Ugh....wrong....sigh....

 

I made my decision on what “mistakes” to keep and what “corrections” to make. All was going fairly well. Not too much to change with round 2. However….

After cleaning up where the roof leaked (The crew building the gutters are here today!), I wasn’t careful enough…..

After the trees are decorated I’ll look at correcting that.

What do I see????

 

I’ve been working sporadically on my new hair bun holder. Overall, I think most of the choices I’ve made work. But…..

As I worked on this last round, the lace is ruffling badly. What did I do? Will it lay flat after I finish this round?

As I worked on this post, I spotted not 1 but 3 “mistakes” that I made. Now they’re mistakes only because I didn’t really plan to tat this piece that way. So, now I must decide, do I like the “variation” or should I start over?

Simple gift

 I am very aware that I have been given many, many gifts. I am talented. I experience great privilege, I enjoy abundant (enough) resources. This awareness makes gift giving tricky. Simple gifts from the heart are usually good goals. But, what is a simple gift and what is a simplistic gift? Can a simplistic gift be turned into a simple gift?

As I gather my gifts to give this Holiday season, I will ponder that question. In the meantime, here’s one of my favorite gifts to give:

Ornament with tatted covering:

CR: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 . MP

Round 1

S/R 6/6. BTS

LR: 3 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 3. RW BTS

|| :  SR: 6 + 6 .  RW BTS Join to picot of CR.

LR: 3 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 3 . RW BTS  : || for a total of 6 SR. Final LR worked as a S/R.

S/R: 3 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 / 1 – 1 – 3 .      

Ornament Cover CT & Rd 1

Round 2    

S/R: 3 – 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 / 1 – 1 – 3 . RW BTS

|| :   SR: 6 – 6 . RW BTS

LR: 3 – 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 – 3 . RW BTS : || for a total of 6 LR.

S/R: 6 / 6. Final SR can be worked as a S/R.

The pattern is not new. Many designers have adapted edgings to create a beautiful embellishment. It can be accomplished using shuttle or needle to tat. I like to use smaller balls as many of my friends and family have small tress to decorate. It’s easier to enjoy a smaller ornament year-round. I like to use metallic thread and/or beads. Tip: Green thread disappears when hung on a green tree. Go for contrast and catch the light. The photo is of a 1.2” ball with Frappe color of thread. All Central Ring picots are about 3 DS wide, all BTS are about ¼” in length. 

A simple blocking with fingers can help the picots lay nicely on ball. Use the tails to tie tatting onto ornament by threading the tails through the picots of the SR and tying together. It takes me about 4 hours to load shuttles, tat lace, block and sew on tatting, and wrap it to give. (I don't completely block the lace just dampen it with my finger dipped in water.)

If you need more information than this quick note, please comment with your email address and I’ll send a PDF of the pattern. I haven’t finished the diagram with round 2 but may soon!

Enjoy gift-giving!!!!

I like this so far

 

This is the center of the bun holder I’m working on. The bead choice is pretty dull. The quilt thread makes it interesting. I hope I don’t make a mistake joining and have to open a ring!

Loading up

 I worked retail for quite a few years. Spending Black Friday at stores is NOT something I’ve wanted to do. My mental health is worth a bit of money. It means I don’t have as big a travel budget. It means I don’t have stories to tell. It means I usually have a more relaxed Thanksgiving weekend.

This year I will be spending my time getting organized and figuring out what’s important to do and setting up a way to get to that end. For my togo tatting project I will be loading beads for the bun holder I’d like to wear with my newest pair of earrings.

After a walk by the Bay…….

I'm overwhelmed

Just temporarily I assure you. The work on the house continues. So far, everything is going well except for it taking a very long time. I’m used to work being done at a snail’s pace. My usual handyman is very good, and very slow. His price is right too! The work didn’t cause that many leaks during the rain last weekend. That water snuck in through a different part of the roofing. Sigh! Of course, the rain came at night, so we were serenaded with “plink, plink, plink” while trying to sleep. Yawn! I think it’s safe to wash the towels we used…..I think.

I’m still sampling for the bright color bun holder. I’m still setting up the ticking project. I’ve begun to take care of tasks for the Holidays. I’ve been busy and just a bit temporarily overwhelmed. Perhaps pictures after this week.

