Overview:
“Golden Stars in Tatting and Crochet,” published in 1861 by Mlle. Riego de la Branchardière, is a comprehensive guide for crafting intricate and delicate designs using tatting and crochet. The book provides detailed instructions and illustrations for creating stars, diamonds, and other shapes, often using a combination of gold thread and colored silks.
The author emphasizes the simplicity of the techniques, ensuring that even beginners can master the patterns. The book highlights the versatility of these designs, suggesting uses ranging from garment trimmings and bonnets to antimacassars and church needlework. The guide emphasizes the importance of using high-quality materials, particularly for more elaborate projects. Notably, the book mentions a “new Tatting Silk” as a substitute for gold thread, showcasing the evolving techniques and materials available at the time.
Key Findings:
- Tatting and Crochet are combined to create elaborate patterns: The designs in the book combine the precise and delicate nature of tatting with the more flexible and versatile crochet techniques. This fusion creates a unique aesthetic that blends the strengths of each technique.
- Versatile Designs: The book showcases the adaptability of these techniques, suggesting applications for various purposes, including garment trimmings, home decor, and religious needlework.
- Importance of High-Quality Materials: The text emphasizes the use of premium materials, especially for finer projects. This detail reflects the importance of both aesthetics and durability in the crafts of tatting and crochet.
Learning:
- Tatting Techniques: The book delves into the intricacies of tatting, explaining techniques like forming pearl loops and double stitches, and providing step-by-step instructions for creating stars and diamonds.
- Crochet Techniques: The text guides the reader through crochet methods like forming chains and joining stitches, using these techniques to connect and embellish the tatted pieces.
- Versatility of Design: The book demonstrates the adaptability of the combined techniques, showcasing designs that can be tailored to diverse applications.
Historical Context:
“Golden Stars in Tatting and Crochet” was published in 1861, a time of significant social and technological change. The Victorian era was characterized by a renewed interest in handcrafts, with tatting and crochet becoming popular forms of domestic expression. The publication of this guide reflects the growing demand for instructions and patterns for these intricate crafts. The book also mentions a “new Tatting Silk,” indicating the ongoing development of new materials and techniques in the field of textile arts.
Facts:
- The designs are formed by combining tatting and crochet: The unique and intricate patterns result from the blending of these two techniques.
- Stars and diamonds are made in tatting and then embellished with crochet: The intricate shapes are created using tatting, and then crochet is used to add decorative details and connect them.
- The work can be made in various materials: From gold thread and silk to cotton and wool, the designs can be adapted to different materials for various purposes.
- The stars are suitable for spotting and trimming dresses: The delicate designs add a touch of elegance and sophistication to garments.
- Black or white silk stars can be used for cloak and bonnet trimmings: The stars provide a decorative touch to outerwear and hats.
- White and colored cotton can be used for antimacassars and doyleys: The designs can be used to create practical and beautiful home décor items.
- Most of the designs are adapted for church needlework: The intricate patterns are suitable for creating religious embroidery and ornamentation.
- Gold Tatting Twine comes in two qualities: The choice of twine depends on the desired effect and the complexity of the project.
- A “new Tatting Silk” is a substitute for gold: This indicates the evolving nature of materials and techniques in the field of textile arts.
- The knots in tatting should be made on the right side of the work: This ensures that the best visual effect is achieved.
- The reverse side of the work has the best effect: This emphasizes the importance of aesthetics and the unique characteristics of the combined techniques.
- The Zephyr Sleeve uses a combination of gold and cerise silk: This combination creates a striking visual contrast.
- The foundation of the Zephyr Sleeve is of tulle or Brussels net: This provides a lightweight and airy base for the delicate lacework.
- The Zouave Sleeve uses a combination of gold and black or colored silk: This combination creates a more dramatic and bold effect.
- The foundation of the Zouave Sleeve is of tulle or Brussels net: This provides a lightweight and airy base for the intricate lacework.
- The Antimacassar, Cushion, and Square Doyley use a combination of green, mauve, and gold: These colors create a harmonious and elegant palette.
- The Antimacassar, Cushion, and Square Doyley can be made in various sizes: This allows for customization based on individual needs and preferences.
- The Vandyke Sleeve uses a combination of blue and gold silk: This combination creates a classic and sophisticated look.
- The foundation of the Vandyke Sleeve is of Brussels net: This provides a lightweight and airy base for the intricate lacework.
- The Round Doyley can be made in various colors and patterns: This allows for customization and creative expression.
Statistics:
- 20 Octagon Stars are required for the Zephyr Sleeve: This number highlights the intricate nature of the design.
- 9 chains are worked in each pearl loop for the Wristband in the Zephyr Sleeve: This detail emphasizes the precise nature of the crochet technique.
- 21 œillets are worked in the Wristband of the Zouave Sleeve: This number reveals the repetitive yet intricate nature of tatting.
- 5 chains are worked in each space between the œillets in the Zouave Sleeve: This illustrates the delicate and precise nature of the crochet.
- 8 Octagon Stars and 8 Diamonds are used for the Zouave Sleeve: This showcases the variety of shapes and patterns achievable through the combination of tatting and crochet.
- 11 loops of chain are made for the 2nd round of the 1st Diamond in the Antimacassar: This details the specifics of creating different sizes and shapes.
