I proper hate this book. I started this edging because it seemed to be one of the few patterns in the book that made sense. But then you look closely and it's all wrong. The pattern doesn't specify where to make the joins between segments but rather refers you to the image. This would be fine but for the fact that none of these joins seem to be the same. Grrr.
If anyone has made anything following the patterns in this book or if anyone has any opinion on this book please share it as it might just be that I'm not getting something. Thanks!
9 comments:
Oh dear! There are some lovely patterns in the book but like you I have found them difficult to follow. I started one of the crowns, but sadly it has not been completed and lies forlorn in a drawer, somewhere!!!
I made Flowery Meadow on page 58 in 2004 and cut the last row off as it did not fit - too small. On the title page I have written a note: "This book has errors. Check patterns carefully. 1-07" Have no idea where that information came from. I have not tried any more patterns from this book although there are some very nice ones. Karen
I've done several of the designs from the book, but it isn't a favourite. This was the first book I saw that used the short form of notation, it just gives you the basics, unlike the very wordy long notation. The main problem that I find with this type of notation, is that it shows a join as + but doesn't tell you WHERE to join. It also doesn't tell you where to start, and if there is no join on the first pattern repeat, but there is on subsequent repeats, it shows the join and assumes you will know that it doesn't apply to the first repeat.
I have this book and have tatted some patterns from it. Like you, I have come across patterns where the written instructions are not very clear and I have to make it up myself by looking at the picture. I have not made anything from it for a long time now. The designs are pretty though ... if only the instructions are easier to follow :(
This book is definitely a challenge to use! I remember once upon a time in a listgroup somewhere, someone advised drawing out any new pattern as you read through it to see where everything went. Advice I've rarely used and only in segments, but this is one book where I can see its value.
LOL! THis is so funny because I love the patterns in that book and everytime I have sat down to tat one of them I find myself getting lost in the directions and going to find something else to tat. I thought I was the only one! I still love the patterns, though! I think that now that I have a better understanding of certain techniques that maybe if I try it sometime just by looking at the pitures...LOL! Maybe it will make more sense that way! WHO KNOWS!
I'm relieved it's not just me as I was starting to wonder. I hope this book isn't purchased by people who are just at the beginning of learning to tat as it might put them off.
I think the tip about drawing out the diagram yourself as you read through the pattern is a good idea and I tried this by hand but I don't draw too well so I'm trying to do it in photoshop. I take a picture of the pattern then draw a diagram on top of that so I can follow the lines of the pattern easily.
Thanks all for sharing your thoughts about this book.
Oh, Michelle, I laughed when I read this! I understand your frustration completely as this was one of the first books I bought when I was learning to tat! Can you believe it!!! I thought I'd go mad. But I have grown to enjoy the book - and yes, drawing out the pattern really works for me!
Your tatting is lovely, despite it all! LOL!
Fox : )
Thanks. I've decided that if I try any more patterns from this book I'm going to try to do it myself from the photos but first work out EXACTLY where and how I'll make joins BEFORE winding on.
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