Wednesday, September 17, 2008

How Did I Miss That?

When I first started making tatted jewelry I was using edging patterns from one book. The simple modifications needed to turn them into chokers was about the extent of my skills. As I got better, I moved onto new books, more complex vintage patterns and eventually my own designs. I still went back to that first book every so often to recreate a sold item or just to get inspired, but I did not dwell on it.

Yesterday I sold one of those chokers from that book and I sat down to make a new one. I no longer need the pattern so as I tatted I just looked at the lace and I realized something incredible. There was inside this design another design just waiting to be snatched out and created on its own. In fact I saw not one but two new pieces just waiting to be created. I thought, how was it that I did not see this before. I've made this piece perhaps a dozen times and I never saw it. Now I can hardly wait to start on these new pieces inside the choker. Was the design simply waiting until I had developed the skill to see it? I also wonder how many of my other early pieces have gems waiting inside their rings and chains waiting for the moment to emerge.

All this happened just as I was trying to not design any new pieces. I just wanted to stock up for the holidays and rest on my laurels, but I guess my creative side has other plans for me. So in the next week or so, I should have new pieces to show you and hopefully they will be as amazing as the look in my head right now.

6 comments:

Gina said...

LOL! I get my best inspiration when I'm busy doing something else. In fact, if I don't jot it down right away, I lose it because I usually don't have time just then to follow through.
:-) Gina

Lenox Knits said...

I love how the creative process works. It's amazing how and where new designs come to us!

Waterrose said...

I guess you can "see" until you completely understand how something works. ...prior post...I also struggle with documenting my designs. The best method for me is in illustrator. Then there's the obstacle of people knowing how to make the stitch...

Gina said...

What book is that pattern in? I love the peaks and I would like to make some to put in crazy quilt blocks!

TotusMel said...

@Gina It's from Anne Orr's Classic Tatting Patterns.

Gina said...

Thanks so much! I actually have that book, and I see it is no. 28. Sometimes you just have to see things in a new context. I'm going to start on it now :)