Tuesday, June 9, 2009

"Cogswell" tatted earrings

These started with split rings joined into a circle. The center lies flat okay, but I'm thinking it might be good to have 1 or so less double stitch on the inside than on the outside. The outer round is zigzag tatting (Victorian sets) with a bead at each change. This resulted in a bumpy, 3-D effect that I thought resembled gears or "cogs", so I entitled the design "Cogswell".

The larger beads were strung by onwinding the shuttles to get the thread through the beads, then shuttles rewound (it was only a little thread, so really not all that much trouble). The thread used was Lizbeth in the color "linen medium".

I was happy to be able to use a couple of the antiqued brass beads I bought at the Bead and Button Show last weekend. At that show I was looking for, among other things, "steampunk" supplies, and did stumble upon a few brass filigrees, tiny keys, and brass beads, which I think will combine nicely with dark ecru thread to give the effect of "Old Victorian" - even though I plan on coming up with designs that the Victorians really wouldn't have tatted. Maybe it is "Alternative Victorian". Yes, I think that's it!

Just experimenting, here. No need to worry that I will lose my affinity for bright colors! I enjoy them all!

12 comments:

Nima said...

wow...that is an amazing piece of work....very beautiful

tattrldy said...

Love the earrings! And I checked out 'steampunk' - thanks for the link. I like the idea of Alternative Victorian - can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Stephanie said...

Very cool! A bit of the steampunk style, I like it. Maybe you could put a small gear behind the motif to make it a bit more true to the look. That's not to say they're not awesome as they are!

Fox said...

I LOVE these!

Unknown said...

OOOH! COOL! :)

Unknown said...

Very nice Marilee, but be careful I am going to make sure you keep your word about bright colours.

Lúcia said...

Hi, These are amazing!
Love them.
Bye,
Lúcia

Dona said...

Very beautiful!!! Woooow!!!

LadyShuttleMaker aka MadMadPotter said...

Aww..I am so drawn to the muted colors you have used in these earrings.

"Alternative Victorian"...I love it!

Marilee Rockley said...

What nice comments! It's so encouraging that you are enjoying my "experiments". Thanks, everyone.

TAT19540 said...

I also like your alternative Victorian. You always choose the right color for what you design! The beads really set it all off beautifully. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to a pattern!

Unknown said...

Wow, those earrings are beautiful! I love the design of them.