rain, rain

Anybody got an umbrella?
No wait, there's too much wind.....how 'bout a towel?

I grew up in Oregon. It rains there.

The Pineapple Express has pulled into town here in Bay Area, CA. We're getting rain.

I spent yesterday preparing for the rain and wind. Now I can curl up with my shuttles and stay warm and dry.

Until the drain in the street gets clogged with leaves. I'll be checking out the window frequently, but if the street floods, it will likely be because there's just too much water coming down.

The water is hot for tea, I'm off to my tatting chair.

Tis the season for inspiring beginnings and endings

I wish I had the photographer’s talent. This time of year, I often see both sunrise and sunset. The colors lately have been spectacular. That’s because we are getting much needed rain. So, there are clouds in the sky. Where our house is, there’s not much chance of seeing the sun appear over the mountains or even to dip down into the mountains. In the past, I’ve tried to take a photo to share here. I just can’t manage to get the camera or my phone set up right before the color fades. Sigh. You’ll just have to take my word for it, the sunrise and sunset have been beautiful.

laughter helps with focus

I’ve been focused lately. I’ve really tried hard to stick to my goals and accomplish what’s important. So far, I’m succeeding. That’s why there’s not much to post here. Most of my energy has been directed towards keeping house, keeping the yard, volunteering in music, and volunteering in stitches. I like the sound of that last bit. I like to keep a humorous outlook on life. Laughter is far better than tears to me.

So, what have I accomplished? Besides a bit of laughter? Our house has been “inspected” by ye ole ‘ouse ‘spector. He didn’t find much to document. We’ve kept it up fairly well.

Our persimmon tree is picked as well as a human on a ladder can; the rest can feed the birds. The hummers like the fruit quite a lot.

Our choir is rehearsed for Lessons and Carols. No, I don’t think I’ll have a B flat, but then again, we’ll be singing in the evening.

Our stitchers have 15 canvases prepped for stitching except for mounting them on a frame. We are still attracting new volunteers to the group. And we have a good start on finished canvases ready for the upholstery shop. Just a few more to go and we’ll have the minimum they asked for with each round.  

I had an “aha” regarding the chair canvases and our impending move: I don’t have to be the one in the driver’s seat for timing the move. I can respond to what comes our way with grace and rolled up sleeves. We thought the chair project would be a 20 year project. Well, we’re half way done after just 2 years. We would like to move within 5 years. We’ll see what happens!

Starting the process for mounting

Here’s a look at the process of tacking the Saint Saens doily onto fabric in preparation for framing:

 

starting to mount

I found out the hard way, I need lots of accurate guidelines to make it look nice. It can take several hours to sew in those lines, but well worth the trouble.

Then, I start sewing down the tatting. Yes, each and every picot gets a tack down. I try to make sure gravity will not pull the tatting out of shape over time. So, that means a tack at the top of each element, either side of beads, and wherever it makes sense. Probably the trickiest part is making sure I don’t pull too tight and make the tatting buckle or the fabric pull out of shape. Oh, and the wood circular frame is not true. It’s just a smidge out of round. So, I’m constantly measuring from a rather arbitrary point that I call center.

More later.

Shawl pattern discovery

I’ve mentioned before that I knit comfort shawls for a ministry at my church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Saratoga, CA. I’ve also mentioned that knitting with needles has been less than successful in the past. I knit using a Knitting Board. Since I use both sides of the board and wrap with the double technique, I’ve converted patterns from single knit notation. If your eyes are glazed over, don’t feel bad. Sometimes I give up and just decide to not get fancy.



Dotty with loom

The shawl on my loom currently is my interpretation of a favorite in the group.

 



 

It’s called Dotty. I have no clue where the pattern came from originally, it’s one the ladies have memorized and have used for years. It’s essentially 4 rows: first row knit, second row purl, third row yarn over-knit 2 together, and final row knit. Here’s what that looks like when worked using needles and single knit technique:

Dotty knitted with needles

 

 

 

 

and here they are side by side:

Dotty comparison

Quite a difference! I’ll be anxious to see how it all works up. More later.

Incidentally, the group functions rather autonomously. If we have a completed shawl and we hear of a request or need, we act. We don’t wait around for a clergy member. I know that seems wrong to some, but we’re a big parish. There are lots of requests. And besides, no one has told the group  “don’t” so we figure we’re good. There have been a lot of wonderful stories shared. I figure asking for forgiveness rather than permission fits here.

