I gave up yesterday. 

I took a day to reset. I only did the must-do on the list and then stitched on the Elephant all afternoon. I made progress. It’s slow going on the background, but rather relaxing.

Now, I need to get back to organizing the organ music, straightening up the thread stash, and catching up on viewing the AGO videos. I’m long past comparing myself to those stars. I have to smile: there are more videos of organists in the 20’s than there are of organists in their 50’s. A very pleasant shift. One can hope that the organ will live and not die.

Just like tatting is not dying, organs will sound!  

Another blow to the organ world

 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.

One side finished

 

I feel a sense of accomplishment. The photo isn’t representative of what the project will look like. That happens with 3-D tatting. To me, that’s a satisfying part of creating lace with shuttles or needles. The in-person version is always better!

I guess that’s why I continue to work towards more organists playing the organ more often. Recordings are nice, but the real thing: much, much better!

When large projects come close to completion

 Several large projects are close to completion. That’s good! Reality is large projects tend to consume waking hours and creative thinking. All but one will not be easy to blog about. Too difficult to take a picture to share, not really tatting or even organ music. So, this space may be a bit dull for several posts. Thanks for your patience. I would like to share this picture though:

keyboard of Dobson organ at St. Dunstan's Carmel Valley, CA

So what marks do you make?

 Yes, I know that’s a vague question. Last post was about marking your pattern. Many of us make a mark for tatting every time we gift a piece of lace, tat in public, or teach someone to tat. For the record, I meant both meaning of the word mark.

To continue the train of thought begun in that last post, what do I mark?

- Since I’m almost always making a copy, I make sure my photocopy has the designer name, where I located the pattern, the date I’m working the pattern.

- Translate a visual diagram to written notation OR written notation to a rough sketch.

- Picot sizes if joins will be structural.

- Size of thread I’m testing out the pattern with including my estimate of how much thread I’ll need.

- Where I plan to hide my ends.

- Sometimes I’ll even be marking whether I plan to use shuttle or needle.

- As I tat the pattern, I’ll add ideas for beads, correct my guesses for picot size, add color options, and of course: where I need more skill practice.

It doesn’t bother me when patterns are just suggestions and not detailed. I do like to have a detailed diagram if there is no clear photograph. I also like to have more detail when the technique is intermediate or advanced. It does bother me when the pattern has obviously been edited by someone who can’t tat. Remind me to tell you sometime about the organ piece with pedal markings that were just plain wrong: the editor had placed all the marks below the staff, even the marks for using your right foot. Yeah. I’ve been known to cross my feet when pedaling certain passages, but I do use my right foot, thank you!

Next post I promise to present a picture of my newest design: Fantasia. When I think about what I want to do while tatting, I’m always thinking of ways to help people appreciate and even learn about lace (specifically tatting with shuttle AND needle). I invite all tatters out there to make your mark!

I've received a jab

 Yesterday and today will therefore be rest days. I spent some time, when I wasn’t sleeping, reading an article on marking your scores by a respected organist. I agreed with the opinions expressed in the article. (Not unusual as I tend to consider all opinions as just that: opinion. I tell my students why I agree and then give them permission to explore, test, and decide.) The bottom line for this organist is that if you mark your score well, your repeat performance will be more accurate, less stressful and more musical.

What has that to do with tatting? Well, I still prefer working from a copy of a pattern printed on paper. That’s because I always, always mark the piece of paper with my notes on thread size, shuttle or needle, finished size, amount of thread used, where I found the pattern difficult to reproduce consistently, any other tidbit that I think I may want to know in 2-3 years when I decide to tat the piece again.... you get the idea!

Mark your score. Mark your pattern.

Your tatting will be more consistent, more enjoyable and prettier.

Next week: how I mark my patterns.

Fox marks the Spot

 That title is not original. More than one person made that pun. I think it fits!

Thank you Jane Eborall for such a fun way to start a New Year!! I always enjoy your Tat It And See!!!

Here’s my finished critter looking forward to marking a place in a book. Right now I’m reading my current magazine issues. Maybe a fox would like to look at new organs installed in places around the world? We shall see……

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

Ya wants some whine with that?

 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!

It's All about the Dog

 This Organ Duet (for two organists at one organ) is just too tempting for me. Tatters can get SAD (shuttle accumulation disease) and weavers can get LAS (loom acquisition syndrome). Musicians accumulate music. Some they will never, ever play in public. Some they play frequently. Duets are hard to do without the cooperation of another musician; and we musicians tend to be loners. But, I just had to get this!

