Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Heart is Blue

For Misha
#16 Motif Challenge 

Well, I've got to say, this is mighty appropriate!

In the design course, we were to take a snowflake pattern and come up with a heart from the pattern.  So, I looked at what I had dome with the pink motif and it was derived from a snowflake shape until I had to remove two of the repeats to make a square.

Using the square, I modified it furthur and this is what happened. No doubt this is beginner's luck, never to be repeated, as I knew exactly what to do and skipped the software stage entirely, going only to my shuttles to produce the heart.  Sorry Sharon!

The software I have - for free - is for a PC and I find it too time-consuming and difficult to use.  Until I a) get an Apple or b) find new software, I am going to have to use photos blown up or hand draw patterns.  I just cannot take the time I need to use the existing programme, and believe me, I am NOT a quitter!  I have given it my best, gung ho effort! 

On looking at this design again, I think I might try it with the silver do-hickey in the centre at the top of the heart  instead of so low... I think that would be better....

Miranda suggested I tat something in memory of Mish.  Thank you, my friend, it did indeed  help a lot. 

31 comments:

  1. Such a pretty design. Of course you knew exactly how to do this one, because it came straight from the heart (no pun intended). Misha is looking down from somewhere, knowing that you made this for him.

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  2. It turned out great! I don't remember a heart being part of our course, but I know it was in the class before. Could be I missed it too since I got hung up on the drawing part. I'm still trying to figure out the drawing part!

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  3. You did great!
    When I get an idea for something, I just made a sketch of it and start tatting. The complete diagram only comes after I have completed it.

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  4. What a beautiful heart pattern you have created!
    Love the colors and the beads that you incorporated into it. I see a new designer in the making. Looking forward to more of your great creations. (I, too, don't remember having to create a heart from a snowflake design. But then I was having problems with the drawing program itself.)

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  5. Il est vraiment très beau et je pense que Misha dans son paradis des chats est très fier de vous.... Vos couleurs utilisées en ce moment sont magnifiques...

    A bientot

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  6. This heart is bursting with love and (tho' curious to see how the new filigree element placement may affect the design) you shouldn't change a thing. Except to create a second design, of course.

    *applause* Well done!

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  7. Fox, que hermosa sorpresa, yo pense que era el mismo motivo que el rosa y hoy me encuentro con este hermoso corazón. Eres muy creativas.

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  8. Oh wow, it's lovely! MY eyebrows went up just from seeing the thumbnail before I clicked on your post.

    I'm curious about the software... but I don't use a Mac or Windows, so I doubt it would work on my OS, anyway.

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  9. Really pretty! I love the way you're incorporating the silver metal into your designs. And of course it's even more special since it's in memory of your Misha.

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  10. Oh! This is truly beautiful!!

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  11. That is absolutely gorgeous and you have done so well!

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  12. A very special Blue Heart! - I looked at it for quite a while, and I think I agree with you, to try the silver bit at the top - because it is the focal point, isn't it?
    We had a Blue Moon here a couple of weeks ago, and I'm ambivalent about those. I have a theory that the moon, in some of it's phases, gets a bit too close for comfort, because the grass grew about 2 inches, and so did my hair. That necessitated an unscheduled haircut, and to top it off, I have begun to notice that the Moon Makes Migraines Much More Malevolent.
    So perhaps next time your muse is upon you, you could design a Blue Moon for me.
    Just to bring it down to earth, so I could tat it, squash it in my pocket, and dare it to bring mayhem into my life again.

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  13. That's a pretty heart (and I'm not a heart person). What software are you using? You shouldn't have to get a Mac in order to draw your diagrams (no matter what Jane E. and Mark might say).

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  14. Hi, Jeff,
    Thank you!
    I am using the freebie from Sans Serif. I find it impossible unfriendly!
    If you have any suggestions, I am open to trying anything that will not break the bank.
    Fox : )

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  15. Oh, wow, Fox, you have done a marvoulous job! I was oooing and awwing from the moment I saw it. Isn't it great when something like this just jumps, complete, into your mind? Beautiful heart in beautiful colors.

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  16. Fox, this is BEAUTIFUL!!! Personally, I like the silver do-hickey right where it is - the negative space is very pleasing. I really think you hit this one out of the park on the first try!
    :) Ann

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  17. You Guys Rock!!!

    Thank you so much for these great comments.

    I am so happy with this result - especially as it has such meaning for me.

    I am delighted that YOU like it as well.
    ♥ Fox : )

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  18. Ooh that turned out amazing! I love the colors (:

    I didn't know there was software for designing!
    What program is it?

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  19. This gorgeous heart and its pattern should be named: MISHA!!!

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  20. Wow beautiful heart, love the colour and the pattern well done,
    Margaret

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  21. Tattingrid, Thanks! But, of course, that has been its name from the first stitch! ♥

    Anika, There is no specific software for designing that I am aware of, but there are a lot of DRAWING programmes out there and lots are free. Even MSPaint can be used. I used Serif Plus. Free on-line. n Good luck!
    Fox : )

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  22. Maureen, Just so you know... I have been drawing little moons on everything!

    Perhaps I can produce a pattern to prevent that persistent and painful problem.

    Have patience and it could potentially be a possibility!
    Thanks for the exercise!
    ♥ Fox ; ))

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  23. What a lovely, lovely heart pattern! And so special <3

    I suggest Inkscape (http://inkscape.org/) for drawing graphics. It is open source and available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

    But I agree with Jon, the pretty diagramming comes after the design is complete on thread and paper...

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  24. You have created a beautiful heart for your beloved cat.

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  25. Wow, Fox! That is one neat heart design!

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  26. The blue heart is stunning! Can't believe it's just beginner's luck! Love the entire combo - beads, blue threads and the filigree in the centre.

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  27. Sorry, I totally forgot to check this post again after I last commented. I really don't have any suggestions for a good drawing program. I use Serif DrawPlus, which, I believe is the paid version of what you are using. I think I paid $20 for it. Until someone makes a drawing program specifically for drawing tatting patterns, all I can suggest is to practice with whatever program you decide to use.

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  28. Thanks, Jeff. I know. I know. But those lines.... I suppose I should just sit down and bite the bullet. No patience for that program.
    Fox : (

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