John's tatting blog

The Unveiling

2012-01-16T07:38:00.000-05:00

Here it is!

The final, final edition of 'Christmas stocking prototype #1'. I am so happy with the outcome. Several things learned along the way.

Here is a picture with a shuttle for perspective.

The question of the day....will I continue obsessing over Christmas stockings? Or, is there another project calling my name?

I'm sure you've been wondering about our twelve step program......I'm ignoring the entire idea of tatting addiction. But, will need to remind myself sometime in the near future to breathe....oh, wait! That's what this addiction is all about. Breathe in, breathe out...tat!

Have a wonderful day!
John

Almost finished

2012-01-15T10:04:00.001-05:00

Greetings to you all!

Here is the final decision regarding the placement of the lace on the first stocking.

After all your wonderful comments and suggestions I started to fiddle with the lace on the stocking. Then, I realized you all were right. Some said, 'the top of the stocking' while others said, 'dangling from the lower edge'. Well, how about splitting the difference?

It made all the difference...at least in my humble opinion.

I blocked the lace. It was quite interesting trying to figure out how to block both sides. So, here was my process.

And now for some 'artsy' pics

As you see, I don't pin every picot. That's a bit too tedious for me.

I have begun to attach the lace and will be done some time this evening. I'll then take pics and let you see the final project. And Finally, You will be spared of my endless drivel about the 'Christmas stocking'.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!
john

Pondering....

2012-01-09T06:31:00.001-05:00

Greetings to you all!

Yesterday was spent trying to 'perfect' the Christmas stocking. By that, I'm referring to the actual stocking. I figured out how to keep the top seam from puckering and now have two sizes. I'll show the two in just a bit.

Your comments are all VERY useful. I see that I'm going to have to do a series of stockings. I think you all are right...(if there is a right and wrong to this). I've not...well, let me show you.

Below are the two smaller stockings with the tatting on the very top and one with it hanging from the 'flipped out' edge.

Both are pleasing on some level.

The snowflake is not a 'must have'. It's another possibility.

Now, here is the third, larger stocking. I'm actually really pleased with the outcome of the stocking. One little change for the future...I'll shorted the 'flipped out' satin lining by 1/2 inch.

The angle of the photo is a bit odd...making the toe look a bit wonky. None to worry, I don't think it looks that way in person.

So, as you see, I'm on my way and have my very own projects for future gifting.

Have a great day!!
john

Yes.....I'm alive

2012-01-07T20:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the extended absence! I've been a bit busy lately enjoying the break between semesters. A Happy New Year to you all!!

If I recall....we left off with Step Two of the twelve steps for addicted tatters.

Well, step three is just going to have to wait for a bit longer. I'm ignoring my addiction at this moment and just trying to figure a few things out.

My absence was due to a secret project. I wanted to complete the first demo before blogging about it...however, I need opinions from my tatting peeps. So, here is the project.

I started tatting an edge over the Thanksgiving break. I wanted to do something that looked like icicles for the top edge of a Christmas stocking. So, here was the beginning.

I didn't really know what pattern I'd use for the stocking. I just tatted with the idea in mind. I found a pattern and just finished the final sewn stocking this evening. It's a demo...

Here are some close-ups of the tatting. And, NO, it's not attached. The tatting is a bit too big for this stocking. I'll have to enlarge the pattern for this piece of tatted edge. There are several patterns used in the edge. One was adapted from the blomqist book. I added length a clover leaf for the longer icicles. I also added a short motif between each longer icicle. The top of the edge is from Austin's 'A New Twist on Tatting'.

The snowflake is from Jan Stawasz's 'Tatting: Theory and Patterns'

Now, I've got to figure out how I'm going to attach the edging..

Do I attach it to the top of the stocking?

Do I shorten the turned out lining and attach it on that edge?

This may not be too clear...not sure. Let me know what ya'll think.

BTW...I missed ya'll and hope to be checking in more frequently.

Have a wonderful day!!
john

Step Two...

2011-11-12T08:36:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the second gathering of John's 12 step 'Proof of Tatting Addiction' support group.

Last session we covered step one...

We admit that we are powerless over tatting -- that our lives have become somewhat more manageable as a result of tatting...well sorta, kinda, maybe not.

Today we focus on step two...

We have come to believe that a power great than ourselves (along with tatting once daily) can restore us to sanity...or at least help us maintain a balanced sense of reality in relation to the insane world around us.

You may need to help me amend this one a bit.

How do I know I'm addicted? More evidence... I've been holding out on you and hiding a bit of evidence. (I forgot to mention this one because of my own denial) check these books out. I purchased them at tat days. I was so enticed by 'pretty' that I failed to see that the Emmy Liebert book was WRITTEN IN GERMAN...OMG what was I thinking?! I don't speak German...

I NEED HELP!

On another note...

I finished the rings atop the 'endless edge withouth a cause' and have returned to the filet panel

Here is the inspiration piece, the sampler, and the actual edge. More evidence of addiction. I still don't have a final project in mind other than creating a beautiful piece of lace. I think I've decided that it is the 'right' length at 4' 4" in total.

Until the next meeting...Peace and happy tatting!
John

It's my mom's birthday today!

2011-11-06T12:29:00.000-05:00

I've been keeping a secret from you all. I won another item in the silent auction at Tat Days this year.

I needed to keep it from you because my mom reads my blog from time to time. So, today is her birthday and here is her birthday present.

It's a tatted, beaded design and work by Nina Libin.

Her patterns and work are absoultely wonderful!!
Her web page is beanile.com
Check it out.

Though I bid on several items...this was the one I guarded to the bitter end. I wanted to get this for mom. She loves to dress in formal attire for various events. This will be wonderful for one of those events.

So, mom...

Happy Birthday!
john

Step One...

2011-11-05T17:12:00.002-04:00

I think I'm going to charter a support group for those addicted to tatting and everything tatting. (for those in actual recovery over addictions...this is in no way meant to be offensive...so, please forgive)

Step one will sound something like this....

1. We admit that we are powerless over tatting -- that our lives have become somewhat more manageable as a result of tatting...well sorta, kinda, maybe not.

Hello! My name is John. I'm addicted to tatting.

How do I know this you ask? Well, I went to the flea again today. First off I met a dealer there (antique dealer..not the kind you were thinking) who gave me a steal on 50 madeira hankies. As you already know, I have enough hankies waiting for an edge to last me until the year 2080.

And then there was this. A sterling shuttle with the Greek key pattern embossed around the edges. I saw it a year ago and regretted not getting it.

Guess what?! It was still there. Waiting for me and my addiction.

As if my bender wasn't complete, I ran across this sterling shuttle. Nothing really fancy.

Wait for it.....................................................................

Flip it over....................................................................

And what's it say?........................................................

Beulah

Absolutely Priceless!!

Just what every male tatter needs! A sterling shuttle with the name Beulah engraved in it. OMG!! I was laughing so hard and drew a few looks...that's when you know you have an addiction...when the people around you no longer matter. I couldn't resist getting this one.

I now have Beulah's shuttle.

So, you see. I believe I have earned the ability to charter the support group. Who's in with me? I'll keep posting the steps from time to time...just don't take me too seriously.

God, grant me the serenity....

Happy tatting! Keep Laughing! Enjoy some peace today!
John

Checking in...

