What size is this?

 Yes, thread size matters. Not as much in tatting for the mechanics. I do use a slightly different movement of my hands with larger threads. But, it’s a very slight difference. As a designer, if the pattern I’m cooking up doesn’t work as well in size 10 as it does in size 80, it needs tweaking. Thread size still matters in tatting when it comes to how the lace can be used. Below is a photo of the treble clef pattern by Beverly Hevener that won FirstPlace, Original Design in the IOLI Convention 2024 Lace Contest.

The article published in Piecework indicated size 20 thread. So, I worked it up in size 20 using a cheerful variegated. The EGA chapter I stitch with is working the Victorian Ticking project from the Fall 2021 Piecework issue. I decided the back of my little bag should be embellished with a treble clef. So, I found some size 80 thread and tatted up the lavender version. It will fit nicely! Now to choose the rest of the thread and the stitches to go on the stripes.

This is fun!!

The First Place prize for the IOLI 2024 Convention Lace Contest Original Design was awarded to Barbara Hevener for her Opera Bag. The  picture above is of the cover of the Fall 2024 Bulletin. This issue highlights all the Prizewinning Lace. Mrs. Hevener’s design includes this fabulous tatted goodie.

I really like the way she uses different sized split rings. Her pattern is clearly written out, not too complicated, and one of those that starts out a long line of rings and ends up a nicely shaped object. Just plain fun!! Thank you IOLI and Barbara Hevener for inspiring and sharing with us all!

Going Loopy again

 
Here’s my next set of earrings. The pattern is by Marilee Rockley aka Yarnplayer. She sells her wonderful HDT (Hand Dyed Thread) along with her patterns here. I’ve tatted quite a few and thoroughly enjoy them. Anyway, I lost one of a previous pair, so I tatted up a new set. Complete with lots of beads.

I bodged it

 I found this book in a vintage shop. I couldn’t resist buying it. I don’t sew clothes that often anymore. I did when I was younger (Nothing in the stores fit and was too expensive) and I remember how many times I would make a mistake and have to figure out how to make it a “feature” of my outfit.

***** I have since found out that a bodger is someone who makes chairs like the old-style Windsor chairs. Just one of many meanings of the word. *****

Which brings me to my latest tatting adventure…….. 

Loopy by Marilee Rockley 

I lost one earring from a favorite set. It is the lovely pattern from Yarnplayer. I no longer have the thread I used for the first set. I guess I liked the colors! So, I began a new set with different thread and decided to add beads. Lots of beads. It took me awhile to remember where I had put my copy of the pattern with notes from that first set. Once I found those notes, it took me awhile to remember just how I tatted the pattern. I chose the thread and beads, planned out how to place the beads, and started in. I hope to have a decent pair when I finish with the fourth earring. I hope……..

This made me smile

 

Christina's Angel by Mark Myers

I tatted this as a thank you for a friend. She gifted me tickets to the local Symphony Concert. It was great fun!

Round 3 idea

 

I managed a workable stitch count for the motif on round 3 of the Vintage doily. I think I still need to increase the TDS chains so that the motifs can join to each other. Lots going on in the studio and house just now so that may have to wait until next week.

Testing time again

 I’m testing out more options for the wonderful tools Stephanie Designs has for tatting. I’ve signed an NDA, so no info here until the product is ready for the shelves. I try to really think through how the products could be used. That often means sitting and fiddling with things and doesn’t really produce much lace. Then again, it’s worth it!

Pictures to come when they’re ready.