Another Netted Scollop from Tatting and Netting

This Netted Scollop from page 110 of Tatting and Netting was as easy to make as the one last week.

This scollop (that's the way it was spelled in the book) has a stitch variation I've not seen before.  The group of stitches is broken into three parts instead of two.  I'm trying to think of a name for the stitch, since the book did not include one and I prefer to name the stitches so I can remember what they look like.  Suggestions?

Netted Scollop from Tatting and Netting

This Netted Scollop from page 107 of Tatting and Netting was very clear in its instructions.  I had no problem making it and, just as important, the instructions matched the picture.  I wish I knew who wrote the different instructions.  Some instructions are so clear and some are so difficult to understand.

I used a 1/4" flat mesh stick for the "large bone needle" and a #3 (3.25 mm) knitting needle for the "steel needle."

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My husband and I finally finished our 2014 Christmas poem.

Peace I Give Unto You

The years have come and gone and each has had
A Christmas time in which we think about
The year just past.  Some years a birth has graced 
Our lives; some years a death. And yet, at this 
Blessed time of year when thoughts of Christ abound,
Love swells within our hearts and gives us peace.
Oh, let us take the life He lived, the things
He taught and showed us through the stories told,
And plant them deep within our hearts and souls,
To be there in the times of joy and grief,
To bring us nearer to our Lord and God.

Merry Christmas

Netted Lace from Tatting and Netting & Two Reasons Why I Like to Net

I thought I had just about finished the edgings and borders found in Tatting and Netting. Then I looked through the book one more time and found at least 19 more patterns. Some of the edgings are attached to other items like shawls or handkerchiefs. Some of them are scallops, half circles that can be made separately and attached one at a time to the edge, and there was even an insertion that could be used as an edge. I decided not to include the edges of the mats or doilies. I have updated the list of edgings to include all 38 edgings from Tatting and Netting.

As I was looking at the scallops, my eye caught the one on page 116, Netted Lace.

The directions looked simple. Only one paragraph.

"Make 12 stitches with a rather coarse bone needle, on the foundation loop, then, with a little smaller needle, make 2 stitches in every loop. Next, make 3 rows with a rather coarse steel needle, then 1 row with the bone needle, but in every other stitch put the thread over the mesh twice. Next row, use the quarter-inch mesh, and make 1 in every stitch; then make 1 row with the largest bone needle, and make 2 stitches in every loop. Draw up the work with the foundation thread to form the scollop, and tie it tightly."

Unfortunately, the directions were not as clear as I expected.





It took me fout tries to get my sample close to the photo in the book. The instructions for the 6th row said, "then 1 row with the bone needle, but in every other stitch put the thread over the mesh twice." I thought that meant to skip a loop. When I finished I could tell that the 6th row was wrong, as well as the 8th row. The closed loops were too long in that last row.












I tried again and got the 6th row to look correct, but I overcompensated on the 8th row and made the open loops too long. I also realized that the photo did not have the small closed loops all the way across the row. There were four loops in the middle that did not have the small loops.

My third attempt I messed up again on the 6th row by making a long loop first, though I remembered to avoid making the small loops in the center of the shell.

Finally I remembered to do everything right. It looks slightly different from the one in the book because I pinned the loops out tightly.











As I look at these four samples, I realize each of them would look nice as an edge. I just happened to want it to look like the one I saw in the book.

The directions I used for the last sample are as follows:

Row 1: Using a 3/8" flat mesh stick, form a grommet with 12 loops, but DO NOT tie an overhand knot to form the final loop. (12 loops in the row)

Row 2: Turn the netting over and, using a #5 knitting needle, net 2 knots in each loop. (24 loops in each row)

Rows 3-5: Turn the netting over and, using a #3 knitting needle, net 1 knot in each loop. (24 loops in each row)

Row 6: Turn the netting over and, using a #5 knitting needle, net 1 knot in the first loop, wrap the thread around the mesh stick before netting 1 knot in the second loop, *net 1 knot in the next loop in the usual manner, wrap the thread around the mesh stick before netting in the following loop*; repeat from * to * across the row. (24 loops in the row; 12 short, 12 long)

Row 7: Turn the netting over and, using a 1/4" flat mesh stick, net 1 knot in the long loop, *net 1 knot in the short loop, net 1 knot in the long loop*; repeat from * to * across the row. (24 loops in the row)

Row 8: Turn the netting over and, using a #5 knitting needle, *net 2 loops together, net 1 more knot in those 2 loops*; repeat from * to * 2 more times, net 2 loops together 4 times, repeat from * to * 4 times, net the last 2 loops together.

