Tuesday, September 16, 2008

What Do You Do If Your Thread Bears Are Misbehaving?

Give up? Why, you make them into rugs of course!

OK. I didn't actually turn a miniature crochet thread bear into a rug. It was made that way. Isn't it cute? I was actually looking for something else when I found this pattern (located here). If you're interested I was looking for a pattern for a full sized crocheted bear rug. It does exist. I'm not crazy. Don't say it Jane! I did find a pattern in a copy of "Needlecraft for Today", but I can't find that issue. I don't know much about the magazine. All the issues I have (from my mom) are from the early '80's. It is similar to "Workbasket" but bigger in size. Some the issues did contain tatting patterns, which are mostly the issues I have. Anyway, I thought the bear rug would look good with my Zebra rug. I haven't showed you my Zebra rug? That won't do; here you go:

I found this pattern at ePatternsCentral.com. I don't know if it is still available (it's not, I just checked). The patterns change frequently. They had a bunch of tatting patterns, but those seem to be gone now too. Anyhoo, the Zebra rug was quite simple to make; it just took a long time. The white part is done like filet crochet. Then a lot of black chains are made. These are then used to create the stripes using techniques similar to needlepoint. I really love this rug, but it ended up MUCH larger that it should have. It is a little over 5 feet long and 3 feet wide when it should be somewhere around 3-4 feet long and 2-2.5 feet wide. I guess I should have checked my gauge!

Onward to tatting. I got the three dragons in my mug. It looks pretty good. Here are pictures of all three dragons (one at a time):

I used invisible thread to sew the dragons onto the plastic aida cloth. The invisible thread was a pain in the *** to use. I can't believe Jane uses it to tat with. She must have bionic eyes in order to see it. I think she doubles it first, but still. I have a confession though. The invisible thread I bought is some that Jane recommends for tatting with (it is a made in the USA kind) because, wait for it, I want to tat with it too! More on that when and if anything happens. Maybe I am insane ......

I haven't done much tatting otherwise. I am following Sherry's TIAS. I haven't the faintest idea what it is. I don't have pictures ready yet but I'll post them when I do. I could write more, but I have to work in the morning and I would like to shave and trim my goatee tonight before bed. Later.

10 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness....That bear made me chuckle...awww I needed that.
    That mug looks fantastic!

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  2. that bear is just too cute GREAT WORK
    Heather

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  3. At first, I thought you had crocheted a bat! Wouldn't that little bear rug look cute in a doll house? I love the way the mug looks. Our school mascot is the dragon. I'm afraid if I made one for myself, everyone would want one!

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  4. I love everything. The little bear is precious and that zebra rug is something else! I like the doll house idea. I HAVE to find a mug for my dragons and/or other tatting. Super cool!

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  5. The bears and the dragons are fantastic. Mmmm, mad to try the invisible thread but GO for it, gal, go for it!!!! Join the 'mad brigade'!!! It'll be good to have company!!

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  6. Thanks ladies for the kind comments. They are always nice to receive. Yes Diane, the rug would be good for a dollhouse; it is about the right size. Thanks for the encouragement Jane. Maybe I will try the invisible thread, maybe I will.

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  7. The bears are cute and you made that zebra rug? Cool.

    You made me chuckle with your comments about the invisible thread and Jane's "bionic eyes"...LOL!

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  8. Oh my GOSH Jeff! That bear is sooo ADORABLE!!! I had to immediately go get that pattern, and I'm not really one for crocheted animals, but this is just toooo sweet to pass up. THANK YOU for sharing it. Love your other goodies too.
    Connie -going to check out the zebra rug now

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  9. Thanks Chiclet and Connie. Yes, I did make the Zebra rug. You sound like you don't believe me. Your welcome Connie. I had to share the little bear rug with you all. If you make any, I'd love to see them.

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  10. After your comment I had to come and look at your dragons, and they are lovely. Are they done with SSSRs or the ordinary kind?
    It has given me a bit more push to have another go.

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