Loops that help

I like to test out my patterns several times. Having another tatter work through them also helps. Imagining how a pattern looks or tats up in other size thread, with or without beads, using needle just doesn’t always cut it. Getting things into thread usually does. I discovered on the third or fourth pass that I was losing track of where to join. Big time! A friend who knits gave me this idea:

Marking points in the pattern for joins; much like marking darts when sewing or where to cut. It’s much easier to cut out these little loops of thread as you join than to find a vsp amongst the beads.

I hope to have a pair of earrings to wear soon. But alas, preparing for the next few days just may have to happen first. Speaking of testing…. I should test that recipe for mulled cider. (mmmmm!)

visit with a Snowman

snowman for ornament exchange

I'm still working on the 6 week list, but I thought I'd share this: it's the result of the spurt of designing:

I’m my own worst critic, so of course I’m not completely happy with the little guy. This is worked in size 10 crochet thread with size 6 and 10 beads. The smile is made up of size 11 beads. I do like the bugle beads for the “carrot” nose. I’m in the process of tatting up another. If any of you would like a crack, give me until a few weeks from now. The organ bench has a stack of music to practice on it, the guest list for 12^th Night has topped 50, and I WILL stay healthy so I can play Christmas Day!