I felt like working with bright colors

 It’s time to tat a new hair bun holder. I have favorites I wear, but not something with bright colors. Growing up, I favored pastels due to the combination of skin and hair coloring. Now, with greyer hair and a more “mature” skin tone, I’m venturing into brighter colors. That’s my story for the new pair of Loopy earrings and I’m sticking to it. So, what to do for a tatted piece to wear in my hair???

After a rummage through my box of smaller thread sizes, I didn’t see anything that grabbed my fancy. Turning to the box of quilt/sewing thread I’ve used for previous projects, I spied some King Tut thread in bright colors. Aha!

Next step, ask for some color guidance from my resident designer. Nothing for it but to sample. So, here’s the first sample:

The color is listed on the Superior website as Pharoah’s Tale. That brought a smile to my face!

 

Finishing feels good

 

Why would a tatter join an EGA chapter? Well, it’s fun to stitch with friends. I enjoyed learning the finer points of Basketweave stitching my chair seat many years ago. I know the canvas will be used every week. I realized I knew nothing about what to do after the last stitch is put in place. So, I learned a bit about blocking. That really helped my tatting! Then I realized I didn’t know much about “finishing” a piece that I stitched. I knew I wanted to add tatting to clothes and such, so I set myself a goal: Learn Finishing techniques. That's when I looked into Embroiderers' Guild of America. Our local EGA chapter is such a great group. They have introduced me to all kinds of fiber fun. They have helped by giving me lessons, guiding me in choosing materials and pointing me to workshops, and most of all they have helped me by encouraging me.

I thank them just about with every project I tat.

This small canvas work project has been popular with the group. I’ve only stitched one, but several ladies have stitched whole sets of mug rugs. We’ve all finished the piece differently. I chose to use the Helix tatting technique so that I could control the diameter and color of the cord. I also tried out adding beads to see how that worked. I think overall the exercise was successful and will go in my tool kit of finishing options. I look forward to using what I learned with this on other projects in the future.

Now, what other trouble can I get into with shuttle, needle and thread?????

I like this!

 

Soprano by Lilliatatlace

I completed Soprano by Lillian Yeung. It is tatted in one round with SCMR forming the large rings. I used size 40 thread and enjoyed the journey! Thank you!!

Because I was using a smaller thread, I finally understood what another tatter was saying about the Mock Ring Tool I helped develop. The picture shows both tab designs with the extra bit on the green tab. The tabs on the original design didn’t capture the thread well enough and the tool would fall out of the loop. Once I changed out to a newer tool, all was well. The tool didn’t fall out of my loop. Now, I choose to remove the tool after I tat a good portion of the ring. I need to be very careful how much I ask of my hands so that I can play organ and tat and hold my tea mug! Anyway, I'm grateful improvements can be made as we all learn together. 

Announcing a launch

 For those who have enjoyed tatting with a Tatting Toolbox, a new model is available: the Riego. This version gives us a section to tuck in lace in progress or a small ball. Brilliant!!

Riego Tatting Toolbox

It is also my pleasure to announce the launch of another tatting tool:

The ShuttleShip

ShuttleShip

These will be available through Stephanie Cervi Design. For those who love shopping Etsy, you can find some there. In the future, there will be more color options and a Holiday special version. You are welcome to request special orders, but those will take more time. For a limited time, readers of this blog can use the code PICOTSNKEYS to receive a 15% discount at check out.

 About a month ago, one of my all-time favorite tatting experts posted the snowflake design she taught at Palmetto Tat Days. I immediately felt the pang of missing a wonderful gathering of tatting friends. That was subsequently followed by a dash to pick up shuttle and thread. Here’s my version:

This Way and That by
Jane Eborall

Jane, you’ve done it again!! Exquisitely guided us through creating lace!!! Thank you!

This small bit has a design idea that I’ve been unsuccessfully kicking around for years. (My apologies to Jane who doesn’t share my language of music) I have been trying to figure out a way to depict chordal passages in music. Block tatting is of course the most logical. But the details escaped me. This pattern of 3 chains at the edge is much better than my feeble attempts.

Now, I’ll be the first to say my tatting for this snowflake is subpar. I wouldn’t recommend making the rings in a third color. Stick with 2 colors. To muddle my way through a tricolor version, I ended up using a 2 bobbinshuttle along with a single shuttle. To change colors gracefully, I ended up swapping the bobbins around at just about every element. Not worth it! I’m really not happy with this snowflake. It will go in my bin of bits and pieces with a tag attached reminding me not to use 3 colors.

