Snowflake Challenge

[Jon Yusoff]

You must have all grown tired of me telling about making snowflakes for an order. In the process I challenged myself to create as many new designs as possible. I think I have managed to do quite well so far, until I came up with this one design. I just can't seem to get started on this one.

Therefore, I am throwing a challenge to all of you. I am giving you a chart of the design for you to try and tat it. There is a slight difference to the chart - only the rings are shown I have not put in any markings for the chains. This should give you some leeway to include part of yourself in the design.

You can use any techniques that you think will work. You may even alter the design slightly to suit the way you construct the tatting.

All I am asking is that you share the pattern here in In Tatters once you have made it.

Here is the chart. Let me know if the chart is not clear enough and I'll try and think of another way to make it better.

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[Josie Passell]

I got an invalid attachment notice when I tried.

[Maureen L]

The link isn't working, Jon. I've just sent a report to the administrator, as instructed!

[Judy]

Waiting for news on the attachment... this interests me, too.

[Jon Yusoff]

Oh, sorry about that. Okay I'll try and attach the file here.
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I think you can see it now. You can right-click on the chart and save the image to your computer if you need to print it out later.

Edited - placed a bigger picture in the main post.

[xstchntat]

Have printed it to play with. Thank you for the challenge!

[Liyarra]

Interesting challenge Jon - thanks.

[Josie Passell]

I have printed off a copy too, thanks Jon, I like to doodle.

[carolivy]

Oooh! I like a good challenge! I will try too Jon, thanks.

[Mike M]

I'm Game! Thanks for the chart Jon! I have dr appts today Plenty of time to work on this!

[frakira]

Uff, that's very difficult for me.. but maybe challenges should be difficult ;-)) I'll try it and in the worse case don't show you my result ;-)

[carolivy]

What a totally fun challenge! Here is my first rendition of the pattern. I am going to "tweek" the stitch count a bit and add some decorative picots to the outside row, then I will add my part to the drawing and post it. I did this in 2 rounds with size 10 Nazli Gelin.

[frakira]

Very nice.. you are really fast ;-)

[Jon Yusoff]

What a totally fun challenge! Here is my first rendition of the pattern. I am going to "tweek" the stitch count a bit and add some decorative picots to the outside row, then I will add my part to the drawing and post it. I did this in 2 rounds with size 10 Nazli Gelin.

You are fast! What a clever idea to use split rings. They are split rings, aren't they? Never would have thought about using them myself.

[carolivy]

You are fast! What a clever idea to use split rings. They are split rings, aren't they? Never would have thought about using them myself.

Yeup, the second row is Split Rings. I am almost done tweeking it and will have the patter for you tomorrow. ;-)

[frakira]

You are fast! What a clever idea to use split rings. They are split rings, aren't they? Never would have thought about using them myself.

Why have you never thought about using them? It was my first idea.. make snowfloke without any chains, because i like this image now ;-)) Why not, when it is possible?

[Jon Yusoff]

Why have you never thought about using them? It was my first idea.. make snowfloke without any chains, because i like this image now ;-)) Why not, when it is possible?

Sometimes it just needs a refreshing new take on a design to bring out the ideas, I suppose.

[xstchntat]

What a totally fun challenge! Here is my first rendition of the pattern. I am going to "tweek" the stitch count a bit and add some decorative picots to the outside row, then I will add my part to the drawing and post it. I did this in 2 rounds with size 10 Nazli Gelin.
Very pretty!

[carolivy]

Here is my final rendition as well as the pattern with my additions made to it.

[Mike M]

Fantastic work carolivy! very very nice! I did my center the same way strangely enough. hehe.. still working out the surrounding ring. :D

[Judy]

The use of asymmetric split rings was inspired. What are the stitch counts around the picots? 1? 2?

[frakira]

Wow, it is really great, carolivy.. It seems like real snowflake!

[PattyD]

I was halfway through a sample when the 3 ply cebelia simply failed. Back to cordonnet for a second attempt.

[carolivy]

The use of asymmetric split rings was inspired. What are the stitch counts around the picots? 1? 2?

Sorry, the picots are one right after another. So 1 st between.

[carolivy]

I was halfway through a sample when the 3 ply cebelia simply failed. Back to cordonnet for a second attempt.

The only problem I ever have with my Cébélia is that if I have to rethread my needle very often, it splits, so I have to cut off the end after a few threadings. And with this one, it happened several times. I've never had the thread break though, and I tat very tight!

[PattyD]

The Cebelia didn't break, it just crumpled and finished rings sort of crumpled, too. (I do have 36 DS in the large rings. That's a lot of unsupported tatting!).

[Mogs]

Oooh too scary! I am a copier not a creator. Who knows though.....

[frakira]

No of my second row works!! ;-(( I hope yesterday will be better day for my snowflake, because my patience leaves me ;-(

[squeeky]

It's getting dangerous... I'm starting to work it in my head and think I could actually do this. It won't be anywhere nearly as pretty as what's already been done though.

[xstchntat]

"The only problem I ever have with my Cébélia is that if I have to rethread my needle very often, it splits, so I have to cut off the end after a few threadings."

When I do split rings with the needle I take a small dab of white glue and put it on the end of the thread that has to be rethreaded over & over and shape it flat with my fingers so it will fit through the needle eye and let it dry. This way the thread doesn't ravel from all the rethreading. Of course you do have to remember to wash your hands before tatting.

[carolivy]

"The only problem I ever have with my Cébélia is that if I have to rethread my needle very often, it splits, so I have to cut off the end after a few threadings."

When I do split rings with the needle I take a small dab of white glue and put it on the end of the thread that has to be rethreaded over & over and shape it flat with my fingers so it will fit through the needle eye and let it dry. This way the thread doesn't ravel from all the rethreading. Of course you do have to remember to wash your hands before tatting.

Yeah, it is the "let it dry" that is my problem...lol I am not a patient person...lol

[xstchntat]

"Yeah, it is the "let it dry" that is my problem...lol I am not a patient person...lol"

The idea is very very small dab. I should only take 1-2 minutes to dry.

[soyloquesoy]

What a great challenge!

I must say, after seeing Carol´s lovely job, I am not sure I dare attempt coming up with anything new! But I am certainly saving that pattern! It is really, really good, and the added picots are Just Right.

[carolivy]

What a great challenge!

I must say, after seeing Carol´s lovely job, I am not sure I dare attempt coming up with anything new! But I am certainly saving that pattern! It is really, really good, and the added picots are Just Right.

Thank you! But don't let that stop you! I'm sure there are many ways to finish this one and I would be interested in seeing lots of those variations!

[soyloquesoy]

Thanks for the encouragement! Not sure if/when I´ll have the time, anyway. But it is a really cool challenge.

