Getting ready

I’ve decided I’m cursed with always being in the process of getting ready! That’s not a bad thing! I rather like all the activity.

I spend hours practicing for that 1 hour of playing for other people.

I spend hours tatting that 1 small snowflake or earring.

I spend hours cleaning and straightening for that 1 day hosting.

Currently, I’m spending hours preparing the Elephant canvas, preparing an application to teach another workshop, deciding what I’ll be doing to celebrate the Holidays…then preparing for all that.

Lest you think I’m grumpy about it all, I would rather be planning and preparing than caught flat-footed and miss the chance to play the organ, give a gift, or welcome friends to my home.

So, I’m off to prepare to host the Tuesday Tatting Study Group. After a walk along the Bay.

Have I got a surprise for you!

But, it’s not ready yet!

I have raised creative children. When they were small, Legos were a favorite toy. They would build lots of creative masterpieces. Sometimes the blocks went together following directions (verbal and written) and sometimes the ideas came solely from their own creativity. 

I would need to keep an eye on what they were doing. It only takes once for you to learn that napping on a pile of plastic blocks is not a good idea! When it would get quiet, I’d investigate. More than once, I was greeted with,

 “Don’t look now! I’m making a surprise for you!”

Well, dear readers.

Don’t look now, I’m making a surprise!

I’ll have pictures soon. Thank you Ninetta for sparking this burst of creativity!

Details

We’ve found the parts of the organ that still aren’t working. We’re taking a break before puzzling through that. You see….much like looking at a vintage tatting pattern the schematics are not 100% accurate. That means you can’t be 100% that a specific part is toast. And these were manufactured in the 80’s. So, yeah….lots of trial and error. 

Think of working a New York Times crossword puzzle originally published in the late 50’s where the numbering of the clues does not match up with the numbering in the puzzle. And did I mention you’re working with a soldering iron on a printed circuit board that was assembled in a specific order that doesn’t match the order in the schematics that makes removing one transistor quite difficult and tricky? Yeah…..lots of walks by the Bay.

In the meantime, I’m working on the earrings. I changed the thread I’m using for the curled rings. It’s much easier to execute the final join to curl, but I would like the rings to lay closer to the beads, so may need to cut and snip and re-tat. I plan on wearing these a lot, so it's worth the 2 hours to re-tat. We’ll see…..

More weaving in the heart

I completed more of the Martha Ess Heart pattern:

This is the final round at the point of the heart; from here on out, you work up the side to the top ending at the “cleavage” with a final chain. To complete the pattern, you tat part of a self-closing mock ring, switch to the other color thread, tat part of a second self-closing mock ring, then you weave the shuttles through rings, tat chains and finally close the rings. It sounds complicated and hard to execute. In all sincerity, it was easier to figure out shuttle placement of these few elements than to figure out shuttle placement of the first join of this round.

Funny thing though….I caught almost all of my mistakes in the complicated parts, but as I finished, I noticed that first join does not match the picture. I need to study the pattern, figure out if I really did make a mistake, and then make notes to help the next time around.

Yes, there will be a next time. I’ve had a request to tat this pattern in quilt thread for some earrings.

Christmas earrings

Iris Neibach pattern

Here’s the earring pattern by Iris Neibach that gave me inspiration:

Anything that appears to have a grid as its structure always reminds me of tablature or notes on a staff. I definitely need to play with this some more.

Up next: bracelet design with 5 long lines of beads and something else for the other direction.

I've been busy....

But nuthin ta show

I completed the second earring. Now to block and mount on wires.

I completed the eighth round of Wiosna 2017 by Renulek. But, it looks kinda funky without the next round. I’ve taken a picture, but it’s not worth sharing.

I’ve chosen which Sonata to use as the basis for the BachFestival piece. Now to decide what to pull out of the music and how to represent it all.

And I’ve set up another round of gardening. Hopefully, the work we’re doing now will cut down the tedious nature of gardening in the future. Pictures after the weekend. We have some more of the pretty Kalanchoe to plant. 

More ideas than time....especially when the weather is nice!

Still playing with beads and curled rings. Several ideas worked. Two did not. So, forward progress overall. Keeping on task will be difficult. The weather is drop dead gorgeous, I was gifted a bag full of Workbasket magazines, and I have several more ideas to try out for Bach Festival and the earring design I’m working on.  It rained last night so the newly planted plants are happy. I’ve got more ideas than time, I’m happy!
Happy Tatting AND music making!

Another Debut

Another version of Marilee’s pattern Dazzling Debut:

Dazzling Debut by Marilee Rockley

I like smaller earrings. The version I did last week didn’t look “finished” enough. So, I used size 40 thread instead of size 10, and added the two rounds from the necklace pattern. I like it better.

Today starts the busiest 4 days in most organists’ lives. I wish all a successful run!

Dazzling

The sun was dazzling on the Bay. I walked down to the “working wharf” this morning; a lot of activity there. A crew was mending nets in the parking area. Another crew was repairing damage under a section of wharf. Yet more people were unloading fish into hoppers shoveling ice as the stream of silver slid in. Several whale watching boats were heading out. Oh, and a storm was gathering off the North end of the Bay. All that fresh air and activity inspired me.

