Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Motif #3 of 2010's 25 Motif Challenge


I gave Yarnplayer's stained-glass idea a try. This is unblocked, so it looks wonky. I used my own HDT & black Lizbeth both sz 20. The square pattern is from http://free-tatting.com/

Last night was the monthly meeting of the Lincoln Lacemakers, & we had a class on Maltese Rings. Now that is an interesting technic!! I left the class able to do the rings, but I'll have to practice to retain what I learned.

It was iffy there for a few minutes while I struggled with tensioning. I mean, you're sitting there with the ring thread around your left hand, then the instructor stays, "Now take the other shuttle over your left hand & wrap it around your pinky." My eyes crossed, my fingers all went into spasms & then she says, "Now make a stitch only on the thread wrapped around your pinky, not both threads, & don't flip it." I began squirming in my chair, then I was feeling, & probably looking like a contortionist as I struggled to keep tension on 2 threads, make the, "Oh shoot! I dropped my shuttle." stitch. Once, I had the required 2 ds's on that 1 thread, the instructor (with a wicked grin, I swear a wicked grin) says, "Now take the thread from around your little finger & pull it. It should feel just like closing a ring." Me - no response, bug-eyed, praying as I pulled the thread. My heart sank, because (of course) it wouldn't budge.

I persisted, though, & I finally had her sit next to me & show me. Apparently, that's the only way I learn any new tatting technics. I have to SEE it being done! LOL!

After all the struggling, you know how ecstatic I was when I left. I can do Maltese Rings!!!




4 comments:

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

How exciting! I've never tried Maltese rings. I'm taking a break from trying to make split rings right now. My hands just won't cooperate! How am I ever going to keep up with Jane's T.I.A.S.?

Unknown said...

You did a nice job!
Oh, I can't wait to see the maltese rings! I've yet, to do that one, but I've made padded tatting cords with the same kind of technique so I think I've got the hang of it.

sewmuchfun4 said...

Your motif is really pretty! That is great that you figured out Maltese Rings! They sound really tough to make, but they are so beautiful!
:) Ann

Tatteristic! said...

Love your story. I only wish there were tatting instructors in my area for a little "hands-on" help now and then. Keep practicing - you'll master it in no time! I have yet to try Maltese Rings. They look complicated.

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