Here is what happened, starting at the end:
I liked Stephanie' idea of using a dds instead of a regular ds for the loooong chains. It works. This is Tally Tatty's vintage DMC #80 thread and it is great to work with. So smooth and consistent after the Lizbeth.
I thought I'd try the dds method with the Lizbeth, but decided the chains looked choppy with the variegated thread, though I like the colours, so I ditched the thread for the green.
Here's how the first go-around worked out with the mistakes in the chain count:
So, here I am with litte done after a lot of work, but I have realized, I am tatting as if I'm in a race! Crazy fast. Why? No idea.
This time, with the green thread, I am tatting super slow and really, really paying attention. I believe you can see the difference in the quality of the stitches. Clap if you agree!
It is time to slow it down and concentrate more, appreciating ever little ds. Otherwise, what’s the point? And Bob’s your uncle.
It is time to slow it down and concentrate more, appreciating ever little ds. Otherwise, what’s the point? And Bob’s your uncle.
**Clapping here!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so jealous at how gorgeous those long chains are!!! :) Will have to try that next attempt!!! :) Thanks for the inspiration!!!
It does work, Sue! Try it!
DeleteI do see the difference in the evenness of your stitches with the green thread. Anything worth doing is worth doing right, so take your time.
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't green the perfect color for something called "Lucky Clover"?
Exactly, Miranda, on both counts! : ))
DeleteThey both look very nice. I think I like the green one better, but it may be because somewhere in my head 'clover' needs to be 'green.' ;-) I haven't tried the DDS with variegated threads yet, but the color changes would be much sooner, since the DDS uses more thread. Not sure I'd be happy with the way it looked, either. I'll have to try that next. I kind of like the extra bit of chain in the center of the Lizbeth one. I wonder if an 8-petal 'flower' would fill in the little circle in the center.... ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooking good!
Regards to Mr. G.
StephanieW
Thanks, Stephanie, but the centre is really loose and floppy. Maybe rings or weaving would tighten it up. If I get inspired I may play with it. : )
DeleteI'm clapping! The green one does look nicer and more even. Long chains are a pain! I never like them as it's so difficult to get them looking really smooth. Not only that, these are long chains that need to be straight when tatted chains want to curve… extra difficult! :-)
ReplyDeleteOooh, thanks, Frivole! I love applause! : ))
DeleteDear Fox, I think that that color is still being made and available. But the little ball is vintage. I have no idea what a dds is, but it looks good. I am overworked right now. I have not tatted in ages.
ReplyDeleteDouble double stitch, and it isn't as easy as it looks! :D Well done, Fox!
ReplyDeleteI'm clapping long and loud! I love the way the green looks. I have Lucky Clover stashed away here somewhere. It's in blue, of course, and I know I stopped working on it because of those long chains. I'll have to try that dds and see if it helps me.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point that the double double stitch might work better with plain colour than variegated. I know what you mean, I sometimes find myself hurrying along for absolutely no reason. There's no deadline, nothing is chasing....
ReplyDeleteHi Fox
ReplyDeleteCan you hear me clapping, the green looks so nice and better, well done
I like the variegated thread, but for this pattern perhaps not.
Love to Gian
Margaret
Thank you Tatters! I believe I heard you ... And it helps!
ReplyDeleteFox : ))
Clap! Clap! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWho is Bob?
ReplyDeleteEnglish rhyming slang... : )
DeleteHere in France, I can't find Lizbeth. I have only DMC because, it's a french company. Your opinion about thread is interesting, because I wonder about the difference.
ReplyDeleteHi Lilas,
DeleteIf you email me your address, I'll send you a few samples!
Fox : ))
That's very kind of you, but postal charges are expensive. If I am reasonable, I am going to content myself of DMC. But I suppose, I'll end up ordering across the Atlantic!
DeleteLilas, Really, it is fine! I have sent samples before. Though not a lot of thread, about 12 yards is not expensive to send and a few wrapped bobbins will give you an idea if you like Lizbeth! Send me your Addy!
DeleteFox : ))
clap clap clapping!!
ReplyDeleteOk i'll bite, how do you the double double stitch?? and do you count it as one stitch? or two?
i think i see where you are talking about on the variegated one, but not sure. I have only been tatting for a few years and still have not been able to deceiver some of the stitches and joins.
Lots online! Here is just one, by Jane E:
Deletehttp://www.janeeborall.freeservers.com/doubledouble.pdf
I think Ruth Perry called it a balanced double stitch http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2008/ruthplongringchains.pdf in 2008 (Jane E's is 2009).
ReplyDelete