Sunday, March 27, 2011

Plate 1, Figure 3 Final!

It's taken me so long to finish this last bit up that I feel I need a reminder of where I started with this specific part. This is the original Plate I, Figure 3 insert in Therese de Dillmont's Tatting D.M.C. which is found at The Antique Pattern Library along with a host of other vintage publications for free.

I started this project as part of the 25 Motif Challenge and this is a continuation of motif 6. You can see the bags I made from the first inserts HERE and HERE.

I wanted to play a little more with the pattern, adding more beads and in different ways. The beads I used in the pink insert were at the top of the ring where the crochet header joined. This time I decided to put them in the bare space between small rings. I only used 2 beads, size 11 seed beads and when I was done, I wished I'd used 1 more bead. I also used a smaller thread for this one, size 30 I think. I don't think I made notes anywhere since I thought I'd be writing them here (bad decision) and now I don't remember the other changes I made. I'm pretty sure I made fewer single and double crochets in the headers and that made it fit much better.

I really wanted to see what it looked like with another bead so I tatted this one with 3 beads in the bare thread space. I liked it. I also liked the strip as it was, before I tatted the other side so when I tatted the other side, I did not join them. I'm not going further with this right now but I can see making this into a necklace, but it would take some manipulation of the stitches, a change somehow, to get it to curve into a shape that will drape nicely around the neck. For you jewelry designers, feel free to take off with the idea.

I also only used single crochet for the headers. You could probably use some form of block tatting to get a similar effect.

I've had this part done for a long time and knew I would showcase them in a pincushion this time instead of a bag but was having trouble coming up with the time and energy to follow through. Life has a way of taking over.

I visualized this little pincushion with pin tucks but once I started pinning, I felt it was too bulky to look nice. Pin tucks look better on lighter fabrics. So I just stitched the two pieces, which would correctly be called edgings now instead of inserts, using the end threads to baste them down on the backside. Then I folded the fabric up over the crocheted header and machine stitched it down. The rest is simple pillow construction.

It seemed very plain as it was and I've mulled over adding an edging or tassels or buttons. I may still do so later but for now, a skinny ribbon did a good job of dressing it up. The fabric produced such a shine when I photographed it that I probably took 30 some photos just to get these few. It really is pretty and elegant looking in person but it doesn't like camera flash!

I decided to just use this insert as a surface trim. Again, I used the end threads to pull through the back and tack it down there. It's secured well. I didn't really want to make another pincushion so I decided to turn this one into sachet. Here's the bag of scented salts going in.

I spent all evening yesterday trying to tat an edging for this. All of my finer white threads are more ivory colored compared to the insert so I finally found a purple thread that will work. It's very slow going and I keep asking myself if I really want an edging on there. It's a Coats hand quilting thread which must have some polyester in the outer wrap. It tends to grab when I close a ring so it's taking longer. It's very crisp too and I'd kind of like it to drape a bit instead of standing out so stiff. My brain is tired of thinking about it though!

Next in line is figure 4 which is a floral based insert. This one will be very interesting too!

15 comments:

  1. Crikey, you've been SO busy. I've got that little book right in front of me at the moment and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do with the next insert.

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  2. Loved reading this, Gina. I think your pincushion looks fabulous. Your scented salt sachet is pretty too. I think the beads work well.

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  3. I love what you've done with this piece! I like the three beads better than the two, and I love the way you've applied them to the pin cushion and sachet.

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  4. Those look fabulous! :)

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  5. Gina, you have done a wonderful job with this pattern. Especially adding the the beads! What a terrific idea. You have inspired me once again!
    Fox : )

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  6. I really enjoy seeing what you keep doing with this little insert, how it is evolving, what you might do with it next, etc. the "edging" is beautiful. I wouldn't have thought about using it as an edging, but it is rather pretty like that, I really like the pin cushion. I need to find one I like and make it, hubbie is always on me for leaving pins lay around and the cat plays with them.

    I completely enjoyed reading this post, ty for sharing :)

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  7. Those look great. You're really working the insert beautifully! And the edging, wonderful! *excited* (:

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  8. I really love the inserts, especially on the bags. I haven't ever tried sewing inserts into fabric, but it sure is beautiful. The beads add a really nice look too :)

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  9. This is a really interesting progression. I think the prettiest bookmark I’ve made was from that little book. I love to see what people can sew and incorporate into their tatting. Your blog is always interesting and educational..thank you bj

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  10. Wow, didn't realise there could be so many variations. Each attempt looks better! Thanks for sharing ideas.

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  11. You're so creative - and productive! You keep coming up with fabulous ideas. The beadwork, and the combining with crochet is so attractive. The pin cushion looks great in the photo, and the ribbon/bow is the perfect touch! All the colors are perfect!

    The white insert with the blue beads over the bare threads is such a neat design idea! It looks wonderful on the blue sachet bag.

    Sure wished I lived closer to attend Lace Days! Hope you have a great time!

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  12. Gina, you are so prolific in your creativity and the beautiful pieces you sent me are so delicate!! It must take you ages!

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  13. Lovely pin cushion and sachet, Gina! This is a wonderful pattern! Thank you for sharing your variations--I don't know how you do it all!

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  14. Love, Love, Love your work! It's been fun to follow and see your work, as always!

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  15. Thank you all so much! While I enjoy playing with these pieces, I really love knowing others are interested. It's a learning experience for me as well, made all the more fun by others getting something out of it too.

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Emails and comments both are welcome and always read.