Help w/ Heart Pattern -- SCMR?

[Lottefla]

The Christmas Heart pattern by Anne Bruvold had me stumped. I know I started and restarted about 9 times before finally finishing one.

As it is, I'm sure I didn't do the SCMR part right.

I looked at the picture and to me it looked like the chains crossed there, so I did a chain of 8 ds, joined with the other rings at the bottom, another chain of 8 ds, undid the thread from the needle, and cut it from the ball, then wrapped the 2nd chain around the 1st one before continuing with the 2 ds chain, then the last ring and chain.

I know this isn't the right way. My method sounds odd, and looks a tad odd too - but got me past that part finally.

The directions say: SCMR: 4(R:4+4)4
and it's in red, so I know that in regular tatting that would mean use a different shuttle.

What should I have done? HELP. I was thinking that I would make hearts for Valentine's day, but now I'm reconsidering. Thanks a bunch.

[Anke]

Hi Lottefla,

I did this heart 4 times lately and I did it this way:

Chain 4 dnrw ss R 4+4 ss 4 lj to base of chain

That way it worked for me but i don't know if it is the way Anne meant to.

[Judy]

Needle tatter, right? If not, ignore these instructions. The instruction "SCMR: 4(R:4+4)4" Says to me TWO rings. The 4()4 Ring is the "Self closing Mock Ring that you would normally make with a needle and ball thread. The R:4+4 is a floating or "thrown" ring off the other ring. The method I'll describe to make this ring is called a "true ring" by shuttle tatters. (hence "mock" for the other method). This will be the lower ring, and will join "+" to the picot where the three rings meet near the point below. The two rings are the same size but are constructed differently. This will be a bit fiddley since its working inside out. Usually we start at the center and work outward, but this one works the other way around.

Here's the sequence: Start with 4 ds on your needle using the ball thread. If you have a second needle the same size, haul it out now. Measure out a few feet of your ball thread and cut off the ball. You'll only be making 12 more ds, so it doesn't have to be too long. Thread the second needle with this cut end. Put this needle at the precise end of the 4 ds on needle one. Using the cut ball thread, make 4ds, being sure to leave as little space as you can manage where you jump from one needle to the other with that thread. Do the join, make 4 more ds. Now, close that ring on the second needle. You may now unthread needle two. Use that cut end to make the last 4 ds on needle 1. Close... remembering that this is a RING, so the needle goes through the loop. DONE (except for hiding ends... do you use the magic thread trick?) If you don't have a second needle, there's a work-around. Let me know.

[ncmomftbragg]

I am interested in making this heart but using a shuttle. Any suggestions?

[Anke]

The patterns is written for two shuttles as Anne is a shuttle tatter.

[ncmomftbragg]

Oh, ok!!! Thanks!!!

[Anke]

You're welcome!
Do you know where to find her patterns?
If not (and for all others who did not see it yet) - she has made a whole bunch of Christmas Heart Variations that can be found HERE.
There are many different other patterns as well. (Her dragons are very special.)

[Judith Connors]

You don't need a so-called SCMR in this pattern at all. Just use a clover formation at the top (dip) of the heart. The pattern is very straightforward, so why make a mountain out of a molehill? You can needle-tat the whole piece quite easily.

[Anke]

I cannot imagine how you mean that, Judith.
My thought would be to use one bigger ring instead of two small rings in the middle.

[Catriona]

Here's the sequence: Start with 4 ds on your needle using the ball thread. If you have a second needle the same size, haul it out now. Measure out a few feet of your ball thread and cut off the ball. You'll only be making 12 more ds, so it doesn't have to be too long. Thread the second needle with this cut end. Put this needle at the precise end of the 4 ds on needle one. Using the cut ball thread, make 4ds, being sure to leave as little space as you can manage where you jump from one needle to the other with that thread. Do the join, make 4 more ds. Now, close that ring on the second needle. You may now unthread needle two. Use that cut end to make the last 4 ds on needle 1. Close... remembering that this is a RING, so the needle goes through the loop. DONE (except for hiding ends... do you use the magic thread trick?) If you don't have a second needle, there's a work-around. Let me know.

Hi Judy,

I only have one needle available, could you tell me what the work around is?