June 2023 s&Z
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This month we look at three different ways to combine four diamonds into a larger diamond. When I (Sharon) first started playing with S & Z patterns I took great care that the lines were straight. But that doesn’t always work best with 3-dimensional sprang, as a Coptic spranger discovered about 1500 years ago.
Motif A—My first attempt at 5 diamonds, with all lines straight. Motif B—A second attempt at 5 diamonds, a bit shorter and wider with a one-stitch offset. Motif C—A third attempt at 5 diamonds, even shorter and wider with a two-stitch offset. This matches the pattern on this Coptic hairnet from the British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA72475 I’ve found that the best-looking design varies depending on the type of yarn I’m using. Invitation 1: Try each of the motifs in the same yarn. Which motif do you like best? Repeat with a different weight and/or fiber. How does the motif change? Which motif looks best in this yarn? Invitation 2: Use your favorite motif on the back of fingerless mittens. Invitation 3: Lay your favorite motif(s) side by side for a wider pattern on a scarf or hat. |
Water bottle carrier with repeating June motifs.
The relaxed fabric (left) has a different look than the stretched fabric (right).
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Now, invitation 3 asks you to lay a motif side by side to make a wider pattern. How do you do that? How do you repeat a motif horizontally? This document is intended to help.
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A note about instructions and charts:
The instructions include a photo of the completed motif, the written shorthand pattern, and a chart with Carol’s notation.
The charts include the chart with Carol’s notation and a shorthand chart which shows only the S and Z stitches. The shorthand chart is for those who are comfortable with the transitions from S to Z and do not need to know which stitches are on the back threads and which are on the front threads.
The instructions include a photo of the completed motif, the written shorthand pattern, and a chart with Carol’s notation.
The charts include the chart with Carol’s notation and a shorthand chart which shows only the S and Z stitches. The shorthand chart is for those who are comfortable with the transitions from S to Z and do not need to know which stitches are on the back threads and which are on the front threads.
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Motif A
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Motif B
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Motif C
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Inspiration for this month's motif comes from a piece in the British Museum, Collection number EA72475. This is a sprang bonnet worked in red wool with several S&Z designs.
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British Museum EA72475 detail
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British Museum EA 72475
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