I will be incorporating this design idea to represent chords though. I will gladly acknowledge Jane’s inspiring pattern!!!

What size is this?

 Yes, thread size matters. Not as much in tatting for the mechanics. I do use a slightly different movement of my hands with larger threads. But, it’s a very slight difference. As a designer, if the pattern I’m cooking up doesn’t work as well in size 10 as it does in size 80, it needs tweaking. Thread size still matters in tatting when it comes to how the lace can be used. Below is a photo of the treble clef pattern by Beverly Hevener that won FirstPlace, Original Design in the IOLI Convention 2024 Lace Contest.

The article published in Piecework indicated size 20 thread. So, I worked it up in size 20 using a cheerful variegated. The EGA chapter I stitch with is working the Victorian Ticking project from the Fall 2021 Piecework issue. I decided the back of my little bag should be embellished with a treble clef. So, I found some size 80 thread and tatted up the lavender version. It will fit nicely! Now to choose the rest of the thread and the stitches to go on the stripes.

This is fun!!

The First Place prize for the IOLI 2024 Convention Lace Contest Original Design was awarded to Barbara Hevener for her Opera Bag. The  picture above is of the cover of the Fall 2024 Bulletin. This issue highlights all the Prizewinning Lace. Mrs. Hevener’s design includes this fabulous tatted goodie.

I really like the way she uses different sized split rings. Her pattern is clearly written out, not too complicated, and one of those that starts out a long line of rings and ends up a nicely shaped object. Just plain fun!! Thank you IOLI and Barbara Hevener for inspiring and sharing with us all!

Going Loopy again

 
Here’s my next set of earrings. The pattern is by Marilee Rockley aka Yarnplayer. She sells her wonderful HDT (Hand Dyed Thread) along with her patterns here. I’ve tatted quite a few and thoroughly enjoy them. Anyway, I lost one of a previous pair, so I tatted up a new set. Complete with lots of beads.

I bodged it

 I found this book in a vintage shop. I couldn’t resist buying it. I don’t sew clothes that often anymore. I did when I was younger (Nothing in the stores fit and was too expensive) and I remember how many times I would make a mistake and have to figure out how to make it a “feature” of my outfit.

***** I have since found out that a bodger is someone who makes chairs like the old-style Windsor chairs. Just one of many meanings of the word. *****

Which brings me to my latest tatting adventure…….. 

Loopy by Marilee Rockley 

I lost one earring from a favorite set. It is the lovely pattern from Yarnplayer. I no longer have the thread I used for the first set. I guess I liked the colors! So, I began a new set with different thread and decided to add beads. Lots of beads. It took me awhile to remember where I had put my copy of the pattern with notes from that first set. Once I found those notes, it took me awhile to remember just how I tatted the pattern. I chose the thread and beads, planned out how to place the beads, and started in. I hope to have a decent pair when I finish with the fourth earring. I hope……..

This made me smile

 

Christina's Angel by Mark Myers

I tatted this as a thank you for a friend. She gifted me tickets to the local Symphony Concert. It was great fun!

Round 3 idea

 

I managed a workable stitch count for the motif on round 3 of the Vintage doily. I think I still need to increase the TDS chains so that the motifs can join to each other. Lots going on in the studio and house just now so that may have to wait until next week.

Testing time again

 I’m testing out more options for the wonderful tools Stephanie Designs has for tatting. I’ve signed an NDA, so no info here until the product is ready for the shelves. I try to really think through how the products could be used. That often means sitting and fiddling with things and doesn’t really produce much lace. Then again, it’s worth it!

Pictures to come when they’re ready.

Time to get back to full speed at work

 The weather has cooled, the back is back to “normal”, the work on the house is falling into a steady bang and thump, and I’m itching to create! Time to get to work!!

This has me thinking

 I don’t have much to show for the last few days. The heat is starting to abate. Our marine layer hasn’t started back up. But, this is the time of year when I have a daily rainbow on the wall. I probably spend way too much time watching sunrises and enjoying the rainbow as it moves across the wall. Then again, life doesn’t get much better than this!