[Jon Yusoff]

Here is my final rendition as well as the pattern with my additions made to it.
Thank you for the pattern. It is a lovely piece.

Kersti, if you are reading this, I'd like to suggest that all patterns that come out from this challenge be included in Knots, if that is okay with you.

[Jon Yusoff]

Soyloquesoy, You have all the time you need. This is an open-ended challenge, it does not have a closing date. Remember to share when you have completed it.

[carolivy]

I fixed the Stitch Count on the Picots, so my comment on that won't have to go into Knots as well. Thank you for your compliment on the piece Jon. That means a lot.

[frakira]

My husband says that I shouldn't show you something so terrible, but I must ;-))
This is my challenge "progress" snowflake.. first row was ok, I will only remove top rings picots. But second row was terrible.. and after more failures I tried one part only with rings and I searched for right counts of chains ds after rings were OK.. Except top one they were OK immediatelly, so next parts are with chains already, but I couldn't find right "top" ring and chains.. And finally I got it! Now I will tat final snowflake, but I am sure it will works and I'll like it ;-)

[carolivy]

Oh Yum! I love Celtic Tatting! Can't wait to get the pattern and work this one!

[frakira]

Thanks a lot, carolivy.. I have never tatted something celtic, so I wanted to try it. Now I must say that I didn't enjoy making final snowflake when I knew that we are only two who liked this idea ;-(

But.. nearly final snowlake is here (I am writing nearly final because I see that it should be nice change count of ds for biggest rings, but it is detail only.. and I want to try it with two shuttles too) and I don't like it so much as I expected.. I think that irl it is nicer then on the photo, but it isn't so nice as I wished. Maybe it is because of thread (I tried thread I have never used before) and maybe not, I don't know.. Maybe there are missing picots, but I don't think so. Or is it too "round"? Should it be better with other top rings? Or should I change something else? I would really like to read your opinion before making the final one, because I don't want make snowflake which nobody likes... (Oh yes.. I will more trust my husband and I won't make own patterns in the future ;-((

[carolivy]

Well I do like it! I think in a Blue or in White, it would be great! If you want a more "pointed" snowflake, you can make your Split Rings on the end Asymetrical (more stitches on one side than on the other) and you will get more of a point then. You can add a picot at the end then too to give it more of a pointed feel too. I'm still wanting this pattern! :cool:

[squeeky]

Thanks a lot, carolivy.. I have never tatted something celtic, so I wanted to try it. Now I must say that I didn't enjoy making final snowflake when I knew that we are only two who liked this idea ;-(

Don't think that!! I was trying to figure out a way to do this in celtic, but I was approaching it from the opposite way - celtic on the INSIDE instead of along the outside edge.

It's beautiful and I can't wait for you to post the pattern. Too much thread has been wasted by me trying.

[carolivy]

Just looking at my pattern just now, I realized I had forgotten the Stitch Count on the large ring of the First Row. That has now been corrected on the pattern. Sorry about that!:blush:

[MercyPres]

Now I must say that I didn't enjoy making final snowflake when I knew that we are only two who liked this idea ;-( ................
Or is it too "round"? Should it be better with other top rings? Or should I change something else?

Frakira, I really like your snowflake. I haven't finished a celtic pattern yet (started one and got sidetracked to other projects). This looks like a good one for this coming Christmas gifts. :)

Mercy

PS: uh oh, I will have to learn split rings first. maybe.

[Mogs]

It's lovely-your hubby is a real meany!
Carole x

[Judy]

Ooh, I'd like to do this one, too. Pattern source? Original?

[Judy]

Ok, I should read more carefully. Sorry Frakira, you're still working on it. The gold one is interesting, but I think the two color one brings out the Celtic interwoven aspects better. Your husband had better have been joking when he made that remark. I'm looking forward to the pattern when you're ready.

[soyloquesoy]

Oh, I certainly hope you don't get discouraged from designing, frakira!

I only now saw your posts (I can't check *every* post each time I log on at in tatters, and some days I am busy and don't log on at all).

I like both very much, and hope you do share the pattern when you feel like it!

[frakira]

Thanks to all.. now I will try it with two shuttles (I think somebody will prefer it, when I worked with 4 shuttles I didn't know if it is tatting or bobbin lace :-D) with two colours and I hope I will have pattern till end of week (I must confess to I never wrote pattern in english and I can't draw, so it will be funny task too..)

[Judy]

:shifty:Bobbin Lace with shuttles, well, which might it be? I know from nothing about bobbin lace except for a UTube video.. 4 bobbins it is!

[xstchntat]

here is my progress for the Snowflake Challenge by Jon:
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and here is my work up of the pattern using Lixbeth size 40 white and Mill Hill seed beads:
5039
For all of the long picots I used a 3/4 inch picot guage except for the middle one on the chains of the first round which I used a 1 inch picot gauge for. All joins that are not long picots are bead joins. The small rings and chains of the first round are 3ds between picots or beads(2 btween the 2 long picots), the large rings 5ds btween picots or beads.
On the second round the chains are 5ds, p, 5ds except for the ones leading to and from the outer most point which have 6ds and no picot.
the rings follow a progression from the ring on the point which is:
R1 -5ds, join with bead, 3ds, bead, 2ds, p, 2ds, bead, 3 ds, p (for next bead join), 5ds
R2,3&4- 6ds, join with bead, 3ds, bead, 2ds, p, 2ds, bead, 3 ds, p (for next bead join), 4ds
R5 -4ds, join with bead(1st time p), six ds, bead, 3ds, p, 3 ds, bead, 6ds, p (for next bead join) 4ds
then working back to middle
R6,7&8 4ds, join with bead, 3ds, bead, 2ds, p, 2ds, bead, 3 ds, p (for next bead join), 6ds
R9 - Same as ring 1

Really watch for the long picots. This was a load of fun and will post another pic when I finish it.
I had to unpick a lot to get the crossed picots and the 3 joined at the same time to look right and also to get the stitch count so that it looked OK. I restarted 3 times in fact but am loving how it is turning out. Sorry my scanner is not that good and that is the reason I repeat almost everything in this post.

for the first round there were 12 beads on the shuttle 1 thread used to make the small rings and 6 on the shuttle 2 thread used to make the large rings.
for the 2nd round there were 108 beads on the shuttle 1 thread used to make the rings and none on the shutle 2 thread used to make the chains. Could have been left on the ball but I didn't since this was a designing think and I wasn't sure if I was going to use 2nd shuttle or not.

[carolivy]

Oh wow! I really look forward to seeing the finished snowflake! I've never done the long picots like that. May just give it a go soon. Thank you!

[frakira]

Very nice.. I like using beads.. I thought about it too, but I never can find "right" place for them...