2011-10-29T08:45:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted. So, I wanted to show you my 'mess'. I'm practicing the crochet join between two edges and will show that another day. But for now, here's the mess I'm living in. The former 'endless edge' is now being referred to as the 'edge without a cause'. Here is the pile.

Not alot to show..just a pile of lace and my comfy club chair.I'm working on the filet panel which is narrower in width than the sampler piece. When I get tired of the continuous chains I switch over to tatting the rings to the top of the original edge. It's going to be pretty. However, it's going to take a pretty long time to see the accomplishments.Funny...looks like pink and purple are my favorite colors....not really, just happen to be the shuttle and container of the moment. Favorites are blue and green.I'll show you a bit of the tat days loot. I've been hiding my addiction...so, here's the damage from the 'market' as well as the silent auction.

*Spoken amid sobbing and catharsis.....*"Hello, my name is John and I'm addicted to tatting"and the crowd responds..."Hello John"

Sampler Update

2011-10-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

Greetings to you all!!I really appreciate all of the input you provided regarding the width of the filet panel in relation to the 'endless' edge. I decided to use the panel as a sampler. For a reminder, here's the inspiration lace.

Realizing that the question was coming from some inner discontent (not really as dramatic as it sounds), I had to listen to my gut. I agree that the panel would have worked as is....But, I decided to try a wider edging with the wider panel.Here are the edges ready to be crocheted together. (except the loose ends of course)

When I tat the new filet, I'll reduce the width. Not only will it be a bit more balanced, it will tat quickly...and with this edge...quick is a good thing!So, now the task is to try to figure out how to crochet.....Any suggestions? I've got the hooks, the thread, and I hope, the patience.I'll keep you posted!Until then, Happy Tatting!John

Before jumping off the 'endless edge'...

2011-10-08T09:56:00.001-04:00

Greetings to you all!! I need your input on this one. I've tatted approximately 9" of the filet panel to be attached to the 'endless edging' (which by the way is 52" to this point). I need to check in with ya'll to get your thoughts on the width of the filet panel in relation to the edge.

The inspiration lace is above the unfinished project. I will be tatting the rows of rings directly to the 'endless edge' as you see in the inspiration lace. So, with that in mind, is the filet panel a bit too wide OR, is it going to be balanced? Be brutal here... Look again...

I can always stop here...before the first week ends and just use this as a sampler and tat up a complete sample with the edge, rings, and panel totaling a simple 9'.

whatcha think? By the way...I was just giggling having noticed the wonderful World Market endorcement....totaly unintentional...but isn't marketing wonderful? Thanks in advance for all your input!! Happy day! John

2011-10-04T22:28:00.000-04:00

Check it out.... Here is the beginning of a long...long...long relationship. I agree with you Erin on the pattern for the filet panel. Here is the beginning...

I had a difficult time 'turning the corner', took a couple tries and had to pick a few doubles....but I think I'm finally on my way. Being left handed, it seemed to take a little more thinking to visualize the turn. I left the beginning 'as is' and am not going to worry about the messy pieces. Here it is with the original piece. I've added a bit of width to the panel and am using a slightly larger thread. Very happy with the outcome to this point.

On another note... The shuttles (clovers) were given to me by Hegla at Tat days. I've been a hold out using the metal boye shuttles and so these were a gift in an attempt to convert me to post shuttles. Once in a while I use a post shuttle if there aren't too many joins. But, so far, I like these and am happy with the joins using my tiny crochet hook.

HELP!?

2011-10-02T16:07:00.002-04:00

Greetings to you allI need your help! For the past two days I leafed through my books and tried to find the next project. I even tried to join into the latest challenge recreating the 'yes you can' doily. But, I'm finding that I need repetition right now. And then, I went to the Flea Market. Look what I found!!

It's 2.25 yards of an amazing tatted edge.

So, I need your help. It is three edges two joined and the third crochet joined. I really want to replicate the top. It looks like chain work...

Do you know where this pattern can be found?

I've got that endless edge...you know....My April 25th post...not sure how to link to it.... I could attach that edge. Can you tell I think I've found the 'next' project? So, Please,....I need your help! (maybe a bit of mental help is in order too) Smiles! John

Summer's over and Tat days have passed

2011-09-30T21:31:00.001-04:00

It's been a while. I've been lurking and watching your posts. You all have been very busy! I have been tatting....just nothing really different than you've already seen. I completed another hanky edge (the same as Marlene's hanky) from the Mary Konoir 'Tatting with Visual Patterns'. I really enjoyed tatting this pattern for the first hanky and seemed to need more. So, I did another.

Then, it was off to Tat Days. I became so engrossed in the learning and socializing I forgot to take any pictures. But, I did learn alot. Here are a few projects from the classes I took with Martha Ess. What a privilege to study tatting with such a gentle soul and proficient tatter. Martha displays herculean patience as she answers all my questions. Here is the Sunrise, Sunset bookmark.

It's a wonderful lesson in lock join. I also tatted two snowflakes in her classes. The first...Not blocked yet...is a bit sloppy. BUT, I love the pattern!! It's Martha's Broomstick Picot Snowflake. According to the directions I will wet the center ring and place it over a conical shape. Martha's were so round...I hope for the same with mine.

And then there was the 'Martha's Mrs. Mee's Snowflake

Both snowflake patterns called for the Josephine knot; something I had never done. So, these are practice tries. Something that was very nice for me this year...Each of the classes seemed to utilize similar techniques but added to the learning throughout the weekend and reinforced the learning along the way. Now, I've got to get working on the two patterns I started in Sharren Morgan's classes. Sharren is also a wonderful presence in the classroom!! Her ability to tell a story as she teaches is a true talent. More on that later. In the next post I have to show you all my exploits from the silent auction and the merchandise exhibits....I need not tell you...I have a bunch of tatting to do. I'll show you the purchases over the weekend. Until then, happy tatting! John

Attacking the WIP pile

2011-08-15T19:53:00.000-04:00

You've seen the tatting....

Now I've got to produce the finished product. My current boss (Rev. Dr. Ophelia) at the hospital was recently ordained. She is a wonderful woman who is greatly respected throughout our city. Recently she was recognized as Charlotte's Woman of the Year. An amazing recognition and well deserved.

I'm honored to have her as my supervisor.

So, I figured I better get this thing done. Here is the 'shell' made of an Icy blue silk. I've got some tacking to do in order to finish the little windows.

Then I'll attach the tatting placed like this...

I hope to be done by the end of the week. I'll post pictures of the completed project. I really want to get a picture of Ophelia wearing the stole.

Lately, all my projects are gifted with one condition....
I want to be able to take them to TAT days. I enjoy sharing my work and seeing that of other tatters.

A broken record...

2011-08-12T07:47:00.000-04:00

If I told you about the last couple days...it would sound strangely familiar. In my feeble little mind I sat quietly appreciating my work Tuesday morning. I thought to myself. You didn't make any big mistakes, you finished your ends and the edging is going to fit the hanky blank beautifully.

I'm learning that pride does not need to be spoken....just felt. No really,... I really did think these things..though momentarily... I still thought them. THEY WERE WRONG!! (ugh)

I laid the hanky out flat on the table...'matched' up the edge and...

Wonky again!!

Really?! Before closing the final repeats I counted 12, 13, 14....12, 13, 14...12, 13, 14.