So, now I know

I figured out why I was stalled on blocking the Saint Saens. I wasn’t confident there wasn’t a huge mistake. Yes, that last sentence had a double negative. Doubly upset is how I felt Tuesday evening.

 I went ahead and blocked the doily once. I figured I’d be blocking it 2 or 3 times. There’s a lot of negative space and different techniques. So, I really haven’t examined it closely. Well, closely enough. I knew the individual motifs for Round 2 were correct as was Round 1. I knew things got connected well as Round 2 was finished. I knew everything was correct enough to do Round 3. But, it wasn’t correct enough.

I joined one of the D motifs to the wrong point of an A motif.

Several factors stalled me Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning:

I needed to prepare for the Executive Committee meeting of the AGO chapter I serve.

I hate cutting out sections as that means patching in new tatting and hiding ends (like 6 ends)

The area with the mistake is all split rings. I hate unpicking split rings. Not even calling it retro tatting helps me to feel calm about it.

We needed to pay attention to the computer I use for Picotsnkeys tasks AND the computer I use to pay bills and keep track of our budget. Both are aging. As my daughter puts it, “that laptop is working because of duct tape, rubber bands, and spit.”

I just don’t have much patience left over trying to navigate the next 5 years of transition in my life.

All told, I didn’t spend a lot of mental energy on figuring out my next step until Wednesday morning. After mulling it over and thinking hard, I deduced that 30 DS needed to be got rid of. That’s how many DS are in 5 split rings in this part of the pattern. So, after I spent 4 hours with scissors and pointy things and magnifying glasses, I’ve gotten to the point I think I need to be to repair this effectively.

I woke up achy this morning after all that upset and work. I’m not sure I’ll have what it takes to correct it all today. I’d like to attend a Guild meeting at the Lace Museum and Rehearsal. We’ll see what I accomplish today. Regardless, by next post I’ll have it fixed and the doily blocked. Maybe I’ll even get it mounted. So, more then.

Progress on Round 3 SS Blue version

Still not blocked as I would like. Still not mounted as I would like.

 

Round 3 finished but not blocked

 I seem to have stalled again. I think my stall is partly due to the other tatting projects I’m mulling over.

 

 I’m still working on a motif to be glued to the ornament ball. I’m finding it hard to tat knowing that it will be soaked in glue and stuck on something. I’ve never liked starch. So, using glue on thread is difficult for me to do. But! I will succeed in finishing at least a few ornaments for the museum to sell.

I’m also mulling over getting started on an earring pattern. That will involve dragging out the supplies, spreading them over the family table, deciding what to use and then finally tatting. Oh, and putting everything back. I’m tentatively planning on tackling that tomorrow. I promise to share both the ornament pics and the earring pics. Since I figure both projects will be 3D, that will mean getting the camera to work as I would like it to.

First, off to block.

Master TAT pin arrival

I have succeeded!

 

In 2009, 5 years ago, I started on an adventure across time. With Tatters Across Time. Now, before scoffers snort at me and the ignorant embarrass themselves and this humble tatter, I know, I know, I know. It’s not a huge deal. The three binders are just what they are. Opinions are subjective. But, I value the program. It took me a bit of time, but I just received my Master TAT pin bar!!!!! (big big grin on my face) I took the liberty of scanning and posting the patch (above) that they sent on the sidebar to the right. (still a big grin on my face) 

I originally picked up tatting because I found I love sewing and working with thread; I fail at knit and crochet; weaving looms were too big to share a room with an organ; and I’m the type of person that likes to have something to do while riding in a car or plane or….well, you get the picture.

 

When I picked tatting back up almost a decade ago, I found I still liked working with the shuttles and thread. I also found the OnLineTatting Class and the wonderful community that gathers for “classes” each week. Through working with Georgia, Cynthia, Ann and Sharon, I came up with an idea. (I still think it’s a great idea.) It’s stated in my header: Represent musical compositions in thread. (and I still have a big grin on my face)

I’ve proven, mostly to myself, that I can tat. I’ve studied music. I can do this. Figuring out how to combine the two disciplines will be a huge task. I’m looking forward to getting started. After I celebrate! (with that big grin on my face)

Chair canvas is done

I have finished the needlepoint canvas I have been stitching for the chapel chairs. Whew!