[Mike M]

Frakira,
If I can offer some insight. Beads can be added where ever you have a natural join. every time you join rings, that is a perfect place to put a bead. You can add beads on any outside picot as well. Beads also look ok on inside picots but the truth is inside picots look better without the bead.

[soyloquesoy]

wow! Thanks for sharing that! I'll have to look up "beaded joins, though - will you be adding a count of how many beads have to be threaded in the shuttle thread? I would sure find that helpful!

[Jon Yusoff]

Really watch for the long picots. This was a load of fun and will post another pic when I finish it.
I had to unpick a lot to get the crossed picots and the 3 joined at the same time to look right and also to get the stitch count so that it looked OK. I restarted 3 times in fact but am loving how it is turning out. Sorry my scanner is not that good and that is the reason I repeat almost everything in this post.

Those are really long picots and lots of them. I will be all tangled up if I were to try it. But here is another interesting use of picots, which I think might work in this design. It is from Bina Madden's site Paradise Treasure (http://www.paradisetreasures.com/) Click on the link to Celtic Knotted Picot at the top of the page.

[Mike M]

Soyloquesoy,
Adding beads to your shuttle threads is actually a very simple task. Here is what you do. Let us say you are making a snowflake. You automatically know you will have 6 points. The count of joins between those are counted 6. so. say you want to put Three beads on every point/ring using picots, and you want to put a bead where every join is. the calculation is very simple. Beaded joins are added the picot beads have to be on the thread. so 6 points X 3beads = 18 beads. The join beads can be left in the bowl till you need them. Because I tat basically backward, I know the beads must go on the stitching thread. I call my shuttles by the names, stitching and core. when I am doing chains those titles reverse but it is rare that I put a bead on a picot from a chain. So the stitching thread is the one that needs the beads. if you are really unsure it is not all that difficult to tat with 18 beads on BOTH threads and just use the bead as you need it. That way you will know which thread to put the beads on for the next project. I look at it this way. If I explain how to figure out the bead count you will never have to ask again, and you will be inspired to put more beads in your projects.
Another suggestion. If you run out of beads and need to add more, well cut the thread and leave a long tail on your work. then add your beads and start by tatting by hiding the tail you left. no one will know you started with a new thread. After all Tatting is tying knots is it knot? Once you get over the notion of HAVING to have a single thread to finish the work you will see so much more flexibility in getting pieces done.

[xstchntat]

will you be adding a count of how many beads have to be threaded in the shuttle thread? I would sure find that helpful!

I added the numbers in for you.
Thanks Mike for the helpful info on adding beads. I counted them out the hard way, LOL.

[Mike M]

xstchntat

Tatting is usually symmetric so it makes it easy to count out beads. Just multiply by the number of rings by the number of beads per ring. and like I said, all joins are added from the bowl so no need to count those.

[tattrldy]

This is the first time I've checked out this thread and what do I find? Wow! Pretty, pretty! I'll have to print out the patterns and see if I can do them. Great job to all who've posted their tries so far - carolivy, frakira and xstchntat! And thank you Jon for starting such a challenge!:biggrin:

[HJ Hess]

This is truly an ingenious challenge. Love the different interpretations, as well as the cool techniques being shared.
.

[frakira]

OK.. I hope that here is late better than never too, so.. here is my definitive snowflake with instructions (I have never written instructions and it is first schema made by me, so sorry if something is wrong).

I declined all suggestions from carolivy to make it more "sharp", even if they were really good, so you can experiment with them ;-)

[carolivy]

This is great Frakira! I'm glad to see you did it and it looks great! May just get to tatting it this afternoon! (and my suggestions were just that, suggestions. :wink:)

[Jon Yusoff]

Well done Frakira, this is lovely.

[MercyPres]

Frakira, very pretty snowflake.

[soyloquesoy]

Thanks so much for sharing that! It looks lovely, frakira, and the instructions seem very clear at first glance. Way to go!!!

I love it in two colours! really brings out the celtic effect, and the "roundness" is just right IMHO.

[Judy]

You all are so amazing! Frakira, and Carolivy, with their recent snowflakes, and the rest of you whose brains and fingers produce such wonderful new designs! Hats off, deep bows, and high fives all around!!!

[frakira]

hehe, thanks ;-)

[Antiquarian]

I have 3 "patterns" so far. I've spent the day on one and it just wont turn out! ARG!! I love/hate this challenge...I is a great challenge, but now I"m obsessed with getting my idea to turn out, much to the sorrow of my other projects. Cures you Jon; you evil genius you! *laugh*

[Jon Yusoff]

...but now I"m obsessed with getting my idea to turn out, much to the sorrow of my other projects. Cures you Jon; you evil genius you! *laugh*

:smscare2:ooooo I'm scared. I'll go find a hiding place now so you can't find me, :hiding:

On second thought, instead of throwing curses around, why don't you throw that shuttle/needle/thread to me. If you don't have it you can't be obsessed with it. :supacool:

[Lynn]

I'm sitting here slapping myself in the head - DOH DOH DOH DOH. With all the frenetic activity on the boards the past month with the Tattivity going on, how on earth did I miss this thread? I have no recollection of seeing it before today, and it's 71 posts long!

Jon, this is a marvelous idea! I'd love to see other challenges like this.

Frakira, you are much too hard on yourself, Dear. Your interpretation is lovely. I think the fact that is a Celtic piece simply removes the pointy snow flake ends issue all together, so your rounded edges are perfect.

Carolivy, you did exactly what first came to my mind when I saw Jon's original post. Split rings simply make sense here, unless, of course, you have a Celtic interpretation. hehehe.

I love this. Excellent, excellent, everyone.

[tatknot]

I'm entering a bit late into the game, but I'm working on it. This effort (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yDxFvvkjMPw/TDp8R_KN0MI/AAAAAAAAAR8/rOWxJzYTaKo/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg) is headed for the trash because I don't like the proportions of the elements to each other. Now to make a few changes and try again.

[frakira]

tatknot, I really like your idea.. I hope second try will be the final one ;-)

[Jon Yusoff]

You are up to something interesting here, tatknot. Looking forward to see the finished piece.

[tatknot]

Although the Maltese Ring version was looking very pretty, it just wasn't turning out to be fun to tat. If I can't imagine wanting to use the pattern again, why should someone else? So I cut it off and tossed it. Here (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yDxFvvkjMPw/TD0qPRhRy4I/AAAAAAAAASE/Hhe9VEE3ZQA/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG) is my next center. It consists of rings and chains and Josephine rings. I'm ready to add the final round.

You are viewing my working piece which isn't very pretty. I don't bother to hide ends or worry about how I join in a new thread. I usually use 2 colors so I can clearly see which shuttle is doing what. It simplifies writing up the pattern afterward. If it works out properly, I'll tat it again so that it looks neat and finished for you.