What got me to thinking is the music I found to play on the Orgelkids organ. In 2019, Orgelkids NL held a competition for demo pieces. The winners are available on the website. I found much to enjoy. I could have played for a good hour. We were sharing though. All that music got me thinking about tatting and how much has stayed the same and how much things have changed. That would make a good panel discussion.

It's hot here

 

I’ve been looking at photos of Asheville, NC where I travelled for Palmetto’s Tat Days a year ago. Taking time away from creating to clean up is just not what we should be doing! And if death has touched your life, that just is not OK. I hope the chaos calms down and the rebuilding goes smoothly so that we can get back to creating.

For us, the temperature has been warm. Very warm. It’s so rarely this hot, most houses here do not have AC. When we moved in, many of our windows were painted shut. You just don’t need to open windows to let in the air that often. We’ve slowly been refurbishing the windows. So, we can open them to capture the cooler air in mornings and evenings. While it’s warm, I’m not working with the silk on the elephant, the metallic on the cord, or really anything. I’ve been using the time to sort and sift through the boxes of stash that were passed on to me. I hope to have more boxes prepared to go to other people by the end of this hot spell.

I built an organ!

Not by myself and not a “real” organ. It does play and the pipes are so sweet! It comes as a kit from Orgelkids USA. It was so much fun!! We had a group of 10 people mostly following the directions. I can’t wait to bring it to groups to show how an organ works.

Another adventure

This is intriguing. It’s the center and round 2 of thisdoily that I found in Carmel. I used TDS (treble tatting stitch) rather than crochet chain. With the TDS in the outside chains of Round 2, it has a bit of a hexagon shape. Intriguing.

Turning the corner

 For those that have tatted an edging to a handkerchief square, this post will be boring. For those that break out in a cold sweat when turning corners in edgings, this post may be traumatic. For those that have no idea what I’m talking about…..

I’ve been having fun stitching a small project on canvas. It will make a great mug rug or coaster. Normally, the edge is finished with a cord or at the very least decorative stitching. For me, stitching isn’t fun until I add tatting. So, I decided to see if Richard Embrey's Helix tatting would create a nice finish to the edge. After a bit of sampling, I decided on what I wanted to use for thread, how many shuttles to use, and what would work for beads. All is well. Until I reached the corner. Now what?????

This will work I think. I may need to adjust how many beads are loaded on each thread. As I tat around, in order for the beads to appear in a straight line, I need to have 7 DS between placing a bead. Using 8 shuttles, that means that I slide a bead up every 7^th shuttle. 

Keeping track of where to use the bead is easy with the shuttle holder and a hair pin. As long as I don’t knock it off the table!

 

Another option

 I realized as I was tatting the last sample that the doilies with the crochet rows are really quite different. Nothing for it but to tat up a sample of both using Treble Tatting Stitch. So here’s sample number 2.

It matches the doily I bought in a thrift shop in Carmel. I will puzzle out the next row soon. First, I need to prep the studio and cover the organ pipes for work on the roof. I learned a lot the last time when the skylights were replaced. So, theoretically it should take less time, I won’t be repairing rips in the plastic, and the chaos should be contained to just the one room. Theoretically. If this sounds a bit grumpy and stressed, I apologize. I’m glad they were able to start so soon. I hope the solar panels will go on gracefully, there is minimal breakage of the tiles, and no damage that will need to be repaired. I hope. I’ll let you know when they finish in (gulp!) 6 weeks.

COVID is still around, but I did finish with round 2

 The vintage doily I picked up at Palmettos has been fun to deconstruct and test tat. I smell a workshop in the future. It’s been very illuminating to figure out what stitch count works! I had to try 3 times to come up with what works for the latest round. I’m not wild about the rings not joining within the repeats and just flopping around. I will definitely make sure they join to round 3. I just hope I don’t get confused and join the wrong side up with a ring completely twisted!

Oh and for those that have been keeping me in thoughts etc.: I am still testing negative even though my daughter who lives with us has been testing positive for 13 days now. She’s feeling well enough to work from home so she’s not losing any pay, but still…… I intend to stay clear of that virus as much as I can!

COVD is not done with us yet

 I have been caring for my daughter while she isolates with COVID. So far, I have not tested positive and we’re all being extremely careful. I’ve been napping and relaxing rather than testing out my square motif in a round motif. Perhaps next week…….

