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

I take refuge in creating

 Most of the time, I don’t follow the news. Occasionally, I find myself looking in on what’s happening. Last night, I watched with shock the report on the events of the day in Washington DC. Now, if you say, “Washington” around my family, you are generally understood to mean a state in the Pacific Northwest. The other Washington just doesn’t enter into our daily life much. But, it is a significant place where significant events happen with significant people involved. I’m glad I’m not that significant. I can choose to live without such events in my daily life!

My evening continued with a calming activity of creating lace. Here’s a picture of what I accomplished yesterday:

header row of Dissent by Marilee Rockley

I can't let this one go!

 I should….I really should. I don’t have the excuse that I don’t have time. We’re still on lock-down. As each week passes, more and more families are touched by death and illness. I seem to want to escape by working on this endless doily. Here’s the idea I’m working with for round 16:   

It’s still not very large given the tiny thread and simple design for rounds 5-14. And I’m not working on it as steadily as I could. (I’ve been helping with planting roses. All 14 are in the ground.) I guess the small repeat motifs have been a bit calming. And we do need calm. Perhaps that is why I keep picking it up.

I look forward to getting back to teaching. Not enough students signed up for the Lace Museum classes next week. We’re looking at dates for the future. Keep an eye on their registration page for an update. Perhaps when I get back to a regular schedule I’ll finish this off. Well, one can hope……

Inspiration struck....again....whew!

 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)

Another pair for Cristmas

 

Garnet Set by Nina Libin

Well, actually, 2 pairs.

 

Garnet Set by Nina Libin 

Doesn’t this look like a fun pattern? It’s available for free on the Lace Museumwebsite. I worked this set with pearl beads quite awhile ago. I wear them occasionally so I decided I should make a pair in Christmas colors.  I decided to omit one bead on each split ring. I think they look better when all the beads are on the same plane.

Oh, and if you’ve signed up for the classes I’m teaching nextmonth sponsored by the Lace Museum and you need to order the beginner kit, it may not arrive in time. Packages are sporadically on time coming from SCC due to the increase in COVID cases. Our regular carrier (in the next county over) has had to take some time off awaiting a test result. Thankfully it was negative, but that set back a couple of packages that were coming to our house. Even if you do need materials, there are do-it-yourself options that will be perfectly fine for the class. Email me or the Museum and I’ll send you the instructions.

If you haven’t registered for a class…..

What are you waiting for? Come join the fun!!

A new pair just in time

 I saw this pattern on Bernice's blog Knot Vortex. I needed an elegant pair of earrings for a family Zoom Christmas party.  Thank you for sharing your pattern!

Worked in White metallic DMC 3 ply thread with pearl beads.

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!