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Jan Stawasz rocks. Enough said? Well, here’s a bit more.
I found his website in 2005 and have been drooling over his patterns ever since. I immediately emailed him requesting a pattern for a lovely sun hat I wanted to make and wear to a special occasion. He was very nice and informed me that his book would be coming out soon. So I waited on pins and needles and bought it the moment it was available–not in time for my event, sadly, but nonetheless well worth the wait.
Since then I have made a few of his smaller patterns, and am now working on the doily on page 75. So far I have four blocks done, and 16 to go. Lookie:
Yes, there are still ends to hide. My least favorite part of tatting.
What I love about Jan’s patterns is that they aren’t what you’d expect. They are elegant and refined, the sort of beauty you might expect to see dressing up a table in a palace, but are simple in their own right. He has a way of making beautiful and unexpected combinations, that when you look closely, turn out to be fairly straightforward. The type of thing that makes me wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
See the pretty rings on the right side, from two different motifs? They will join to two other motifs to make an unexpected flowery ring. Now that's inventive.
When I first look at one of his patterns, I like to sit and look at it for a bit to take in the whole, then I look closely at the diagram and literally trace it around with a finger to help my mind connect the pieces. There is always the “aha” moment where I see “that’s how he did that,” followed by a burning desire to try it myself. I may not do the whole pattern, but it is so much fun to try it out.
Oops, this has turned into a bit of a book review. Sorry. Well, to finish this off like a book review, I highly recommend that if you can find Jan Stawasz’ “Tatting Theory and Patterns” that you snatch it up at any price. I’ve heard rumors on the InTatters forum that it may no longer be in print? Is that so? Does anyone know where to find a copy? Please share for those interested.
I have Jan’s book, and I often drool over the patterns. However, I haven’t attempted one yet. I don’t know what I’m waiting for!
Diane, What are you waiting for? At least try a little one.
Sometimes I use his “Jan’s Method” and sometimes not. Depends on how nitpicky I’m feeling at the moment. I haven’t done it enough to be really comfortable with it, so it takes extra effort and concentration, but I do like the result.
I also have that book. His designes are verry nice. I have mailed him about his way of tatting what is verry difficuld to do. There is a much easier way with the same result and that is frontside/backside tatting. I never got an answer from him.
Just look at it and you will see that it is frontside/backside tatting
The designes are great
hugs and love
Riet the B-engel
Riet, you are right of course that it is essentially frontside/backside tatting. The name isn’t what is tripping me up though, but getting my head around starting or finishing with the half stitch. Especially when it’s not on every ring or chain, but only those that are reversed. I get into a smooth rhythm and forget to check which way every element is facing and discover a wrong way stitch too late. I guess the only solution is to commit to practicing more.
I wrote to Jan once with question about his patterns, it was before I bought his book. I never got an answer from him too 🙁
But I really love his patterns, I think he is one from the best designers..
You have a gorgeous and elegant start there! 🙂
Sue, thank you. I’ll post again when I have a lot more done.
Superb write, stylish page design and style, keep up the good work
megusta esta pagina se aprende mucho con los vidios y tutoriales ,gracias……….
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I have won two 1st place and best in show awards with each of his doileys. They work up absolutely beautiful! I learned to tat by repetitiveness of my first Jan doiley. I needed something that would keep me going. I just got his second book and can’t wait to try them.
Gorgeous! I’m just wondering which book this is from (because he’s published two, right?).