Jon, thank you for giving us this challenge. I'm having lots of fun with it.

[tatknot]

I've had a busy day without much time to tat, but the last round is working as originally planned so it is coming together faster than I thought it would. Here (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yDxFvvkjMPw/TD-rFNJm0gI/AAAAAAAAASM/9YgdkdiNT4M/s1600/IMG_0038.jpg) is a picture of it in progress. I hope to finish it tonight and start another all in one color. The two colors let you see the path of the two different shuttles.

[tattrldy]

Ooo, that's looking nice!

[tatknot]

Click HERE (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yDxFvvkjMPw/TD_boFh_roI/AAAAAAAAASU/v-Rky7siOzM/s1600/IMG_0041.jpg) to see the first draft of the snowflake. I had planned to do it again in one color, but I like it so well in two colors that I think I'll just do it again in two colors. I'm going to fix the pattern and re-tat from that in order to check it and then I'll post it for you.

[frakira]

I like it very much, good work ;-)

[tattrldy]

This looks great! It does look good in two colors. Nice job!

[Anke]

... (Oh yes.. I will more trust my husband and I won't make own patterns in the future ;-((

Oh pleeaase... will you NOT trust your husband ?!? I LOVE your design...
Would never have done it so good myself! I did not even try!

[Josie Passell]

Tatknot your snowfake is lovely, have you done a single colour version?

[carolivy]

Tatnot, I love your two color version! Great rendition! Can't wait to tat it up!

[rain]

OH wow I am just reading this post (due to computer problems and not seeing it before then) But OMG I love this idea! I for one dont think Im ready to tweak the snowflake but I love love love seeing the renditions of it. I love them all. Keep up the good work tatters! I cant wait to see more!

[Judy]

Yummie tatknot! Great variation! I also like the two colors. I might think about a metallic blue thread that's been sitting around in my stash.


Just took a second good look. The effects of using two colors with the split rings was WELL DONE! As I said, Great!!!

[tatknot]

I finally finished it and it is ready to share. The pattern shows the two color version which requires two shuttles for both the center and the outer round. I've also offered instructions for a one color version that will let you use ball and shuttle for the center followed by the two-shuttle outer round. I'm trying out a free pdf file hosting service called keepandshare.com. Please let me know if you have any trouble with the ink or if you find any mistakes in the pattern. Enjoy! And, again, thanks for the challenge, Jon. I really enjoyed working with your diagram.

Yusoff and Davis Challenge Snowflake (http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2091406/yusoff-davis-snowflake-pdf-july-22-2010-12-35-am-2-6-meg?da=y)
or visit my blog (http://tatknot.blogspot.com/2010/07/done.html) to see pictures of the two versions and click the link from there.

Now that I've finished mine, I look forward to tatting the other patterns shared. Thanks to each of you.

[xstchntat]

Tatknot it looks great and thanks for sharing the pattern with us.

[frakira]

Thanks for pattern, it is really nice ;-)

[Anke]

You are all SOOO talented! I love all the patterns! Thank you!!!

[carolivy]

Thanks for the great pattern! It looks terrific!

[j.stacy]

sorry, multiple posts :blush:

[j.stacy]

wow!! i also had not seen this thread until now- and it's great!!! to those of you who have tried this and written up patterns: GREAT JOB!!! i may print that scheme off and see if i can't come up with even a sketch of something to do! who knows, i may never make it to the tatting stage! but it seems like fun anyhow!

and to JON: i agree, i think there should be MORE challenges like this!!! what a great idea! and instead of coming up with one great pattern, we get MULTIPLE!!! you may have stumbled upon something great here!!!

[tatknot]

I'm glad you are going to join the fun, j.stacy. Designing is so much fun and it is amazing how similar, and yet how different, all of the patterns turn out to be with a challenge like this. I, too, would love to see more of them. Many of us enjoy brainstorming ideas, too, so if you run into any trouble and want some ideas, just let us know. I look forward to seeing your interpretation.

[tatknot]

I am curious as to how the sizes of the different designs compare. I've tatted frakira's in the same size thread I used for the all-white one of my version, Finca 16. Frakira's measures 7 cm, mine measure a little over 10 cm. You can see them at my blogspot (http://tatknot.blogspot.com/2010/07/size-comparisons-of-yusoff-challenge.html). There will be some pictures here later.

As I was taking it off the 'blocking' towel, I found myself thinking that it would make a terrific candy cane snowflake if done in red and white. I'd really like to make some like that for Christmas. Thanks again, frakira.

[carolivy]

I have finished Frakira's pattern...I have yet to block it though. I have done it in white, variegated blues and blue size 30 thread.

[frakira]

Did you work it with 2 or 4 shuttles?

[frakira]

Ach, sorry.. so it is question only for carolivy, now I see that tatknots snowflake is with 4 shuttles ;-)
Tatknot, thanks for link to your blog.. It seems I finish doily I am working on now (I have mistake there, so I won't continue) and I have here a lot of threads from Mike I would like to try, so I will make your snowflakes soon too ;-)

[carolivy]

Ahh, but I only worked it with ONE needle. :wink:

[tatknot]

Ahh, but I only worked it with ONE needle. :wink:

Is that a smug grin I hear in that post? LOL

This is the first time I've tatted with four shuttles dangling from a piece at the same time. It went well once I figured out how to arrange my lap, my hands, etc., so that I could let the 'resting' shuttles lie in my lap. At first they kept twisting around each other.

[carolivy]

Uhhhhh, I guess you could say it WAS a bit smug.... :blush::tongue:
Well, here it is all blocked out now. I tatte the first row, then tatted one part of the second row completely before doing the second part of the second row. That part, since I was going to be needing to weave it in and around the other part of the row, I wrapped my "ball" thread around a very narrow piece of card so I could get it in and around all the places I needed to go. I then just followed the pattern for the second 1/2 of the 2nd row. Only 1 needle needed. :wink:
Totally LOVE your pattern Frakira!:heart:

[frakira]

wow, thanks.. I like knowledge that it is possible with one needle.. it is first time I am a little bit sad that I can't needle tatting.

[tatknot]

It looks great, carolivy. I've gotten tied up in paperwork today so no tatting. The center of your flake just sits and waits. Ah, well, duty calls.

[Jon Yusoff]

This is the first time I've tatted with four shuttles dangling from a piece at the same time. It went well once I figured out how to arrange my lap, my hands, etc., so that I could let the 'resting' shuttles lie in my lap. At first they kept twisting around each other.
You can slide a wrist guard (don't know if that is the correct name for it) like the one sports people especially tennis players wear, up your left wrist ( if you hold your shuttle in the right hand). The inactive shuttles can be stowed there until you need to change shuttles. No more twisting.

