Round Robin Designs

I'm curious to know what everyone's approach is when adding a round to another's centre. How much do people try to incorporate the original motifs/elements? I've come up with about 5 designs for Wanda's centre none of which I'm overly happy with. Those that incorporate elements of the centre I feel like I'm just copying and not adding to the design and and those that don't look a little random.

So naturally now I'm overthinking it all. I'm curious to know what approach the rest of you are taking as this is the first time I've done any designing.

PattyD's center was inspired by a mehndi design. As I didn't know what that was I googled it. Then I tatted a center from her pattern and tried various ideas trying to give it a mehndi feel. I don't know that I accomplished that. Not saying that is the way to go or that I'll do it for any of the other rounds as they come to me, but I was having trouble visualizing what should go next. I did a lot of overthinking as well and started 'for real' several times. You'll notice my rounds do not incorporate any of the special techniques that PattyD put into her center, though someone else farther along might bring them into it again. Then again, maybe not.

You say that some of what you've tried looks random - maybe that's good for this round. The best patterns usually have something that gives it space or difference to make it visually appealing.

Good luck! And remember to have fun!!!!

I'm tatting Coretta's centre to get a feel for it. I'll then use it for my design trials. I'm thinking that I'll try to echo some of her elements - e.g., use the same ring size - but also try to alter the overall shape, give it a twist...

@taryn, I'm going to be sending PattyD's center on to you, hopefully tomorrow. Do I need to send more thread for my center?

BTW, not trying to rush you. I just don't want PattyD's to get lost in my house.

@tattrldy - All good I don't feel rushed. I think you will need to send on more thread, but it depends on which of my designs I decide to go with. I am going to get it done tonight so will let you know once I've tatted it up.

On GraceT's I looked at her stitch counts and picot patterns and the mirrored rings and used some of those elements to make the second round a bit busier than the first round, like Tattrldy said, to add some variation, since GraceT's center was very clean. Thicks and thins, repetition and isolation. I drew it up on the computer with a picture of GraceT's center. I didn't actually tat GraceT's center at all, I got lucky that the way I planned it out worked well in thread. I probably won't be so lucky next time.

Well, I am doing exactly what you did, but with addition of another element of the small rings opposite each other on outer corner. I have seen snowflakes like this and thought it was a good path to follow. First I dres a sketch on a piece of paper with the two completed rows, and discovered that it should, indeed, work. I am pretty happy with it and only need to finish a couple of the remaining points.

Wow, you all are speeding along! I need to spend a bit more time on mine...

Well, my ideas are usually a little different, so I don't expect other tatters to try to copy or expand them. When I add to another tatter's piece, I just try to be reasonable!

That is the point of this project - contribute our unique take on each doily. I think we are going to have some pretty fabulous doilies when we're done!

I'm done and am will post a pic soon. @tattrldy I still have the card with 10yrds on it. I did have some left over from the other card but my naughty kitten has made off with it and I need to find it before I know if there is a usable amount left.

Okay, @taryn. Don't worry about mailing any thread on, I'll send it. So any that is left you can keep.

I'm excited to get another doily to work on. I realize though that it's got quite a trip to make though so I'm enjoying seeing the thoughts and progress.

I've now done my design trials, so tomorrow I'll tat my Round 2 onto Coretta's centre. I'm going the opposite way to Coretta; my Round 2 is very clean, very simple...

I've just received my Round 3 assignment from @PattyD!

I am absolutely loving this!

Okay, everyone, here is my Round 2 for Doily #2 (Round 1 by @Coretta):

I started out intending to do a two-shuttle round with thrown rings. But as I tatted the repeats it became apparent that the curves would sit better with simple rings and chains.

Also, the butterflies were in a way accidental. I initially thought of putting a clover in that space. Then I thought that a four-petal flower would fit better. But my first four-petal flower ended up looking more like a butterfly, so I went with that.

@tattrldy, I'll be sending this your way next week!

And here is Doily #4 as I received it. Round 1 by @taryn, Round 2 by @PattyD.

I am cogitating on Round 3. Perhaps some block tatting?

Block Tatting sounds interesting! Maybe some triangular motifs?

This is my finished 3rd row set for Coretta's doily. GraceT provided the second row. My third donation is a 2 rows to create the open work I finally decided on. I will provide the instructions to tat the 2 rows shortly.

The only way I have worked triangular block tatting is to work short rows to one edge and lay a full row across the top of the as the last row. This makes a smooth triangle.