Talk to just about any designer in the tatting world and
picots will come up. Yes, color and negative space are discussed too, but
picots seem to always be in our minds. Picots connect rings and chains. Picots
fill negative space. Picots can add shape and decorate any element. In doilies,
picot size can make or break whether the piece lays flat, cups, or is symmetrical.
Adding beads can be accomplished with picots. One picot can provide so much
practical and decorative possibilities.
Perhaps that is one reason tatters can roll with the punches
so easily. To be sure, we have honed our ability to stubbornly work towards
goals. Anyone who has completed a doily with more than 3 rows (bigger than the
average snowflake) and strung more than 15 beads (thinking of a Nina Libinpattern) uses that streak of stubbornness. But, particularly when we’re
designing, we may start out using a picot to decorate or join elements and
realize that it needs to serve another purpose.
So, to all those weary of pivoting and rolling with the
punches as Spring 2020 turns to summer, consider a shuttle or needle and a ball
of color. Release your inner creative mind and nurture your soul with thread. Joinus tatting!
Not sure why I can’t see your pictures. Modern tatting seems to use picots more for joining and less for decoration than old fashioned tatting. Which might be missing a trick, though it gives a cleaner look.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures were part of a Wikihow post that I've used many, many times before. I doubt they're still up there. I wish I could credit the original artist that drew them. But alas, the post didn't have that info.
DeleteGood luck for your online workshop! I wish you and your tatters to have soon a coffee tea and snacks together again! (pretty pic of you! thanks!)
ReplyDeleteStringing beads can be relaxing. ;) Often when I'm too tired to focus on anything (tatting, reading, whatever) but too awake to go to sleep, I'll string beads. The repetitive motion and the color(s) are soothing, somehow. Add a little calming music, and you can string quite a lot of beads in just a few evenings. ;) Stringing beads with a specific pattern in mind, you can fill your shuttles as you string the beads.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - tatters are flexible and we pivot quite often - whenever a pivot is needed, we do it.
StephanieW