Continuing with projects

I have another star on the shuttles. This one is green in size 5. The last one I completed was in size 80. A huge difference in how I hold the shuttle, how I set up the thread for rings. Etc. I hope to have a photo of the set soon.

Another sample finished

 This is tatted in a popular colorway. I seldom reach for it as the patterns I like to use for snowflakes don’t always work for variegated thread. This pattern works nicely. I like the way the colors pool.

Sampling done

 

Ready to load beads. Lots and lots of beads. The frame will need to be no more than 7 inches square at the outer edge. We’ll see how that works out.

How much thread to use?

That question comes up a lot. With just about every pattern I do, I try to estimate how much thread I’ll need to wind on the shuttle, if I should use a ball or wind thread on a second shuttle. And if I’m using a needle or the hooks, there’s more questions: what size to use and how much thread to reserve for chains and such.

So, as I tat up these samples for Starfish Fiber, I’m getting answers to the questions. Short answers: Use 2 shuttles and for size 10, I need 7 yards wound on each shuttle. If you look carefully, you can see where I had to add thread…..to both shuttles! (awkward!!)

I’ll be tatting the pattern using size 80 next. I doubt I’ll need 7 yards on either shuttle. Care to guess how much I will end up needing on either shuttle?

And for those that are sitting on the edge of their chair, I estimate by wrapping around my hand the number of times I’ll be tatting rings, then adding a bit more for chains and then 18” or so for comfortable movement of shuttle etc. Not scientific and when I’m doing a pattern repeatedly or for a class, I make more exact notes. The devil is in the details.

Exploring gift ideas

I belong to a chapter of the EGA. Most of the projects are a bit beyond my stitching skill level. I try, but I don’t produce heirloom quality stitching. I started getting involved so that I could learn how to add tatting to more things. I’ve learned a lot.

This is a little sachet with Cross-stitch and Stem stitch. I did my best, but I think I missed the mark. I didn’t get the chance to examine what other people did close up. I hope to see more of them in the future.

 I decided to tat something “thistley” up to sew on the back. I kludged together a couple of patterns. I think this hit the mark.

Taking time

 I have to remember to take time.

Take time to read the pattern all the way through (1 shuttle, 1 shuttle with ball, or 2 shuttles)

Take time to rest (walk along the Bay or through the woods)

Take time to untat that ring (Ok, the one 3 rings ago)

Take time to block and finish the lace (“there’s too many mistakes in this one”)

I have to remember to take time.

I did earlier this week. The sun was behind clouds, but here’s what I could capture of some wild irises:

More samples ready

 The next sample I tatted for Starfish Fibers.

The pattern is vintage. I haven’t really tweaked it except for using smaller picots to join things up. I do like the bright colors!