"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

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Maple Leaf Pendant, Doped up Kitty

I got the next in my leaf series done.


This is the maple leaf from Karey Solomon's book Tatting Turns Over a New Leaf. I really like the way it came out in Yarnplayer's size 80 "Sugar Maple". As you can see, it's going to hang at an angle as a pendant. I like that, too.

I highly recommend this book of Karey's if you enjoy tatting shapes from nature. I've made many of the designs in it, several of them more than once, and they are all lovely. Karey really took the time to capture the shape of each leaf and get the stitch count just right. She also explores a number of different techniques; this one uses roll stitch at each of the points.

Poor Squijum had to have a tooth pulled on Thursday. He is very young for such a thing; the vet said that when cats get periodontal disease at this young an age it is usually genetic. They gave him a narcotic that is supposed to last for three days, so he spends a fair amount of time just staring into space...


He also keeps rubbing my legs and demanding to be petted (not that that's a hardship for me, of course!) and giving much harder head-butts than usual. All this is basically the feline equivalent of a person high out of their mind going, "I LOVE YOU, MAN!!!" And needless to say, he is thoroughly enjoying his current diet of all canned food!

10 comments:

  1. I really like the leaf. It's so pretty and the colours are perfect! :)

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  2. Poor, spaced-out kitty! I've often wondered if all-dry food is a good idea. I think they should have variety. (Of course, I don't have a cat, but I do 'babysit' one!)

    I LOVE that leaf! What a great design by Karey, and beautifully tatted by you! And excellent color thread, although size 80 would be difficult for me. Did the original have beads? They look beautiful here. I'm curious about the roll stitch! There's so much I still haven't explored in tatting!

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    1. I added the beads. Size 80 was necessary to make it small enough for a pendant!

      Nutritionally, canned food is much better for cats, since it's closer to what they're designed to eat. On the other hand, dry food leaves less plaque on their teeth and is far more affordable for those of us who don't have a money tree growing in a pot on our porch!

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  3. Hey Squijum,
    Enjoy your drugs, man! If you have a genetic thing with your teeth, that means you will get these great tablets again sometime! Whoohoo!

    Also, when you are taking medication, you can get away with absolute murder - you can ruin thread and tear up stuff and get away with anything you want, because SHE is so worried about you! Have a blast!
    Your buddy,
    Gian

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    1. Gian, Squijum is currently staring into space again and has no interest in looking at the computer. I must say that this is a good thing, because you are a naughty influence!

      Actually, as soon as his gums heal he's going to start receiving daily oral care, so a genetic tooth condition might not be as much fun as you think!

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  4. Miranda,
    You helped me figure out this pattern exactly two years ago, when I first discovered it and was stymied and it is one of my all time favourites. I love it.

    This one you have tatted is one of the prettiest I have seen! It looks great in this thread and I like the way you placed the beads - perfect! It will be a lovely pendant.
    Fox : )

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  5. That's a really lovely leaf! Adding a little doodad to the top is nice.

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  6. You did a wonderful job on that leaf! The beads really add a bit of extra punch, don't they?

    Heehee, stoned kitty, at least it's a happy high and he isn't screaming and tearing things up.

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  7. Beautiful leaf, I must out this book on my every growing wish list.
    Poor soul I do hope he feels better today, it's not good feeling sorry for oneself and not knowing what's happen to yourself. Please give him a cuddle from me.
    Margaret

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  8. Your leaf pendant is super!!! :)
    And I love the beads on it!! :)

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