Normally, I dislike patterns I need to fuss with to make it work for my tatting style. That’s probably why I don’t tat more vintage patterns. I figure if a designer puts down a ring of 8 DS, I shouldn’t need to tat only 7 DS to make the final piece lay flat or look right. I understand that I tat tighter than many tatters. So, when I come across a pattern that doesn’t work with the published stitch count, I assume (yes, I know a dangerous stance) that something isn’t right.
I came across a pattern in a book of crosses that I’ve
wanted to explore for some time. The end points of each arm/leg/top are split
rings. Easy enough, right? Well, the pattern as published has those split rings
with 8 DS on each side. One side has 3 picots, so if you do picots the Jan
Stawasz way, that changes how many times the thread wraps around the core. I
tried the pattern both ways. It was no go. I used a different tension. No go. I
even tried using a different brand of thread that is just ever so less a
diameter. No go. I finally just changed the stitch count.
Why should this matter so much?
Because my design style depends on stitch count. There are
some pieces I design with stitch count driven by the music structure. Well, I
learned something very valuable with this pattern:
If I need stitch count to matter, I should steer clear of
certain elements.
Yes, logic dictates that there should be more stitches on the outside of the curve than the inside!! I agree that if you can just follow a pattern without altering stitch counts the tatting is much more satisfying.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good point:logic should enter into tatting. I must remember that when designing.
DeleteI don't do much of vintage tatting because it's too much deciphering of text for my liking.
ReplyDeleteStructure from one field can certainly create hurdles when translated to another, so I see your point there.
Hope you can strike a balance soon and continue to enjoy your style 💖😍
I think a balance will be easier to achieve now that I understand this simple concept.
DeleteHappy tatting to you too!
Oh forgot to mention that I like the model as seen here!
ReplyDeleteAnother way to get a curved SR braid with count restrictions, is to play with the thread space length(s) between the SRs.
Good tip. I was looking for a firm tension as I wanted this bookmark to be used. I think this will do.
Delete