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Thursday, October 30, 2014

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 4th.
Flag with one red stripe



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

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.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

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.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

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!
 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

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!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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.

 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

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.