 

completed canvas still on frame

I’m not sure what I’ll be tackling next for the group. There’s a fair amount of work to be done organizing yarn. There are also a few canvases coming back partially stitched. I may take on the finishing of one of those canvases. And we thought this project would be a 20 year project!

 

Flag with red stripe

So, here’s an update on the flag. I was able to work on it quite a bit during our weekend by the sea. To give you an idea the size this flag will be, I did not crop the scan. My scanner bed is just 14”X8.5”; so this will be huge! I figure it will be done by next 4^th.

Flag with one red stripe



A long weekend

We’re back. We took a short jaunt to the coast last weekend. We stayed at the beautiful Asilomar Conference Center. I really enjoyed sitting in the Julia Morgan buildings, walking on the beach, waking up to the sound of the ocean……well, you get the drift. And it’s part of our wonderful park system. We’re so spoiled!

Yes, the trip did confirm that we will be moving there. How soon depends on a lot of factors that I’m not the driving force behind. So, I must be patient. That’s hard for me. I’ve never been one to sit and do nothing. After all, one can tat just about anywhere!

I do ask that you keep in mind the family of 3 young people. They were swept out while exploring the rocks along the beach. Two of the swimmers were successfully rescued, but one search was called off after the overnight search did not locate him. The ocean is powerful. The ocean is beautiful. For those who choose to explore, the experience can alter your life forever. Please join me in respecting the ocean.

Looking for Round 3 ideas

Round 2 is done.

Saint Saens in blue Round 2 completed

I’ve dug out the score and am looking at the final section. There’s some ideas running around in my mind. Right now, the running around I’m doing is catch up from not taking care of details over the last few months. That and I realized Christmas is coming.

I usually have our gift list out by now. I usually have decided what I’m making for hand-made gifts. But, this year, it all crept up on me. Sitting at the keyboard and computer to finalize Round 3 will have to wait a few days. Oh, and there’s a house we want to look at in Monterey. That takes 4+ hours to drive down, tour, and drive back. Of course, I get to tat in the car. So, I’d better get some ideas on paper.

Nostalgia hit

So, I’m feeling sentimental. When I started this blog almost 3 years ago, I really didn’t think it would last. You see, I had started an Etsy shop. It was fun to get my tatting out there. But it became a frustrating time sink. I’m not like some who HAVE to have time online. I hardly ever think of something to say in comment. I was feeling my age.

But the blog has survived. I find I enjoy posting. Not daily, mind you. But twice a week suits me just fine.

So, where to go from here? Well, I think I will continue to post about how tatting and music fits together in my life. I welcome any comments. Those who do comment, I will try to answer and comment on your blog/website. No promises though. The thread and keys emit a siren song each day!

 

Progress in blue

4 of Round 2 motifs attached but not blocked

I’m halfway done with Round 2 of the Saint Saens in blue

The hard part is done. Here’s a detail of the final motif I connected.

detail of Motif A

 

I know I labeled it A. yet, it’s the fourth motif I connect. That’s because of the way the music flows. Saint-Saens started this movement with an introduction. That’s the massive chords on the organ you hear. Then, he introduced a lovely melody (the one I labeled A). It’s so likeable, it was used for the movie Babe. Then, he took off on a romp through sections that I’ve represented with these motifs. Three of them recall themes from the other movements, then he romps through his A section again. For good measure, he repeats all 3 exposition sections; then, tears through a final section with 3 parts.

That music inspires round 3. Yes, it’s coming. When I created the version in white thread using 2 colors of beads, I settled on a rather open design. I knew it would need to be mounted to work. I think it does, but you never know......

For this version in blue, I haven’t decided exactly how to work in the different bead colors. I’ll be using the lighter thread; and all colors of beads as all instrument sections are playing. Mmmmm

Off to play with thread.

Blue Field of Flag

I’m very lucky to have a good space to work on my tatting at my house. Remember the tatting chair? I still TIP (tat in public) quite often. It’s not practical to take all of my projects out the door though. So, I always have a smaller, generic project in the ole tatting bag.

my bag for tatting in public

what's inside my TIP bag

 My current project? A tatted USA flag. I first found this pattern through the OnLine Tatting Class several years ago. Now, Workbasket was not a scholarly magazine. It was published several times a year with all sorts of handiwork projects described. The patterns sometimes needed a bit of editing, but they can be a great springboard for a creative tatter.

