What an impetuous move! I can hardly believe I did that! (Maybe steeking, in my knitting past, was training for just this event???)
After I had cut out the offending bits, I started to panic and nearly wept, deciding I might not be able to fix what I had done. Oh, it was not a pretty sight, let me tell you!
Nearly, very nearly, did I toss the thing down the garbage chute... I have done this sort of thing in the past...
Anyway, I had a cup of tea and went to work on the damage and then put it aside till the morning, when I looked it over with fresh eyes.
You know, I could not find the spot! Really! I have begun the final row, and I have looked a couple of times over the entire circle (holding my breath each time!) and I cannot spot the error yet. There is an obvious mistake, as there is a wee missing bit that still needs to be mended and I have not found it. This is a good omen!
Here is the unblocked piece at the end of the row, just before I began the final round:
I have decided to go with a new ball of the honey-coloured thread, instead of red, which I found to be too heavy, sombre looking.
Also, I had been planning to add the same red beads used earlier, which were quite a deep red. When my friend from North Carolina sent that wonderful package, there were bright, red beads included; I have chosen to use them, as the piece can carry this brighter red in the last row. It subtly adds a little extra life to the piece.
The new LaCossette shuttle, ordered to help me through the final push to finish Honey Napkin, arrived just in time this morning!
Aha! I just found it in the photo, but I cannot find it on the real deal!
This is really what I'd call an "epic tat"!! Imagine the sense of satisfaction (and relief?!!) when you finally complete it. My hat off to you for keeping at it!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness you are doing such an awesome job on that gorgeous doily!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been peering at a blow-up of the photo, and I can't see the mistake! So it will be part of the whole, to show that it was indeed Made by Hand.
ReplyDeleteThe Qld tatter who brought hers to show at our last meeting said that she really missed it when it was done - took her a while to settle into a new project.
If I were you, I wold frame it and keep it. It would look stunning.
Maureen, thank you for doing that! I was hoping someone would report back that they had blown it up and had a good look. Was curious if anyone could find the spot and I am rather glad you didn’t see it. Even if you had, I plan to leave it alone and just finished the blasted thing!
DeleteFox : ))
Yeay for being almost done! I have found in the past that although some errors are absolutely glaring when first discovered, they tend to blend into the piece once it is completed, especially for a piece as big as this one! Can't wait to see the finished mat.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, Fox! Let me give you a virtual BIG HUG. Glad seeing this doily with fresh eyes in the morning helps you get back into perspective and completing it. The red beads are refreshing.
ReplyDeleteWell then, stop looking!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful piece already, just go and finish it.
Ha ha ... this coming from someone, who has cut off rounds just because I don't like the way it looks! You must be shaking your head reading this, ha ha.
It is looking so good! Aren't you glad you kept going? (--or maybe you should wait to answer until you're done with that last row!) Mistake?? Maybe needs left as is since it can't be found. Congratulations on doing such large project and sticking with it. Karen in OR
ReplyDeleteI let some mistakes just slide. I remember from back in my quilting days that the Amish purposely have a mistake in every quilt, just to remind them that only God is perfect. Isn't that a great way to put mistakes in perspective?
ReplyDeleteI love that shuttle!
The Navajo also purposefully incorporate a mistake in their art for the same reason, to acknowledge the Creator’s hand in everything.
DeleteHeheheh - YOU could have one of these pretties, Diane... I KNOW you want one! LaCossette would happily make you one, I am sure!
Fox : ))
Thank you, thank you, thank you dear tatting buddies for sticking with me throughout the ordeal! I could not have made it this far without your help!
ReplyDeleteFox : )
Hi Fox
ReplyDeleteI was told that mistake makes the item unique, I did a cross stitch picture and the ivy leaves should have been light in the middle then the medium and dark green on the outside, I had put the medium green in the middle and then the light, as I had done several leaves, I was told leave it no one else would have done that so it's unique to you.
Does not always work as mistakes can show and need to be changed, I feel for you as you have done so much and got so far with the honey mat. You still have a master piece and an heirloom for your family in years to come.
Have a nice weekend.
Love to Gian
Hugs Margaret
Wow, this is looking great, and I love the red beads on the honey. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI had always heard that 'fable' that to attempt to create something perfect would incur the wrath of the gods, so therefore, mistakes made should be left in one's work. I had heard the same as Diane with regards to the Amish, but then I also read an article quoting the Amish that told that they do not put mistakes into their work, but that because they are human, mistakes will happen. For the Amish to deliberately put an error into a quilt would be arrogant, because that would mean they considered themselves capable of creating something perfect. I don't know what to believe now. But, when I find a mistake in my work,(and that's quite often! lol) I usually leave it in my project. It shows it's definitely hand-made.
I say, if you have to look that hard to try to find the mistake . . . no one else is even going to notice it! :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is looking very nice! I do know how you feel though. The mistakes I make in my knitting/crocheting just eat at me, but I'm trying to learn that if they are small enough, barely noticeable and the piece can be finished without the mistake being fixed to just go with it. Trying being the key word there! :) If I catch it early enough, I will tear it out to fix it, though! ;)
I really must learn to tat, even if it is just to have a reason to get a collection of those pretty shuttles! :)
It is a very good reason to take up tatting! I love my shuttles. : )
DeleteThis is such an awesome project, and will be an gorgeous finished doily. I think I found the tiny error, when I blew up the photo. I think that with a bit of dampening and blocking you won't ever find it.
ReplyDeleteThose beads will be perfect in the last row. How wonderful that you are on the last round.
I once had a very nice Priest tell me that the Mass is only valid if there are at least 7 mistakes in it. he he. So I fret less over small goofs after that.
This is going to be worthy of museum display when you have finished.
Thanks for that, Ladytats.
DeleteFox : ))
Hey Fox! It appears that a ring is twisted or flipped - NOT a mistake! Look below and to the left of the first red bead on the new row. If my observation is correct, blocking should resolve the problem; a simple fix. In any event, your honey napkin is a wonderful project that we who have been monitoring your progress look forward to seeing completed. Don't give up now, you can succeed with this!
ReplyDeleteHey Randi - Good eyes! I do know there are actually a few of those in there, but I am waiting till the bitter end to block it. You’re right: should take care of all the twisty bits. Thanks!
DeleteFox ; )
Ok, after spending a good length of time looking, I found an extra repeat minus the joining ring on the bottom near at the top of the first picture. I agree with everyone else and think no one will notice. The only reason I saw it was for some strange reason I took it as a challenge. This piece is stunning! It has been a pleasure watching you accomplish such a thing of beauty.
ReplyDelete