Design Your Own?

[Marty]

I'm just curious about how many people are designing their own tatting patterns, and how many regularly adapt from other patterns?

I've been doing both for the last couple of years, but adapted other patterns for years before that. I think we're all more creative than we thought we were!

[ginabea]

I have created several pieces of tatted lace "from scratch". Simply because I could not find a pattern that would fit what I needed. Or I got lost following a pattern and something else emerged : )

My friend Irene Morgan seldom puts her original patterns to paper. Her credo is "Tat what you need". Wise words!

[Ridgewoman]

I, sometimes, adapt patterns; but, only began doing that last year...Bev

[tattrldy]

I started making my own patterns quite a few years ago when I started going to craft shows. I didn't want to get in trouble with anyone for selling things made from other people's patterns - I wasn't sure how that worked (this was before internet, or at least that I knew about!) I made a lot of edgings and snowflakes and some doilies. Writing them down - in any form - is not as fun as tatting them! And I change patterns as the need arises (do you like "my" horse?)

[mewtilman]

I have been tatting for two months (taking lessons at the local senior center). I can't find a pattern for a dinosaur I like so am working on a design. Hope to finish a workable pattern.
Mary

[Liyarra]

Designing small stuff since I started tatting but only recently started thinking about bigger things since doing Sharon Briggs' course online.
It was an eye opener and now being able to manipulate my drawn ideas on the computer is making the task SOOOOOO much easier.
I have trouble trying to adapt doily patterns cos I still see them as they are meant to be rather than the possibilities
But I find the few pieces I call my "good" designs have come off the shuttle when I am just bored and playing around without any references in front of me.

[wickedtats]

I am soooo envious of pple who are able to design their own patterns =( wonder when I will be able to do my own but I don't even know where or how to start =(. I have made minor adaptations to patterns before but nothing too drastic or amazing. =(.

[PattyD]

To wickedtats

Even changing the picot size or position can change the whole look of a piece. Not to mention color, size of thread and beads. Stitch count isn't everything, you know.

Misnakes, omissions, uncalled for repeats, switching or not switching colors can shine a light where there wasn't one before. Before you know it, inspiration has struck!

Just keep fooling around....

[Monica]

I've been tatting since forever but have really been inspired to get better and do more since meeting you guys.
You have taught me split rings (single and double), how to add beads to picots without pre-stringing them, explained split chains (which I haven't mastered yet) and cluny leaves which I aspire to learn some day.
You have also inspired me to just go for it and adapt patterns or create patterns as necessary. I'm just starting to build confidence in this area but one stitch at a time I'm getting closer to thinking that I really AM creative and don't have to limited to tatting designs for which I can find patterns. It's ok to just try stuff up and figure it out as I go along.
Thanks for the wisdom and inspiration In Tatters!
~M

[Lynn]

So far, I have failed at designing, but I'm not half bad at adapting others' ideas. I still may come up with an original design one of these days. I'm just not holding my breath on that front.

I ... recently started thinking about bigger things since doing Sharon Briggs' course online.

Liyarra, how long did it take you to complete Sharon's course? This sounds very interesting. Did you have to download a special drawing program, and how long did it take you to learn to manipulate drawings on the computer? That idea sort of frightens me, as computer challanged as I am.