More patterns using the Valeire square

The online class will explore two more patterns using this square tomorrow!
Note: There seem to be some problems with the links to these patterns. So sorry! I'll see what I can do.

Valeire Square

Patterns based on a square motif from Tatted Yoke No. 4 in Fifteen Tatted Yokes and Camisoles Finished on Satin, Book 9, by Anna Valeire, published by E. C. Spuehler in the early 1900s.

Valeire Square Instructions
(Shuttle and Ball)
Diagram

Round 1: (Note that there are NO joins in this round.)
*R 8-8, cl. R 8-8, cl, rw.
Ch 5-5, cl, rw.*
Repeat from * to * until you have 4 pairs of rings and four chains.

Use the alligator join to climb out of round 1 and into round 2.

Round 2: (Note that you are joining adjacent rings together by joining into the picot of two rings at the same time.)
**Ch 2-2-2-2-2-2+(join two adjacent rings together)
Ch 2-2-2-2-2-2+(join into the space at the base of the next pair of rings)**
Repeat from ** to ** until you have joined back where you started this round. Finish as desired.

Missed the class

Well, I missed both sessions of the Online Class today, but I had a wonderful day with my husband. A tire went out on the trailer we were towing and that put us much later getting back than expected.

I got some good tatting done on the way home though! I was working on a bookmark pattern by Julie Patterson when I was struck with another idea using the Valeire Square. Thanks, Julie, for the inspiration. I got the design worked out on paper and had the test piece almost finished when daylight finally gave out. My picots are not as even as usual because of the bouncing around of the vehicle, but you'll get to see it as is when I get it finished. I want to test it in a smaller thread as well before revealing the results.

By the way, I just read the log from the class sessions. I love the ideas that were floating around for the ice cream cone and look forward to trying some of them myself. I can hardly wait to see your ice cream cones as well as your responses to the design challenge.

New Pattern & Challenge

It's up! Georgia has posted the challenge and the instructions. I can hardly wait to see what changes and designs result from this. So go tat one of Anna Valeire's squares and make yourself some calorie free ice cream.

Works in Progress

I haven't had much time to tat in the last couple of weeks, and when I did, I just wasn't in the mood to work on the doily. So I have no progress to report there.

I've almost completed a cross for my youngest daughter in her favorite colors of the moment--red and black.

And I've been working on a design challenge for the online class. Georgia has the first lesson and it is on the schedule for next Monday, May 8. The class will be presented with instructions for a design element from an old pattern and a challenge to create a new design using it. I'd really like you to share the projects you produce for future classes. That will keep us all tatting for a few weeks.

The element is one that has fascinated me for years. I return to it often and have used it in several designs of my own. One of those patterns will be shared in the May 8 lesson. Just what it is will be a surprise, but I think it will appeal to many of you. I'm even withholding the images from my blog until it is revealed for class. I have at least two more patterns to share using this same element.

So whether you like to play with design, or would love to see how some of the rest of us come up with new patterns, or would just like a few new patterns to tat, I hope you'll register for the class and join us next week.