Thank you for the great suggestions as comments to the
previous post. I’ve come up with a flat shuttle to wrap the completed tatting
around as it grows. I’m about a quarter of the way finished, so I’ll be using
it soon.
Probably the biggest challenge I’ve had making a hobby
activity my business is getting friends and family to understand the time
thing. History tells us Piecework is not a way to get rich quick. Especially
after the Industrial Age. Clever engineers are always suggesting a machine
could create it cheaper than paying someone to tat the lace. After hours of
discussion, if they hang in there that long, the conclusion seems to be reached
that tatting is complicated. I’ve even had an Engin-nerd suggest that perhaps
tatting should die out. I just let that one hang in the air. Didn’t even dare
to look up from the shuttles!
So, do I abandon my quest? I know I have a good idea! My lace represents music. It isn’t just a pretty batch of knots. My pieces don’t
make good gifts, they’re usually too complicated and take too long to create. I
know there are people out there who appreciate it. Not just because the lady in
the big house tatted it. But, because it is art. If painters can put paint on a canvas and make money, I should be able
to find a way to fill the world with my art. Turning a hobby into a business
can be done; you just have to learn to be successful. I’m ready to get started.
But first, I’ll tat up a few presents!