Two steps forward, one step back

 I know I promised a peek at earrings, but after 3 test tats, I’m still not completely sold on a design. I have one more idea to try. Look for a picture next week.

What else was I going to post about? Ah yes, there are still spots open in the classes. It’s a bit late to order supplies with confidence they will arrive in time, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Perhaps Hobby Lobby has a shuttle or needle and if you can’t find the Lizbeth, any size 10 thread will do. The tighter the thread is spun, the easier it will be to learn the Double Stitch. Do visit the Lace Museum workshop page and scroll down past all those complicated classes. Join me for tatting fun!

I’ll close with a photo of my Day 8 of Jane’s current TIAS:

Dissent finished and submitted

 To see what other lacers have created out of their stash, visit this link:

IOLI lace challenge 1: stash

To see my quick photo of the necklace, you can scroll down almost to the bottom or just search for my name.

Now for earrings to match. I have 4 great ideas. I usually try to come up with 5 sketches before I start putting the ideas into thread. I can’t wait this time!! One is a crackin’ goodun.

In the meantime, here’s my Day 7 of Jane’s TIAS:

 For sign-ups for the next round of my classes. These will again be held via Zoom hosted by the Lace Museum in Sunnyvale, CA. The link is at the end of the class description. Scroll down about half way and you’ll see both classes.

The deadline that is 10 days away is for those who will need to gather materials for the Beginning series (starting Feb. 13, 2021) With the disruption to shipping that normally happens in the winter, if you do not have a shuttle or needle and the recommended thread, register now so that you have time to order. The best deal is through the Lace Museum gift shop. Some of you are lucky enough to live close to a store that stocks shuttles and good thread. For the test of us, we need to plan, order, and then….wait….

I look forward to seeing lots of previous students signing up for the Continuing class to be held the first 2 Saturdays in March. I’ll not be specifying the thread size or color or fiber. Here’s a chance to try out that linen or silk thread you’ve wanted to explore tatting with!

Final thought: Jane’s TIAS 2021 Day 5:

Jane TIAS 2021 day 5

I really can tell my left from my right....really!

 Even though I read the Introduction and even talked about it with a fellow tatter, I still mixed things up. It’s recoverable. Here’s my sample so far:

 

So, what did I mix up? I wound my shuttles “wrong” for the TIAS. I will need to add thread later on. I can do that!

Learning to design

 I’m still working on figuring out what goes with these motifs to finish the Thread that Binds doily. I still struggle to figure out what may work for designs. That skill needs to be honed. For now, I usually end up thumbing through books that have doily patterns to see if one leaps off the page.

Yesterday, nothing looked like it would work. Sigh!

On to books with snowflakes.

A book I have with Christmas tatting by Monica hahn (Not capitalized on the book cover. Really!!) has an edging I decided to tat up in the thread to compare size:

I liked the way it looks. Reminds me of a special mouse. I think it just may work!

Incidentally, Disneyland is joining the effort to vaccinateagainst COVID. Thank you for helping out!

My life continues

That’s a positive that I’m grateful for. I’ve had my scares. Some would say I’m on my 4^th of 9 lives. I’m OK. I can still play the organ a bit. I’ve found real joy in tatting. I have a wonderful life of a fabulous husband (I don’t tell him often enough!) and two children who are growing into wonderful adults. It’s good! My life continues.

I wish I could say the same for those pieces I’m tatting and practicing. I seem to be taking a step back for every step forward. At least I think it’s forward.

Ah well.

This morning I decided to join in on the TIAS game that Jane Eborall is hosting. Here’s my sample so far:

Jane's TIAS 2021 Day 1

I take refuge in creating

 Most of the time, I don’t follow the news. Occasionally, I find myself looking in on what’s happening. Last night, I watched with shock the report on the events of the day in Washington DC. Now, if you say, “Washington” around my family, you are generally understood to mean a state in the Pacific Northwest. The other Washington just doesn’t enter into our daily life much. But, it is a significant place where significant events happen with significant people involved. I’m glad I’m not that significant. I can choose to live without such events in my daily life!

My evening continued with a calming activity of creating lace. Here’s a picture of what I accomplished yesterday:

header row of Dissent by Marilee Rockley

I can't let this one go!

 I should….I really should. I don’t have the excuse that I don’t have time. We’re still on lock-down. As each week passes, more and more families are touched by death and illness. I seem to want to escape by working on this endless doily. Here’s the idea I’m working with for round 16:   

It’s still not very large given the tiny thread and simple design for rounds 5-14. And I’m not working on it as steadily as I could. (I’ve been helping with planting roses. All 14 are in the ground.) I guess the small repeat motifs have been a bit calming. And we do need calm. Perhaps that is why I keep picking it up.

I look forward to getting back to teaching. Not enough students signed up for the Lace Museum classes next week. We’re looking at dates for the future. Keep an eye on their registration page for an update. Perhaps when I get back to a regular schedule I’ll finish this off. Well, one can hope……