Gearing Up

I tatted two motifs by Jan Stawasz over the weekend. 

Till now, I have been intimidated beyond belief by his patterns and decided suddenly that they were the next thing to attempt on my “to tat” list.  

These two were not difficult, as there were not a lot of numbers to find and interpret. His patterns could be a lot better with more proficient diagrams; I find his diagrams appalling to read.

Once I figured out how to read the patterns, I tried to get myself into a Jan Stawasz tatting mindset, as I tatted.

His patterns are brilliantly elegant;  he has a wonderful mastery of space and balance in a design. I think that is why I have been hooked - so to speak!

Right now, I am in the process of a tatting a pattern suggested to me by Diane, my Enabler/Inspiration Person! Thanks, Diane. You have been extremely helpful in this little tatting jaunt. : ) )

When I finish the piece I am doing now, seen below, I am going to tackle a larger - 80 cm - piece! Yes, I know I said never again, but as I said, it is a challenge, and I cannot resist!

Yesterday, in a local shop,  I managed to find appropriately priced Finca 8, ( I KNOW, not the best, but local) in decent colours, for the large pattern that I am going to tackle after finishing this more modestly sized one I have in hand at the moment.

Unfortunately, I will run out of the lovely shell pink Olympus thread and will have to finish the last three rows in white - not enough white Olympus either, so might use Anchor or Lizbeth of the same weight...

Luckily, this tat is only for practice of Jan’s patterns, in order to prepare myself for the “Big One!"

The way I have familiarized myself with the pattern is by cutting and marking as I go. The only way I can cope, but it seems to be working, much to my surprise. I am finding a rhythm.