I’ve been intrigued by this flag pattern for quite some time. I could tell with a bit of study that we didn’t have the whole pattern. Well, not just the whole pattern, but if you followed the pattern as given, you would have one funky lookin’ flag! Fast forward several years to summer 2014.

I’ve been working on my version. Here’s what I have so far. 

blue field of US flag

This blue field will have white tatted stars sewn on top. The red and white stripes are next to tat. I can’t wait to see it done. It’ll probably be next summer before I get very far. Sigh!

almost done with designing round 2

So, here’s the next motif connected to Round 1 of the Saint-Saens in blue.

Round 2 Motif D

 

This one was easier to work. I know the next one will be a bit tricky. So, I’m taking a break and tatting something to go around a ball ornament as a part of the Lace Museum fundraiser.

AGO pin and TAT pin

So, many of you know that I have been chugging through the Tatters Across Time TAT binders. I’ve sent off my samples for the Master TAT pin. I’m waiting….trying to be patient. I know they’re volunteers and I respect them for their willingness to mentor me as I strive to become a better tatter. It’s just that I’m looking forward to displaying the pin.

I’m a pin person.

I try to wear my AGO pin when I attend a musical event. Even a social event if there will be musicians I would like to meet and remember who they are. It helps me to break the ice and get to know someone. So, every time I wear my AGO pin, I wonder when I’ll hear back from the TAT group. Soon, I know.

 

On to connecting the next motif

So, here’s how the corrected motif came out.

better join around C

I ended up getting out the scissors and starting over. I think this will work much better. Now on to connecting the next motif.

Saint Saens joins gone bad

Well, my adventures with the joins of this round continue. This version in blue thread had me stumped for how to join. Yes, I know, I wrestled with the white version at this point also. You see, the music doesn’t really bridge from one section to another here, but the sections are quite different. Thus, I wanted to design small motifs that were not alike and yet alike. But, how to connect them gracefully? Hmmmm. Because, well, the music is graceful in this movement; powerful, yet graceful.

I thought I had come up with a good pattern. In the dark thread, the connecting rings should disappear against a black cloth. The beads and such will still stand out. So, I’m pleased. Except when I try to execute and end up with this:

Saint Saens with a bad join

 

Not seeing anything odd? Don’t feel bad. It’s the small stuff here:

detail showing blue "blips"

 

Still not seeing it? Don’t feel bad. It’s only the one join between the two smaller parts. I twisted the one as I made my join. The one on the left should look more like this:

detail without blue "blips"

 

I’ll let you know how my attempt to cut out just that one little bitty knot for the lock join and fix it works.

Oh, a friend thinks at this point it looks like Mickey Mouse. What do they know?

it's RAINING!!

Well, it’s finally raining! I know, I know, it’s not enough to relieve the drought. But, it’s wonderful just the same. It means I won’t be sitting on the bench outside to tat this afternoon. I think I’ll go by the Lace Museum instead. I need to renew my membership. And, they have an open time to bring in your lace project and visit while you work.

I always feel a bit sheepish. I only tat. I’m just not drawn to bobbin lace. Don’t know why. Anyway, the museum always needs volunteers knowledgeable about lace and I know so little. And truth be told, I’d rather learn more music and tatting techniques than lace identification. Sigh. So, I feel sheepish. The lacers are always so friendly though. Aren’t we a great group of people in our little lacy corner of the world?

Anyway, back to the weather. It’ll be sunny tomorrow. And dry. But, the rain is nice today. I’ll be vigilant on the roads. They’ll be slick with this little bit of water lifting the oil up off the pavement. I’ve got a lot of lace to tat, after all.

Bach motif

I had the pleasure this summer of attending a concert in Carmel, CA. It was part of the Bach Festival that happens every year there. I’ve wanted to attend something connected with the Bach Festival since I lived in Monterey almost 20 years ago. It was a fantastic experience. I real treat!

The day inspired me to create a small motif.

BWV 225 Singet dem Herrn

It is based on the middle movement of a Cantata by Bach. Like many Cantatas, this piece uses a chorale (here represented by the white thread) and voices weaving harmony from melodies (here represented by the two blue colors of thread) in a dance of sound.

Saint Saens in blue

I realized the other day that I haven’t shown any of the Saint Saens pattern worked in blue thread. So I’ll be sharing a few over the next few posts. Here’s up through Round 1:

Saint Saens Round 1 with connecting rings

 

The thread is Lizbeth Wedgewood Lt. and Wedgewood Dk. in size 20.