Now I count 12, 13, 14...12, 13.....How in the heck has this happened?!

clip, rip, repeat.

So, now that's done here is the final product.

I'm happy with the project and can't wait to gift it. Still needing to be pressed, I will worry about that after I tote it to a few ladies for 'presentation'.

Oh, I registered for TAT days!! Really looking forward to seeing my tatting buds there. There is a chance my mom will join us this year. She's a bit nervous as she is a new tatter....I told her she'd be in heaven if she ventured out...We'll see.

Have a wonderful day!
John

A Few More Days

2011-08-06T19:06:00.000-04:00

The edge is coming along. Only a few more days and I'll be ready to attach it to the hanky. I think it's going to fit well on the hanky...but the jury is still out on that.

To this point, I'm very pleased with the progress and the look. Mary K's patterns are so nice to work.

On another note....I need your help. I'm trying to place comments in your posts. For some, there's no problem. While with others, it's asking me to pick a profile. When I try...I'm redirected back to the sign in page...I do this...and, nothing. I can't even comment on my own page after ya'll leave comments.

Does anyone know what's going on with this?

I hope your weekend is going well!
John

On to a new project!

2011-07-30T17:54:00.000-04:00

I've got so many projects I want to do and so little time these days. Here is the newest project. I'm tatting an edge for a friend of my mother. She had several hankies in storage and wanted to give them to me. It seems her mother did crochet edges and never used these hankies. I asked her to pick one for me to take and 'regift' her. Here is the hanky and the beginning of an edge.

I chose an edge from Mary Konior's book, "Tatting with Visual Patterns". I think this is the bride's maids pattern. I'll have to check again and let you know if it's different.

As you see, I've got a long way to go. One note...I really like the edging patterns which help you visualize the corners. Now, I just hope this will repeat 'just right' and fit the hanky I've got.

On another note, I would love to be able to respond to your wonderful comments but have been unable to do so.... I've tried everything. So, I'm at a loss on that one.

I will tell you, I'm really looking forward to TAT days this September. I hope your weekend is grand!
john

The Long Awaited

2011-07-24T20:41:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well... The long awaited booties have arrived. These things would like to have been my demise. However, I am finished.

I need your input. Here is the finished project. I changed the 'upper' on the toe. Rather than closing the toe with the round 'florette', I decided to try and create a laced version.

What do you think?

You can see I tatted rings and joined the chains to the previous round. This was all done in hopes that the booties could be put onto the baby's foot a little easier and on different sized feet.

I hope the pictures show what I've done. Your feedback is welcomed!
john

Pride Comes Before the......

2011-07-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Pride comes before the.....What the heck was I thinking?!?!

There I was...so proud of my accomplishment. I finished the next row on the tiny little booty. Calm, content, and at peace with myself. I HAD EVEN FINISHED THE ENDS!

As I sat and prepared to start the same row on the second booty I suddenly thought...OMG... John, did it ever occur to you to read the directions CAREFULLY?!

I tatted the last row on booty one opposite of the directions. Join chain to previous row...NOT JOIN RING! (hopefully, you're sensing my frustration)

Here's how it should be going...

And now, the two together. REALLY?!

It's been awhile since I tatted this pattern....but, REALLY?!

Needless to say, this morning I finally got up the energy to cut off the entire row. Tiny little pieces of thread...piled on the table next to me. What's worse is that on the last ring of the second booty in the same tragic round....I tatted one too many rings...more cutting and work to figure what the heck to do.....

Tatting is still restful and peaceful for me (I keep telling myself this)...I just find it difficult to sit in my chair in the summer when there is so much to be doing outside.

Does anyone know a good therapist? (for those that don't know...that's what I do) I think it's my turn for the breathing exercises.

Summer reintroduction...

2011-07-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

So, I just looked an found that my last post was May 22nd. An unbelievable lapse in time. Summer gets in the way of my social networking.... Actually, I've been tatting, just on some of the same projects ya'll have seen before. I've been working to complete several sets of the tatted motifs for cleric stoles and now have two complete sets.

Recently, I've been working on baby booties again. This time, as usual, one of my coworkers is having a baby and I would love to gift her a pair of booties. Many of you have seen these before coming from me. So, please forgive me if you have...but I wanted to stay in touch and let you see the progress.

I'm trying to figure out how to increase the size of the pattern. Therefore, I've added two rings in the first round hoping to first increase the length and maybe the finished width. We'll see how much this adds to the final size.

Other than tatting, my family and I went on our annual camping/hiking trip during the month of June. It was an amazing time. Sometimes I think we camp not necessarily for the moment...rather, we camp for the memories. The storms, the poison ivy, no phone, no lights, no motor cars..... But we always end up reminiscing and laughing (alot!).

We went to the Smokey Mountain National park this year and had a wonderful week filled with many memories. This photo was on our last day, just before we left (and after a night of storms). We visited Clingman's Dome just to see the wonderful panorama.

And here is the family. I got everyone to settle for just a minute as we invited innocent passers by to take our photo. Just like herding cats. We had alot of fun.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Kinda Ready

2011-05-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Good morning!

Well, the tatting is sorta, kinda done. Here are the motifs for the cleric's stole. I've finished the majority of tatting for the project...except as usual, the ends need to be sewn in. UGH!

The cross patterns is Rebecca's Colossians 2?14 cross pattern.

Also, I've got to find one of the square motifs....One must wonder how you simply lose something that takes hours to tat....I think I know where it is.

And finally, the edging is one pass too short and therefore, I must join and tat another pass on each edging. Ergo, I don't think I'm quite ready to say, "all done".

On another note, Here are a few pics of the Sago palm that grows in our 'front yard'. I live on a corner street in the center of the city. We planted this Sago about 9 years ago with the hope it would last through one North Carolina winter. 9 years and 12 off shoots later, we trim it back every spring and this is the result.

It's such a prehistoric looking plant as it begins to emerge.

I hope your days a grand!
john

Whew...!

2011-05-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

Whew...That was work!

Here is the triangle motif.

But, goodness...it wasn't easy. I now realize the two joins to the longer thread give it a bit of substance. Zoom in and you'll see the difference between the top one and the bottom two. I 'got it' after the first one. The second two seem to be correct.

Tatting several of the projects in the Blomqvist and Persson book I have to flip the piece and join...then, flip back. I also had to do the shoe string trick on each repeat. Additionally, the pattern does not + after the chains...but I did. Not sure this was correct but I'm really happy with the final outcome.

Your help was invaluable!

Hoping your day is wonderful!!
John

Cleric Stole #1

2011-05-14T08:30:00.000-04:00

Greetings to you all!!

I'm finally getting around to producing pictures of the cleric stole I tatted and made about 2 years ago. I made it for a colleague at the hospital who lost her stole in a flood. (The fish tank in Pediatrics leaked and flooded her office destroying many of her personal items including a beautiful silk stole)

Here is a picture of the finished stole...

As you can see, white rough silk was the fabric and there were a few tatted motifs in 'windows'.

For the current stole (stole #2), I've tatted most of the motifs and the edging...but, now I'm stuck. I want to tat a triangle I found in Blomqvist and Persson found on page 49. However, the pattern doesn't make sense to me. The scanner is not working to scan a pic of the pic...but if any of you have this book, Please, Please look at the pattern and let me know what they mean when it comes to (join to loop of thread twice, + in picot)....I don't get it.

