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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Charm School Week Seven: Tassels

Enthusiasm!


Let's face it. Enthusiasm is a wonderful trait to encounter either in yourself or in someone else. And, to me, tassels are enthusiastic, happy little things with no purpose other than to delight and amuse. So what better way to spend my time than playing with a technique that was so much fun -- but, challenging!

The book this week was a real treat to study. Most of the tassels within the book are meant for decorating your home and they are all stunning. Though, like any thread work, I believe that they would take practice to make them look as perfect as in the book.

Tassels have three main sections: a suspension cord, a neck and a skirt. My favorite section of this book is where the author splits the pages into three so you can create any combination of cord, neck and skirt. It's marvelous.


Many of the tassels are quite large but use mini tassels within their skirts. I decided to attempt three of the methods the author gives for mini tassels -- the are more "charm size". I was also thinking that a string of mini tassels would look great in a CQ block, quilt or purse... I have to admit that my little tassels are not nearly as exciting as the large ones in the book but I believe they've served to whet my appetite for their larger cousins.


The first mini tassel I tried (the little tan one) involved the one method I'd used before...wrapping threads around a cardboard template, cutting the ends and then making a neck. Simple and the result reminded me to make more tassels for things...

The second method caused a bit more struggle for me and was intended to help you make many mini tassels at once. Wrapping the skirt threads on a wrapping board...


Making a suspension cord for each section, dampening the threads to keep them together and then cutting them into sections...


I screwed up this part by having too many skirt threads and cutting the sections too short. It made me a little sad about wasting so much thread...*frown


I did salvage one however and used it to make this little gem...


That left the most interesting technique for last ~ making a cord that had multiple mini tassels hanging from it...


This was my favorite by far. The end result looks like a garland and I could just see it tucked around a block or a frame, embedded with embroidery and beads. It would be...well...

delightful.

I was really glad to finally sit down and figure out these mini tassel techniques. Thank you for your patience if you were looking for me on Tuesday. I was a bit late this week. I'll see you next week on Tuesday for Week Eight where I'll be looking to this book for inspiration:

17 comments:

  1. I love tassels, too! I want to make some tassels with tatted trims and beads and such! I may have to break down and get that fabulous book! :)

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  2. One word: Brilliant! You know I had to share this post with my readers! :)

    Denise
    http://needlework.craftgossip.com

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  3. The little string of tassels are just so sweet! I'll be watching for your next project with great interest. I have one of Di van Niekerk's stumpwork books but haven't tackled that type of embroidery so far.

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  4. Sheila9:44 AM

    Another fun post, Susan! And AHH! This book just came in the mail yesterday! Will be anticipating your post for next Tuesday (or so...*grin*) Have fun!

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  5. This Charm School series keeps getting more and more delightful, Susan. ;-)
    I eagerly await the ribbon stumpwork!

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  6. How fun to see what you can do with tassels to make them more interesting, Susan. I've only made the plain vanilla kind, so now to get inventive. Thanks!

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  7. I never thought of making mini tassels in the skirts of big tassels, but I just started thinking of it when I read this and thought, how cool would it be to use a cord with various tassels on it for displaying the 12 months of the BJP projects. I'm liking this idea so much as it would be fun and give interest in between the works. I think I may if it is okay with you.

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  8. I like the little mini tassels. They are fun to make and fun to look at.

    I am looking forward to next week as I am a fan of Di and have her books plus 2 of her printed projects that I received for Christmas a couple of years ago. I have started one and they will be some good Florida needlework. She also has DVD's for the books and I have her first one I am following for the printed panel. You may get me enthused again.

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  9. Wonderful & what great trims for dolls! I think I'm going to have to investigate & check out that book.

    dot

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  10. Beautiful tassels indeed, and the book seems to be fun.
    Oh, if you need something from La Droguerie, tell me and I'll try to get it for you. The shop is always on my list when I go to Marseille for shoping.

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  11. OMGoodness, you comment on my "Notes of Comparison" blogpost was so funny! Thanks for the chuckle! ;)

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  12. You did save the little mistakes didn't you? They look like mustaches! I can picture a line of mini Ziegfeld dancers with mustaches....and the chain of tassels....I will have to show Steph, I can see her adding something like that to her art jewelry!

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  13. Isn't that tassel book one of the best!?! Way cool.

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  14. I've never thought about the parts of a tassel before or known there was such a thing as a wrapping board... great tool! Are you going to try a beaded tassel soon?

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  15. I don't think I've ever thought of tassels one way or another...until I read your post!!! Thanks for the enlightenment!! And I have to say...PATIENCE was a word that popped into my mind often while reading this lesson! You have so many neat "tools" to work with! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  16. Did you know there are some Di De V-thingy vids on YouTube on how to do a few flowers?
    (I guess, just search on her name if you are interested). It was nice to hear her voice - very English I think, or was it South African?

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  17. Very cool. love the tassels. you are one really busy lady. I love your blog, Susan.

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