Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Rewriting Old Patterns and Another Gecko

Wow. I can't believe how long it's taking me to post lately. I had some new tatting to show two or three days after I last posted. However one thing or another seems to have prevented me from posting. Work. Chainmaille. Simply not feeling like it. Forgetting (it happens!). But here I am. I won't be long. You've seen one thing I'm going to share already.

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I'll mention it again. I'm not a big fan of vintage tatting patterns. It's not that they don't appeal to me, some are quite nice, but usually it's because of the way they are written. Unless the motif in question is small, I can't be bothered to try to follow the pattern. While housecleaning several weeks ago, I came across a tatting booklet that had some patterns that I liked. So, while watching a movie one evening, I rewrote one of the patterns in short hand that's easier to follow. I then tatted the motif from my version of the pattern. Here is the result:


The motif above is a motif from Tray Mat No. 7354 from Favorite Crochet & Tatting Designs, Book No. 205. The booklet was published in 1944 by The Canadian Spool Cotton Company. As far as I can tell, the booklet is still under copyright. I may be wrong, but I don't for sure. I don't think I can share the rewritten pattern either. Again, I could be wrong. Does anyone know if this pattern, or the booklet in general, has been republished more recently? I haven't looked yet to see if the booklet is posted online already. The motif is used in a couple patterns in the booklet to make a doily as well as placemats. I'm not sure what I'll use it for, but I like it. I rewrote another pattern that I hope to tat soon. I used Lizbeth size 20 thread in white.

Finally, here is the second gecko for my t-shirt:


I used the same thread as before, the only difference is that I added a couple of beads for the eyes (in the eyes?). The pattern called for two smaller beads per eye but I thought that one size 8/0 bead would work. I think it did. I have to admit, I kinda like the beads in the eyes. I'm now thinking I should remake the other large gecko and add beads to that one too. Mind you, I don't think I have matching beads for the small gecko now. I'll have to see. I really need to get back to tatting geckos. The tray mat motif and a fair amount of chainmaille lately has severely limited my work on this project.

That's about it for now. I'm going to try to get more tatting done. I do have numerous chainmaille related projects queued up. We'll see what happens. Till next time.

8 comments:

  1. very nice motif. you did a good job rewriting and tatting it. I like your gecko. They don't have to match perfectly, no 2 geckos in nature would match perfectly.

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  2. That motif is one of my favorites, though I only like it on its own (as a coaster or ornament or something). It's too frilly for me when it's attached to others (or done in most variegated threads).

    The pattern is also found in "The Tatters Treasure Chest" edited by Mary Carolyn Waldrep as "Wild Rose Tray Mat" (page 54). The copyright for the book is 1990, but it lists many sources for the patterns. Then again, I might be wrong and they just look like the same motif...

    As for the gecko, I love him! With or without beads, that is an adorable pattern!

    ♥,
    Stephanie Grace

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  3. Hi Jeff

    Nice to see you back, Lovely little motif well done on re- writing the pattern, I have not seen it before so I can't help you with if or not it's out of copyright.
    I love you gecko its beautiful and lovely colours, with or without eyes you have made some beautiful geckos.
    Margaret

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  4. There are so many old patterns that I love. They do take time to re-write, and I don't often take time to do that. You've done a wonderful job with this one! Love the gecko!

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  5. Nice motif! Those old patterns are a pain in the ... fingers. That one looks suspiciously like the centeral motif in the doily in my 1974 "Learn to Tat" book. I think it might be one of those things that people used in lots of things. Maybe they all have different stitch counts. The gecko is wonderful. The thread is perfect for a gecko and the eyes really look just right. Ladytats is right -- no two geckos would look just alike. Give 'em different eyes!

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  6. Both your motif and gecko look really nice!!! :)

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  7. Your medallion looks so dainty and crisp, now I have to make one. I have Tatters Treasure Chest. Of course all Geckos bowl me over, we'll done, love it.

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