I hope to cut and sew the stole today and then start attaching the motifs either tomorrow or during next week.

Help me out here... I can always put a different motif into the 'window'...just kinda wanted a triangle.

Have a great day!
John

A Bit Too Precise!

2011-05-08T16:07:00.000-04:00

I'm working on another Cleric's Stole. This one is going to be in Icy Blue rough silk. I've given the recipient the choice of colors. She chose the lighter blue silk with black tatted motifs and edging. So, here's the combination to this point.

I'm done with the edging and one of the motifs. I will tat a couple crosses and a couple triangles to represent the idea of the Christian Trinity. Of course, as usual, I have to hide the ends.

Now, here's the frustrating piece...as if I would work on a project and not find a challenge. I figured the amount of thread to load on the two shuttles for the second square motif.....problem was, I forgot to include the idea of a little extra to stay on the bobbin....AAaaarrrrggghhhh!! !

The little bit of thread you see would probably been enough to complete the motif.... just not enough to anchor as I tatted.

The squares tat up quick enough to just start over. I'll keep ya'll posted on the project.

On another note, I'm missing my mom today. She's in Florida and I'm in North Carolina. I wasn't able to get there this year and she couldn't come this way. I'd rather share this day with her. But we both know we care for and love each other.

To all the mothers, a Giant Happy Mother's Day!
John

The Endless Edge

2011-04-25T19:52:00.000-04:00

You've seen it before...

After the large doily I just finished, I needed a break. I went to the WIP pile and tried to figure out what was next on the list to finish... I spotted the 'endless edge'.

AHA!! The pattern is simple and doesn't need a lot of concentration.

I started the edge about 1 1/2 years ago while on vacation. I worked on it off and on until....it went into dormancy. Now it's been sitting idle for nearly a year.

So, I started on it again. I didn't really have a final project in mind. BUT, I do have 52" to this point.

Obviously, that's the problem...

How long should it be? I'm thinking of a round linen table cloth. But, how big should the table cloth be? I know the equation for figuring out circumference of a circle....I just don't know how long....Help me out here.

The Secret Revealed

2011-04-13T19:00:00.000-04:00

It was way back in July of last year when I reported to you all I was working on a 'secret' project. Well, I found out today that the book has been published and I can share the work with you.

Here's a book edited by Sarah-Marie Belcastro and Carolyn Yackel. It's Crafting by Concepts: Fiber Arts and Mathematics.

This was my first attempt at pattern testing. The process was a great experience and I hope to be able to do this again.

AND...Here's the piece

It's a Sierpinski Triangle. This triangle design is named after Polish Mathematician Waclaw Sierpinski. The large blue triangle consists of three smaller triangles, which consist of three smaller triangles, and they consist of...you get the picture. It's pretty cool.

The pattern is simple and yet a bit challenging as the fundamental tatted piece begins with three joined rings.

The final join was a new learning experience for me. You can see how I had to tackle the a recurring twist before proceeding to the larger project.

And, yes, there were 81 ends to hide.

And a close up...

99% finished!!!

2011-04-11T17:51:00.000-04:00

I finally finished the endless round of motifs and here is the project to this point.

Several stories are attached to this round. Whether it's God, Karma, or just dumb luck, I ended up on the good end of this one. The original Anne Orr pattern has 15 round motifs attached. Because of the length of my unfinished thread throughout the piece, the final piece is larger than the original pattern. Each round motif is attached to three diamond in the previous round. Three....Not Two....Not Four....just three. When I realized this, I panicked a bit.

Then I counted the diamonds...I had three left over and therefore the 15 became 16 round motifs. I didn't need to fudge while attaching the motifs. It worked out wonderfully!

My measuring devices were a bit unorthodox. I used the pull-tie for the shorter distance of unfinished threads and the top of the crochet hook for the longer lengths. Additionally, the picot gauge or nail is from a shelving unit and formed all the longer picots. It was just trial and error.

The other tool.....Regretfully, my glasses are now necessary for all projects. Aging...Uuggghhh!!!

And then there were....

2011-03-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

Only Two More!!

Greetings to you all! I have been tatting away at these little buggers. After figuring out the right mix of space in relation to picot size...I've been tatting, tatting, tatting. Only two more of the small motifs and then I get to do the rounds which will attach them to the mother ship doily.

I'll keep you posted....until then, happy tatting!!
john

2011-03-13T16:12:00.000-04:00

So, here is the blocked 'middle' doily. I realize I'll have to add more pins to the final blocking because there are several areas that are a bit wonky...

A couple more...

Now, for the outside 15 motifs. I've been trying to figure out the right combination of picot size and thread space...seems to be a bit tedious.

This morning I think I finally got it (not pictured here though). So, I'll start tatting this evening (if I have time).

I hope you all have a wonderful evening!
john

2011-03-12T13:31:00.000-05:00

Tah-Dah...(sorta)

I did it. I spent some time this morning blocking the doily. I soak them in a Tupperware container using Oxyclean. I put them in hot water, seal the container and then every time I pass by I give it a good shake. Then, I rinse and rinse and rinse.

Here it is...

I tried to stretch the doily a bit to see if the thread space will look alright after it dries. The jury is still out on this.

Here's a close-up.

And,

I got a bit artsy with the camera...so, here are a few pics

I'll be posting again tomorrow to show the blocked project and show you the humorous journey I've been on to tat the Perfect medallion to attach to the outer round. It's been frustrating and humorous at the same time...so, until then, have a wonderful day!

John

2011-03-06T08:01:00.000-05:00

Blocking Questions...

So, here it is: the Anne Orr 'Large Table Doily'. I'm working on the last full round and have gotten 1/2 way around. (still having trouble with the last split ring in each of the diamonds...they're getting better...just not as nice as I'd like)

I will probably soak and block the doily after this round and before the 15 small motifs are started. I have so many questions that I'm not sure where to begin.

To block:

1. Should I start in the center then alternate between the center and outer rounds?
2. What do I do with the unfinished thread space?
3. Do I direct all the unfinished thread space to march in file or can it find it's own way?

So, you get the picture. I need some suggestions as to how you might progress with a mess like this. I've got the pins. I've got the blocking foam. Now, two more days of tatting and then...it's off to blocking land.

Please, help bring the blocking anxiety into a manageable place.

Happy day!
John

A Few More Rounds

2011-02-26T19:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Weekend to you all!

I'm still working on the large doily. Yesterday it was a hot mess because I have not blocked it yet. Here's yesterday's mess...

So, I started the next round connecting to the previous round. It really helped make sense of the pattern. Come to find out...you might have seen this in Rhona's hanky which I tatted several months ago.

And for a close-up

Oh...and one more thing. I'm tatting an Anne Orr pattern from the 1930's. It's the large table doily on the cover of Tatting with Anne Orr. I've got two more rows before the round motifs around the outside.

Have a wonderful day!
j.

1 & 2 & 3 &...AAaaarrrrrrGGGggghhhhh!!! pick & pick & pick & ...!

2011-02-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

Well,
The pattern I'm working on calls for the next round to consist of twenty some motifs based on a four ring pattern....close, tie, and cut. I've chosen to use two shuttles and work with split rings and a mock picot to 'jump' to the next motif. You can see it here.

