I am a musician (organ) and a tatter (shuttle mostly) living in California. I have dreamed of combining both of these passions.
Shhhh…….
I’m working on big
projects…….
Like skylights, window
coverings, and lots and lots of dusting.
When I do sit down with my
shuttles, I’m working on the first 2 movements of the Saint-Saens. It’s been
awhile, and I thought I should finish off the design.
Because I
like contrapuntal* music, I like tatting patterns
that weave into 3-D pieces. Being able to work them in different colors
is just what the organist in me wants. So, I’m off on a new interwoven pattern:
Rd 1 color 1 of Interwoven Picot
Medallion adapted by Cajah Reed
I
found this in the summer 2021 issue (Vol. 41, No 4) of the Bulletin published
by IOLI. The name is very descriptive: Interwoven Picot Medallion and Ornament.
Thank you to Cajah Reed for adaption this from Serena Watson’s Twirly.
* Contrapuntal: A piece of music with two or more independent melodic lines.
Normally, I dislike patterns I need to fuss with to make it work for my tatting style. That’s probably why I don’t tat more vintage patterns. I figure if a designer puts down a ring of 8 DS, I shouldn’t need to tat only 7 DS to make the final piece lay flat or look right. I understand that I tat tighter than many tatters. So, when I come across a pattern that doesn’t work with the published stitch count, I assume (yes, I know a dangerous stance) that something isn’t right.
I came across a pattern in a book of crosses that I’ve
wanted to explore for some time. The end points of each arm/leg/top are split
rings. Easy enough, right? Well, the pattern as published has those split rings
with 8 DS on each side. One side has 3 picots, so if you do picots the Jan
Stawasz way, that changes how many times the thread wraps around the core. I
tried the pattern both ways. It was no go. I used a different tension. No go. I
even tried using a different brand of thread that is just ever so less a
diameter. No go. I finally just changed the stitch count.
Why should this matter so much?
Because my design style depends on stitch count. There are
some pieces I design with stitch count driven by the music structure. Well, I
learned something very valuable with this pattern:
If I need stitch count to matter, I should steer clear of
certain elements.
I know many of you reading this are more familiar with the tatting side of my life than the music side or my life. But, this is important.
Some of you have been lucky enough to play or at least hear
the Dobson Opus 94 at St. Dunstan’s Carmel Valley. I consider it a wonderful
instrument that I get to play regularly. This news item hit me in the gut:
Last week Dobson Organ Builders in Lake City, Iowa suffered
a disastrous fire. The building is a complete loss. So much was lost in the
fire. But what was found is important to me:
Many, many people have expressed support in many tangible
ways to the company. And all they do is build pipe organs. Very good pipe
organs. It is wonderful to know they will be rebuilding. Let’s all help.
It’s time to wind shuttles for a large project. I’ve sampled, sampled, sampled. I’ve refined the pattern and color plan. So, it’s time for the tedium of tatting. I’ll be combining that with attending a class offered as a summer intensive. Tatting will help me to keep my focus that intensive.
Ok......UNCLE......
Last week was....frustrating.... in the design area.
Fantasia is still a fantasy; my edging for the Challenge doily is still a challenge; and with the remodel work, I'm reluctant to start anything new.
So, I revisited this stitching project:
I rather like working with this combination of cotton perle and silk floss. It will do nicely for a background.
Here’s a link to the posting of the Biscornu on the International Organization of Lace, Inc. website.
They have been encouraging lace making for many, many years. Recently, there have been more tatting resources available through IOLI. I encourage you to check out their website and consider joining in the Virtual Convention July 25-August 1, 2021.
The next 2 weeks, I will be attending a class on Church
Music & Hymnology. While it is virtual, I will not have unlimited time at
the computer outside class. I will be sketching future designs for tatted
pieces, perhaps a new ornament collection. Please forgive if I miss a blog
post. June 2021 will be an exciting time for me!
Happy tatting!!
I tell my students that frequently. Of course, they usually interpret it just a bit different than I do. I spend a lot of time encouraging the judicious use of pen (never pen) and post-it notes (seldom highlighter) so that their brain can focus on tasks that cannot be “marked” as they create.
Setting my organ hat aside, I have suggestions for those who
look to me when I have my tatting hat on.
Understand and accept there is no standard notation. Just as
there are many ways to write out how a team should line up for the start of
play, there are many ways to write out how to execute a tatting pattern. I do
recommend being familiar with the notation documented and made available to us
by these wonderful organizations:
- Palmetto Tatting Guild: https://www.palmettotatters.org/patterns/StandardTattingNotationforPTGTatDays.pdf
- Shuttlebirds Tatting Guild: https://www.shuttlebirds.com/tatting_abbreviations1.shtml
I also recommend that you be kind to yourself. The more you
note by marking a pattern, the more brain power you have available to create
beautiful lace. You have a powerful brain. If you feel a bit overloaded and
overwhelmed, chances are you need to use a tool (like a pencil or post-it) to
help out your brain. By using thread grown, spun, dyed, and marketed by others,
you’re already using tools. Using a pencil can seem like it slows you down, but
your lace will be more exquisite if you make your mark.
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| Split Ring Heart by Georgia Seitz |
The pattern is written well. There is a clear diagram, a
good photo, and text written out clearly. Some information is assumed, some is
noted in a proprietary manner, but as tatting patterns go, it’s quite clear. I
like using patterns of this type for classes. I feel it teaches students how to
tat along with how to explore more tatting and even how to communicate their
designs.
