My Pattern Pages Are Here!

My Pattern Pages Are Here!
copyright 2008 Laura Blanton

Friday, August 14, 2009

Saphira The Dragon

 

 


I couldn't decide which I liked better, so I posted both pictures. This is one of Karey Solomon's dragons from "Here Be Dragons." I named her Saphira after the dragon in the book "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini. That is the last book I read as my eyes were getting so bad. The second book, "Eldest", I have listed to on cd's. I have yet to listen to the third book. I really like them a lot. I think we all need a bit of fantasy to brighten up or days, especially when we are not feeling well.

I must say this dragon was quite a challenge. I had to start over once, but I finally figured out that I was supposed to be making my beaded joins with the ball thread. Duh! I still had to do a lot of retro tatting, but I am very pleased to completed it and happy with the way it looks - mostly. One big tip for what it is worth, don't tat too tightly and leave a little slack in the beaded picots. You will be able to make it lay much flatter that way. Also, I wish the top claw was lower on the body. I will work on that next time, if there is a next time. We'll see. One of the other dragons is red and the other is gold but I don't know if my eyes or my arthritis will allow me to tat them.

Oh, the thread is size 20 Flora and the beads are size 10. They are not very nice beads so the sizes varied too much. The eye bead is a nice one from an old pair of earrings and the tooth beads are pearls.
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21 comments:

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

That is a fabulous dragon! I haven't read the third book yet, either. Fantasy can be so much fun! I'm glad you're feeling well enough to tat!

Carol Schockling Lawecki said...

Hi Laura, You are tatting again!! I hope you are starting to feel better. Saphira looks fantastic!! Nice Job!

I have heard of these books, I'll have to look them up on Amazon and read a description. I've heard other people say it is a good series.

Have a great weekend!

Stephanie said...

Hi Laura! Oooh is that pretty!! Lovely job. All those beads would drive me crazy.

Ladytats said...

HI Laura, you do very good work. your tatting is really good if you are having trouble with your eyes and can't read.
I have this book of dragons as well and want to get some of them done. Thanks for the inspiration.

LadyShuttleMaker aka MadMadPotter said...

That is a very lovely dragon Lala! I haven't read that series of books yet but I would like to...especially since you like them.

JB said...

Pretty prissy dragon. I'm not sure if it is a female dragon--but to me it looks so prissy and sassy. You did a great job.

Valerie said...

beautiful dragons! bet it's a lot of work, esp with the beads. well done!

Tat-a-Renda said...

I am sorry that your health is still troubling you. I hope it will get better soon. Your dragons are so pretty.

Inviting you over to my blog. There is something exciting there.

SY said...

I LOVE that series of books. You must read them all. Christopher Paolini of The Inheritance series is my hero! By the age of 19 he wrote and I believe published the first book of the series and he is just a fantastic young man. Your tatted Saphira really does her justice, she's just beautiful Laura! I love both of them.

Tatskool said...

You did a fabulous job on what looks to be a very difficult pattern. Just shows that you haven't lost you 'touch'!
Where are you going to put it?

victats@gmail.com said...

Looks great! I've done the other dragon in Karey's book and really enjoyed the pattern. I think Saphira looks great!

Tattycat said...

Thank you Diane. I am so excited to have completed her. Why had I not thought that my "sister" would be reading the same books? I am feeling better but have to tat only in small increments.
Hi Carol. Yes, tatting a little bit at a time and it is wonderful. I am glad you like Saphira. Please do check out the books. I think you would like them a lot. A great weekend to you as well.
That you Steph! I like working with the beads.
Thanks, Ladytats. I can read just enough in small increments to follow the pattern. It's not can read, it's what I have to suffer if I do read. I will look forward to seeing your dragons!
Thank you Lady Shuttle Maker. I'm so glad you like her. I know you would love the books!
Thanks J.B. I guess she is prissy now that you mention it. I guess that's why my cat kept trying to steal her as I was working on her. She is SOOO prissy!
Thank you Valerie. It is a lot of work, but worth it.
Thank you for your concern about my health and praise of the dragon. I have been to your blog and left my comment. I hope you really enjoy this month of special events for you!
Thank you Sy. I do love the books and will definitely listen to the third one as soon as possible. I didn't know anything about the author. It sounds like good subject matter himself. I will have to check that out too. Glad you like Saphira. I just love her in the books and wanted to do her justice.
Thank you Tatskool. Yes, the pattern was difficult but worth the effort. I haven't decided where I am going to put her. IF I do the other two dragons from the book, I might frame the three of them together.

Madeline's Album said...

I love the dragon. Glad I got to see it in person.

Martha said...

Very lovely dragons. I have this pattern book and look forward to making the dragons myself someday.

Unknown said...

Hi Laura, The dragon is fantastic. You did a very nice job tatting her and it is good to see more of your tatting.

Unknown said...

Wow, the beadwork on your pieces are lovely! That's a lot of work. It's so nice to see some posts from you again! I hope that things are looking up for you and that you are feeling better. Here's hoping you have a fabulous week!

The gift in the previous post from your pay it forward partner is nice! :)

Fox said...

Wonderful dragons! They are so neatly tatted and love the beads! I think you have inspired me - again. First the heart, now the fantasy beasts! Thanks! Fox : )

Gina said...

These are fabulous! I never did finish the one I started in Hector. In fact, I took it off the shuttles, largely because I wanted to tat it in a different color.

Some day.....

Tattycat said...

First of all, I need to clarify that I only made one dragon. It is just two backgrounds. Wouldn't want anyone to thank I am that good!
Thank you, Madeline. I am glad you like Saphira.
Thanks, Martha. I hope you do tat them one day.
Thank you, Clyde. I just love these dragons and it is very good to be tatting again, even if slowly.
Thanks, Tatting Chic. I enjoy the bead work a lot and it is very good to be tatting again. I have missed that, and posting and checking posts so much. The gifts were very nice and thoughtful. As always, your concern for me is very sweet and appreciated.
Thank you, Fox. Glad to have inspired you again. I hope you have fun with the "fantasy beasts."
Thank you, Gina. I hope you will get back to the dragons one day. They are difficult, for me anyway, but very rewarding.

Sherry aka Celtic Dream Weaver said...

I love your Karey Dragon. I made two of the patterns in that booklet. YOurs is so pretty in the blues. Love both of them lots.

Tattycat said...

Thank you Sherry. I love my dragon and am half way through with another one. I should have explained that this is one dragon on two backgrounds. Sorry!