Practice! Practice!

I've been working to master the tension of my needle lace, and can finally show some progress. This is my latest effort, a leaf made with 30 wt Blendables, color 4017, Lime Sherbet.

The first section is corded brussels, and is to the right of center. The tension isn't great, I had trouble with the corded row sagging, and my stitches are too far apart.

I corrected my spacing in the next section, to the left of center. It's closer, but not close enough. I eliminated the problem of the sagging cord by using whipped brussels stitch. It looks better, and I kept my diagonal rows in line through most of that section.

The final section is corded brussels again, and I finally got the stitches close enough on my foundation row. I'm really happy with that third section, and can't wait to finish the leaf. It's not perfect, but it's a great practice piece - I can look at it and see my progress!

This leaf is done in #80 ecru tatting thread, and you can see the trouble I had with tension and keeping my rows in line. The green leaf is the same pattern, but a little bigger, and I drew the direction of the lines before I covered it with contact paper.

My stitches are single brussels, whipped brussels and corded brussels.

I'm very pleased that I can see progress, and especially that I can work the 3o wt Sulky thread. I don't want to get stuck using tatting thread forever, and it's a good thing to expand your horizons when you're a beginner.