Sunday, October 14, 2007

Never Again

Except for the color -- which I like -- what an absolute waste of two nights and a morning pretending to block this awful thing. I say pretending, because there aren't enough pins in this whole house to pin everything that needed pinning on the darn thing -- and we've got LOTS of pins. I made this years ago with cheap ecru crochet thread from DMC's Tatting for Today (1980), Motif 5. The motif looks really pretty as a starched snowflake; fastening them together was a mistake. I dug it out of a bag when my sister was in a mood to tie-dye. "Fix it up!" says I. She should have said (but didn't), "Are you out of your mind? That thing's hopeless!" She dyed it a nice solid plum. Nope, it still looked like a major undertaking to block. It sat crumpled in my bag for another two months. Finally, I decided since I was only good for blocking that's what I'd do. Ewww. Too many picots, the thread was too soft to hold them and they just curled and twisted. The outsides couldn't be stretched enough to let the inner rings lie flat. All in all, what a waste of time and effort. I don't know that it's even worth wrapping in acid-free paper for storage. My sister thought perhaps it could be a gift for the next wedding invitation I receive. I don't think I dislike anyone that much! I wonder if it would make a good mop rag?

8 comments:

Tattycat said...

Your photography skills must be very good if it looks as bad as you say in person. I don't think it is ugly at all! I do understand your frustration with working so long and hard on a project to be dissatisfied with it. I bet if you wrap it up, one day you will take it back out and have the perfect use for it.
And, no, that doesn't mean as a mop rag!

Unknown said...

You have got to be kidding. It is lovely! I'm impressed by anyone who would tat something that large. And the color is very nice. Don't throw it away. I think your sister is right, someone would treasure it as a wedding gift.

Marty said...

Ahhh, kind words, thank you. I'll have to take a close up of a portion of it so you can really see how ewwwww it is. Not only the blocking was a nightmare, I discovered I miscounted picots on a regular basis. One of these days maybe I will figure out a better way to block it.

LadyShuttleMaker aka MadMadPotter said...

From the photo no one would ever tell that you have endured so much trouble.
It looks gorgeous. I love all the negative space.
It would make a wonderful texture in pottery.

Marilee Rockley said...

The picture looks beautiful! Sounds like the chore of blocking and disappointment in the thread quality spoiled your enjoyment of your accomplishment. I detest blocking, also - I have never used pins, ever.

csipkelelkű said...

Ok, it was a nightmare, but most definitely it was NOT a waste of time... I like it!

Sewicked said...

What about making a purse or bag out of it? That way, perhaps the lack of blocking won't be so obvious. From this angle it is gorgeous.

Marty said...

A bag...hmmm. That might work. I'll talk to my other sister. She makes felted bags, maybe this could cover one.