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In our family, names are drawn each year for Christmas, and we give presents to the child whose name we have. If that child has children, we can either give something to the entire family or each person. In November we visited my mother-in-law since her health was failing and we wanted to go while we could still visit with her. One of my daughters lives near her, and it was this daughter's family that we were to give Christmas presents to.

My daughter had just been reading to her children about the dolls for which my grandmother had crocheted dresses. There were even pictures of the dolls in the book she was reading. As children, we had been allowed to choose one of Grandmother's dolls. My grandchildren wondered if I could do something like that for them. So, during our November visit, we went on-line and they each chose a doll.  We ordered the dolls and a book that gave correctly-sized patterns. I could not remember how tall my doll was, I knew it was not a barbie doll, so we selected dolls that looked close to mine with movable eyes, a face they liked, and 15" tall.

The dolls and patterns arrived soon after I returned home, and I was surprised to see how tall the dolls were. I measured the one my grandmother had given me - it was about 12-13 inches tall. I began crocheting. By the time we returned for my mother-in-law's funeral last week, I had the dresses done to the point where the ruffles began.

By crocheting almost non-stop after the day of the funeral (at the grandchildren's request, they did not want me to play games or read stories to them), I finished just before we flew home on Thursday. There were things I did not get done, but the basic dresses were finished. And that was what was important!

This past month I have learned why I like to net or, to say it another way, why I do not like to crochet.

Reason 1: GAUGE! To work with size 4 knitting yarn, the pattern called for a size F hook or whatever hook was needed to obtain the correct gauge. I needed to use a C. To work with fingering yarn (size 2 yarn), I was to use a size B hook. I used a size 8. I usually use size 8 for crochet thread. For the bodices especially, I needed to be very careful to stay on gauge, which meant my fingers and shoulders were tense. I could not relax.

Reason 2: The motion of crocheting is also harder on my wrist than the motion used in netting. The last day I could feel a few twinges in my wrist. It felt good to relax my right hand and wrist on the flight home by netting on the doily I am currently trying to finish.

Netted Edging from Tatting and Netting - Why I Like Netting

In Tatting and Netting there are several edges named Netted Edging.  This one is found on page 115. I tried making the edge several times and eventually decided that the directions given produce the photo shown in the book.  I still can't get it to look exactly like the one in the book, even when I flip it over.

The flexibility of netting is shown in my photos of this edge. 

Both photos are of the same edging. 

 The one on the left was pulled horizontally when it was starched.  The one on the right was pulled vertically after the edge had been starched.

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This week I have been crocheting some doll dresses for 15" dolls. The dolls and dresses were requested by the grandchildren in the family I was selected to give Christmas present to this year.  

The pattern called for a size F hook to be used with worsted-weight yarn OR whatever size would bring the correct gauge.  I have been using a size C hook to get the proper gauge.  It also required fingering yarn.  The hook that was called for was a B.  Anyone care to guess what size I will be using to get the proper gauge?  If you guessed a size 8, you were correct.  That is so tiny I usually use crochet thread when I use that hook.  

I can't wait to get back to netting! With netting, the proper gauge is determined by the mesh stick, not by how tightly I hold my yarn or thread.

Netted Edging from Tatting and Netting

Some netting patterns in Tatting and Netting are very easy to follow.  Everything is correct and the finished product matches the photo in the book.  Netted Edging, on page 116 of Tatting and Netting, is that kind of pattern.

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Recently I re-made the two juggling bags so I could photograph them side-by-side.  The one with the red top has 100 knots, while the one with the blue top has 108 knots.

They both hold about the same number of balls, although the one with the blue top is snugger.  

Border in Rose and Sheaf Pattern from Tatting and Netting and a Forest Glade

I love the look of the Sheaf Pattern.  This version, from page 113 of Tatting and Netting, uses a combination of netting and crocheting.  I used a #3 knitting needle (the one that is 3mm) and a flat 3/8" mesh stick.  The directions for this edge, the Rose Stitch, and Round Netting were clear and easy to understand.