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! 

Mistakes

 I have no pictures of tatting to share with you. Too many mistakes!!I seem to be very distracted lately. Perhaps it’s because the rains are starting and I really, really want to get new plants in the ground pronto to take advantage of what few drops fall before the weather gets colder. Nawh…..

Perhaps it’s because I’m trying out a bunch of new ideas most of which are NOT working. Nawh…..

Perhaps it’s because I’m helping a church discover an organ they’ve had, but not paid much attention to. Nawh……

I just haven’t been very focused lately. Just too much to distract and not enough concentration.

I promise to do better…..

In the meantime, I’ve received requests to do a class in taking design ideas and creating new pieces. Think edgings to bookmarks to hearts to snowflakes to magic squares to whatever you dream up. I really like that idea. May take more than just a few hours though.

Looking to 2021

 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!!

How I learned

 I dislike relating how I learned to play the organ or how I learned to tat. I do tell folks. I just don’t see it as important. What I do now is more important to me. Incidentally, now I play the organ for the enjoyment of people, to enhance a worship service, and to share music I think everyone should know about. Now I tat to express what I see in life in thread. I also teach. And that is why I have begun to tell people how I learned to play the organ and to tat.

I began playing the organ as a preteen. My peers hardly understood it. Adults thought it was cute. I just like playing the organ.

I began to tat as a teen. I like working with fiber. I fail at knitting and crochet. I can’t sit still. A relative, who didn’t tat, had a shuttle and a book. I figured it out.

There! That’s how I learned.

Earlier this week I recorded another 30 minutes of organ music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Here’s the Youtube channel link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Xvh2eadS0KrPu8bAOsBQ/videos .  The church is always empty except for the gentleman who films me. We both wear masks. That doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. The church is still very involved in the community. They support food banks for seniors, they provide assistance for Spanish speakers, and maintain several Zoom based discussion groups. They are not closed, just not meeting in person. They deserve to be supported.

Thank you for reading my rant/plea. Now on to practicing and tatting!

My pipe organ adventures

 

I’ve had fun recording a short 30 minute concert this week. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has hosted a Friday Noon concert for many years. It is a way for them to share with the greater community. A local junior college encourages students to attend, so we often have people popping in for a few minutes. Some bring their lunches and (respectfully and neatly) munch as they listen. I have been invited several times to play and enjoy it greatly!

Since we’re all recording and posting online, that’s what I’ve done for this Friday. This is the page where the link is posted: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Xvh2eadS0KrPu8bAOsBQ/videos

I try to pick music for each concert to showcase a portion of the organ. This week, I also challenged myself to play pieces written in the key of G. It was fun looking through the repertoire. I hope you enjoy!

Please consider supporting St. Paul’s or a local church with such an outreach. They are not “closed” and still offer many opportunities for community. Many are struggling to see a way to fill the many needs. To donate to St. Paul’s, click here: https://www.stpauls-salinas.org/donationsdonaciones

St. Paul's Salinas

I blame the smoke

 I know it’s lame. Our air here hasn’t been as affected as other places in our County. I shouldn’t wine. But, it was bad enough the other day that I just didn’t accomplish much. So, not much to share here. I didn't find a picture I wanted to link to either. Photographs do not convey how wrong things look. I'm sure you can find a story from a reputable news source to read. 

Yesterday, the air at my nose level wasn’t bad. The upper atmosphere was very smoky. The orange tint to the sky upset the animals. If you’ve ever witnessed an eclipse of the sun, it was like that. For the whole day. The sun burned through a bit, but looked like the orange ball you see just before it drops below the horizon. Up over your head at mid-afternoon, it just looked “wrong” and creepy! I tried to keep busy. I keep working on the sample for the October classes. I’ll be sharing an in progress picture next week. I promise!

For today, I’ll be demonstrating an organ for visitors from out of town. We all will be wearing masks and staying a respectful distance apart. The room is large and airy. It will be fun to play a different organ. Yes, I love the Rodgers, but it’s still fun to play something different every once in a while.

Happy September!

With the start of a new month, I’m hopeful.

Hopeful I’ll finish my tatting projects.

Hopeful I’ll learn the music.

Hopeful I’ll regain my stamina.

Hopeful we’ll all be able to meet up soon.

Until then, stay safe and well.

New Music

I bought some new music yesterday! 

It feels fun to indulge in some retail therapy. What did I buy?