[tatknot]

You can slide a wrist guard (don't know if that is the correct name for it) like the one sports people especially tennis players wear, up your left wrist ( if you hold your shuttle in the right hand). The inactive shuttles can be stowed there until you need to change shuttles. No more twisting.

What a wonderful idea! Thanks, Jon. Since I have every intention of making some 'candy cane flakes' from frakira's pattern, I will definitely try this.

[xstchntat]

You can slide a wrist guard (don't know if that is the correct name for it) like the one sports people especially tennis players wear, up your left wrist ( if you hold your shuttle in the right hand). The inactive shuttles can be stowed there until you need to change shuttles. No more twisting.
I think this is a great idea. I think I have one around here from my bowling days, hmmm now where to look for it

[tatknot]

5815 As I was reading the posts, I suddenly remembered a handwarmer that failed in its original function. The hole was for your thumb, but it never fit properly. The thumb opening works great as a shuttle pocket! Thanks for the tip! This little goodie is going in my tatting bag.

[j.stacy]

LOLZ!!! tatknot, i LOVE that!! at first, i saw that picture, i was thinking, what the heck IS that thing?!?! reading back, i get it! what a clever suggestion, jon!!! and great improvisation tatknot!!!

[tatknot]

LOLZ!!! tatknot, i LOVE that!! at first, i saw that picture, i was thinking, what the heck IS that thing?!?! reading back, i get it! what a clever suggestion, jon!!! and great improvisation tatknot!!!

Thank you, thank you. I started out wondering if I could get away with searching my teen's room for one of those athletic wrist bands when I suddenly remembered this little item. Makes me glad to be a packrat!

[alizandria]

Uhhhhh, I guess you could say it WAS a bit smug.... :blush::tongue:
Well, here it is all blocked out now. I tatte the first row, then tatted one part of the second row completely before doing the second part of the second row. That part, since I was going to be needing to weave it in and around the other part of the row, I wrapped my "ball" thread around a very narrow piece of card so I could get it in and around all the places I needed to go. I then just followed the pattern for the second 1/2 of the 2nd row. Only 1 needle needed. :wink:
Totally LOVE your pattern Frakira!:heart:

Beautiful work Carolivy!!! I also prefer the needle to tat with...how did you make the points more..pointed...for lack of a better term? Was it just shaping or did you make a change in Frakira's pattern?

Also beautiful pattern Frakira and Jon!

[carolivy]

Beautiful work Carolivy!!! I also prefer the needle to tat with...how did you make the points more..pointed...for lack of a better term? Was it just shaping or did you make a change in Frakira's pattern?

Also beautiful pattern Frakira and Jon!

No change to the pattern, just a bit of help in the shaping.

[j.stacy]

well, as i stated before, i have been sketching down some ideas for this challenge. but since it's my first time "designing" i have no clue how to progress from sketch to tatting. my biggest problem is how do you figure out how many stitches to start with? can anyone give me some tips on that? i looked at *and saved* all the other versions yall have done so far. i thought i may get an idea of where to start from there but the stitch counts are very different from pattern to pattern. any suggestions would be so helpful to me!!! i really want to design in the future, but i need a kind of jumping off point.

also, i'm going to tat one of the patterns that have been posted here. that way i can get an idea of what i'll be doing. my middle is very similar to carolivy's.

[soyloquesoy]

I have not faced this challenge yet, so this suggestion is untested, but how about just making some rings with different counts and laying them over your sketch?

[tatknot]

well, as i stated before, i have been sketching down some ideas for this challenge. but since it's my first time "designing" i have no clue how to progress from sketch to tatting. my biggest problem is how do you figure out how many stitches to start with? can anyone give me some tips on that? i looked at *and saved* all the other versions yall have done so far. i thought i may get an idea of where to start from there but the stitch counts are very different from pattern to pattern. any suggestions would be so helpful to me!!! i really want to design in the future, but i need a kind of jumping off point.

also, i'm going to tat one of the patterns that have been posted here. that way i can get an idea of what i'll be doing. my middle is very similar to carolivy's.


soyloquesoy's suggestion is a good one. I suggest you print out your sketch in the size you would like your snowflake to be when you finish it. Select the thread you wish to use and see what counts you need to produce the ring and chain sizes on your sketch. I'm about to post a picture of my flake with frakira's and carolivy's--all tatted in the same thread. You'll see that our finished sizes are very different. The different stitch counts we used resulted in different sizes of snowflakes. Does that help?

I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Designing can be so much fun!

[tatknot]

It's finally here--a comparison of the sizes of three of the Challenge snowflakes. I had hoped to do them all, but I'm going to stop here for now. While this isn't the greatest picture, it lets you see how the sizes of frakira's and carolivy's flakes compare to mine. The white strip at the bottom of the picture is a six inch ruler and the shuttle in the picture is a Clover. I used Finca size 16 perle cotton for all three. When I look at them side by side, I'm amazed at how different they look in spite of their common origin.
http://www.intatters.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6027

[Josie Passell]

Thank you Liz for sharing your photos of the gorgeous snowflakes, they are so different.

[carolivy]

Beautiful snowflakes Eliz! Just like real ones! They may all have elements in common, but they look different.

[soyloquesoy]

Thanks so much for sharing that! You know, I am starting to get an idea for mine...

[tatknot]

Thanks so much for sharing that! You know, I am starting to get an idea for mine...

I'm thrilled to hear this! Go for it. As you can see, there is no right or wrong here. Just imagine that the diagram is a poor picture of a tatted snowflake in which all of the chains failed to show up and you are trying to figure out how the tatter got from ring to ring. You can change any ring to a different type of element that gives you the same basic shape--like mock rings, split rings, Maltese rings, daisy picots, etc. This opens up new paths for you to get from element to element.

[Jon Yusoff]

Thank you Eliz for the comparison of the different interpretation of the snowflakes.
Well done to Frakira and Carolivy too. All the snowflakes are beautiful.:twothumbsup:

I am shamefully admitting that I have not progressed far on this one:embarrassed:.
There were other distractions as well. Yeah, I know ... excuses, excuses.:blush:

[PattyD]

Jon, you are excused. Look at all the commotion you have caused, all to the good. Frakira is getting her first results as a designer, carolivy whipped one out, and tatknot made her own and the other two. I am 80 per cent done. I have to humbly acknowledge that single shuttle tatting with bare threads is not my best technique, but I will show the snowflake when it is done. Following one of my long held preferences, it's all rings.

[j.stacy]

soyloquesoy's suggestion is a good one. I suggest you print out your sketch in the size you would like your snowflake to be when you finish it. Select the thread you wish to use and see what counts you need to produce the ring and chain sizes on your sketch. I'm about to post a picture of my flake with frakira's and carolivy's--all tatted in the same thread. You'll see that our finished sizes are very different. The different stitch counts we used resulted in different sizes of snowflakes. Does that help?

