"But, really, why does anyone create? You feel a... a restlessness inside, a need to make something new, something no one has ever seen before. You want to add to the beauty and the richness of the world with a gift, an offering that is uniquely yours. It's an act of selfishness and generosity, all rolled into one."

-- Bruce Coville,
The Last Hunt

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Modifications to Asters


Here's the progress I've made with Mary Konior's "Asters" edging. At one point I got so frustrated with the modifications I made to turn the corner, plus I found that I had miscounted a couple of rings, that I discarded what I had done and started over. I'm pretty happy with what I've got now.

MK did design a corner to turn this edging inward, and I used this corner twice in a row to make the bottom point. However, I also needed to turn it outward in order to drop down and make that point. For this, I had to change a cluster of rings and a chain to make it turn. All that's left is to finish the second side, dampen and press it both to make it flat and to pre-shrink it, and sew it to the shirt.

So what would you use to sew it onto a white shirt? My first thought was invisible thread, but the shirt is cotton and will probably require occasional ironing at relatively high temperatures, so I'm concerned that the nylon thread could melt. Does anyone have any experience with this? Would it be better to go with a poly/cotton thread in purple? Any advice would be appreciated!

9 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful 'modern' use of Mary's edging, and a very excellent turning at the 'point'. I would use the purple thread to sew it on, basically because I have had problems sewing with the invisible thread. I think Mary would be delighted to know how many ways her patterns are being used today

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  2. I've never managed to melt invisible thread yet but I'd suggest trying the iron on a sample first. If you use a colour I'd use black thread and run that into the seam on the shirt - if there is one so that it doesn't show there either.

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  3. Never the invisible thread! I hate the stuff !

    I’d use a thin cotton thread or even a #80 tatting thread if you could hide it well enough. Or poly/cotton...
    Fox : )

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  4. I like how you're going to use that edging, which looks great like this. Looking forward to seeing it on the shirt. I have no suggestions sewing it on anything but both Kathy and Jane have good ideas.

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  5. It's looking lovely I would sew it on with sewing cotton in the shade of the tatting
    Margaret

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  6. This a very pretty piece of tatting and the white will show it perfectly. I have never had any problems with invisible thread and always sew it with the sewing machine especially when it is washed a lot. 100% Polyester is not suppose to melt. Linda in NM

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  7. This may be out of my league...but could this be the same as attaching tatting to a hankie? If so, it was suggested to me to use the same thread you tatted with except only use one of the stands, (separate) the thread. Just an idea *smile*

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  8. Very, very pretty!
    I don't have any suggestions about getting it attached to the shirt, but will follow this to see what others say. I did try "Heat 'n Bond" a few years back with a few small motifs on a t-shirt and it worked, but I would be afraid to use it with something that is as much work as what you have done. I think I would sew it on, that way when the shirt wears out the tatting could be easily removed.

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  9. That looks gorgeous and will really dress up a shirt!!! :)

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