It is program music. In more ways than one. The composer based it on a poem from “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S.Eliot. She focused on Mr. Mistoffelees. Now, if you’re familiar with Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, you will be hard pressed to consider the Overture by Rachel Laurin without prejudice. A bit like looking at tatting with cluny elements without thinking of a favorite trim or edging. The effort is worth it. She gives a table of some structural and musical characteristics related to the poem. I’m really looking forward to learning and performing this one!! Here’s a link to a performance that will have to suffice as a world premier in this time of COVID. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deD27fKCesc

And yes, I’ve already made some sketches of a tatting design I see when I consider Mr. Mistoffelees!

Time is marching on

Changes are afoot. I am beginning preparations for a new tatting class series (online only right now). No dates yet, but I think it will be exciting. I need to narrow down the possible pattern: edging for the mat from the Museum collection, edging for your fabric mask, earrings, door decoration in para-cord, cover for ornament, etc.

I’ve also decided I really must complete some of the projects for the house that I started too long ago to admit. That will involve a sewing machine. So, I must organize that part of the house. No, I won’t be sharing pictures! Well, maybe.

I’ll be reminding myself of this story when I get discouraged: 3 years to clean and reinstall the grand orgue in Notre Dame. I won’t take 3 years. Honest.

Oh, and time was extended last weekend. The bidding for the Art Auction to support Carmel Bach Festival will close tomorrow at 3 PM Pacific (11 PM GMT) . I hope whoever wins my piece will let me know. Maybe they’ll even send a picture to me. Well, one can hope.

History really does matter

Those of you who follow this blog regularly know that Ialways keep one eye turned to what has been done before.  You also may have noted that I do not insist on any one particular method of tatting, not one particular method of learning music. Since the history of tatting has been obscured through time, and no two organs are alike, I don’t spend a lot of time on how to, I just try to focus on results and what works this particular time. Lest you wonder, I am highly critical of my own efforts. I record myself regularly when practicing, photograph my tatting from all angles, and seek out comments from those who know and from those who have never experienced the process. I may not have strict methods, but I operate on the knowledge that details matter. That’s where History comes in.

I feel we must know from where we come so that we can focus our energies and resources on what will matter in the future. It’s exciting to me to find out what other people have created. Sometimes I don’t like it. Sometimes I can’t get enough. So, I spend quite a bit of time listening tomusic, visiting museums, reading and watching and soaking it up. I hope that those efforts are not just wasted time, but the chance to discover what someone has found important. All that is to say, I don’t have pictures of what I’ve been tatting, I don’t have videos or sound clips of my organ playing, lately I’ve been playing with a lot of ideas.

I will share a link to a rather fun look at an organ competition: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/videos/pipe-dreams/

This is a 55 minute show following several young organists as they compete in an International Competition in Canada. You’ll see a wide variety of organs, although nothing is shared about the individual instruments. You’ll see a wide variety of backgrounds, although nothing is shared about where the young people are now. You’ll hear a wide variety of music, although most of the clips are just highly edited snippets. 

If you want more, you’ll need to spend a fair amount of time on Youtube and other surfing. Since this competition is held every 3 years, you’ll have lots of time before the next one. In the meantime, please seek out local musicians and artists whether or not they enter competitions. We’re starting to get back to doing what we do best.

How to wash your hands

If we weren’t all, every single one of us, affected by this change of daily life, the soundbites we hear might cause one to laugh: Be safe, Wash your hands, Wear a mask.

We are all affected; even if we have power enough to refuse to wear a mask in public. We are all affected.

I did laugh the other day.

My professional reading includes quite a few magazines. One is the Diapason. In the May 2020 issue, a regular column In the Wind….. is written by John Bishop. His take on all things organ is often amusing and frequently instructive. One section includes suggestions for how to measure 20 seconds. (In case you were never a Girl Scout leader, that’s how long you need to wash your hands to insure they are cleaner.)He mentions songs you can sing to yourself or out loud (grin). A prayer or two you can recite. I smiled at this suggestion from Macbeth:

Out, damn spot! Out, I say! — One, two. Why, then, ’tis time to do’t. Hell is murky! — 
Fie, my Lord, fie! A soldier, and afeared? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account? Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him.

He suggests to emote a little so your hands will be cleaner. Perhaps no gestures though.

It made me laugh.

My suggestion: imagine tatting a small ring of 4 DS.

Perhaps that is because my design for Bach Festival this year has a mignonette section. 

Be safe. Wash your hands. Wear a mask.