Problem is, I'm having a difficult time with the fourth ring in each motif. It's a split ring preparing to 'jump'. I'm twisting the stitches somehow. a couple questions: 1. do you do a down join for the second half of the ring, and 2. do you start with the second half of the double as you begin the second half of the split ring?...am I being clear here?

Look close and you'll see the mess...don't zoom in and maybe it'll look o.k. There is another round of these motifs later in the pattern..so, I've got practice ahead of me.

Also, I counted the picots in the previous round...guess what...not enough. WHAT?!!! How could that possibly be? I counted and counted and then looked close at the pattern....SHE fudged it!!...so, my perfectionist self must be content with the same.

Have a great day!!
john

Round and round we go!

2011-02-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

Well, here's the latest installment.

I've completed the two rounds tatted completely with chains.

You can see from the shadow in the second picture how the inner motif is cupping...again, I'll worry about that later.

2011-02-15T06:44:00.000-05:00

Chug, Chug, Chug...

Well, chugging along on the doily. The time of rings and space has now come to an end. The next two rounds are chains only.

I'm very happy with this so far....Except, It has begun to 'cup' a bit. I hope blocking will take care of that concern.

What can I do in the future to avoid the cupping effect? shorter blank space? shorter picots? longer picots? What are your thoughts?

Happy Day!
John

Off to a new challenge

2011-02-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

Greetings to you all!

Recently, tatting has been a bit tangential...meaning, I started the artisan phase of the T.A.T. program and have now drifted to a different 'major' project. I completed all 18 of the picot exercises and started the Self Closing Mock Ring (SCMR) piece. I accomplished the learning, worked through the project and quickly realized it will take a few tries to perfect the overall desired look. Ergo, I got bored and am now working on another project.

So, here is the beginning....

A fun quiz, can you tell me by looking at this, what it is I'm working on?... I think the pattern is out there and frequently tatted. So, who's pattern is it?

I'll keep posting pics of my progression and will chat ya'll up from time to time.

I hope you are all well and enjoying the approach of spring.

You were right....I was wrong.

2011-01-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

It did turn out. Below you see the final Ice Crystal doily. It turned out quite nicely.

I don't think the 'dropped' joins really matter. And, you were also right when you said continuous reference to the pattern was necessary. I was not able to move away from the pattern as the repeats were quite involved.

As the discussion continues out in Tat-land about traditional tatting verses front-side tatting...I figured I'd give it a whirl. This was my first attempt at front side tatting. I think I only forgot to do the front side tatting on one of the outer rings. I'm pretty content with that.

Now, I'm starting the second course (artisan) stage for the T.A.T. proficiency program. The first stage (apprentice) was a wonderful learning experience in which I acquired several new techniques. The jury was quite nice with only a few surprises. I've waited quite awhile for this stage as there are a few things I'm not 100% interested in learning. However, I will probably really appreciate the learning. I really want to work through this stage over the next couple months.

Have you all worked through this and what was your experience?

Happy Tatting!
John

Wow...has it really been that long ago?!...

2011-01-23T10:28:00.000-05:00

Greetings to you all!
I've been a bit busy over the past several months. I'm adjusting to increased hours at my main 'big boy' job. Ergo, I've not been able to tat and socialize as I would like. But, not to worry, I'm still tatting.

I've got alot of catching up to do and will be reading blogs and seeing what ya'll have been doing over the winter holidays.

For me, I'm a bit frustrated with a pattern. I finished another Sunflower doily by Blomqvist and Persson. That one is always a bit of a challenge. But, I started their Ice Crystal pattern and have had to trust that it is going to turn out alright.

The completed (unblocked) doily is the Sunflower doily and then there is the other mess. I realized after two trips to the center rings I was supposed to join the last chains as I tatted toward the center ring...oops...so, I'm working to keep the consistency throughout the doily...have I made a major mistake?...the jury is out.

And THEN, as I was tatting this morning I found that I joined the previous center ring in the wrong picots....UGGhhh! I'm ignoring that one and tatting as if nothing ever happened.

So, has anyone worked this pattern before and what was the outcome? Did you have the mess going on that you see above? Please send the good vibes my way.

It's great to be back in here and a giant HAPPY NEW YEAR!
john

Happy Halloween to you all!!

2010-10-30T20:38:00.000-04:00

I've been quite busy and unable to spend alot of time tatting. However, I did finish the second round on the wedding hanky.

This hanky is for the daughter of one of my co-workers. I was going to add a third round until 'mom' said she liked it just the way it was presented....so, here is the completed project.

The corners were challenging. I increased the number of double stitches between the picots by one and added one small ring. The unfinished thread space was the biggest challenge. I learned as I tatted. I will wash, block, and press the linen. The thread is size 80. I'm happy with the final piece.

NOW, here is a recent find. I found an abalone shuttle. There is some worn writing on the front. I wanted to show you all to see if you have any information as to the origin of the shuttle.

You are able to see the writing in the previous picture and here is the back side.

The middle is metal and pictured here.

So, what do you think? I haven't used it yet but I'm sure I'll try it out sometime soon. I hope you have a wonderful evening!
john

A Seminar Created Just For Tatting

2010-10-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Good day to you all!
I've been sitting in a seminar for continuing education credits focusing on couples therapy. The greatest part of the seminar....It's a live video web cast. SO, I get to tat and watch. I've been working on the edging and finished attaching the edge to the handkerchief. Now I'm well into round two. The pattern is from an Anne Orr book. I believe the pattern for this is out there all over..that's just my source.

I also wanted to show you all the desk on which I take most of my photos. Many have asked over time what piece of furniture this might be...well here it is. After receiving my Ph.D., I gifted myself with this wonderful desk.

The artist is Linda Van Gehuchten. She is the premiere, female wood turner in the U.S. and created the desk out of a single piece of bubinga wood. She called me one day with urgency stating, I needed this piece of wood. It is absolutely gorgeous! The grain in the wood undulates in a way that, under the right light, appears to be three dimensional. So, there you have it...just thought I'd show and tell.

Now, it's off to 8 more hours of tatting and learning.
I hope your day is grand!!
John

Out With The Old

2010-09-28T18:53:00.000-04:00

Out with the old and in with the new...well, sorta.

I've been tatting for 1.5 years with the Boye shuttles. Recently there has been an unexpected shift in the universe and I'm losing the battle. I've benched my Boyes for the current project. Below is a picture of the lonely boye...

I'm working on a hanky edge using new tools; a small shuttle, size 80 thread, a crochet hook, and measuring gauge. Here they are and the result of these surgical, precision tools. Should I admit it's not been too painful? I'm actually seeing the difference.

The Current struggle is starting new thread when there is space between each ring. I think I'm going to experiment with each new addition.

And now...proof of my addiction....the stack of hankies. I'm amassing a fine stash of pulled thread hankies. I'm open to intervention if anyone out there knows how to procede...OR, are you all contributors and enablers?

Have a Wonderful!!
John

Tools of the trade and more!

2010-09-18T09:31:00.001-04:00

As you know, I went on vacation and rifled through several antique stores. I was so very excited to find tatting shuttles. I never thought of buying post shuttles because I've been stuck in my preference to use the metal boye shuttles. That bias was infiltrated by Nina Libin at TAT days. She suggested wonderful wood shuttles made in Russia which are perfect for her beading technique. The shuttles I purchased for her class are wonderful!

