This one in a melon and green variagated vintage J&P Clark's size 70 thread was the first I made...my husband has claimed this one...
Then I attempted it again in this beautiful lavendar and yellow variagated J&P Coats size 70. This was a gift from Michelle from her Aunt Rose-E's stash along with the beautiful lavendar rose hankie I have shown (more to come on that). It's gorgeous thread, and happens to be in my parents wedding colors. My Mom still enjoys things in these colors, and this will go to her...
Finally, I found this thread in a bag of mixed threads I picked up at the local Arc Thrift store...tucked down in the middle of a larger ball. It's gorgeous with the dark wine blending into a pale rose. It had no label, but I believe the thread to be a vintage J&P Clarks size 70 as well, based on similar balls I have seen on E-bay. I knew right away that I wanted to make something for myself with this one, so here is my cross...
Here is a photo of all three crosses I have done in this pattern to date...I'll count them collectively as #12 in my 25 motif challenge.
I have now tatted this particular cross three times and I still rather enjoy it...it fits nicely into my handbag so that I have something to work on wherever I am...
I found this little case at the local Dollar Tree that just fits a couple of clover shuttles, balls of thread (the small stuff), scissors, the pattern, and a pin for picking out the inevitible mistakes...a nice little bit of tatting to go. I am lacking a needle though...
What size/type of needle does one use to sew in the ends on this tiny thread? I have yet to find one that works without great force and potentially breaking the threads. Everything I have found is just too big in diameter. Grandma always just cut and tied a neatly trimmed little knot and didn't fuss about the ends, but I rather like sewing them in as the appearance is just that much neater. Any suggestions?
As you can see from the contents of my little box...I plan on another of the "Large Cross" in the lavender and yellow variagated thread with the chains in yellow this time...Dad will like that one I think. Oh, that yellow shuttle has a bit of that wine and rose thread left on it. I'm thinking earrings...
I prefer the "magic thread" trick to hide ends. with size 70 - 80 I would use the same size thread for the "puller" thread. you do have to plan how you are going to hide the ends when you begin, as you may have to hide the magic thread in the first ring or chain.
ReplyDeleteI am at work, or would send you a link to the instructions on how to do this. possibly someone else can point you in the right direction.
Gorgeous crosses!!! :)
ReplyDeleteMary's large cross does have to be tatted in a 'fine' thread to make it 'smaller', and these are very pretty threads! Amazing what one can find in a thrift store! I rarely tat with the finer threads (above 50), so I am impressed with your work here.
ReplyDeleteI have used a size 28 tapestry needle (with a large eye for easier threading) to hide ends with size 50 thread, but even though it's a very thin needle, I'm not sure it is fine enough for size 70 thread. I have never tried the 'magic thread trick'.
Is there pattern for the bookmarker?
ReplyDeleteYes, It is available in Mary Konior's book "Tatting With Visual Patterns"
DeleteMary Konior's book costs $77. Can't afford that. Do you know how I can purchase this cross pattern?
Delete