The previous version of the Saint Saens I used size 80 thread for the connecting rings as I wanted them to fade into the background and needed to use the same color thread. I'm not sure which version I like better yet. I think I'll reserve judgement until the tatting is finished and mounted.

Of blogging and pins

Well, quite a while ago, I mentioned that I would be posting on Tuesday and Thursday. With my schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the Homework blog, that means that I can block out a regular blogging time in my day. Or so the theory goes…….

In an attempt to try out such a hair-brained idea, here’s the post for today:

I’ve sent off my tatting to the judges who volunteer for TAT. I hope they think my efforts are worthy of “Master Tatter.” It’s been a 2 year process. I’ll confess it was difficult at times to keep at it. Some of the patterns just didn’t grab me. My family reminded me that some of the pieces I work on for the organ don’t grab me; to accomplish what I set out, tatting will be no different. Many people have encouraged me along the path. I remember seeing a photo of the pins on a website many, many moons ago. I’ve been thinking of how my set would look. Anyone else have a set they own?

It's August...already

Can you tell that the computer does not dominate my time?

With apologies to those who follow this little corner of cyberspace, I have managed to get back to a normal daily life. I think. More on all this as it’s appropriate. I have no wish to show you what I’ve been eating or talk about other mundane daily activities. I have set a goal to post Tuesday and Thursday; at the very least.

As a teaser, I’ll say the posts will include my progress on tatting the patterns in the Master TAT binder, working on the blue version of the Saint Saens, tatting a motif based on a Bach piece, and learning more about web programming to volunteer as keeper of the Homework blog. That should do it for, oh say, 6 weeks!

Antiques Roadshow afterglow

Well, here’s an update from Saturday’s adventure:

We dutifully read all the instructions with the Roadshow tickets. We were excited. With an hour to go before we needed to leave the house, we were still deciding what to take! Yes, I did take the photo with hair art. I think we creeped-out several of the other “guests” and maybe a few of the “volunteers” and maybe the “expert” with the hair art. Personally, it doesn’t cause me any discomfort, but then, I’m a sentimental collector.

There were about 12,000 people there each with 2 items for appraisal. We arrived just before Noon, with ticket times running up to dinner time. Everyone was looking a bit tired when we arrived, I can only imagine how they must have felt at the end of the day. The expert (appraiser) who looked at the hair art for us was very knowledgeable. He started out by saying that he must have seen 50 of these hair wreaths when the Roadshow was in Bismarck, ND. He mentioned that there were quite a few immigrants from Russia that settled there and created many of the pieces. I know there are German ancestors in my family, but am not aware of any Russian or Swedish ancestors. More information for the puzzle…….

As for TIP, several people asked what I was doing. I had fun explaining to them what I was doing. No one exclaimed, “That’s a lost art!” So, I couldn’t answer, “I found it!” But then, consider the audience…… I didn’t have the courage to tat while we were standing directly behind one of the sets while they were taping. I guess I’m still camera shy despite the number of photos my Dad took while I was young. (I was the only girl – 3 brothers.)

Would I enter the lottery for tickets again? You bet!

Would I travel more than an hour to attend? Not unless we knew we have a real treasure.

We don’t really spend a lot of time with Antiques on our mind. We watch the show occasionally, treasure what we have (valuable or not), but don’t intend to take up the hobby/profession.

So, back to the tatting chair. I’m almost done with the Intarsia star. It’s a fiddly technique but really cool. I have several design ideas I want to explore very soon using the technique. But, I must, I really, really must, finish some of the Phd’s (projects half done) even though some are not even half way finished!

lucky tshirt

I'm hoping this tshirt is lucky.

We won the lottery for tickets to the taping of Antiques Roadshow in Santa Clara. I know! Lucky!!!!

So, I decorated this tshirt with a version of Summer Necklace by Nina Libin.



tshirt with edging
 

I'm planning on taking a photograph of my grandmother that is decorated with "hair art" in the fashion that was popular in Victorian times. I'm also planning on wearing other tatting (hair bun holder) and working on Old Glory by Nell Corns. I'm looking forward to this TIP gig.

garden hat closer

I have finished my draft in white. I rather like some aspects, but not all. The bane of creativity!

garden hat draft in white

I have also finished the center of the Saint-Saens using blue. The scan doesn't look quite right, so I need to fix that before posting. Stay tuned!