I recently finished re-making another doily.  I called this one Forest Glade.  When I looked at this doily, I could easily imagine myself standing in a forest glade, looking up through the leaves to see a shining, twinkling star.

When I made it originally, I let my son and his fiancé choose the center, edge, and a few of their favorite netting stitches. It is about 20 inches across and has just over 6,000 knots.

Netted Edge from Tatting and Netting and a Two-Color Doily

This is the third Netted Edging I have made from Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company. The instructions for this Netted Edge, found on page 114 , did not match the photo of the edge. I decided to match the photo, rather than follow the instructions as they were written.  I eliminated the ninth row of the instructions.

The pattern called for "a bone knitting needle of medium size for the mesh" for the entire edging. I used a size 7 knitting needle as a mesh stick.

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Many years ago, while I was still in high school, I wondered how easy it would be to put two different colors on the same round of a doily.  The doily I created with this experiment I called Golden Ray.

           

I soon discovered that it was time-consuming to change netting needles every time I wanted to change colors.  I had to tie two extra knots - one where the color changed to white and one where it changed back to yellow.  Not only did that take extra time, but I also noticed, when I took this photo, that those knots also came untied more easily than the regular netted knots.

Eventually I wondered how it would look in just one color.  At that time I did not have a digital camera so I made a copy on a photocopier.  That copy could not show the entire circle, just a rectangular section.  Now that I have a digital camera, I re-made Golden Ray in a single color.

Netted Edging from Tatting and Netting

This Netted Edging is found on page 113 in Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company. There are five different patterns in Tatting and Netting named Netted Edging.

Instructions used from Tatting and Netting

This edging is very similar to the pattern found in the Priscilla Netting Book. Besides the fact that I started with twelve loops this time and only six when I made the one from the Priscilla netting book, the only difference I can see is that I used different sized mesh sticks.  In both samples I used a 3/8" mesh stick for the large; however this time I used a #4 knitting needle for the medium mesh stick instead of a #8 knitting needle and a #0 knitting needle for the small mesh stick instead of a #3 knitting needle.

Instructions used from the Priscilla Netting Book

It makes me wonder if the editor of the Priscilla Netting Book used the pattern from Tatting and Netting, if they both came up with the same idea independently, or if they both get it from another source.

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I finished another of the doilies I am making again, Eyelet Lace. 

Eyelet Lace

The Eyelet Lace doily is a variation on the Eyelet doily my grandmother made.  I misread the instructions and did something different. Rather than cut off all the netting between where the mistake was and where I noticed the mistake, I changed the pattern slightly and had a new doily pattern.

Eyelet

Can you find where I went wrong?  It was only two loops, a simple miscounting. What other changes did I make?

Netted Fringe from Tatting and Netting

The instructions for Netted Fringe, found on page 112 of Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company, looked simple to do.  They were simple to do.  But I could not get what I had made to look like the picture in the book.

The first time I tried the pattern, I did each row with a single strand of thread.

My second attempt used double thread on rows 2 and 4, like the pattern implied.  I chose not to put the fringe on this one and the last attempt because I was in a hurry and the fringe would look the same on each.

For my third try I used a 3/8" mesh stick instead of the 3/4" suggested in the directions for rows 2 and 4. This sample was much closer to what was shown in the book.  I used double thread for rows 2 and 4.

I should probably make one more using the 3/8" mesh and a single strand of thread for the entire pattern before I decide which one is closest to the illustration in the book.  Or more importantly, which one I like more.

Edging in Double Fan or Sheaf Design from Tatting and Netting and a Different Beginning for a Duffle-type Shoulder Bag

I have long enjoyed looking at the Double Fan or Sheaf Design, but could not find an explanation for how to make it until I found the Edging in Double Fan or Sheaf Design found on page 112 of Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company.  This is the first of two ways explained in this book to create this Sheaf pattern.  I had hoped that it was strictly a net design; however, I discovered that it needed a hand-tied knot, made after the netting was finished, to form the Sheaf.

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I received an e-mail from Anthony Emery describing the technique he had used to start a duffle-type shoulder bag.

He said:  "After posting a photo of this bag at a forum I received requests for a tutorial. I adapted it from the book "Net Making" by Charles Holdgate. The tutorial only shows how to change from the flat netting that is made on the first row of netting to circular/tubular netting. I left the number of meshes and size of the gauge up to whoever tries the technique. . . . Here is a link to the tutorial http://pineapple.myfunforum.org/sutra3431.php#3431 and here is the bag."

