniping as I say it might the way it's laying.
    Love to Gian.
    Margaret

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  9. Just lovely!!! I love your beads they add just the right touch of elegance.

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  10. You know I have that book too, and he does a fine job and good style but he never seemed to use fine thread like you do and that to me really makes things look better.

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  11. I like how you've adapted the pattern to work with the 5 picots. The edge is smoother, too. I prefer the smoother look. Colors look great, too.
    StephanieW

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  12. Thank you, Tatters, for such lovely comments. : )
    Fox

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  13. Your doily looks beautiful(as I knew it would!!!)!! :)
    Patience is a virtue so taking your time means it will be awesome when finished!!! :)

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  14. Despite all your misgivings, I like it a lot! Oh, those cute little beads!!

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  15. Beautiful! I have to agree with you - your version has a gentler outer edge and looks prettier.

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