Ergo, a new addiction. While strolling through an outdoor antique market on Saturday morning of my vacation, I found a vendor with wonderful antique and vintage tatting tools, crochet works, and the hankies you've already seen. In this picture are three shuttles you probably have seen in the stashes of many tatters. BUT, I went overboard and purchased a sail makers shuttle. I'm thinking it will come in handy for something at sometime. (See, I didn't need it...I need rehab)

The crochet and bobbin lace pieces were in a pile and were being sold for pennies in relation to their value. I chose several which I believed at the time, were of higher quality or quite unique. (I may be wrong...but, I'm still learning)

I have this idea I'm going to accumulate wonderful works by many people in our past and who currently display their love for the art of lacework. I'm going to enjoy them and then, when I'm gone...(bless their hearts) my niece and nephew will have to figure out what the heck to do with it all. I'm already cuing them up to appreciate, preserve, and forward the group of work.

Now, living with a person who prides himself on being a minimalist (personally, I think that's a cover for obsessive compulsiveness), this 'accumulation' does not mesh well. That's where my creativity comes in and with a little help from the ladies at TAT days, I purchased a tatting tool organizer. They are out there. It's a fishing tackle box.

It even has room for a cooler. Large enough for a six pack of my favorite ginger ale or lunch...see?!

Well, I think that's enough a dose of my rambling for another day. I hope your weekend is grand and happy tatting!
j.

Call Me Crazy.....

2010-09-11T18:07:00.000-04:00

The wanderer has returned. What a wonderful vacation I had. It began at the Palmetto Tatters Tat Days where I was finally able to put a few names and faces with my blogging friends. What a great time for laughing, tatting, and learning! Here are a couple pictures taken during the event (thanks to Hegla and her husband).

The class with Nina Libin was amazing. She is brilliant with her jewelry patterns as she makes a complex idea simple for the tatter. The end product is exquisite.

As for this pic,... Krystle's mama (Karrieann) is pictured. Our project was challenging and full of new learning... Karrieann was wonderful and laughter was enjoyed by all.

What a hoot!

Then, it was off to Boston and a high speed ferry out to Provincetown for a great week.

Cape Cod is as beautiful as ever. I enjoy the early mornings as the community awakes. I sit in the town square watching the window washers, street cleaners, and fishermen begin their days.

Now, for the crazy...

I have been on a bender searching through piles of vintage hankies. I purchased several hemstitched hankies which I hope to edge with amazing tatting. Here are a few examples of my recent finds. Is this part of the tatting addiction?...do I need a support group?

This is just a glimpse into the tatting craze. I'm home now....working to detox, sitting in my chair, one & two & one & two and picot. Give me a few days...I'll fill you in on the rest.

Happy tatting!
john

Avoiding the heat

2010-08-05T16:06:00.000-04:00

Sooooo....I mailed off my apprentice pieces for the TAT program. I really have enjoyed the learning. The use of split rings was a large part of one piece. As a result, I pulled out Georgia Seitz' Cathedral Window Doily Pattern. It is such a wonderful use of split rings and negative space.

However, as you see, I used bulky thread and therefore the negative space is not as pronounced as I hoped. I will definately tat this pattern again using smaller thread. The tatting went quickly and overall I'm happy with the final project.

yeah, yeah I've still got to block it.

On another note, I'm looking forward to tat days and hope to see many of you there. Please introduce and reintroduce yourselves! I will be attending on Friday only...maybe one of these years I'll be able to stay for the full two days.
Have a great day!
j.

Secretly Tatting, Tatting, Tatting

2010-07-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

Greetings to all!
I really am tatting and would love to show you all what I've been working on....but can't. It's a secret. I've been working on the apprentice level tatting projects for the T.A.T. program. I've completed all the projects and am ready to send them out to the reviewers. I really did learn alot through this stage. There is an agreement that I don't share photos of the finished projects. They really are cool and I'm very happy with the majority of work.

At times I had a bit of a challenge converting the patterns for my left handedness. Not until the last project did it get in the way. There was a suggestion made that I convert to right handed tatting. I struggle with this.... I'm not asking others to convert to my way or change their patterns. I will do that work. I am left handed...not ambidextrous....left handed. What are your thoughts on this...should I try to learn differently...? I am quite content with the way I've taught myself and hope to continue though it might be a bit unique and take additional time & modification.

Additionally, I received the completed 'secret' piece from the authors of a mathmatical pattern. I was testing the pattern and will have a photo of my work published. I'm really excited about this...but, once again, you'll have to wait on the picture. In the mean time....here's another picture of Cape Cod....Can you tell I'm dreaming of the next vacation.....only a few weeks away....woohoo!!!

It's hard to say Goodbye...

2010-07-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

Ok..., I like giving away pieces of my tatting. But... I sometimes have a difficult time parting with things which have taken so long to complete. As much as I do this craft for others, I really want to keep a bit for myself. So, I began to create a sampler of all my work.

I'm going to get a frame and place a segment of each edging or small sample of the doilies in the frame.

My question for you,... Is it important for you to keep record of your work? This could all be my quirkiness...but, I'm thinking I'm not alone in this. Help me out here....a show of hands. How do you 'keep' some of your own work?

Done...with alot of questions

2010-06-24T07:35:00.000-04:00

Greetings to you all!
Here is the most recent project. It is the Sunflower pattern from Blomqvist and Persson's "Tatting Patterns and Designs". I'm very happy with the results. But, as a result of the project I have new questions.

In both the first and second rounds there are many joins from the end of a chain to a picot on the previous ring. I reversed the work performed the join and then flipped back to the original side. Is this correct or how would you perform the join?

Secondly, in the first round there is a join from the end of a chain to the base of a ring...this was a bit awkward for me and I am wishing they were a bit cleaner. Should I have left the dreaded gap at the base of that ring in order to join in the gap? What do ya'll think?

I like the doily without blocking...but, I think I'm going to block this one.

BTW, the visit with my parents was priceless. We had a wonderful time. In just a few months of tatting, my 70 year old mother is taking to it like the proverbial duck to water. We bored our significant other as we commiserated in tatting and picking.

Please have a great day!
John

Yeah Mom!!!

2010-06-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

Well, it's official...Mom's a true tatter!

My parents have come for a visit and are staying a few days. It was kinda funny... within 15 minutes of their arrival, Mom and I were sharing our newest tatting acquisitions; threads, books, completed, and current projects. She even brought me a knot to pick....go figure!

Here is her most recent book marker.

She's sitting here concerned that it's not blocked and that the world will notice...help me out here. I'm quite proud of her work and told her not to worry. Our tatting world is nothing but kind and often quite humorous.

Just to let you know...I chose a small doily to work on so the hands weren't idle too long. Your comments to my last post were quite interesting.... Fox, your comments were intriguing...

I look at my thread. I fondle my thread. Forgive me, I put my head right in there and smell my thread. I close my eyes and the patterns form behind the eyeballs and - Bob's your uncle! There it is!
Fox : ))

I've been chuckling all week long.

Happy tatting to all!

Idle Hands....

2010-06-13T12:49:00.000-04:00

I need your help!!

