Pattern 1

This "eggbeater" is a hell of a good start. One is never too old to learn new tricks. It's going to be fun seeing more and more light-writing (i.e., literally, "photography"). Like.

Nice

Deadly,
Far better than my first efforts.
A little extra weight might smooth it out a bit.
I tend to wait 10 sec or so after starting the swing to start the shot.

How long was your string ?

Love it.
Liked.

I did quite a few before this that no one will ever see. I'll add a bit extra weight but most of the wobbles are me moving the camera around, I want a nice smooth roller bed for my camera. I waited a little after setting the swing going, probably not 10 seconds. I would guess string length around 1.3/1.4 metres.

Thank you for showing me the way Derek.

Very impressive, I had considered moving the camera but not done it yet.
1.4 Mtrs is ok. A little longer probably make it smoother and rings tighter.
As will an elliptical swing as opposed to circular.
Great result right off the bat.

I need more space to get a longer string, I'll get there. I have just ordered 3 ball transfer units on ebay to make a smooth rolling bed for the camera, got to be worth a go.

A question: has anyone tried to use their smart phone's strobe light as a light source? I wonder what results that would produce.

Mine is far too bright, Samsung s6 edge.

Could you mask it with cloth or something?

i'd say give it a go. The beauty of digital you can experiment without regret. My only concern would be the phone might go flying and get damaged. I use the aperture to adjust for the brightness of different light sources. I suspect as Derek says it might be too bright but, give it a go.
I've just tried using a battery powered mock candle which are really quite dim. The results are interesting as you have the central light source and the glow around it. Indeed, what the heck I'll post one of the resulting images.

I think masking it with cloth will result in the point being lost.
Maybe tape it off with insulation tape ?

Super work, you did well, i on the other hand haven't even had a go