I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Designing can be so much fun!

sorry it's taken so long for me to reply!! i have been busy with many things, and being a stay at home mom of 2 doesn't leave much time for anything else!!! like most tatters, 5 or 10 minutes stolen here and there is about all i can manage!!

anyways, soloquesoy & tatknot, your suggestion is EXTREMELY helpful!! what a great idea!!! i can't wait to try it out! that makes so much more sense than just randomly trying to see what works! so, like jon, though i may not have progressed very far YET, i look forward to the time when i can really sit down with this, shuttle in hand and start TATTING!!!!

[tatknot]

sorry it's taken so long for me to reply!! i have been busy with many things, and being a stay at home mom of 2 doesn't leave much time for anything else!!! like most tatters, 5 or 10 minutes stolen here and there is about all i can manage!!

anyways, soloquesoy & tatknot, your suggestion is EXTREMELY helpful!! what a great idea!!! i can't wait to try it out! that makes so much more sense than just randomly trying to see what works! so, like jon, though i may not have progressed very far YET, i look forward to the time when i can really sit down with this, shuttle in hand and start TATTING!!!!

That is great news! We patiently await the results. At least, we will try to be patient. :wink:

[PattyD]

OKAY~ I ran out of thread about 4 1/2 points into the snowflake, but you can see my design intent. I wanted all rings but found that I couldn't do it easily in single shuttle, single thread work.

The inner round is normal, split and SSSR rings. The outer round is all single shuttle, single thread rings with bare threads between. My respect and admiration for early tatters has grown enormously. Those bare threads about beat me into the ground. I will try it again and this time use a picot gauge to get the bare threads under control

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4872804225_3174d52ecf_b_d.jpg

[carolivy]

I think you have a terrific idea going here Patty! Can't wait for the final pattern!

[tatknot]

Wow, PattyD! I really look forward to seeing it.

[Josie Passell]

Wow Patty a lovely design, I am rubbish at measuring bare thread, I find picots much easier to guage. I should probably do a pattern like yours to improve my skills.

[soyloquesoy]

Hey Patty!

That's almost exactly what I was doing. I was using SCMR in the centre, but the border was almost exactly the same. I have *serious* trouble with the big rings, though. I don't seem to be able to make them even, after 20 or so stitches they either get stuck or crumple or are just untidy...

[soyloquesoy]

http://www.intatters.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6048
Sorry for the bad quality of the pic - but I think you can see the design. I am really unhappy with the big rings, though, so will have to tweak around...

[tatknot]

Hey Patty!

That's almost exactly what I was doing. I was using SCMR in the centre, but the border was almost exactly the same. I have *serious* trouble with the big rings, though. I don't seem to be able to make them even, after 20 or so stitches they either get stuck or crumple or are just untidy...

I HATE doing large rings. I'm always looking for ways around them. In my own design, I used chains, but you could try mock rings or the balanced double stitch. I haven't worked with the latter yet, but it is supposed to provide a much stabler ring. Rozella Linden came up with the idea and it is available in pdf form, but I find her YouTube video to be even more helpful. HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3c99nb0CIg)

[tatknot]

If any of you are looking for the picture of PattyD's snowflake that is being discussed, I found it in her album. There are lots of other beauties there, too.

[frakira]

I HATE doing large rings. I'm always looking for ways around them. In my own design, I used chains, but you could try mock rings
I tatted your snowflake (I hope tomorow I will paste a photo), but these long chains are terrible ;-( (I tried mock rings instead them, but it wasn't better.. It seems it is really very very long for me, I won't like desings with long chains.

[Judy]

As I was wandering around on UTube I saw the results of the 25 hearts challenge. Very impressive set of heart designs. Be sure to chedk them out.

[tatknot]

I tatted your snowflake (I hope tomorow I will paste a photo), but these long chains are terrible ;-( (I tried mock rings instead them, but it wasn't better.. It seems it is really very very long for me, I won't like desings with long chains.

LOL, my solution is someone else's bane! Sorry, frakira. You could substitute a second shuttle ring as well. That is just a big shape that requires a lot of double stitches!

[tatknot]

As I was wandering around on UTube I saw the results of the 25 hearts challenge. Very impressive set of heart designs. Be sure to chedk them out.

Judy, I did a search on Youtube but didn't find it. Will you please post a link for us?

[Judy]

Can't seem to locate it again. Might have been a link via an advertisement. It was an announcement that Wally Sosa had finished the self imposed 25 hearts challenge, and it showed the 25 final designs as a package, each with Wally's name over the design along with the name. I asked Hegla if she knows how to find it.

[j.stacy]

yes, i also have considered balanced double stitch for the large rings. but that's plan B; if i have trouble doing regular rings, or scmr. i haven't started tatting my design yet, but i JUST printed the sketch out and finished all my ongoing knitting projects, and i'm happy to report i'm going now to load my shuttles!!!! wahoo!!!!!

[tatknot]

Found it! From My Heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH3x8-6TOP0&feature=related) by Wally Sosa.

j.stacy, I say wahoo!!!!, too. Really looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

[Judy]

Now back to the snowflake!

[frakira]

OK, back to snowflakes. Here is my tatknots snowflake. It is made from some hdt thread made by friend of Mike (Mike sent me it) and I have never seen such coloured thread and was curious how it will seem. I really don't know if I like this combination or not, but it was funny to tat it for me (it was new pattern and new thread too, so..).
And to pattern.. after first row I didn't trust it can be flat.. so now I am happy it is :-D
Long chains are terrible, but I think long ring would be the same - I must practise it, I think.
Now it seems it is the worse tatting I have ever done (sorry, tatknot, maybe once I'll try tat it better), but maybe it would be better after blocking or ironing (now I won't do it).

[carolivy]

Frakira, that really isn't that bad. To help with your large rings or chains, when you are pulling them tight, try laying them on something hard and flat and putting your hand over it instead of trying to hold all of it in a pinch. Usually a large ring or chain is too big to fit in most people's fingers, but will still fit under the palm of the hand.

[frakira]

It is great idea.. I'll try it when I'll tat your snowflake ;-)

[soyloquesoy]

I like the snowflake you tatted, frakira. I am having exactly the same problem with long chains/rings as you - and I was coming back to report I have been improving by making sure I hold all of the stitches when sliding the core thread to close the ring. I did not lay it flat but use my palm and the full length of my thumb, but I am sure laying it on my knee or something would work too - the problem for me arises when you don't slide all the stitches at the same rhythm. That was what happening when it was longer than the pinch...