Charles Holdgate used a 1", 1.5", and a 2" mesh stick.  The beginning row was made using the 1.5" mesh and the final round with doubled thread used the 2" mesh.  The rest of the bag was made using a 1" mesh.  Of course any size mesh could be used, depending on how you plan to use the bag.

When I asked Tony about the drawstring, he replied: "To make the drawstring I used the method shown here http://pineapple.myfunforum.org/about1654.html.  I used the same cord I used for making the bag. I tied a loop of twine between the fixed point and the drill (I did not triple the single cord as shown in the tutorial) and proceeded as shown.

It is MUCH easier and quicker to use this method. http://pineapple.myfunforum.org/about1668.html"

Now I just need to find a hand drill.  

Netted Border, With Fringe from Tatting and Netting -- continued

I decided to re-do the Netted Border, with Fringe that I showed last week.  This week I made one change to the way the instructions were written. On the row after the puff stitch was made, the instructions state: "Next row, -- Plain, with the quarter-inch mesh." I changed it to: Next row -- *Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 10 loops together (that's the nine loops of the puff stitch and one loop after the puff stitch)*, repeat from the * to *, ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

I like this version better.  It has a knot at the top and bottom of the puff stitch .

My version of the instructions:

Fill two netting needles with thread - one of them with a single strand of thread, and the other with 3 strands of thread.

Row 1: Using a 1/4" mesh stick and the netting needle filled with the single strand of thread, net  a multiple of 3 loops + 2 loops (8, 11, 14, 17 for example) in the foundation loop. (The sample above uses 14.)

Rows 2-6: Using the 1/4" mesh stick and the same netting needle, net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 7: Using a #6 (4 mm) knitting needle and the netting needle filled with 3 strands of thread, net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 8: Using a 1/4" mesh stick and the netting needle filled with the single strand of thread, net 1 knot in each three-strand loop, but twist the loop once before netting into it.

Row 9: Using a 3/8" mesh stick and the same netting needle as for row 8, *net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, pass the thread over the mesh and up through the last loop just worked in, and continue this 9 times; then tie the netting knot in the regular way, except you do not put the thread over the mesh and into the next loop; instead, put the netting needle behind the 9 loops and out between the cluster and the last single loop made.*  Repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 10: using the 1/4" mesh stick and the netting needle filled with the single strand of thread, *net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 10 loops together (that's the nine loops of the puff stitch and one loop after the puff stitch)*; repeat from the * to *, ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 11: repeat row 7.

Row 12: repeat row 8.

Cut strands of fringe as long as desired (the sample strands were about 5 inches long), and knot or tie 5 in each loop created in row 12.

Netted Border, With Fringe from Tatting and Netting

While I tried to follow the directions for Netted Border, With Fringe found on page 112 of Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company, I'm still not sure exactly what I was supposed to do to make the Puff . 

The instructions said "then tie in the regular way, except that you do not put the thread over the mesh and into the next loop, but around the 9 loops, or between the cluster and the last single loop."  This sounds like the knot would be on the top of the cluster.  There is a knot at the top and the bottom of the clusters; however, there is no instruction as to how to fasten the bottom of the cluster in the next row.  That just states, "Plain, with the quarter-inch mesh" and then continues on to the following row. There is no mention as to what to do with the bottoms of the 9 loops. 

This time I tied the knot through the 9 loops by moving the netting needle through the loops while they were still on the mesh stick and tying the knot at the bottom.

 

  

It looks close to the photo in the book, but not quite right where the puffs are. If I were to do it again (and I probably will), I think I will tie the knot around the top of the cluster and then on the next row I will net all the cluster together in one knot.

Netted Lace from Tatting and Netting; Netting at the Big E

A picture makes it so much easier to understand the printed directions. Today I made a sample of Netted Lace from instructions found on page 111 of Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company.  Either they forgot to mention a repeat of a three-row pattern, or they thought anyone could see in the photograph that it was repeated and so did not mention it.  They also did not mention the size of the three netting needles used.  I measured the photo and decided to try a 1/8", 1/4", and 3/8" mesh sticks.

The instructions called for a netting needle filled with single thread and one filled with double thread. I did it the way they suggested. The double thread is quite noticeable on the edging.