Yesterday, I completed a trial of an earring pattern by Marilee Rockley:

I’ve been trying and trying to wrap my brain around curled rings. I think this time, I finally got there. Although the first two I did with the ring and chain on one side of the earring, and the last three with things in the proper place.

I like the 3-D effect. Must visit this with other size thread and beads for a pair I can wear!

During Christmas

Ah Christmas….

I love Christmas. As a musician, it’s a great time to join in the general fun of carols and music. And music is a huge part of celebrating the Holidays.

I tend to unplug from just about every “normal” activity during Christmas. Today being the 9^th Day of Christmas, I figured I could pick up blogging again.

 Here’s what I completed tatting

Not finished yet. Which reminds me….

finishing…..

That word tends to strike terror into some stitcher’s hearts. Well, I’ve discovered that a lot of the finishing involved in tatted pieces really happens as you tat. You can hide ends with loops, you can tat snugly so blocking is minimal, and you can work loops for hanging and such into the pattern. Easy-peasy!!

Incidently, I tried to strategically place black beads as I was loading the clear beads for these guys. Makes ‘em look beady-eyed. Pun intended!

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!)

Earring challenge

Remember this challenge? 

Well, an earring a week was just a bit too much for my tat-load (workload of tatting projects). But, I’m thinking an earring a month will work. I decided that when I found a list of earring patterns I made a couple of years ago. There’s 9 on that list. Add to that the patterns I’ve discovered in the last year or so. And voila! An earring a month!

To motivate myself and convince myself I can actually meet this challenge, I’ve created this display.

Most of these entries were finished by the time summer began. Several were in the “because I can” stage when I registered to enter. Two entries weren’t finished in time. Two pieces I entered weren’t really finished either. I’ll be reorganizing my tatting display items next week.

25 Motifs in 2016

I did it!! This one completes the Challenge:

Hen N Chicks square by Rachael Mohler

I completed 25 motifs in 2016. I know many, many other tatters have tatted that much in 12 months. I probably have in quite a few years in the past. But, this year I kept track. I thought it would help me keep track of projects for the house, help grow the studio, and generally keep me focused and motivated. Well, it did!!

Thank you Sharon for maintaining the blog. I know how much work you’ve set for yourself. Yes, I know technology makes a lot of the task easier, but you still have to sit and the computer, look at the screen, edit the post, and then make sure it’s all the way you want it to be. Thank you!

And so, here’s my 2016 25 motif Challenge list:

1: Design # 10 Ball Cover by Nadine Nunnelley

2: Cross by Melanie Cervi

3: Wild Rose by Nellie Hall Youngburg

4: TIAS 2016 (Bunny) by Jane Eborall

5: Snowman by Melanie Cervi

6: Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

7: Heart basket using Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

8: Edging by Nellie Hall Youngburg

9: Celtic Knot Butterfly by Rozella F. Linden

10: Tatted Scarf Square from a Workbasket magazine c. mid1970’s

11: Celtic Picot Mat by Jennifer Williams

12: Curled Ring Earring by Muskaan

13: Tatted Triangle Motif by Frauberger updated byJennifer Williams

14: Rainbow Bright Earrings by Renee Campbell

15: Long Picot Earrings by Nina Libin

16: Lanyard using Necklace by Nina Libin

17: Bead Cap Earrings by Melanie Cervi (no picture….it went poof after the gift was wrapped and given)

18: Edging based on several vintage patterns

19: Window Decoration II by Jan Stawasz

20: Motif from Hector Earrings by Nina Libin (no picture....I had one, but now....poof!)

21: Dainty Tatted Trim by Anna J. Johnson

22: Insertion based on Hen N Chicks

23: Daisy Medallion updated by Ruth Perry

24: Tatted Tablecloth Square from Workbasket c. 1974

25: Hen N Chicks Square by Rachael Mohler (see picture above in this post)

There! If anyone has questions or comments or would like more info, I’ll be back to check after a walk on the beach! If you're curious what else I've tatted lately, have a look at the Board I have on the other blog I maintain.

A Gigue to thread

Bead added….

Earring tatted….(no picture as it’s a gift)

Walk on the beach enjoyed…..

And as a special bonus, the sky was clear yesterday morning, so I enjoyed a wonderful colorful sunrise!

I have been considering possible designs to tat as I play through the “Gigue” Fugue. The notes are arranged in groups of 3. I’ve been toying with ways to weave in groups of 3. I have several possibilities to try. And wouldn’t it be fun if I had a thread that changed colors in the same proportion as the music changed key centers? I’d like something a bit brighter than the Herbal Garden. The music is so happy and cheerful sounding! That triangle piece is so lush and calm. I’ll just have to dance over to the stash and see what I can find!

Springtime is turning to summer

I finished another pair of earrings. I’ve always gravitated to pastel colors. When this mint color showed up on the Pantone list, I found myself smiling. Then, Barb at Handy Hands offered thread in a mint color. Then life intervened and I’m just getting to playing with it.

