Sunday, November 30, 2014

Just a Few Snowflakes

I haven't really accomplished much since my last post. I did manage a few snowflakes, and have been playing a bit with needle tatting over the last few days. Mainly just practicing split rings and lock stitch chains; I've never done either one before in needle tatting. I think I've got the hang of both techniques, but I don't care for the constant un-threading and re-threading the needle in order to do a split ring. And needle tatted lock stitch chains take forever. In case you're wondering, I'm not switching to needle tatting. I've purchased a few of Totusmel's patterns over the past few months and while they seem very doable with a shuttle they should be much easier with a needle. The patterns I'm planning on tatting have interwoven rings/Celtic style tatting. I am thinking that I might try doing shuttle tatting for part of the motifs and needle tatting for the rest. I'll share the results once I'm done. I had to order some more thread today (yeah, I'm sure I really needed it; I needed other stuff too!) so once I get it, I can tat the patterns.

Anyway, as I said earlier, I manage to tat three snowflakes lately. All are from Jon Yusoff's book Tatted Snowflakes Collection.

This is Circle of Crowns, tatting with Lizbeth Twirlz size 20 colour #403. I have to say, I really like this thread. I had no issues with it. I know I read that some people found it twisty, but it didn't seem anymore twisty than any other thread I've used. Mind you I do drop my shuttle(s) periodically while tatting; I don't know if that made a difference or not.


This snowflake is called Oasis. This was tatted with the same thread as above. Fairly quick to tat. Its not block yet, as you might be able to see. I made the picots on the centre ring to long because I didn't read the pattern before tatting, and I thought they needed to be large because of the three rings that seemingly join to it. I might remake it if I have time/remember. I don't think anyone will notice, however.


This is The Twirly. It was fairly quick to tat. However it was a very bad thread colour choice on my part. This was tatted with Lizbeth Twirlz size 20 colour # 407. I thought it might work. Didn't think that choice through. It's looks like a muddy snowflake. I'll definitely have to remake this one.

That's it for now. I do plan on tatting more snowflakes and hopefully a few other motifs. I can't believe it's going to be December 1 tomorrow. I've got a few chainmaille items to make this week for gifts. Speaking of chainmaille, everything in my shop is 25% off for anyone interested. I've got items suitable for both men and women. The sale will end midnight Monday. Till next time.

5 comments:

  1. Love all the flakes, look great and I have watched people needle tat and not tempted yet :)

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  2. That blue Twirlz thread is perfect for a snowflake! I'll definitely have to use it for one. I have to admit, I'm one of those who don't like working with that thread, but sometimes it's worth it for the look you want. I'm glad it worked well for you.

    You know, you're really too hard on yourself. Your posts always seem to start with something about how little you've accomplished, or how long it's been since you last posted. Don't worry about such things! Nobody has time to tat as much as we'd like to. You made three beautiful snowflakes-- that's great! Celebrate how much you have gotten done.

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  3. I'm also thinking of making snowflakes - but more for embellishment. However, since I'm tutoring maths to my nephew and niece during their school holidays looks like my crafting will have to take a back seat.

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  4. The snowflakes look good. I've used the Twirlz thread and like it most of the time. I have to be a little careful closing rings but otherwise it's not bad. I've noticed that some patterns do not look good in it, but others look great.

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