...a tatted atom. Before you jump to the conclusion that I'm developing "mad scientist" tendencies, let me explain. Just a few weeks ago I discovered that there was something called Atomic Style, and, well, I sort of think it's cool! Find out more at the Atomic Addiction blog.
As soon as I saw a drawing of an atom, I thought, "Hey, that shouldn't be much trouble to tat." I was wrong! Designing a tatted atom presented several major difficulties: positioning the tatted chains to look like they are orbiting the center "nucleus", getting the orbits to cross each other, placing the "electrons" to appear as though they are orbiting, and curving the chains to form a recognizable "atom" shape.So far, this is my best effort, and it's still sort of sloppy, with no good hiding places for the 6 ends involved. I sewed them into the chains near the center. But, on the plus side, it does give the impression of an atom, I think.
So far I've done "50s" colors of pink and aqua with shiny silver beads, then I tried a mocha brown with brass and added picots around the "electrons" to give it more of an early 20th century look. Not that any of these would have been tatted in any of those time periods - that wasn't the style of tatting done back then. So, as usual, I'm just doing my own thing here - 21st century tatting!
34 comments:
That is awesome! I love it. The vintage 1950s colors are perfect. Have you seen Ruth Perry's Star of David pattern? It's similar to your atom, but with not as many ends to hide. She also used the balanced double stitch to keep the chains from being floppy.
WOW! Lots of energy in that design!
What a fantastic outcome. I love the first one in what looks online like a plumish colour. Very pretty and yes, so simple looking. Who would know!! Impressive work.
Fox : )
I LOVE this design! I had never heard of Atomic Style before, but I do love the pendant!
http://shuttleandthread.blogspot.com/
It's very nice! Congratulations :-)
I saw it yesterday on Etsy and wanted to tell you how wonderful it was. This is a great idea and a great pattern. It looks amazing....and a little mad scientist.
I love that silver one! (the 1st one!)
Steph, I didn't know about Ruth's Star of David, so I just ran to look at it now.
http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2008/rperrystarofdavid2008.pdf
I had heard of the balanced double stitch, but I've never been able to figure out how to do it - I'd need someone to teach me.
Fox, I'm glad you think it has energy. I guess that's what an atom is, mostly.
Dale Marie, thanks for the compliment. Hey, I've just seen that you've got a great blog! I've added it to my list of tatting blogs.
Kajin, thank you :-)
Victats, I'm glad you like it. A little "mad scientist" tatting can't hurt anyone, LOL.
These are totally awesome and I was awestruck when I saw them!
Have a great day! Sue
Thank you, Gina :-)
Hi Sue - thanks for the compliment! Much appreciated.
OMG - I loooooove the tatted atom! So cool! The little electrons are extra cute:)
Hey, nifty! My sister and I recognized it as an atom immediately -- and we're not even scientifically inclined. :)
"And what's wrong with mad scientist tatting?" says the one who's tatted brain cells and intestinal parasites.
Bwaa-haaa-haaaa! Oops, is that the men in the white coats I hear coming?
Really cool atom.
That is freaking awesome! Awesome alone doesn't describe it. I also love the silver one. I think it would look cool in a bright green colour as well. That will give a radioactive look to it. Or, perhaps, in a glow-in-the-dark thread.
I also think the Balanced double stitch would work well here. It's not difficult, but I doubt I could describe it to you. Are the overlapping chains joined in any way, I can't tell. If not, alligator joins might help reduce the floppiness. Anyway, it still looks amazing.
Gee, thanks, everyone. Your comments are letting me know that there actually is interest out there in a tatted atom.
Mica, sounds like you like the picoted electrons. I agree - that version is becoming my favorite, too, although it is harder to make.
Marty, thanks for letting me know that it looks enough like an atom to be recognizable.
Hi Martha - tatting is what keeps the men in the white coats away, LOL. It's our therapy!
Golly, Jeff, what great ideas! I'll have to give that balanced double stitch another try. So far I've pulled the atom into shape by blocking, but balanced double stitch would be better, I think.
The chains are not joined. I did try alligator joins on an earlier attempt, and the result was awful - it really was. So, I'm off to figure out the balanced double stitch. Stay tuned!
WOW. Beautiful. No, that's not the best word. All of your works are beautiful, but this is - extraordinary and breathtaking.
csipkelelku, thank you very much, and I have just discovered that you have exquisite tatting on your blog! I'm adding it to my tatting blog list.
Well, it was worth mentioning the alligator joins. What instructions are you following for the Balanced double stitch? I know Ruth has some instructions available as a PDF in at least one of the groups. I think Jane also has a set instructions on her website (don't quote me on that). If you need help, let me know.
Wow! How perfect! Trekkie jewellery. Love it.
the tatted atom is absolutely beautiful! i love the one shown on the top. it's absolutely believable.
Thank you, Suztats and Val. I really appreciate the feedback on the design.
Jeff, I did find Jane's instructions
http://www.e.n.e.btinternet.co.uk/doubledouble.pdf
and they were quite helpful. But, I don't think I'll use balanced (padded) ds after all, since I tried something else that I like much better. I'll reveal the next experiment in the near future!
This is so cute - the little flying electrons are really perfect - even the thought is making me smile as I type :) It's all spot on!
Like Marty, I immediately saw an ATOM.
and, you know I am from the 50's, poodle skirts, bouffant petticoats, white bucks and springalator heels for going out!
Along with the ATOM was hiding under our desks for the 'drills'. I always thought, given the information, that was a huge waste of time and sat stubbornly until forced to get on the floor! LOL
I like the silver one the best, too.
Very cool.
bj
PS like the colorway, too. I remember wearing capris that had rose/pink shades of flowers and a rose colored crop top with a boat neck. and THE SCARF….WOO HOO
Thanks, OC, I'm glad it made you smile!
Ridgetatter, thanks for sharing those special 50s memories. That outfit you described sounds fabulous! I want one.
Your work is soo beautiful, and inspire me.
Absolutely fabulous and oh-so nuclear chic!
Marilee that is totally very cool! I ♥ it!
Your tatted atom is amazing!
Thanks for coming by to celebrate my 2 year blogoversary with me! You're aweseome!
~TattingChic ♥
This is just simply Super Cool! I love both versions!
Hugs
Carol
Thank you for bringing science to tatting and it seems a good job. Can't you see that I am a science geek?
I am way behind with blogs but I am glad I looked this morning....this Atomic style piece is great you have done a fantastic job
Thanks for sharing
Hugs
Joy
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