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Logs - Previous Sessions Class Chats Links in this Lesson: Techniques Split Chain Tutorial from Needle Tat Too Split Chain the Fast and Easy Way The Split Chain by Georgia Seitz Adding Beads to Picots (On or In) Beads on Joins by Thisntat Patterns Square from Anna Valeire Book #3
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Lesson 5Congratulations for making it to the end of our series of lessons. This lesson we'd like to cover:
Split ChainsThe split chain is a useful technique. Not only can you use it for climbing out to the next round, but you can also use it to cover bare threads anywhere (or other bare things for that matter). Rather than try to explain what many others have illustrated well, we refer you to the following links.
With the Needle
With the ShuttleShuttle tatters may find it easier to try out the shuttle and thread movements on something rigid (like a pencil or one side of a big safety pin) instead of a bare thread at first.
Split Chain ExerciseKatia's Fan. Make this and you won't soon forget how to make split chains!
Climbing OutRemember last week's cliff hanger, homework Square from Anna Valeire Book #3? Some of you may have left the shuttles still connected, but the last chain not done. After this discussion above, can you now see what you must do?Shuttle tatters: chain 3 ds, tension, leave bare thread space just shorter than 3 ds and lock join to the 1st ring of the round (split ring). Make the split chain back to the middle, mock picot, and split ring up to the last round. Needle tatters: chain 3ds, slide it off, tension; unthread and reposition needle, chain 3 ds over eye end; poke needle eye into the base of first ring, thread the needle and pull it through. Needle thread will meet the ball thread in the middle, ready for the next split ring (after the mock picot). Covering RingsOther interesting ways to use the split chain technique is to cover rings, such asin this pattern: Happy Christmas Tatters by Rosemarie Peel (same author as the heart with lock joins). I guarantee after you make ds's like this all the way around a cabone ring, it will take a long time to forget how to do it (and a short time to review later if you do!). Needle tatters can do it using their needle like the shuttle tatters use their shuttle. So don't forget to bookmark Marie's method. We've put some more patterns in the homework section for both uses of split chains.
Working Tips for Split Chains1. Split chains are almost always followed by a mock picot before making the next element. This mock picot is needed to provide symmetry with all the other repeats in the round just finish and the following round. 2. Make sure your lock join is tight (pull closed toward the direction the chain will be worked). The join may settle some during working of the split chain (particularly for shtuttle tatters). 3. Shuttle tatters: The bare thread will lengthen as you work your split chain. This is not just the effect of loosening mock picot, but also the pulling on the thread for tensioning. So when beginning the split chain, always leave a smaller bare thread than length of chain desired. You can almost always add in in a few more ds's when you think you're out of core thread, but you can't add more core thread (without taking out the whole thing).
Beads, and How to Add ThemI am sure you have all seen the pictures by now of the pieces some tatters do with all those beautiful beads in them. It is actually quite easy to do, it only takes some planning for loading beads on your threads in advance of beginning to tat.
At thisntat you can see a picture of how beads are added over a join. This is done through the aid of a crochet hook. It is easy enough with big beads, but for seed beads, you will need a fairly small hook.
Other Bead ConsiderationsChoosing beads. Make sure they have holes large enough for the thread - and your needle if needle tatting - to pass through. You will also be happier if they are color-fast.Stringing order. The order of stringing of your beads becomes very important if you are using more than one color or type. What order should they be strung in to be released in the order needed to get the pattern you want? You will string the last beads used first, so that the first beads you will need will be first off your ball or shuttle. Planning is key. Many designers will tell you the order for stringing - but of course you will come across those who do not. Take the time to plan out your bead counts and stringing order, paying attention to when the pattern calls for shuttle 1 or 2, etc. A stringing tip from Anita, previous teacher: If you choose to use CTM in order to avoid hiding ends simply reverse the threading order for the shuttle 2 beads. Though this way you will have to be careful to start in the right spot so your beads will all remain on the right threads (ie start between the S1 and S2 beads). It will likely mean a bit more counting but for small projects like ear rings it may be worth not having the extra ends. Sting the beads, then wind your shuttles and get started. The actual tatting will be easy after all the preparation. The beautiful results you will get are worth it. You will find some intersting patterns and discussion in this classic lesson on beading from the on-line class.
A Quick Word on BlockingYour tatting will look ever so much more presentable if you block it. Blocking does not need to be a long, involved process. It can be as simple as dampening your piece, shaping and pressing it with your fingers on a flat surface such as your kitchen counter or washing machine, and leaving it to dry.You may also find that your larger pieces benefit from being pinned out onto a blocking board marked with concentric circles (as with a compass) with rays to separate the repeats (protractor will help measure the angles), or in a grid if the piece has straight sides. Check out how to make a blocking board by Nancy Tracy, and her photo of the board in use. Stiffening is a matter of choice, but PVA (Elmer's type) glue 50/50 with water is probably the kind that will attract the least in the way of bugs (it is wonderful for Christmas ornaments). Some still swear by sugar or startch. Wash out any stiffener before long-term storage just to be safe. I recommend cutting your ends after you block rather than before.
Following the Monday Night On-Line ClassBefore we send you on your way, we wanted to show you what the Monday night class was like. I think you will find that if you now understand what we have covered in the past 6 weeks, you can follow Monday night classes with a little study in advance. Look here at a sample lesson. The basic format is a pattern for the week that illustrates a techinique (or several techniques) for discussion in the class. And like we have been doing, she also posts a log of the class. So if you were not able to attend, you can still read along with the Q&A on the lesson. It is quite interesting to read the logs to see what the others in the class are thinking on how to modify any given pattern. Some love beads and add them to almost everything, others will change design elements slightly. It is generally easy to follow the conversations (at least the ones going on about the class topic LOL...)
Additionally, the class website http://www.georgiaseitz.com has a wealth of information should you come across an unfamiliar term that you would like to look up and possibly study. Because so much is there on the site, you may need to use the advanced features of your favorite search engine to zero in on what you need. I click on "Advanced Search" next to the text box on Google - and search for the text only on http://www.georgiaseitz.com. Try it for "split chain" and see how many results you get!
ConclusionIf for some reason you missed a one of these classes, or didn't understand one of our classes the first time, please feel free to sit in on another set. We don't want to send you out without feeling ready, though we're sure most of you are!So we expect to see you on Monday Night at 8:30 NY time in the international class room (same room as for this class)!!!! Homework SuggestionsSplit ChainsThe best way to improve those wobbly looking split chains is practice. Try one or two of the patterns above, or any of these motifs:
Covering a ring:
Also, if you like covering rings, check with your favorite tatting supplier for Tatting Over A Cabone Ring by Sadie Allison. It was published in 2001 and may be getting a bit difficult to find. BeadingHave fun!! Questions: contact your teachers
Mimi: ntrop at ix dot netcom dot com |
