Another update and a new challenge
First, another update on the doily. The scallops are all done and at this point the doily measures about 8.5 inches wide. The next round is not really a round on its own but a combination of several parts together. I have finished one component as seen in the picture below.
The shuttle-like ovals will be attached to alternate scallops and the space between the ovals will be filled by another component. More later on how I plan to proceed with this doily.
If you have been following my blog for the past year or so, you would have read that I took to challenge myself to tat Norma Benporath's tatting designs made available online from the Trove website. The patterns were published in newspapers as far back as the early 1920s and 1930s. One of the early ones that I tatted was this lace mat from here.
Naturally, the way the patterns were written are very wordy and lengthy and utilising only the basic techniques. When tatting these patterns, I have used techniques more commonly used today, such as split rings and split chains. It has always been at the back of my mind to re-write these patterns, or have charts drawn, and share with my readers. I was not sure of the copyright issues, if any, on this and besides, other projects have deferred me from looking into it earnestly.
However, that urged finally took over and I sent an e-mail to the National Library of Australia (NLA), the body that publishes the Trove site, stating my intention and asking for their views on it. The reply was very prompt and with happy news. The gist of it is, the NLA do not have any objections for me to re-write the patterns using modern notations provided I cite the original source of each pattern.
That will now be the latest challenge for me. I plan to start by making charts of the patterns that I have tatted starting with the doily above, and share them on my blog here. Hopefully, I can play my part to preserve these wonderful patterns and share it for the enjoyment of other tatters as well.
Be forewarned - this will be a slow-going challenge, so don't expect much so soon.
The shuttle-like ovals will be attached to alternate scallops and the space between the ovals will be filled by another component. More later on how I plan to proceed with this doily.
However, that urged finally took over and I sent an e-mail to the National Library of Australia (NLA), the body that publishes the Trove site, stating my intention and asking for their views on it. The reply was very prompt and with happy news. The gist of it is, the NLA do not have any objections for me to re-write the patterns using modern notations provided I cite the original source of each pattern.
That will now be the latest challenge for me. I plan to start by making charts of the patterns that I have tatted starting with the doily above, and share them on my blog here. Hopefully, I can play my part to preserve these wonderful patterns and share it for the enjoyment of other tatters as well.
Be forewarned - this will be a slow-going challenge, so don't expect much so soon.
Isn't that wonderful! So happy to hear NLA is 'allowing' you to redo the pattern, so to speak. Tatting has come such a long way and thank you for doing the task ahead of you!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all Jon, your pink and yellow doily looks wonderful. I like the new element you'll be adding. And second, I think it's incredibly admirable that you are taking on the re-writing of Norma Benporath's patterns. It will be wonderful to have these patterns more readily available and easier to read! I'm often put off when I have to read old patterns and usually end up making notes and re-writing them myself so I can refer more quickly. So I thank you for your work and commitment in taking this on. I look forward to seeing the patterns!
ReplyDeleteBoth pieces are absolutely stunning!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to devote time and energy to share the patterns with us!! :)
This is so exciting, Jon!
ReplyDeleteFirstly - that piece is magnificent when seen in its entirety! It is beautiful and the next part - I have no words!
And that next photo - WOW! I must have missed that one or I have forgotten it. It is wonderful.
Great news. ( Far too many superlatives in this post but honestly, so much here worthy of them!)
That is a weighty project to take on and one that will demand time and a lot of focussed energy. I know you will do it well.
You must be happy to have settled in with your new next large undertaking. It i s always satisfying to find that elusive 'next thing!'
Fox : )
Oh wow, that's well worth preserving and modernising. Glad your challenge can go ahead without any copyright issues. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your patience to tat this doily! It is going to be spectacular! And the other one is also very eye-appealing and beautifully tatted. You also are going to great effort to re-write the patterns, and I admire your pursuit of contacting the National Library for their permission. I'm so glad they see the value of your project. It couldn't be in better hands! Believe me, we realize that this will take awhile, but it's wonderful that you will be providing a link to the past. Wouldn't Norma be pleased!
ReplyDeleteDas Deckchen gefällt mir sehr gut. Sehr schön!
ReplyDeleteLiebe Grüße Cornelia
Jon, I love seeing all of your posts! Your sense of color is amazing, and your tatting is always perfect, especially these two pieces!
ReplyDeleteThat doily is looking very nice. I admire you for undertaking such a big project. I like how your colour choices are working too.
ReplyDeleteBut I must say I am super happy about the Trove news. The world deserves those tatting patterns to live on!
Great news Jon! I hope someday I will tatting some of these wonderful things. The doily and colours are amazing. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful news! Norma's designs are so beautiful, it will be nice to have them available in forms that are easier to read and tat. I think the whole tatting world thanks you for taking on this challenge.
ReplyDeleteWonderful News, I patiently await.
ReplyDeleteoh, wonderful Jon. having these patterns updated will be a great resource for tatters in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteI like both doilies that you have pictured above. I think the one you are working on right now is going to be amazing when it is finished.
Thank you for the encouragement. It will be a long process. I will be looking at patterns that I have tatted earlier, motifs and edgings. Most probably the patterns will be in charts; I draw diagrams faster than writing out the instructions.
ReplyDeleteYour tatting is wonderful. I am so happy that you are devoting time to rewrite the patterns. I will be looking forward to it. Thanks Jon!
ReplyDeleteI am a great admirer of your work.Very happy to hear that you are doing a rewrite on Normas patterns..So far the doiley is looking amazing,Love the colors.
ReplyDeleteThe doily is amazing. I can't wait to see the other components you have planned. You truly are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI admire your work and the fact that you freely give out very clear patterns and diagrams that are very easy to follow and tat...Thanks ! you do bring a lot for the community of tatters :)
ReplyDeletesus trabajos son muy bellos. gracia por compartirlos, un abrazo desde Cali, Colombia
ReplyDelete