This pattern is LaRae Mikulecky's Berry Wreath. The lock stitch chain hanger is my own addition; I couldn't decide whether I liked it better with the chain looped back to the starting point, or carried over to the next repeat, so I tried a couple each way.
The green variegated thread on the bottom is Yarnplayer's "Forest" colorway. All the other threads are Lizbeth: 685 Dark Evergreen, 638 Christmas Green, 601 White, and 671 Christmas Red. I made the white one because I needed a fourth one so that there could be two of each style of hanger-- otherwise when they're all on display together the one hanger that was different would have looked like a mistake-- and I wanted them all in different colors but didn't have another appropriate shade of green. That logic makes perfect sense, right? Right? Anyway, I think the white with red josephine knots makes an attractive ornament, even though by definition it no longer represents a wreath of greenery.
This could also be made as a spring wreath by using a lighter shade of green, and a variegated thread for the JK's to represent flower buds.
I have a couple of comments on this pattern, in case anyone feels like making it. It's not spelled out in the directions, but what you need to do is make the first round with green ball and shuttle CTM. After joining the last chain to the base of the first ring and before starting the second round, cut off the green shuttle thread and replace it with a red shuttle thread; keep the same green ball thread. Also, in round 2 the directions say to make the berry at the end of each chain before you join to round 1; however, I found that it lays better if you do the join first and then make the berry.
In size 40 thread, each wreath measures just over 1 1/2 inches, or about 4 cm, in diameter, so I'm adding them to the collection of mini-ornaments.
These are very cute...definitely on "the list" :-)
ReplyDeleteThey look lovely! I've made this one before and I did the same as you, lock join then the berry. I especially like the white one-maybe because it's different. I like the loop going back to the original point although if you didn't have the two to compare, the both looks great!
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE this pattern. I made it last year - no, 2 years ago, in red and green. I still have it. You are right about when to tat the berry - after the join. And I had forgotten about cutting one of the green shuttles.
ReplyDeleteYes, spring colours would be great - and it is so pretty in white.
Fox : )
I appreciate your tips on the pattern. And I like the lock-stitch hangers in both configurations. The 'spaced apart' ones would hang well on a tree, without 'twisting'. WordPad enables me to enlarge your photo, and the beauty of these little wreaths really comes through. And not only the wreaths , but the lock-stitch chains as well. I have yet to try to make those. Your tatting, as always, is impeccable.
ReplyDeleteGreat wreaths!!! :)
ReplyDelete