Long Picot Earrings designed by Nina Libin

The pattern was simple once you got the thread set up. You don’t even need a shuttle; or a needle really. I tatted the first earring using just my fingers. For the second ring, I used a Single Shuttle Split Ring. That way I could hide both ends securely. The only problem with that is the space created between the rings. I found they began to twist. Then I decided that’s not really a problem. Thank you Nina Libin for creating such a simple, elegant pattern!

Organ concerts and earrings

First off, an update on the organ side of my day. I had the pleasure of hearing James Welch play the organ at St. Dunstan’s recently. It was inspiring. Mostly for the music he played. He chose wonderful music that really showed off the instrument. Also for the people who came. The concert sold out. Standing room only. The Fire Marshall would have probably had a fit. And everyone enjoyed themselves. It’s so much fun to hear good organ. It’s even more fun to see people who may not be familiar with organs to walk in and experience the King of Instruments.

Now on to tatting:

These are what I came up with from Renee Campbell’s pattern Rainbow Bright Earrings. I enjoyed tatting them, even though I used size 80 thread and no beads. The star shaped spacers I used were a find in a bead shop where I used to live. I’m not sure if they’re still available. I plan to wear these to celebrate anything having to do with being American.

Oh, and yes, I will be playing again for the St. Paul's Noon concerts soon. I'll try to remember to post about it here as soon as I have the next date. I just get distracted at the organ and forget to do tasks on the 'puter. My bad. I promise to keep the organ first, but fit this in also.

Let's curl those rings!

Sometimes it takes a few repetitions to get through my brain. Tatting has helped me learn how to “practice” away from the keyboard. I’m getting better at learning how to play from studying the score. I still need the kinesthetic and aural process. But, I’m learning smarter. I think…..unless that’s just my ego talkin’!

This week I’m learning to curl my tatted rings. I am deeply grateful to Ninetta and Muskaan for all their talent, generosity, and friendship. They live across the world, so shouting my praise for them is limited to my digital communications. For now at least.

I won’t amuse you with pictures of my first few attempts. I finally did get one earring motif done.

Jewelry Medallion by Muskaan

I always try out new techniques with larger, white thread or leftover bits in my “demo box” and on shuttles. So, a picture of this sample isn’t that pleasing to look at. But, I feel it’s an accomplishment. It's difficult to see in the white thread. I encourage you to check out the pattern: http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2015/musaancuredearrigs.pdf Perhaps my glob of white will give courage to other tatters to try out the technique.

I see this technique useful in my musical tatting. I think it will represent chordal structure and harmonies quite nicely. I’m off to try another pattern or another version of this one. With my performance and meeting schedule, that may not appear here for many days or weeks. 

Surprise!

Whenever I tat a larger project, I end up with several smaller projects along the way. I’ve been tatting a geometric pattern in a variegated thread. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how consistent my stitches have been. The color change is occurring in pretty much the same point in the pattern as I work around the edge. You see, I so fail at knit and crochet because my tension is so erratic. A wise knitting teacher offered suggestions for how to develop a consistent physical motion. I’ve decided that unless I have an aural crutch of music running through my head, my body doesn’t repeat itself. But, with this project, I’ve been pleasantly surprised.

corners in herbal garden thread

These are the little corner motifs of the pattern. As the edge is worked, these will be joined to and worked into the overall pattern. I rather like the shape of these corners. I’m thinking of tatting another set and turning these into earrings. Unfortunately, the colors do nothing for me for clothes/jewelry, so I’ll probably change my mind or use different colors.

25 motif challenge

I’ve recommitted to the 25 motif challenge. 

So far in 2016, I’ve completed

Ornament cover:

Pattern # 10 by Nadine Nunnelley

10 shawl crosses: 

Wild Rose: http://picotsnkeys.blogspot.com/2016/01/wild-rose-22.html

And a snowman: 

Snowman by Melanie Cervi

Shawl angel

4 down and 21 to go.

On the shuttles now:

Jane’s TIAS

Another Shawl angel

Flag http://picotsnkeys.blogspot.com/2014/10/flag-with-red-stripe.html

That’s pretty good for me! Just 3 UFO’s!!

That encourages me that I can tat 25 motifs in 2016! Off to the shuttles……

Bach at the Mission

I’ve finished tatting the snowman earring set. No pictures until the customer is happy though. I’ve been working on the pattern, so that should be up about the same time the picture can be released. It made me happy to get that project finished. I know I will make more pairs. Perhaps with different colored hats or different beads.

Progress on the organ studio? Not much to write about. Still gathering carpets and trying to get the brick rehab scheduled. Still getting the walls uncovered so that we can paint. But, I continue to practice and enjoy Bach Festival.

Altar in front at Carmel Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo

Here’s a link to the organ I enjoyed for the second concert yesterday.

Pipework of the Casavant at Carmel Mission

 I must get copies of the music I've heard here at the Festival Concerts. I already have a doily in mind for one piece.