This is my sample I finished after the class ended. I have
given up finishing a heart during the online class. I find it too distracting
to my primary task of monitoring student progress. I did make sure to talk
through how to finish and block the heart. I decided I’ll be putting this in my
box of class samples. It clearly shows the path of work.
Now, on to the next project: a design based on music of
Palestrina that incorporates a bit of stitching using the Palestrina knot.
I’ve been poking at learning the piece. I find it harder to learn such music as I get older. I vow to keep trying though! Just don’t ask for a recording…..
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| Spinning Wheel Glass Mat Designed by Mary Konior |
I will be adapting this wonderful pattern to use as the center of the doily. The final section of the Fantasia has short runs going up through the hands. This spinning row idea is just the ticket!
Now for the idea for the middle section of music…….
That’s a positive that I’m grateful for. I’ve had my scares. Some would say I’m on my 4th 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:
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| Jane's TIAS 2021 Day 1 |
Months ago I started looking at a Fantasia BWV 572 by JS Bach (surprised at my choice of composer? I hope not!).
The composition is a fine example of the Fantasia form in
the Baroque era. Classic (pun intended) ABA with brilliance in the first and
last sections with solid harmonies in the middle section. I like puzzling out
the structure of the harmony and using the bit of Music Theory I’ve learned
over the years. That can usually give me a good basis for putting the music
into thread.
Except this time.
Until last night….about 2 AM.
A foray into the thrift shops yesterday uncovered a lovely
little doily. I’m in the process of blocking it now so I’ll share a picture
later. The center section can be recognized as tatting with a bit of crochet
between it and the tatted edging. I’ve worked the edging many times. It’s a
simple ring and chain that meanders from edge to center to edge and is fun to
work.
That edging inspired the A section motif. I’ll use stacked
chains for the B. (chortle with glee can be heard)
Quite a few of my Holidays find me gettin’ real whiney. As a church musician, December is non-stop performance. The music requested runs the gamut: 13 th century to 21 century; obscure sacred text to the latest poem by a “star”; and when someone actually is courteous enough to ask me to pick the music, I never know if it will please the listener. This year is no exception! Even without the in-person option, I’ve fielded enough requests for something everybody likes (read secular kids songs) to something easy (read a favorite of theirs that I’m sure to butcher). So, I’m whiney. When I allow myself to talk. Hint: if your musical friend isn’t saying much it’s because their just tired of the demands made on them this time of year. If they share anything, don’t talk, just listen. They really, really don’t care to know that Aunt Tilley loved the way Uncle Arthur sang O Holy Night. Let them celebrate authentically. You’ll enjoy their company a lot more, trust me!
OK rant over. I’ll know who has been around musicians by how
loudly you’re laughing.
I spent time yesterday playing with beads and thread. My
beaded version of Dissent is shaping up nicely. After several hours of
notetaking, math problems, and researching bead packaging, I determined I have
enough beads to start loading them on tatting. Who knew 1000 beads weight just
a few grams? I should have pictures to share next week. Unless I change my
mind. We’ll see what the future brings.
Because there will be a future. I promise to fill it with
music and tatting. Really. Just give me some wine time!
Of course as soon as it arrived I played through a bit. I
see a tatting design in the structure of the piece. I’ll be working in 2 colors
of course. I will be using what I’ve learned in 2020 about combining colors.
Thank you to all who have patiently explained all you know about color and
shared all your wonderful pieces as examples. I’ll keep you posted on what the “Dog”
shows me!
I know, it’s far enough in the future I really shouldn’t focus on 2021, but 2020 has been too crazy! Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t changed my tune. For those that know me well and have worked with me on the bench, I still plan my music well in advance. I have Christmas just about learned, the weeks in between need just a bit more fine tuning, and I have my practice list for the next 2 weeks. I’ve also figured out what I want to work on for designs. The music is just about analyzed, and the broad outline is worked out, and the details are falling into place. What I still need help with?
What do you want to learn in 2021?
I view teaching as a dialogue. I have no set group of pieces
or patterns to teach students. I make it a point to ask questions and listen
and suggest. It drives some of my students kinda nuts! “Just tell me what to
do!” Well, I'll be glad to, but help me out here...... please? The Lace Museum is taking suggestions for
future classes/workshops. Please fill out their form for tatting ideas:
techniques, patterns, general project descriptions, historical pieces, whatever
draws you to thread to tat. That will make 2021 a lot more fun!!
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| what to learn next??? |
I am a life-long learner. I count learning as a hobby. I’m addicted to finding out new information. Yes, that means there’s always a pile of stuff to read, “small” projects to do, and entries on the calendar for talks, conversations, documentaries. Some people’s lives are never boring due to drama. My life is never boring due to curiosity. And yes, I do know curiosity can kill a cat. The older I get, the more things available on the internet, the less energetic I feel, the safer my days are. Honest!
I’ve been pulling together my Class Material for the Lace
Museum series. Teaching is a sure-fire way for me to learn. I learned a great
deal tatting the sample. I learned which point of the pattern my mind
consistently wanders. Valuable information. I plan to pass that on during the
weekend classes. Join us!
To register, visit the workshop page and scroll down about
half way: tatting workshop