Does square lace fit in a round hole?

 Since my experiment last week, I’ve been wondering if I could do the reverse: tat a round shape with a square center?

I had great fun with Jane Eborall’s Fandango pattern. The center is a ring with a square added around it. Then, lots of negative space with basically a circular shape as the next round. Janemctats commented on my last post that crochet patterns go round to square all the time. Hhmmmmmmm.......

Would we need a scallop motif to go from square to round? 

Would it be awkward and not lacy enough? Hmmmmmmm…….

I put a round motif inside a square motif

 

With help from New Tatting by Tomoko Morimoto. I’m always intrigued when square rounds follow a circular round. I thought this might work for a shawl. I can’t decide if I like it better than this motif from EnjoyTakashima Tatting by Taeko Takashima.  

I had fun with this

 Remember the doily I found in a resale shop here? I’ve been trying to figure out the pattern. With Ninetta's Treble Tatting Stitch, I had lots of ideas! The TDS could replace the crochet sections. After working my way through a bit of her book Tatting is a Serious Matter, I was ready to try it out. Well, that trial gave me a less than pretty motif. I abandoned it after just 2 repeats of the TDS part. More study ensued with a snowflake tatted in different threads. I think I finally got it!! In the meantime, I found another example at Tat Days with Palmetto Tatting Guild. After a few false starts again, I came up with this for the first round of TDS:

I've been sampling again

 I’m still working my way through all the boxes and boxes of stash other people have asked me to help with. Occasionally I find valuable things: those go back to the original owner. Occasionally I find useful things: again, I check with the original owner. Occasionally I find intriguing fiber or materials: those I play with or pass on to be creative springboards.

This is a ball of something fun. It appears to be rayon. Very silky and slippery. I would guess it was originally spun in the 80’s. I decided to try tatting with it. Past experience led me to NOT pick up a shuttle (the knots didn’t stay formed at all) and NOT to pick up a needle (again, just too slippery to deal with), so I tried using the Takashima hook.

The attempt was much more successful. You can see I didn’t block the motif.  I had difficulty getting the rings closed and chains settled into position. The motif came from the Collingbourne book I recently picked up in the Antique Shop. I plan to keep the ball in the box with novelty thread for stitching with. I think it would make a great sky background for a small project. Perhaps some canvas work similar to this project or this bookmark?

I like complicated....I guess.....

 

Last summer at Palmetto’s Tat Days I learned how to create a Tatted Helix cord. It’s great fun. I saw all kinds of possibilities and uses. Yesterday, I filled shuttles with thread and beads to tat the cord for the Wee Project mug rug. I can’t wait to see how this will turn out!

One puzzle I need to solve: Where to place the beginning/end of the cord in the project?

I probably should decide that before tatting….

Well that was interesting

 

I tatted this bookmark for a friend. The pattern is from TattedBookmarks – cross shaped by Lene Bjorn. It’s named Pernille and I’ve tatted it several times before. It’s most definitely a 2 shuttle pattern. This time I wanted to use one color for all the rings and another color for all the chains. It didn’t work out as well as I wanted. Because…..

I tried out the idea using a 2 bobbin shuttle for Shuttle 2.

That worked to a degree, but I ended up pulling a bobbin out to tat the outside rings.

I think it would work if both shuttles are 2 bobbin shuttles. Perhaps I’ll try that out the next time I tat the pattern.

Found in an Antique store

 While enjoying a Car Show last week, I popped into a shop that sells collectibles and vintage items. I’ve found shuttles and thread and samples of lace there, so I try to browse whenever I’m in the area. I found a copy of Collingbourne’s 1920 New Easy Way of Making Real Tatting and Maltese Art. This is not a significant publication. It is very much a product of its time. You can view a scan of it on this website. The cover has an illustration of a women in striped dress tatting at round table. On the table is a shuttle, ball of thread, a half dozen books, and a hairpin lace “loom” sitting on top of another book.

Now full disclosure: I am not drawn to learning bobbin lace, nor does "Maltese" intrigue me. Not like tatting does. I realize I’m quite narrow in my lacing. ‘nuff said.

The border around the cover illustration is made up of drawings of lace edgings. Two are tatted, two are "Maltese". Quite a good marketing scheme! The main focus is selling thread. We can dream of producing the laces pictured using the fine product!!

