Saturday, June 7, 2008

Tatting in Korea

I've been searching for tatting in Korea since I got here one month ago.
Yesterday, I took my first train trip to Seoul (a story in and of itself) and found the "Fabric Stuff" district. (No kidding, 'fabric stuff' is what it says on the billboards).
This district is huge comprising of hundreds of vendors selling fabric, notions and threads, etc. I honestly don't know how they compete with one another. There will be 10 vendors in a row selling exactly the same thing.
Anyhow, even though I can't seem to shake this illness, I walked 10 miles, got blisters on both feet and suffered two panic attacks due to the hoards of people. I don't like shopping....period. But I was on a mission to find tatting in Korea. I showed dozens of people tatted lace and shuttles, and although they were clearly impressed and fascinated, they had no idea what they were looking at.
My mission is to get well, learn enough Hangul to communicate and go back to the district and see if anyone is interested in learning tatting.
It was not a waste of a day however, after searching high and low and pantomiming in a ridiculous manner, I did find a little treasure that I hope to share within the next couple of days.

In the meantime...since I can't keep this under my hat any longer.
I have been working on this design for 4 months. Parts of it may be familiar to you as I have posted bits of this continuous doily before. Everytime I tat it, I come up with ideas to improve it. Well, it is not finished, and I want to add two more rounds, but I am quite happy with the changes and the progress thus far.
With the exception of the last round the entire doily is continuously tatted (no split chains), it took just shy of 1 skein of size 20 HDT. This one is tatted in "Raspberry Mousse". The second round will also be continously tatted.
This is tatted in the front/backside method, with some fun picot treatments thrown in and some block tatting. I have plans for one more technique to come. So far it measures 8 1/2" in diameter.
Not being very fond of doilies, (but wanting to be a well-rounded tatter) I decided I should design at least one really good one. So please tell me what you think so far...

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16 comments:

Tattycat said...

I LOVE IT! That's what I think. The block tatting really sets it off. Can't wait to see what comes next. I'm glad you had a good trip. Maybe the next one will be less stressful and you will find more "stuff."

Stephanie said...

Oh my God! I love it! Please tell me you'll make the pattern available for sale. Tattycat's right. The block tatting definitely sets it off. I like the long thread loops in there, too. Just awesome.

Kathy Raker said...

Your doily is so pretty!

Marty said...

Wow, Sherry -- it IS one really good one! It sure ain't yer gramma's doily!

Lil said...

OH WOW! No Joke! I was in Seoul yesterday at the FABRIC building in TONGDAEMUN! Where exactly were you? I saw three ladies that were probably Americans and I am wondering if you were one of em. What a coincidink. =)

Tatskool said...

Excellent, the block tatting and the negative spaces are good.
Take care of yourself and shake off those bugs.

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

That is a gorgeous doily, Sherry! I love that color purple too! I hope you get to feeling better soon. You must have the same bug as Dave. He's on his third round of antibiotics and steroids :/

Unknown said...

That is very pretty. I like the organization of the negative space. Good placement of the block tatting. Lot's of fun techniques there with your josephine knots and you double picot and so many fun things to look at. It's a beautiful color, too. Very pretty. Wow! Thanks for sharing. You've come a long way, baby!

Sharon said...

It's beautiful Sherry and the colour is perfect for it. It's already looking complete, so what are you planning for the extra rows?

Sherry aka Celtic Dream Weaver said...

Hi Sherry,
YOur doily is very pretty. When you get the pattern written down I would love to have you send it to me. Send me an email any time if you feel the need to chit chat.

Marilee Rockley said...

That is a beautiful design, Sherry! I like how you used the different size spaces, the solid blocks, the rings leading into the blocks, the rings between the chains...all of it!

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

For some reason, my comments aren't posting... again! So, I'll try one more time...

I LOVE your doily! The color is beautiful; the design is spectacular! I feel silly asking you to sell the pattern... I still haven't managed to tat the patterns I have! I think I just want to own a piece of tatting history, and this piece will definitely go town in history!

Unknown said...

Beautiful doily Sherry. Very well balanced and a good use of various techniques.

Gina said...

ditto what everyone else has said. I love it as it is...will be interested in what you add to the next round.

:-) Gina

LadyShuttleMaker aka MadMadPotter said...

Thank you for all the ecouraging words. I will post it again when it is finished....might take a few days :)

Ridgewoman said...

Simply breathtaking; I'd have a hard time setting anything upon it though. Too wonderful to cover with anything. the color is lovely and I, too, love the creativity of the negative space which makes it so outstanding. Way beyond my skill level; certainly something to which to aspire! It looks complete now ~ I like the block tatting as a last element - but you are the creator, so surprise us again! LOL
Just lovely (sigh) to gaze upon! hugs BJ

Be well soon - this bug is a nasty one! It tends to revisit! bummer.