The Endless Edge

You've seen it before...

After the large doily I just finished, I needed a break. I went to the WIP pile and tried to figure out what was next on the list to finish... I spotted the 'endless edge'.

AHA!! The pattern is simple and doesn't need a lot of concentration.



I started the edge about 1 1/2 years ago while on vacation. I worked on it off and on until....it went into dormancy. Now it's been sitting idle for nearly a year.

So, I started on it again. I didn't really have a final project in mind. BUT, I do have 52" to this point.



Obviously, that's the problem...



How long should it be? I'm thinking of a round linen table cloth. But, how big should the table cloth be? I know the equation for figuring out circumference of a circle....I just don't know how long....Help me out here.

The Secret Revealed

It was way back in July of last year when I reported to you all I was working on a 'secret' project. Well, I found out today that the book has been published and I can share the work with you.


Here's a book edited by Sarah-Marie Belcastro and Carolyn Yackel. It's Crafting by Concepts: Fiber Arts and Mathematics.

This was my first attempt at pattern testing. The process was a great experience and I hope to be able to do this again.


AND...Here's the piece




It's a Sierpinski Triangle. This triangle design is named after Polish Mathematician Waclaw Sierpinski. The large blue triangle consists of three smaller triangles, which consist of three smaller triangles, and they consist of...you get the picture. It's pretty cool.

The pattern is simple and yet a bit challenging as the fundamental tatted piece begins with three joined rings.


The final join was a new learning experience for me. You can see how I had to tackle the a recurring twist before proceeding to the larger project.

And, yes, there were 81 ends to hide.

And a close up...

99% finished!!!

I finally finished the endless round of motifs and here is the project to this point.



Several stories are attached to this round. Whether it's God, Karma, or just dumb luck, I ended up on the good end of this one. The original Anne Orr pattern has 15 round motifs attached. Because of the length of my unfinished thread throughout the piece, the final piece is larger than the original pattern. Each round motif is attached to three diamond in the previous round. Three....Not Two....Not Four....just three. When I realized this, I panicked a bit.



Then I counted the diamonds...I had three left over and therefore the 15 became 16 round motifs. I didn't need to fudge while attaching the motifs. It worked out wonderfully!


My measuring devices were a bit unorthodox. I used the pull-tie for the shorter distance of unfinished threads and the top of the crochet hook for the longer lengths. Additionally, the picot gauge or nail is from a shelving unit and formed all the longer picots. It was just trial and error.



The other tool.....Regretfully, my glasses are now necessary for all projects. Aging...Uuggghhh!!!

And then there were....

Only Two More!!

Greetings to you all! I have been tatting away at these little buggers. After figuring out the right mix of space in relation to picot size...I've been tatting, tatting, tatting. Only two more of the small motifs and then I get to do the rounds which will attach them to the mother ship doily.



I'll keep you posted....until then, happy tatting!!
john

So, here is the blocked 'middle' doily. I realize I'll have to add more pins to the final blocking because there are several areas that are a bit wonky...



A couple more...






Now, for the outside 15 motifs. I've been trying to figure out the right combination of picot size and thread space...seems to be a bit tedious.



This morning I think I finally got it (not pictured here though). So, I'll start tatting this evening (if I have time).


I hope you all have a wonderful evening!
john

Tah-Dah...(sorta)

I did it. I spent some time this morning blocking the doily. I soak them in a Tupperware container using Oxyclean. I put them in hot water, seal the container and then every time I pass by I give it a good shake. Then, I rinse and rinse and rinse.

Here it is...



I tried to stretch the doily a bit to see if the thread space will look alright after it dries. The jury is still out on this.

Here's a close-up.



And,

I got a bit artsy with the camera...so, here are a few pics









I'll be posting again tomorrow to show the blocked project and show you the humorous journey I've been on to tat the Perfect medallion to attach to the outer round. It's been frustrating and humorous at the same time...so, until then, have a wonderful day!

John

Blocking Questions...

So, here it is: the Anne Orr 'Large Table Doily'. I'm working on the last full round and have gotten 1/2 way around. (still having trouble with the last split ring in each of the diamonds...they're getting better...just not as nice as I'd like)



I will probably soak and block the doily after this round and before the 15 small motifs are started. I have so many questions that I'm not sure where to begin.

To block:

1. Should I start in the center then alternate between the center and outer rounds?
2. What do I do with the unfinished thread space?
3. Do I direct all the unfinished thread space to march in file or can it find it's own way?

So, you get the picture. I need some suggestions as to how you might progress with a mess like this. I've got the pins. I've got the blocking foam. Now, two more days of tatting and then...it's off to blocking land.

Please, help bring the blocking anxiety into a manageable place.

Happy day!
John