Garden Hat

It all started with a hat and a day dream in the back yard.

Some of you remember we have our own private little park in the back yard. I love sitting out there during breaks. This year, a hummingbird has built a nest in the mulberry tree. So, of course the binoculars are close by. The eggs are now tiny, tiny little fuzzy balls with very long beaks. The mother is very attentive. Apparently, feeding time is every 20 minutes or so. Talk about labor intensive!

 

I try to wear a hat when I’m outside. It keeps the skin healthier and it makes it easier to see through the binoculars. Well, my old hat was toast, so I bought a new hat.

As I was standing in line to pay for it, I mused that there was a nice open weave area; a little like some tatting I was working on. Over the course of the next day or so, I was musing on how to replicate that area in thread.

 

 

Well, I knew better than to try to sketch the hat. So, I opened my old, old clip art book; the one that saw much use with Cub Scouts and Brownie troops. I decided to use Mark (Tatman’s) technique of using the picture as a cartoon and laying the tatting on top as you work your way through the design/photo.

 

draft in white

It worked fairly well. But, it needed to be tweaked. So, I plunked down in my chair to tat a white version. To my eye, it looks more like a stocking cap. Sigh. It’s warm enough to move to the bench. I’ll post more when I have something recognizable as a pattern.

Tatting chair

Well, it’s been awhile since I posted. Personal stuff got it the way. All good….well, mostly good. Just couldn’t figure a way to work it into this blog.

 

I’m back now. I’ve finished the Saint-Saens. I’ve started another version in blue. More on that later.

 

What I really want to share today is my birthday present:

 My very own tatting chair. I use it daily. I love it!

Round 3 finished

I’ve finished with the final round of the Saint-Saens. Here’s a detail picture of it. Pardon my photography skill.

detail of round 3

Spring is here

I love spring. I live in a Mediterranean climate. That means there’s always something in bloom. There’s always yard work. There’s always a weed growing. There’s always something to plant/prune/feed/water; especially water. We haven’t had as much rain this year as we should. We’ve lost a couple of things. Mostly because our drip irrigation wasn’t dripping. Puts a new spin on being a drip. I hope to keep up this summer. The foot is still not 100% which makes it difficult to stay on top of chores. I need to ask for help.

 

Off to think up a list of those I could call on.

IT IS DONE

I have finished the tatting for the Saint-Seans doily. Now it's on to blocking, mounting,framing, and enjoying. It is much larger than my scanner ...and we know about my lack of photography skill..so pictures will be coming in the future.

Pineapple Doily finished

Because my life took a tumble last May, it took me quite a while to finish this. Like 10 months. But, It’s worth it! Here’s a detail.

Pineapple Doily

 

I like the pattern. It will be some time before I start another square.

The game is done.

TIAS 2014

 Thank you, Jane Eborall, for a wonderful journey.

It’s fun to see all the different colors people used. Some have included sketches or posed their tatting in scenes. Great fun!!

TIAS Day 13

I agree with most of the people guessing on the TIAS. I think it’s a Sailboat. The poems and sketches are fun to see; a great way to break up the winter doldrums. Here’s what my version looks like today:

TIAS 2014 Day 13

TIAS Day 12

I set a goal of learning more HTML last year. I didn’t get far. I discovered there are CSS and other stuff. But, I have learned a bit more. It helps to have a daughter in Web Design. I do enjoy the hunt and puzzle, while still keeping tatting time open.

 

So, here's Jane's TIAS Day 12:

TIAS 2014 Day 12

White thread….ugh!

Something I struggle with in tatting is my sweaty hands. It makes working with white thread challenging. You just can’t allow any of your skin oils to get into white thread. It just doesn’t bleach out. And as the lace ages, it turns an awful color of, well, brown.

It’s a challenge to keep white thread white. Especially when it’s warm outside or I grow older and, well, age.

So, I’ve been trying mightily to keep my hands clean and not touch anything except the lace (no nose scratching, eye rubbing, or forehead massaging) and to drop everything when I feel that heater kick on in my body. Several times I’ve had to drop everything mid-ring. Well, I occasionally don’t keep things clean:

Soiled rings of a Round 2 motif

I’ll be replacing that split ring. If I can figure out how. Hopefully while it’s still cool weather.