- 12 loops of chain are made for the 2nd round of the 1st Diamond in the Antimacassar: This illustrates the flexibility of the design in adjusting the chain length for different shapes.
- 7 large œillets are required at the corners of the Antimacassar: This detail illustrates the importance of precision and attention to detail in achieving the desired shape.
- 11 pearl loops are worked in the 1st round of the 1st Diamond in the Antimacassar: This reveals the repetitive and precise nature of the tatting technique.
- 8 pearl loops are worked in the 1st round of the 1st Star in the Antimacassar: This highlights the symmetrical nature of the tatted star.
- 12 pearl loops are worked in the 1st round of the Centre Diamond in the Round Doyley: This detail demonstrates the consistency of the tatting technique in creating symmetrical shapes.
- 5 chains are worked in each pearl loop in the 1st round of the 1st Star in the Round Doyley: This emphasizes the precision of the crochet technique.
- 7 chains are worked in each loop of the 2nd round of the 1st Star in the Round Doyley: This details the specific chain length used to create the design.
- 8 loops are made in the 2nd round of the 1st Diamond in the Antimacassar, Cushion, Square Doyley, etc.: This reveals the flexibility of the design in adjusting the chain length for different shapes.
- 5 chains are worked in the 1st round of the 1st White Star in the Round Doyley: This reveals the consistent use of 5 chains in the design.
- 3 chains are worked in the 1st round of the Centre Diamond in the Round Doyley: This highlights the consistent use of 3 chains in the design.
- 6 chains are worked in the Joining Circle in the Round Doyley: This specific chain length is used to connect the stars and create a circular shape.
- 12 pearl loops are worked in the 1st round of the Centre Diamond in the Round Doyley: This detail demonstrates the consistency of the tatting technique in creating symmetrical shapes.
- 4 chains are worked in the 2nd round of the Centre Diamond in the Round Doyley: This illustrates the use of different chain lengths to create texture and dimension.
- 5 chains are worked in the 1st round of the 1st White Star in the Round Doyley: This illustrates the consistent use of 5 chains in the design.
Terms:
- Tatting: A delicate form of lacemaking that uses a shuttle to create knots and loops.
- Crochet: A method of creating fabric by using a hook to interloop yarn or thread.
- Shuttle: A tool used in tatting to create knots and loops.
- Ring: A metal or plastic ring used to hold the tatting stitches while working.
- Pin: A needle or small pin used to hold the ring and guide the thread in tatting.
- Pearl Loop: A single loop created in tatting by turning the thread over the pin.
- Double Stitch: A stitch in tatting formed by a single and a reverse stitch worked alternately.
- Œillet: A small loop or eyelet, often used as a decorative element in tatting.
- Chain: A series of connected loops in crochet.
- Plain Stitch: A basic crochet stitch that is worked through a loop of yarn.
Examples:
- Zephyr Sleeve: This design uses gold and cerise silk to create a sleeve with an intricate star pattern. The stars are connected using crochet to create a flowing and elegant design.
- Zouave Sleeve: This sleeve uses gold and black or colored silk to create a more dramatic and bold look. The sleeve features a wristband created using tatting, with stars and diamonds connected to the band with crochet.
- Antimacassar, Cushion, Square Doyley: This design utilizes green, mauve, and gold to create a variety of home decor items. It uses diamonds and stars connected by crochet to create a beautiful and intricate pattern.
- Vandyke Sleeve: This sleeve uses a combination of blue and gold silk to create a classic and sophisticated look. The design features a wristband with stars connected using crochet to create a flowing and elegant design.
- Round Doyley: This design utilizes various colors and patterns to create a beautiful and intricate round doily. The design features stars, diamonds, and circles connected using crochet to create a complex and visually stunning piece.
- Round Doyley: This design uses white, mauve, and green wool to create a visually appealing round doily. It utilizes stars, diamonds, and circles connected with crochet to create a harmonious and intricate pattern.
- Round Doyley: This design features a center diamond and stars, all connected with crochet to create a visually stunning circular doily. The design allows for a wide range of color combinations and variations.
- Round Doyley: This design uses blue and white wool to create a circular doily with a central star and a surrounding circle of stars. The design features various crochet stitches and details that create a dynamic and intricate pattern.
- Antimacassar, Square Doyley, etc.: This design uses a combination of magenta and green, or any contrasting colors, to create a variety of home decor items. The design utilizes stars connected with crochet to create a dynamic and visually appealing pattern.
- Round Doyley: This design utilizes a central diamond and surrounding stars connected with crochet to create a circular doily with intricate details. This design allows for the use of different colors and materials to create a unique and eye-catching piece.
Conclusion:
“Golden Stars in Tatting and Crochet” is a timeless guide to crafting delicate and intricate designs using a combination of tatting and crochet. The book provides detailed instructions and illustrations for creating various shapes, highlighting the versatility of these techniques and their suitability for diverse applications. The text emphasizes the importance of using quality materials and encourages the reader to explore their creativity in adapting the designs to their personal preferences. This guide offers a glimpse into the evolving world of textile arts in the 19th century, showcasing the popularity of these crafts and the ongoing development of new materials and techniques. It remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn and master these intricate and timeless art forms.