Piecework is fun to explore

I realized Monday that I had not put up a post on my recent pattern browsing.  Quite some time ago, I put 2 CD’s of Piecework Lace Issues on my shelf. I finally got around to cracking open the wrapping and exploring them. On one of the Cd’s, there is a lovely article about a bedspread. Included in that particular issue is a pattern for the basic motif used in the rather <huge> bedspread. I must try it out soon!

Heart samples

 

Split Ring Heart by Georgia Seitz

When I teach, I try to come up with ways to help students get the concepts and practice the skills. For the last class I taught online with the Lace Museum, I used the pattern for this heart:

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.

It's not working for me

 This plan for life right now… it’s just not working for me.

Part of me wants to rejoice in a more freedom of movement and a more open environment.

Part of me wants to hide a while longer.

That’s because I won’t be eligible to sign up for a vaccine for quite some time: too young, and too healthy.

So for those who wish me to share my talents and creativity in person: I’m waiting a while longer. This plan is not working for me.

Please be patient a while longer. 

In the meantime, let's walk along the Bay together. Just let me grab my mask.

Ok, ready!

Sample, sample, sample......

 That is the mantra I’ve heard. I usually follow it. I mean, you can always use the bits and ends for decorating a card. And when I teach a class, I like to prepare samples to specific points so that I can just pick them up and demonstrate a particular technique or part of the pattern.

So, here are my samples completed from last week’s class: 

I used shuttle to tat 2 of them, and needle to tat the other 2. I have samples in Christmas colors already done, so I just may use these as gifts.

Now, on to the samples for the next class.

Be prepared

 I am prepared….

For the Hearts class. I really like these patterns. They are in my “frequent pattern used pile” and I have many examples. I’ve even made a basket with 3 of them. I’m looking forward to sharing them with the students who’ve signed up. If you would like to join us for 2 Saturday mornings (Pacific Time), head on over to the Museum website and sign up. No particular materials needed, just a ball of thread you like working with and 2 shuttles or needles.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

 

Beaded Fish designed by Jane Eborall

I tatted this up over the weekend. It was fun!! Thank you Jane for another pattern that makes me smile!

Shiny

 

I’m supporting a friend who is job searching. She’s easily distracted while looking at websites as she works as a Web Designer. My role is to hold her accountable for “shiny time” and celebrating “job hunt time” as she scrolls through all those job listings! I’m fortifying myself with chocolate!

I’m still exploring different fibers. I wanted to compare the two of the metallic threads I’ve used in the past. The one in the middle is what  LizMetallic looks like, the smallest at the bottom is Beading thread that is waxed I think, the top one is DMC Metallic. Since the DMC has rayon, it handled differently from the rest. I would love to know how the Beading thread is spun and finished. Anyway, the shiny distracted me!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled tatting/practice!!