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Tuesday, May 31, 2022

I have no more "reset" available.....the shelves are bare

 

(This is not a happy, uplifting post nor one filled with pretty lace)

I find myself weary. I am a social person. That doesn’t mean I’m good at social graces, but that I find great joy in being around people. That makes my role as musician and teacher something I relish and gladly pursue.

But, we are not out of this yet. Pandemic life is morphing into endemic life. Groups I support and depend upon are beginning to gather more and more. Concerts (in person) are offered for listening pleasure and learning. Workshops (in person) are offered for learning and networking. Classes (in person) are offered more often. This will mean I’ll be sitting in groups with people I’m not normally in contact with, breathing air and touching surfaces I cannot be certain will not make me sick, and balancing a schedule for optimum involvement without overly taxing my stamina.

Yesterday, I set up my camping chair and enjoyed a couple of hours of fun music. There were professionals playing/singing along with students and amateurs. If you asked some of the teachers, they will tell you the amateurs can often play/sing better than they can. Everyone seemed to enjoy the music.

As I walked up the hill to our house, I found myself weary. I have very little excuse for physical tiredness as I haven’t been exercising overly much, nor have I filled my days with physical labor. I am just weary of trying to live safely. Trying to figure out how to reset and respond to news that affects my plans. I know this is part of human history. I am just weary.

I hope we can continue to gather safely. I hope to continue to learn together. I hope to live.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Mistakes and all

 I realized while showing the last post of my sample TDS piece to a friend that…..

I left out a TDS in two repeats. Ah well. I’m almost finished with a different sample that includes curled rings.

In the meantime, I thought I would show you the corner of the Ukranian SAL I’m adding hearts to:



Tuesday, May 24, 2022

TDS

 

Treble Double Stitch motif by Antonina Caruso

TDS- Teble Double Stitch or Vapor (Vapour) stitch

Thank you Jane M. for reminding me of Ninetta’s wonderful variation on the Treble stitch from crochet techniques. I had fun working this beauty.

I will submit it for the IOLI Challenge.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

IOLI Challenge

 Try a lace stitch that is new to you.

Mmmmm

There is essentially only one stitch in tatting: Double Stitch or DS

There are a zillion ways to combine the DS with all sorts of lacy results. But a “stitch that is new to you” really is stumping me. I’ve reached out to some tatters who have been at this far longer than I have, tatters who have combined other lace techniques (cluny), and tatters who have designed some spectacular new styles of lace. So far, no idea has presented itself.

New to you……

Any ideas?

Oh, and here’s the page with photos of the previous IOLI challenge #4.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

I've finished this part, what's next????

 

Christmas Bells by SEBA Designs

I have a kit for a Christmas ornament. When it’s ready to hang on the tree, it looks like a small lantern. I see so many possibilities for this idea. Tatted edging….tatted motif mounted on a gossamer cloth…..beads and bling…..

The stitching for this side went fairly well….until I started in on the parts I stitched in yellow thread. If you can count past 4, I’m sure it was enjoyable. I’m a musician. Past 4 is a challenge for me to keep on task. J No, not really, but I did have to take out quite a bit. As I stitched the corner designs, I found 2 mistakes. They will stay mistakes and become design variations. J

I’ve already started tatting an edging. Just a sample as I think I might add beads.


Friday, May 13, 2022

And reset.....

 Just when I thought it was safe…..

I wound my shuttles with a thread that has been sun damaged. So, I wasted thread. I wasted time. AND I have nothing to show but a pile of thread in the bin.

Next week……..

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

resilient

 Tickets available here……

I’ll be joining in with the group when they come to Carmel Valley. The effort will be dedicated to those who have passed away in the group. Sad, but singing will remember them well.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Did you hear that sigh?

 We’ve been experiencing supply chain issues lately. And there seems to be another round of COVID cases happening in my neck of the woods. So, I’m not surprised I cannot find a source for more of the bead caps. Really. Just disappointed.

I’ll be reaching out to my bartering friends. But, I don’t have much hope.

I’m disappointed because a friend has been helping me with stitching projects. I can trust her to give me straight, useful feedback. She is experienced enough to know what’s hard, what’s easy, and how to correct the mistakes she sees. And honest enough to give me accurate feedback. I wanted to tat a pair of earrings for her. I don’t have any bead caps without tatting on them. Well, this pair:


But, I’m not sure if they’re her style. I’ll offer them along with some others I tatted up.

If any of you know where I might pick up some bead caps for 4 mm beads, let me know.

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

progress on SAL

 It's been awhile since I showed my progress. I find the stitching is helping me center. 


And yes, that is cat fur stitched in. She senses my discomfort and wants to help. I cannot refuse.