What I really wanted to have is the story shared as an introduction to the text. It describes a trip taken to discover lace in Italy. Quite delightful. Almost makes me want to get on a plane for (HOW LONG????) a trip to Venice and Burono. What will be there 100 years after this fine lady’s discovery trip?

For today, I’ll finish a bookmark and dream of traveling from one tourist destination area to another.

Done and dusted

 

Finishing is quite rewarding. OK, I can see how people aren’t crazy about finishing. I guess I’m just that practical. I want what I create to be used and enjoyed. If I don’t finish it, I can’t enjoy it…..right?

Can you see the tatting? I decided after adding the beads, I didn't want to sew on an edging. I didn't like any of the buttons I had laying around. The Ice Drop looked just the right color and size, so.....I did what tatters do. Improvised with a tatted Ice Drop.

Getting close to the finish line.

 Maybe it’s because the Olympics have been in the news. Maybe it’s because I’ve been sorting through other people’s stash. Maybe it’s because I have so many ideas I don’t know where to start. Whatever the reason, I’m finishing up a UFO: The Christmas Bells blackwork project I started many moons ago.

I didn’t want to completely cover up the center of each side. I wanted to add tatting (of course!). I needed to work in more bling to make the material less jarring. I do like making ice drops. This one will transform the stitching into a biscornu. They’re just plain fun!

Planning time...

I’ve narrowed down the ideas. Now I’ll be sitting down to plan how and when to try them out. This can be the hardest part of the process for me. I get enthusiastic and skip parts of the planning process.

Yes, I have a planning process. It involves lots of thinking and shifting around thread balls and sketching on pieces of paper and sometimes a walk to clear my head. I know it can take almost as much time as just tatting a pattern, but I only create the excellence when I create excellent plans.

I think I’ll take that walk first. Let me get my shoes on, grab my hat, and find my pad for sketching…….

Thinking time....

 With all the concerts I went to last month, with all the stash people have asked help to distribute, the ideas are flowing. I am now starting my third sketchbook since I started creating my designs. Some of the early sketches are pretty comical. Let it suffice to say I’ve learned some. Ok, A LOT! Some of the music I noted is very promising. 

I hope to finish a couple of boring projects in the next week. (I’ll show pictures soon!) Then, I’ll start in on realizing these ideas. Stay tuned……

stash

 We all accumulate a stash of things. Even if we move often or live in a tiny house/apartment. 

Some of us keep our stash relevant and useful. Others can’t help but be overrun with stuff. There are those who seem to find a balance every once in awhile and then become buried in ideas and possibilities. 

I tend to be in the latter group. Right now I’m helping several people to repurpose stash left behind after life changes. I’ve sorted 4 boxes into stacks of material that will go to a half dozen places. It took me several hours. I have 7 more boxes to go. 

I will be taking a break to load shuttles for my next tat-on-the-go project.  

A bright Cheery piece

 After weeks of listening to all kinds of music (Baroque, Medieval, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary) I have so many ideas it will take me a lifetime to realize them!! Better get busy…..

Motif with TDS designed by Ninetta

In the meantime, here’s what I finished while thinking about all those ideas: 

Thank you, Ninetta, for giving us this simple motif to practice TDS!

So many ideas!

There are just a few more concerts to consider. I have so many ideas jotted down as I considered all the wonderful music I’ve listened to. I look forward to sitting down Monday to organize my thoughts for new projects. On the top of the list though, will be this lovely flower from Ninetta of Treble Tatting Stitch fame.

It happens more often than we like

 Anyone who creates makes mistakes. Anyone who learns makes mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes turn out to be happy brilliance. Sometimes starting over is the best option. My latest project using TDS is at that stage: Do I keep the mistake, correct the mistake, or start over?

I’m not surprised I find myself making that choice. I knew the possibility of error(s) was high when I started tatting during the Masterclass. The round I’m on uses plain DS though. I thought I understood the diagram well enough and had a cheat sheet written out in my favorite pattern parlance. Sigh. The mistake is on the order of missed picot. I decided to cut out what I had done and start the round again. I can tat correctly!

Once I return to where I was sitting and find the shuttles I left……..

Time to rest and listen

 I’m enjoying all the music in the concerts and Masterclasses. There is much to learn, much to experience, and much to be inspired by. Gabrielli for instance. Counterpoint. Chords. Haunting melodies. Of course, Bach. Much to listen to.

