The pattern, of course, is Mary Konior's "Black Magic" from Tatting with Visual Patterns. Thanks to Jeff for illustrating how fabulous it can look in a variegated thread; I might never have done this if I hadn't seen his posts. I used Lizbeth color 644 Boysenberry Dark on the shuttle and Lizbeth 137 Berry Burst on the ball. It was sheer luck that the colors worked out so symmetrically, but I do love it when that happens.
For the tail, I wound a second shuttle and tatted a combination of zig zag chain, split rings, and Victorian sets, ending in a motif that matches the bookmark. To make this motif, I transitioned out of the tail at a point where the variegated thread on shuttle 2 matched the solid on shuttle 1. This allowed me to unobtrusively turn the center ring of the motif into a split ring, making the split at the last set of stitches. I then climbed out of it with a mock picot and continued tatting around the center ring as if it were the one of the ends of the bookmark. Wasn't that clever of me? (She said very modestly.)
I actually finished this bookmark several days ago, but couldn't get it blocked until today. I can no longer block anything on days that I have to work, owing to Squijum's pin-munching habit and the fact that there is no longer anyplace in the apartment that he doesn't know how to get to.
When I switched to this new background, I had to go back to a 2-column layout. Does anyone know a way to get a 3-column layout in Minima template? Also, does anyone have any idea why my Google Translate gadget has disappeared? It's still there, right under the Search This Blog gadget, but you can't see it (or at least I can't). Any help would be appreciated!
Beautiful bookmark lovely colours, well done its a grogeous pattern one of Mary's best I think.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
I love that bookmark! I really need to take the time to try that pattern. I've seen so many beautiful renditions of it. For some reason, I always get twisted around when working it. I guess it must be my frame of mind. I especially like the way you created your tail.
ReplyDeleteThe new look of your blog is fabulous! I have no idea of how to change anything any more. The last time I changed, I messed up my whole page and lost some of my favorite elements. So, I stay in my rut. I guess it would help if I took time to read instructions! Anyway, I hope someone is able to help you solve your problem.
By the way, I see your Google Translate button on the right side under Search This Blog.
That bookmark is ultimately gorgeous!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteMiranda, that looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteOften, when I see something I have tatted more than once, I often have to tat it yet again, when I see how someone has an idea I have got to try. Thus, all the new books and patterns languish untouched in the queue - this case being yet another example of my plight!
Try soaking the tatted work and pressing it instead of the pins. Being a non-sewer, I will do anything to leave the sewing tin in the cupboard where it lives under cover of darkness.
I have always had a horror of a potential meet and greet between my feline and the pins - so, I have utilized other options. Happily, they usually work!
Fox : )
I forgot! Your new blog-look is spiffy-galore!
ReplyDeleteFox : ))
That is beautiful tatting! I love the updated look to your blog and your banner picture is in center! LOL
ReplyDeleteYour tatting is stunning.. the colors!
Beautifully done! This is a pattern I really like, and I've tatted a few times. Yours looks much nicer, I must admit.
ReplyDeleteWonderful colors and beautiful bookmark, with your usual special touches for the 'tassel'.
ReplyDeleteThe color symmetry here is amazing, and I only recently noticed on the Handy Hands site that Lizbeth variegated threads are hand-dyed, implying that each ball might be different as to the lengths of the colors. I had thought that the color 'striping' on 'commercial' threads was somehow controlled by computer. There is so much I don't know!!
I don't see your 'translate' button. I have a PC, and I believe Diane has a Mac. I'm too afraid to make ANY changed to my blog, even though I want to; and get discouraged that even you 'blogging veterans' have problems! Pretty butterfly in the background!
just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteKathy, yes, Lizbeth has always said that their variegated colors are hand-dyed. Although, on the scale that they are doing it, I don't think they can possibly be using the same techniques that our beloved HDT makers use, painting one skein at a time. I wonder how they do do it.
ReplyDeleteKathy, Diane, and others, don't be afraid to change your blog if you want to! The sites that offer free backgrounds give you very clear directions on how to put them on your blog, and it's really just a simple copy and paste. No matter what happens, your posts will still be there, so you can always just start over if you don't like the result. I may not have gotten *exactly* what I had in mind, but it's still very pretty (just like some of my tatting results sometimes). And as Karrieann points out, when I went to 3-column I whined that my header was off-center, and now it's back where I want it. My problem is that I want everything!
I must say, I really like your header too!
ReplyDeleteThis bookmark looks fabulous. The colours you chose to use turned out really well. Beautiful!
ReplyDelete