How do you decide what project to conquer next? I'd be curious to know how you make your decisions to start on another tatting project. I've been sitting idle for about 2 weeks and need to get going on another project. I've gone through all my pattern books, perused the Internet, and worked to create a pattern in my mind... and I'm not really sure what the next project will be. I kinda want to start a large project...something like a large doily or, I've got an idea for a pair of baby booties. OR, I could return to the endless edging project, or more book markers...hmmmm.

Help me out here. What do you think?

A gift and prayer for a friend

2010-06-09T18:33:00.000-04:00

I've been working frantically on a gift for a friend at work. She was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Her team of doctors are aggressively treating the cancer and will perform surgery in the near future. For some time now she has asked me to tat a project for her. I was not pressured and did not worry too much about it... until 3 weeks ago. When I heard of her diagnosis I immediately knew I needed to tat a hanky edge for her. Here is the final project.

The source is Nikolajsen & Nilolajsen Tatted Handkerchiefs Lace No. 6. It is a two pass edge. The first pass utilizes 2 shuttles. The was the first project I used size 80 thread and found it much more cooperative than my first attempt. Could it be that I'm finally more aware of tension?...hmmmm. I had to modify the pattern a bit. I added a few doubles and deleted a picot. The modification didn't begin until I had finished 1/2 of one side...so, don't look too close.

Her eyes welled up with tears when I gave it to her. She hugged me and stated, "now I have something to carry into surgery." It was a very strong response I was not expecting. I am so glad to have been able to help her moment that day. Please keep Robyn in your thoughts and prayers.

Fiber Artist Visits Our City

2010-05-24T07:51:00.000-04:00

Greetings to you all!
I want to put you all onto a wonderful artist who recently visited our city.
Her name is Hildur Bjarnadottir.

She is a native of Iceland and also has a residence in Portland, Oregon. Commissioned to create a fiber art piece for our new Mint Museum of Craft and Design, Hildur conducted an exhibition in a the front of the 'old' museum which highlighted her wonderful ability to dye yarns with native plants.

Pictured below are the yarns she produced while in our area. The photos are a not great in quality as they were taken with my cell phone.

The links below highlight her visit as well as a few of her tatting pieces. She free form tats and dyes her own threads. The 'doodles' are dyed using actual blue and black inks. Meeting her was a joy and we look forward to her return and the installation of her work.

http://mintwiki.pbworks.com/Hildur-Bjarnad%C3%B3ttir

http://www.pulliamdeffenbaugh.com/Artist-Detail.cfm?ArtistsID=194

2010-05-01T19:24:00.000-04:00

Well, once again I've been lying low. Hegla from NC recently pointed out it was time I posted...(she's a great teacher and advocate for tatting!). Though quiet, I've been testing a pattern which has felt like a top secret event. I really can't report on the pattern or project until I get the approval from the authors. It was a great experience and hopefully, a picture of my work will be in a book sometime within the next year.

Do you remember this?...

I worked on tatting a kippah for a jewish friend. Tatting was the easy part. I had to create a pattern which was quite the feat. I laugh as I reflect on the mistakes....some pointed while others covered the head down to the ears...It became a trek which I probably will not repeat.

well here is the completed project!

I settled on navy blue silk satin with tatting in size 40 black lizbeth thread.

I will be gifting this after showing a few people. I'm really excited with the project. For future projects, I will probably purchase the satin kippah.

Ssooo much to report on...but I'll wait for another day. Checking in tomorrow, I'll share a couple more things with you. Hope your day is grand!

The Endless Edge

2010-02-28T19:24:00.000-05:00

I hope this finds all doing well!
I've been working on several book markers and have gifted a few. I'm not certain which pattern it is since it was the first I ever downloaded and didn't keep record of the source. I'll attempt to find out the origin. I find it quite simple but very beautiful.

From time to time I pick up the edging I started last August.

It's now over one yard long and will continue until I have enough for a round table cloth...I'll keep you posted on when that happens.

So, as you see...nothing spectacular just some more tatting fun and therapy.

Psssst....I'm still here.

2010-01-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's been quite awhile since I've posted. I've been lurking...just not posting. The holidays are over and I'm back in the tatting chair. This morning I finished another insert for a fingertip towel.

Nothing really new, just a lot of what I've already been working on. I'm still learning. The first insert I used 14 repeats for the length...(remember the long pretty 'bookmark'?) Well, I increased the length by one repeat in the pattern....WHAT?! it's shorter than the first insert...so, help me out here. Aren't 15 repeats going to be longer than 14?!?!

So, maybe I'm more stressed than before and my knots are tighter...could it be that I've got some stress? I'm teaching at two universities, supervising at the local hospital, and maintaining the counseling practice.....Breathe in....breathe out... I now have 3 long pretty bookmarks. well, not really, I think they'll work. But, how odd....I'm learning that tatting isn't just about math.

I also completed another leaf using a larger thread. It's DMC but am unsure of the number. I'm hoping to take some time tomorrow and write out the pattern in order to share with y'all. I hope you will be able to give it a try and see how well I communicate through pattern writing.

Tah Dah!

2009-12-15T22:33:00.001-05:00

I'm tooting my own horn a bit here...sorry.

Well, here it is. The finished leaf pattern (or finished for now). I adjusted the center by tatting a center ring with eight picots and ended that pass with the tail. The second pass just helps fill the center and stabilize the outer pass.

I figured out how to go from the center out and it seems to work well. The picture below includes the first leaf I posted several weeks ago and shows yesterday's leaf along with the finished product.

AAAAhhhhgggg!

2009-12-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

AAAAhhhhhggggg! (ala Charlie Brown)

So, I measured the insert for the linen towel after the first pass. Just right! (yeah right!!). After completing the second pass and placing the insert on the towel it is about 1" too short. I can stretch it to be 'just right' but I've not washed it yet and really believe I've tatted a wonderful book mark and will need to begin again on the insert for the towel. That won't be too bad...it provides me the ability to gift something different. I think I've still got time.

Additionally, my evening with tatting went something like this...

ok. shuttle 2 r:4d+4d-4d-4d cl r
so, I start tatting 4d+ 2d-2d-2d-2d- Arrrggghhh! pick, pick, pick,
so, that's corrected...next time the ring with 4d comes around I tat 3d+3d-3d-3d and cl r ARRRRrrrgghhhh!!! must open ring, must open ring, (I hate opening rings)pick, pick, pick

so, you get the picture...I was a bit preoccupied. HAPPY TATTING!!

Back on Track

2009-12-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

Well, the hospital staff party was a great success and tatting has been on hold for awhile. I became frustrated with the kippahs. The tatting was not the problem. The actual construction of the kippah became a struggle. Not to worry, I'll get back to them. I just needed a break. (anyone else jump from project to project? ;-) I'll post pics of the process later.

BUT...I really needed to pick up the tatting if for no other reason...to relax and enjoy. I still marvel at how therapeutic this craft can be! Here's the newest project. I'm rushing to get one or two Christmas presents ready. I think I've got a new favorite insert.

I'm really happy with this insert because it's quick and quite pretty. It is a creamy yellow, two pass pattern from the Catherina Austin "A New Twist on Tatting" book. It will be attached to the linen hand towel.

SSHhhh....! I think I'm giving it to my niece.

