Friday, September 11, 2009

Keyed up earrings


It bothers me when a design doesn't look like it is going to work, while the tatting is still in progress. I've had this happen on patterns from books, as well as when I'm working out my own.

On the photo to the left, it can be seen that the larger ring at the bottom doesn't look like it will be centered, and that the work won't lie flat. Surprisingly, the finished earring is okay - I think it's because the bottom ring stretches itself out to fit.

But, I'm not satisfied with my design yet, and think some adjustments need to be made.

15 comments:

Sparrow said...

I know what you mean! I hate it when a pattern relies too heavily on blocking and stretching the tatting to get it the right shape. I think a lot patterns work better when they're tweaked to be the shape they need without blocking.

Beautiful earrings though. Where did you get the little keys?

.:Sparrow

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

Those are really cool earrings!

IsDihara said...

They're GORGEOUS!

And I must say that I think the same pattern would look stunning with a small, sterling shuttle hanging in place of the vintage key.

Your earrings are so lovely!

Imoshen said...

These are beautiful and classy looking as they are. Less is more I think applies here.

Marilee Rockley said...

Yes, Sparrow, I agree that patterns are much better when they don't have to be forced into shape.
I bought the little keys from Bello Modo
http://www.bellomodo.com/

Thanks, Diane! Once I get this problem worked out with the design, I think it could be a pendant, too.

Isdihara, I like your idea. I wonder where I could get tiny shuttle charms?

Thanks, Imoshen, I'm glad you like the earrings as they are. I think just some very slight adjustments could make them easier to tat.

Singtatter said...

I love the antique look of it!

Marilee Rockley said...

Thank you, singtatter, I'm glad it looks antique to you - that's exactly the look I was going for!

Sparrow said...

Oh, that's a great site! Thanks for pointing it out! I've got all sorts of ideas now... :D

.:Sparrow

TAT19540 said...

I like the keys! Your earrings look GREAT to me! I could see little music instruments(like a tuba or cello) charms at the bottom.Lol.

Unknown said...

Those earrings are absolutely beautiful! LOVE them! WOW! I want them, LOL! NOW THESE are some tatted earrings I would actually wear. I'm not that into tatted jewelry, but this is WAYYYYY cool!

♥ ♥ ♥! I ♥ them!

~TattingChic ♥

Marilee Rockley said...

TAT19540, the little music charms are a great idea! I need to get some.

TattingChic, your comment is so overflowing with enthusiasm, LOL! Very much appreciated, thank you!

Elizabeth said...

Love these - the color, the style, the keys - just fabulous.

Marilee Rockley said...

Thank you, Elizabeth! That means a lot to me. I so admire your top-notch tatted jewelry.
I am working on the stitch adjustments to get the tatting to behave better. I think I almost have it - yay!

Valerie said...

i love the look of the earrings. pretty stuff!

Stephanie said...

Oh, how did I miss this post?! Those earrings are awesome! The color is just right. It gives the earrings an aged, elegant look that works great with the key. I love skeleton keys and locks. When I see them put to use like this, it warms my heart. I can't wait to see the final pattern.