[tatknot]

OK, back to snowflakes. Here is my tatknots snowflake. It is made from some hdt thread made by friend of Mike (Mike sent me it) and I have never seen such coloured thread and was curious how it will seem. I really don't know if I like this combination or not, but it was funny to tat it for me (it was new pattern and new thread too, so..).
And to pattern.. after first row I didn't trust it can be flat.. so now I am happy it is :-D
Long chains are terrible, but I think long ring would be the same - I must practise it, I think.
Now it seems it is the worse tatting I have ever done (sorry, tatknot, maybe once I'll try tat it better), but maybe it would be better after blocking or ironing (now I won't do it).

Your chains need a little shaping which is to be expected. Long chains ARE hard to keep shaped. Other than that, it looks great. When we were discussing this the other day, I didn't think to mention thread effect on long chains and large rings. I DO find it easier to form both with a good 6-cord cordonet than with the softer threads. But they are still awkward!

Thread colors don't always show true on the internet, but this one reminds me of the colors one might see in a coral bed.

[tatknot]

Has anyone tatted Rachael's pattern yet? I'm about to print it off and hope to start it today. I need to make some adjustments to two of the three bracelets I made over the weekend, then I can begin. I confess, Rachael, that yours will be the greatest challenge for me. I really like the lacy background that your long picots create, but I've never done much with that technique. I also rarely use beads. You have provided me with a challenge and we'll see how I do with it.

[carolivy]

I haven't had much tatting time lately. Have been working on a new concept for my card designs and am almost done with that, then I hope to have more tatting time...that is until I go on vaction. Hope to get the last of the snowflakes done though before I leave.

[Jon Yusoff]

I wanted to print the patterns for all the snowflakes from this design challenge and searched in Knots but did not find them there. I only found the one from Eliz here (http://www.intatters.com/showthread.php?2539-Jon-Yusoff-Snowflake-Design-Challenge). Looking at how long this thread has grown into, it would take some time trawling through to find the pattern here.

Kersti, would it be possible to have the patterns listed in Knots?

[xstchntat]

Has anyone tatted Rachael's pattern yet? I'm about to print it off and hope to start it today. I need to make some adjustments to two of the three bracelets I made over the weekend, then I can begin. I confess, Rachael, that yours will be the greatest challenge for me. I really like the lacy background that your long picots create, but I've never done much with that technique. I also rarely use beads. You have provided me with a challenge and we'll see how I do with it.
I think the ring count on the two rings closet to the first round need to be decreased a little to make it lay flatter. maybe by one ds per section of those 2 rings would do it. I confess that I have wanted to go back and retat it myself with a little larger thread and adjust the count a little but have been distracted by other things lately. Will try to do that next weekend.

[carolivy]

I wanted to print the patterns for all the snowflakes from this design challenge and searched in Knots but did not find them there. I only found the one from Eliz here (http://www.intatters.com/showthread.php?2539-Jon-Yusoff-Snowflake-Design-Challenge). Looking at how long this thread has grown into, it would take some time trawling through to find the pattern here.

Kersti, would it be possible to have the patterns listed in Knots?

My pattern is Here: http://www.intatters.com/album.php?albumid=381&attachmentid=4997 (and the count for the inner chain is 3-1--1-3) Haven't had time to fix the drawing since Mike let me know what it was (I sent him my original)

[j.stacy]

you guys tricked me into thinking this was going to be easy!!! far from it! i had my sketch done and printed it out to start tatting. and everything from there went to p00p!!! well, it would probably be much easier without those giant rings. but i'm bummed! guess i had my rose-colored glasses on

i had started trying to figure out the BDS, which is a story all on it's own. i finally got it, but haven't had time to try and apply it to the pattern yet. i had to take a knitting break!! :(

[tatknot]

you guys tricked me into thinking this was going to be easy!!! far from it! i had my sketch done and printed it out to start tatting. and everything from there went to p00p!!! well, it would probably be much easier without those giant rings. but i'm bummed! guess i had my rose-colored glasses on

i had started trying to figure out the BDS, which is a story all on it's own. i finally got it, but haven't had time to try and apply it to the pattern yet. i had to take a knitting break!! :(

I'm so sorry that you are feeling discouraged. May I make a suggestion? Shrink those big rings down to something you can work with and keep on going with your design. The most experienced designer runs into trouble now and then. Jon told us when she shared this challenge with us that she just couldn't seem to get started on this one. So take heart and let us know if you need some help.

[tatknot]

It occurs to me that the hardest part of this challenge has been figuring out what to do with those large ring shapes. Let's do some brain-storming about the different ways a designer might accommodate that space. Perhaps it will provide someone with an idea they can followup with to give us another snowflake for the challenge. These are some of the ideas I've had or seen posted in this thread so far:

Chains (I used this one)
Large Rings
Balanced Double Stitch Rings?
SCMR?
Maltese Ring?
Large Beaded Picot?
Large teardrop-shaped beads?
Roll tatting?
Pearl tatted chains?
Tatting over teardrop-shaped rings? (I'm not sure we would still call them rings or even if such a thing exists--beauty of brainstorming)
Toss them out of the design
Shrink them

Any other ideas?

[j.stacy]

ooh! a very good list of suggestions, tatknot! i particularly like the idea of roll tatting the larger rings. maybe i shall play with that! and they DO sell tear drop-shaped "rings" (jewelry findings) at my small hometown craft store! my MIL just sent a bag full of old, thick, white crochet cotton: TONS of practice thread!!! hahaha

[carolivy]

Ooooh! I love the idea of the tear drop beads in the center! Cool!

[soyloquesoy]

Eliz, I have been thinking a sort of lock stitch chain could be more stable for the big rings (the kind that is made alternating 4 normal double stitches and 4 direct tatted ones)

[soyloquesoy]

On other news, I have my prototype blocking as I type! And I have started drawing the pattern. I am not sure when I'll finish it.

I think it is quite similar to Patty's, but I swear I did not copy cat!

I have a lot to say and chat about this, but I'll wait until I have at least a proper picture!

[soyloquesoy]

More brainstorming for the big rings:

Polymer clay like what yarnplayer did with her butterfly here: http://www.intatters.com/album.php?albumid=16&attachmentid=6599

[carolivy]

More brainstorming for the big rings:

Polymer clay like what yarnplayer did with her butterfly here: http://www.intatters.com/album.php?albumid=16&attachmentid=6599

Ooooh, now That would be interesting! I love yarnplayers's polymer/tatting!

[soyloquesoy]

Yep, it is a really interesting mix of techniques to explore.

News from my progress: I have the chart almost ready - just a bit of perfectionism left if I want to avoid writing instructions. The piece itself is blocked (and it was a big improvement!) but still has 19 ends to hide - I clearly need to improve my design, :lol: I have a few ideas, so I think I'll share what I have but not write out the full pattern until I have smoothed that out...