2009-11-30T17:01:00.000-05:00

I want to check in and let you know I've been busy. I've been preparing for a staff Christmas party which I'm hosting on Thursday. I wasn't too sure I wanted to get my Christmas tree put up before then because it's so early.

Well.....

I worked most of the day yesterday on the tree. I really do enjoy decorating the Christmas tree. I literally save up my pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters and buy the tree. This is my own little tradition.

I use all clear glass and silver glass ornaments, a ton of lights, and the longer branches all get a chrystal icecycle hung from the tip. Here's closeup..Did I say I love Christmas?!

I hope you enjoy your holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T20:14:00.000-05:00

On this Thanksgiving eve I hope you all are well. For those in the U.S. and in other countries, I hope you'll join me in reflecting over the next couple of days.

I've been working on something new. I have a few Jewish friends. One asked me what in the world I would do with my tatting other than lay the doilies around the room. I began to think about how I might incorporate tatting into normal life...for them, they wear kippahs during services...and so, my current project. I've tatted a simple motif and an edge which I will attach to a navy silk satin kippah.

I have to make a pattern, cut and sew a kippah with a black cotton lining (that's for the Thanksgiving break). For demo, I've used a light blue kippah from a Bar mitzvah as a pattern (shown in the picture below). It's very evident in so many of my pictures...I do not like hiding threads.

One problem...I'm not quite sure how to finish out the project. How do I attach the edge and the motif to the kippah. I'm going to pretend I know what I'm doing and work to stitch on the pieces. If you have any suggestions...feel free to fill me in!

I hope to have a finished project in a few days and will post the pics as soon as I'm finished. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!

Attempts at a leaf design

2009-11-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

Here are a few sketches as I began to experiment with the maple leaf. My idea came as I worked on the variegated pink hanky edge. I neglected to join one of the sides and as a result began to imagine a leaf.

Well, I'm learning by doing. Here's the first version....I began with the inner ring and stem. It just was not going to work without a bit more structure.

The second version was more structured but lays a bit wonky...yes it's a term (at least in my vocabulary)

And finally this go 'round is my latest version. I think it's about there except I need to figure how to work it from the inner ring out. I imagine the ring with picots will begin the motif rather than what I actually did here. I tatted the inner ring as the final round. Obviously, I have to hide the ends. So, What are your thoughts?

Attempts at a design....

2009-11-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

Ok ya'll,

Do you want to see my attempts at the maple leaf design or should I just wait for the final project? I'm getting close to completing the pattern. It's been interesting....I find myself working the motif backwards (i.e., I've been working the outside pass first and then the interior of the leaf). That's not even taking into consideration my left handed approach to tatting. As usual I've been working in my comfortable zone white DMC 20 thread...figuring I will use the variegated thread on the completed project.

So, let's hear it...to post or not to post?!

Surprise!

2009-11-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

I gifted this doily to my mom who celebrated her 70th birthday last week. My brother and I schemed together to surprise my parents in Florida. I flew down for the weekend and enjoyed a wonderful but quick trip. I could see my mother walking home after retrieving her mail ad my parents live down a long (1/2 mile) lane. My car approached, I rolled the window down, smiled and wished her a happy birthday. Her smile was worth it. Although it was short, the time spent with my family was very enjoyable.

I'm also working on my first pattern design. I'm trying to create a maple leaf. Although there are many out there..., I've got something in mind and figured I'd attempt a first design. Soon, I'll post a few pictures of the attempts and show you the progress.

Tatting in public

2009-11-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

Happy day to everyone!

I was honored to perform a wedding in Provincetown this summer. I made a cleric's stole for a friend who asked me to wear it in the wedding and then give it to her. I did just that. It is made of white dupioni silk with several inlayed motifs and a simple edge.

The header picture atop my blog is a significant memory for me. It was taken at the base of a very tall granite tower which stands on a hill in Provincetown, MA. This beautiful port town at the end of the cape is one of my favorite vacation spots. Every year I find my way to this quaint town and enjoy a lazy vacation. The town is host to all types of people....formerly a whaling port, it became and still is an artist colony. Every morning I wake early and walk to the center of town for my first cup of coffee and indulge in a decadent secret (a chocolate crescent). I sit near the town hall building whose copper tower is in the forefront of the header picture and enjoy as the town comes alive.

Since I began tatting in December of 2008 I wondered if I would gain the confidence to tat in public. Female tatters seem to have no problem with public tatting....I seem to struggle with showing the world my new found abilities. So, Provincetown was to be my first public outing. I found it quite easy to tat and allowed several close friends see and watch. Each one voiced their support and interest.

Following vacation in Provincetown I returned home and began to look forward to Tat Days with the Palmetto Tatters Guild. Upon my arrival, I was surrounded by people who were welcoming and encouraging. There were so many people who loved the art and were excited by the interactions with like minded artists. I really enjoyed the one day I was able to spend with the group there.

However, with all that, I still struggle to imagine myself tatting freely in public. I've learned that tatting is therapy for me. It is private and peaceful. I'm sure there will be times I show others my practice. But for now, I enjoy my nest in the brown leather club chair next to the floor lamp with all my tools on the stand.

Every morning I wake early, pour a cup of coffee and begin on the next motif. I need my own space in the morning and tatting provides a wonderful and peaceful waking. I wonder how others approach their tatting and is it as much a process?

The benefits of a foggy, dreary day...

2009-10-31T12:34:00.000-04:00

This morning I woke up to a foggy, dreary day. Although I live only blocks from the center of our city, I could not see the skyline. So, the only option was to curl up in the chair and work to complete a project. Tah Dah!! I'm finaly done with the pink edge.

There were several things I learned in the process. As part of the gift bag from the Palmetto tatting guild tat days I was the owner of this Presencia, Finca No. 16 thread. It is obviously varigated and therefore varied in thicknesses. I didn't know this was a reality when working with varigated threads. So, go figure...my tight tatting had to losen a bit, and yes, I broke the thread many times (including once in the final motif).

I'm beginning to realize hankie edges are tedious and boring. This one project was a bit lengthy, taking approximately 6 weeks to complete. During this project I worked on another edge as well as another pair of baby booties. At any rate, it's complete thanks to a wonderfully dreary day...(I love days like this).

2009-10-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

Autumn has arrived. Our trees are wonderful in their colors and the air is crisp. I'm done for the day...so, a quick check in. I was amazed to see that there were individuals who are actually keeping tabs with me. I've included a picture of a linen doily I gave as a gift to a coworker. The edging is the same as the previous picture and has been adapted from a Blumqvist and Persson pattern. I'm wanting to keep the current project in my WIP (work in progress) pile. When I get weary of another project...that's the first one I pick up. I'm thinking it's going to have to be a couple of yards long...I'm not 100% sure yet.

2009-10-24T08:25:00.000-04:00

So, I really need to become more proficient as a blogger....here goes. This site has been set up for my tatting work and projects. I've been tatting since December of 2008. I have the bug. I'll discuss past projects at another time....for now, I'm in a tatting edge hole. I've been working on two edges for several months. Here are a few pics.
Happy Day!

2009-08-10T07:17:00.000-04:00

2009-05-21T11:58:00.000-04:00

Well, this is a first...my own blog. I've chosen this to stay in touch with all my new friends in the needle art world. I'll post from time to time and welcome any and all input and communications.