On a more positive note, I’ve decided on which clear beads to use. I’ll be tatting up a sample right after I use my scissors (gaak) and re-tat a split ring (harrumph)!

TIAS day 11

I spent most of the day yesterday playing with different option for beads for the Saint Saens final round. I think I’ll make a decision tomorrow, so tune in then. I’m leaning towards not using the crystals. But then, again…..

 

Here’s my version of the final section of part 2 of this year’s game:

 

TIAS 2014 day 11

What is Jane having us tat?????

TIAS day 10 & rainbow at sunrise

My day started out with a rare gift.

We are normally awake before sunrise. I try to open a curtain or two so that I can see the sky lighten. It was cloudy this morning. (Yes, we got badly needed rain!) So, I knew the sky would be colorful….or at least I was hoping. Well, it was. I glanced out a west-facing window to see how light the sky was getting. I did a double take!

A RAINBOW WAS FORMING!

Really!

After checking out an east-facing window, I reveled in the rainbow growing stronger as the sun hit the clouds. I couldn’t dig out the camera fast enough. I don’t think I’ll forget how that looked for a long, long time. Absolutely gorgeous!

So, I was a bit later getting to the computer. I have completed day 10 of the TIAS. Do look at what Jane is posting of other people’s pictures and rhymes. It’s great fun.

TIAS 2014 Day 10
 

 

TIAS 2014 Day 9

Well, here it is. The next bit of tatting that Jane is feeding us. I feel a bit like the plant in Little Shop of Horrors though. I want more! Or Oliver Twist holding up a bowl. It is fun to see what will be released next.

TIAS 2014 Day 9

Day 8 TIAS 2014

Well, what have we here?

TIAS 2014 Day 8

 

Another bit of pattern to add to my “whotzitttt” and a guess? Mmmm I’m seeing a couple of diamond shapes. But then again, I may be wrong. Jane says she knows.

Day 7 TIAS 2014

I thought this was going to be a boat, but now, I’m not so sure…..

TIAS 2014 Day 7

Maybe it’s because I’m wishing for rain. I know, I know, many of you are tired of too much snow. But, we’ve already lost one tree, 2 roses, and several shrubs. I’d like some rain, please.

Day 6 TIAS 2014

The best thing about TIAS is reading all the guesses from all over the world. I’m always amazed. Amazed at the imagination and creativity, amazed at the English (my foreign language knowledge is quite limited) and amazed at the fun we all have.

TIAS 2014 Day 4 & Day 6

 

 Thank you Jane

 

TIAS 2014

I’m late to the party, but having fun just the same. For those who don't know, look here

TIAS 2014 Day 1

TIAS 2014 Day 2

 

TIAS 2014 Day 3

I’ll be finishing the next few installments later today. Look for them in the post on Thursday.

 

And……

boxes

If you have ever helped someone downsize, you know what our house looks like right now. I think we’re down to 30 boxes……..And now it’s our turn to sort. (Which I am abysmal at!!!!!)

……volunteering

For the last 5 years, I have been reacquainting myself with all things tatting. And learning so much more! I love it!!! My newest adventure has been to take over the blog Anita started. She has provided a venue for folks to post pictures of the patterns discussed in the On Line Tatting classes. I now step up to the plate. I have a lot to learn. I know I will gain a huge amount of experience. I only hope I continue to support those learning to tat as much as Georgia, Cynthia, Anita, Sue, Gina, Mimi, Ann and all the rest have. Gulp!!

In the meantime I still plan to tat……in my copious spare time.

So......

….termite damage

Our house sits on top of an old fruit orchard. Ever see a subterranean termite? They get wings in the fall. Several decided to house-sit for us when we visited Alabama in August. Ever empty half of your house into the other half? Our living room looked like a New York Studio apartment. Now I know why people use those PODS things. We should be unpacked by…..June?

……holiday celebration

As a church musician, December is never dull. I love the music and the activities. I really do. I happily ignore all the rest of my life. As my children grow older, I embrace the different celebrations they come up with. We had so much fun!!!

Now on to the rest of my life. Like tatting!

A New Year

Wow! Where did 2013 go??

And 2014 will fly by just as fast, I’m sure!

So, what’s been significant in my life: Termite damage; Holiday celebration with an expanding family and many, many friends; Sorting through boxes and boxes and boxes; Taking on a new volunteer position; and being way too busy to waste time (especially on the web)

 
Stay tuned for details……..