Saturday 23 July 2016

Tatting Can Leave You In Stitches

The Fringe Element Tatters are having another exchange and we are to do something using a variety of stitches.  So I have made a few tallies.  First a piece for practice.

The pattern is by Mimi Dillman, Tatted Cluny Coaster Variation and is available for download here. There is also a link to a cluny instruction page, both shuttle and needle. You will make 32 tallies for this pattern.

I am using a gifted vintage thread, size 30, color unknown.  It was wrapped around an envelop so perhaps whatever was originally made was undone.  The thread is very smooth so perfect for cluny making. The color change helps me keep track of the threads and I can count the wraps easily.

I have found that as I go along in this pattern the tallies are getting a wee bit better.  I still have quite a bit of twisting but hope that blocking will save me.

I need to figure out how to put in a picot for joining between tallies. I found that the pop a bobbin provided adjustable tension and sat nicely behind my fingers and kept the center thread tight.  When I wrapped the thread around my little finger it was too slippery and didn't stay.   I also found that I don't need a lot of space for the loom if  I use a thin shuttle for wrapping.  With less space you can wrap faster and there is less of a chance to drop your shuttle.

I used a post-it note to mark my place in the pattern and just realized I could use one to assist in keeping the tallies more consistent. Well the final piece is below and I'm feeling more confident. I know the tallies are not near perfect but I was able to close them all without breaking thread and no cramping of my hand.  I just may make another.


15 comments:

  1. A very jolly square ! You did very nicely on the tallies :-)

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    1. Thanks Muskaan, so much still to learn about tatting.

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  2. Now I've GOT to have a go at that. I'm not a great fan of clones/tallies but need to practice before Tat Days!!!!

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  3. Lovely colourful square, great job with the clunies

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  4. I'm impressed, good job with those tallies! Thanks for the link, it's a good pattern for practising tallies.

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  5. About picots for joining to/between tallies :
    If you need to join on side, insert a paper clip at the point where you want the join to come. Continue to weave & close as normal. The clip will hold the picot space open for later.
    Similarly, at tip of tally - insert the clip before you start closing. I have a few pics here, which although demonstrated for Hanging Cluny leaves, can be applied to normal tallies as well : http://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.in/2015/08/a-loom-for-all-clunies.html
    Hope this helps ?

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    1. I was just saying to myself that I need to read your post on Cluny leaves, this helps a lot.

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  6. Lovely piece. Thanks for the link. Just learned cluny technique last year. This would be a nice practice piece. Love the design.

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  7. I love the cluny stitch and have had this pattern for years and for some reason I have not made it up seeing this again makes me want to try it again love your work and colors. Will have to check out this exchange and maybe join in if it is still open or give it a try next time if not :)

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    1. Oh yes, I've seen your lovely clunies especially the soap holder found here. The exchange is run by the Fringe Element Tatters in Canada :).

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  8. Beautiful, Bernice. How ironic that I just pulled Mimi's coaster pattern about 5 minutes ago to finally give it a try! I love cluny leaves but find that I must practice LOTS each time I want to put the into a project. Now I'm inspired and looking forward to your next one.

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    1. Thanks Sandy, just watch my blog and I'll post a picture when done. I am getting a bit fond on the leaves too. This pattern is a great practice piece.

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