Then I wondered what it would look like if the pattern was done just using a single thread. So I made it that way. It looks a little different, but I like it.  Which one I use will depend on where I'm using it.

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The Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) ended last Sunday. Last year the only netting were the three pieces I submitted.  This year there were six.  I submitted three: a doily (first place and a sponsor award),  an ornament (first place), and a shawl (first place and a sponsor award for best technical proficiency).

Two of my granddaughters submitted the rest. The twelve-year-old submitted a net bag and received a first-place ribbon and best in the youth division.

The ten-year-old submitted a long-handle net bag which received a third-place ribbon and a net headband which received a second-place ribbon.  She designed the headband and the flower on it.

I appreciate that the items submitted to the Big E are not in competition with others.  Each item is judged on its own merits.  Does it meet the standards for first, second, or third place?  If yes, then it receives that award. I also like the fact that the youth have their own division.  The beginners also have their own division.  Maybe next year I can get my daughter to enter something she has net.

Demonstrating Netting at the Eastern States Exposition

This week I did not find the time to make a new net edge.  The Eastern States Exposition (The Big E), a multi-state fair held in West Springfield, Massachusetts, opened September 12.  This year I've had the opportunity to demonstrate netting for parts of six days (about 35 hours).  It has been wonderful to introduce people to netting.  People kept telling me, "I never knew this existed."  That's why I was there!

Here is a look at my demonstration area.

On Wednesday, I made the two bags that are hanging in the center of the display board. The bags are very different: different bases, different mesh sticks sizes, different size bag, different number of loops in the rounds, different way to begin the handles, different thread/string used. Different is good - it helps keep me from being bored.

Netted Edging from Tatting and Netting

I love it when the patterns I'm trying to make have photographs or sketches.  The Netted Edging from page 111 and 112 of  Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company, has a photograph. When I made it this week the instructions were fairly clear, but in one or two places it was difficult to know exactly what was meant.  The photo helped clear up those issues.  I'm not sure I did it the way the suggested, but I ended up with the look that was in the photo.

The final three rows of the instructions were very clear; however, only two of the rows were shown in the illustration.  The middle row of those instructions was not there.  Because I liked the way the photo looked, I went with it and eliminated the next to the last row of the written instructions.

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This past week, while demonstrating netting at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E), I made two more bags for my daughter.

Even though they look different they do have some common features.

1. They both have tied handles on a circular net bag. 
2. They have the same number of knots in each round. This pattern went from 12 loops in round one to 48 loops in round 6.   
3. They both have the same base.  

How are they different?

1. One is large and the other small.  
2. The body of the large bag has 4 fewer rounds than the small bag.
3. One bag has one tied handle, while the other has two.
4. The size of the mesh is different (1/4" for the small and 3/4" for the large).
5. The type and size of cord they are made of varies in size. (medium-weight string for the large one and size 5 crochet thread for the small one).
6. The location of the decreases of the handle changed.

The large bag handle (on the left) has the decreases along the edge of the handle.

The small bag handle (on the right) has the decreases in the center of the handle.

Pointed, Net Edging from Tatting and Netting

This Pointed, Net Edging is found on page 110 of Tatting and Netting, by Butterick Publishing Company (published in 1895).  The mesh sticks used are a little vague: "a rather course bone needle" (I used a 1/4" flat mesh), "a quite coarse steel needle" (I used a #3 knitting needle), and "a little finer bone needle" (I used a #6 knitting needle).  My finished sample looked very close to the illustration in the book, so I think I guessed right.  The "quite coarse steel needle" is smaller than the "little finer bone needle" which is being compared to the "rather coarse steel needle" and not the "quite coarse steel needle."

It would be interesting to see what this edge looked like with larger or smaller mesh sticks.

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This week my youngest daughter mentioned that she could use a small mesh bag.  Being a kind mother, I volunteered to make it for her. And as I was in a creative mood, I tried a new center.  

I think I'll call it the Swirl Center. 

The bag was just plain circular netting.

I decided to try a Lacy Triangle Decrease Stitch for the handle and with my daughter's approval I put netted fringe on the ends of the tied handle.

Here's another photo showing the handle's Lacy Triangle Decrease Stitch more clearly.

Now she tells me she would like a bag larger than this one, but smaller than a laundry bag.