[tatknot]

Yep, it is a really interesting mix of techniques to explore.

News from my progress: I have the chart almost ready - just a bit of perfectionism left if I want to avoid writing instructions. The piece itself is blocked (and it was a big improvement!) but still has 19 ends to hide - I clearly need to improve my design, :lol: I have a few ideas, so I think I'll share what I have but not write out the full pattern until I have smoothed that out...

I eagerly await your results. Since we all started with the same chart, it is very likely that some of us would come up with really similar designs. What always amazes me is the differences in our designs! I'm sure there are some.

[soyloquesoy]

Here is my first try!
6649

[soyloquesoy]

I decided to leave those ends to use to sew to some fabric in case I decide to use it that way...

I still have some tweaking to do to the design, but here is what I did so far:
6651
I hope it is clear!

[Anke]

Very pretty! Congratulations!!!

[carolivy]

Great looking pattern Soyloquesoy! Thanks for sharing.

[Antiquarian]

Mine didn't turn out *pout* I'm gong to try it again with changes and then see if it's good enough to post.

[Papagena]

Carolivy,
thanks for sharing Jon's Snowflake pattern! I try to work the pattern in the next days.
Hugs Papagena

[frakira]

soyloquesoy, it is nice pattern and very nice colours too.. congrats ;-)

[j.stacy]

soyloquesoy, congrats for finishing a pattern!!

and papagena: we will all be rooting for you while you are working out a pattern!! i get excited each time someone new joins in with the challenge!!

as for me, i have FINALLY come up with a design for the center of the challenge piece!! whether or not you'll get to see the WHOLE thing finished, is another story! ;) but i'm still working on it! be able to figure out something that worked for the beginning really boosted my spirits and gave me my second wind! i'm not giving up!!! :D

[carolivy]

..... i'm not giving up!!! :D

Good for you! Can't wait to see your interpretation!

[Marty]

I put together a pattern for this challenge, but haven't had time to try it out to see if my idea will even work!

[soyloquesoy]

Thank you all for the comments on my "entry". As I stated in the pattern, I was thinking of doing chains between the rings in the outer round, but wanted to try with bare thread to see how many ds I would need, and since I completed the snowflake, I decided to share this design progress.

I tried two different ways to go from one spike to the next in the second round, I think I like the "spiky" one better.


Way to go to all the other taking part, I too am excited to know there will be more snowflakes to try!

[tatknot]

Here is my first try!
6649

Beautiful! Love your use of color.

[soyloquesoy]

Thanks!

My use of colour is almost accidental - I wanted to try with thick thread and I had bits of yellow and burgundy, and a skein of blue - after doing a spike with the scrapes I decided to go on with the yellow and bought a new skein - which I used almost completely, by the way.

[j.stacy]

i'm coming around the corner to the finish line.... if only i had more spare time!!!

*who needs to take care of their children and their home, right?!?!*

[crazytatter]

Interesting, I like this challenge. I should give it a try. Thank you.

[carolivy]

i'm coming around the corner to the finish line.... if only i had more spare time!!!

*who needs to take care of their children and their home, right?!?!*

Well, how old are the kids? Can they take care of each other? :wink: :tongue: You are right about the house though...lol :innocent:

[tatknot]

Interesting, I like this challenge. I should give it a try. Thank you.

I hope you will, crazytatter.

[j.stacy]

no, carolivy, my kids are 6 and 3. my 6 year old is VERY self-sufficient and easily pleased! my 3 year old is.... however... not!! of course, she's 3 and all the parents reading this can just reminisce about when your own children were three and promptly pray for me!!!

and how clean is my house with a 3 year old? let's just say her favorite pass time is making stains on the carpet and destroying everything she comes across!! :D :D

in more positive news: I HAVE FINISH MY SNOW FLAKE!!! hopefully sometime soon i'll be able to get scans and post them and write up a pattern!!

and crazytatter: OF COURSE you should try your hand at this challenge!!! i was crazy enough to do it and i actually came away with some success!!!

[carolivy]

Ahhh Stacy, I had one of those destructive ones too. Mine are all grown and flown the nest now though and boy, I'm thankful for that! lol (I have a 26 and a 17 year old)

[alizandria]

:blink:So I have finished my pattern...but I am still tatting my 'good' piece...my 1st piece is all different shapes as I was trying to figure out the stitch counts I wanted to use.

7264 73307331

I have the pattern written out as well but my computer is giving me a hard time on trying to upload that one. I will fix it later. :)
Enjoy!

Edit: So I finished the 1st round and found that is doesn't want to lie completely flat very well on its own. I should be able to fix with blocking or it may just work itself out the farther I go but just in case anyone is looking at doing this one before I get done I would suggest using a normal size picot instead of my insignificant ones to connect the small rings in the center. That should give enough room to flatten out the bigger rings...looks like I will be doing another one after this one is done... :blink:

[carolivy]

Great looking pattern Alizandria. Thanks for sharing.

[soyloquesoy]

Looks great Alizandria!

[tatknot]

I can hardly wait to see the tatted piece, Alizandria!

[soyloquesoy]

Loving you progress Alizandria, and also the finished piece you posted in your needle tatting album (http://www.intatters.com/album.php?albumid=528&attachmentid=7712) - very cool, and lovely choice of colours too!

[alizandria]

Loving you progress Alizandria, and also the finished piece you posted in your needle tatting album (http://www.intatters.com/album.php?albumid=528&attachmentid=7712) - very cool, and lovely choice of colours too!

Thanks Soyloquesoy! My practice piece was 5 pointed done on needles but my pattern doesn't work as well when you try to make it 6 pointed still working out the bugs. :/

[soyloquesoy]

Doh, I didn't notice it was 5 pointed - it look gorgeous anyway, so that is a variation to try!

[carolivy]

I didn't either! Still looks great and can be a Christmas Star instead of a snowflake. ;-)

[Judy]

Very dramatic! Love it. Who said all snowflakes are 6 sided? Seems they can have different genes just like humans so they grow differently. Yours was created to be lovely and loved, but not identical to its siblings.

[Judy]

OOps ! forgot. Send out the pattern soon, I want to make it for the exchange!

[coretta]

oh dear. I shouldn't have started reading this 189 post long thread.... it's now well past midnight and I have to get the kids up for school tomorrow. Fabulous work from all who have created patterns. They are each thrilling to me in different ways. I printed out the pattern in the beginning but have had other projects (like kids) take my time and haven't yet gotten to even think of designing my own. When this is "done" or at least at a point where we have finished patterns from more, we totally need them on Knots. Looking through the thread is fun.... but as I just demonstrated to myself, very time consuming. I hesitate to print the patterns that I saved, since I had a hard time keeping track of which ones still needed changes or not. HUGS to all who are working on this, you have all produced something to be proud of!