Taking a Break..

Tatting something simple that used to confound me...  I remember this pattern from where I do not know.  I think it must be one of those ubiquitous shapes from many books and online sites.  I like it.

 #17

Next up:

#18

Anyone recognize this pattern?

Anon,

Centering

I have become smitten with centres.  There is something I must be figuring out,  but whether it has something to do with tatting or is just my own curious life learning style, I cannot be sure.  Whatever; I cannot stop looking at the centres of everything.  I am captivated!

Anon,

Quality Takes Back Seat To Speed

 Winding down at the end of the weekend I took a shuttle to another neighbourhood cafe and this one is not a particularly welcoming place;  I find it a bit snooty.

So, because in the beginning I felt a bit awkward tatting in a corner, getting odd looks, I decided I would just concentrate on how much of the Lupins pattern I could tat in an hour, not worrying about anything but speed and getting the pattern right. 

Here is the result of that hour:

#16 MC

It isn't pretty but I am pleased that I get the roll tatting.  It actually is surprisingly simple, after all that angst,  though I am not tatting fs/bs.  Too confusing for me at this point, but I now know I will in the future.

For anyone out there who wants to try this technique, I would suggest that you do not do the ten rolls  at a time that everyone seems to find works for them, but rather five!  When I switched to rolling only five at a time, I found the whole process much, much  smoother.

I find using a good 6-ply thread infinitely better than the 3-ply - which I am beginning to shun.  OHH, just listen to that uppity tone!  And I thought the folks in the cafe were bad!

Really, I am getting very picky about thread.  This could be an ominously expensive transition...

Anon,

Ludicrous Lupins

In the old days, I would be said to suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder Syndrome, I am sure.  I get SO bored with repetition, and the Lupine pattern is a great example of how, when I get the hang if it, before perfecting something, I will start to play around, manipulating the very thing I am trying to master! Yes, I am determined and obsessive, but I fear I am also afflicted with "kitchomania"!  

Some have to deal with junk food addiction. Me, I  am addicted to tatting glitz.  Beads, buttons, baubles - all the things a crow can see a mile away. Bling. There I have said it: 

My name is Fox, and I am addicted to kitch.

See that little red charm?  I found it at work hiding with some buttons ages ago and absconded with it, thinking it would be useful for some tatted thing, sometime. Last night I was tatting away at the Lupins and my mind flashed on that trinket.

Perfect to tat into the not-yet-perfected  Lupin pattern, of course!  There you have it.

I am pleased that I sort of figured out how to tat the butterfly into the pattern, but shall cut it out and hopefully do this again  when the skill has gelled somewhat!

One last thing here:  Mary Konior's designs astound me.  As I was tatting this pattern I marvelled at how anyone would have thought this up.  Where on earth did she get the idea to twist and turn the thread to produce this wonderful effect?  Roll tatting aside, the shape is unique and pure Konior.  It is a splendid design.

Next: My daughter is not big on tatting,. but always encourages me in whatever adventure I am embarking upon, tatting being no different. So, in addition to other things I have mailed off to her, to celebrate a milestone birthday later this month, I included this.

I kept the beads to a demure minimum, but managed to use two different colours.  Ah, well... it's a beginning.

Keeping my fingers crossed that she does not check in to this post!

 

Sharon's pattern from her "Marvellous Motifs book.  #14 Motif Challenge

Following  the Lupine escapade,  I had one of those moments of delirium I am sure we tatters all experience at some point.  Out of nowhere, I suddenly realized I had forgotten how to tat a SSSR!  I knew with certainty that I would have to re-learn the technique. Of course it was now well into the wee hours, but no matter.

Out came the computer to check  AnneB's U-Tube video. (Brilliant!)
The shuttle was loaded.
Surprise!

#15

Melt down averted, I was able to sleep....

Anon,