I’ve been working my way through a small motif using Treble Tatting Stitch. I think I have the mechanics down. I will need to develop a position for my left hand that allows for more relaxation. I need to rest it for another day or so. Then I’ll try out more ideas!!

And so it begins.....

 I say that with excitement, not trepidation. The rehearsals are finished, the classes winding up, the concerts have begun. That is the real fun for most of us. I have my notebook at the ready. I’ll be making notes about music I wish to use….to play or to design tatting. It will be fun!

Here it is

 

That is the case in the Marjorie Evans Gallery. And yes, that is a Mark Leinenoff at the other end of the case. I’m chuffed as a friend says! Buy tickets from a Bach Festival volunteer wearing a red apron before any Main Concert at Sunset Center. The box to stuff with those tickets is mounted on the end of the case labeled #108.

The Opening is tonight!

 

Glissando

Come join the fun! Not only will you see great art, nosh on great food, but you can sit in to listen to a great orchestra rehearse!

Please come to the Artist Reception and Opening!

87 Small Art Works – Show and Raffle

Margorie Evans Gallery, Sunset Center, Carmel, CA

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 5 – 7 PM

Benefiting the Carmel Bach Festival

Oh, and my piece is nicely displayed in a case.

More projects finished

 

Here is my sample square from the shawl pattern in EnjoyTatting worked in 3 ply yarn. I tat rather slowly. It took me about 15 hours over the course of 2 weeks to finish this one square. I have enough yarn to tat up a shawl. Do I have enough time?????

Finished with TDS snowflake

 

Here is my try at Mad Mad Snowflake designed by Ninetta. This is my first attempt at a motif using TDS (Treble Tatting Stitch) in curled rings. I can see lots of little things I would improve, but overall I’m happy to have completed it. Blocking helped a lot. I think I would use two colors again, maybe switching adding the second color for the rings in the second round. On to another motif with TDS in chains.

For those local, I turned in my contribution to the Art of Music fundraiser. Like previous years, the art will be displayed in the gallery at Sunset Center. Tickets will be sold by volunteers just prior to each of the main concerts. If you wish to meet the artists, there will be an opening reception Tuesday, July 9^th at 5:30-7:00 PM. The Open Rehearsal will follow. I plan to be there!

I've been playing with yarn

 For my tatting, I prefer to work with 6 ply cotton thread. Like Lizbeth and Olympus. While at Shuttlebirds Tat Days, I was introduced to Takashima style tatting using a hook. I thought it fun and saw great possibilities. I’ve had a pink cotton sport weight yarn for years. Since I fail so badly at knitting and crochet, I just couldn’t figure out how to use it. I also just couldn’t give it up!

Remember the square I tatted from the Piecework magazine article? It’s based on a tatted bedspread. That gave me an idea. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. The pattern can be found in Enjoy Takashima Tatting  by Taeko Takashima. It is available in the States. I ordered the whole set and with Google Translate have been exploring these lovely patterns.  There’s one more round in the pattern. I think it will work!!!

Sewing finished

Here’s how things stand. Now to get it put into the frame and delivered to the wonderful volunteers that hang the art.

A niggling idea

 I know I should be working on framing. I know I should be learning that accompaniment. I know I should be doing housework. But this idea won’t go away……

I’m thinking of a way to represent chords and harmony in my work. Combining Treble Tatting Stitch and Captured Picots (just the terms Ninetta and Muskaan use) makes a lot of sense to me. I like it better than block tatting. More versatile and definitely more fun to tat.

I’ll get back to the “must do” tasks this afternoon.

I have a ruffle

I guessed wrong on the size of picots of this doily. The edge row ruffles. Not badly. I’ll be blocking it to see if it lays flat. I wanted to get a picture posted to this blog so that we could discuss it in classes in the future. I’ll be making notes in my copy of the book.

There’s another issue I have with this pattern. The math didn’t work out for me. There’s one extra picot for this final round. My solution is to span the space for a loop of thread to use as a hanger. Anyone else have ideas?

In case you’re wondering, yes, I still recommend the book. Learn to Tat is organized well, and the patterns are generally clear with good pictures and diagrams. Just this one doily was published with incomplete comment by the author. I wonder if this was a case of ignorant editor.