Dusted, not done, and ready for Round 3

I finally got everything corrected and completed Round 2 of Renulek’s Spring Doily. I’ve already filled 3 sheets of paper with notes and such for the class tomorrow. Mostly, they come under the heading of, “Tat carefully paying attention to….”

I'm combining it again

First off, I did get the mistake corrected. I’m still getting back to that point as I tat. I just haven’t been tatting much lately. Why? Well, I’ve been having fun with Orgelkids at the Pedals, Pipes and Pizza that our San Jose Chapter of the AGO put on last Saturday. There’s also been lots to do around the house with the “upgrade” project coming to a finish. And then there’s another Atmospheric River coming in tomorrow. I took the time yesterday to make sure wind and rain will do less damage. No, we don’t have to barricade with plywood, nor do we have to sandbag or move things to high ground. It didn’t really take that much time, just added to the long list of chores I seem to face lately. But, if my efforts at my house can make sure personnel are available to help others, I’ll put that effort in.

Monday, I spent some time with a lovely group of stitchers. I’ve learned so much about the historical use of fibers, how to work with different threads, and whether my idea might just work or be pleasing to others. This time around, we looked at Assisi embroidery. Being rooted in the use of negative space, I was inspired and rejuvenated. We were encouraged to stitch a small sample. This is what I chose.

Of course, I was imagining all kinds of ways to combine it with tatting! I can already see in my mind the edging I wish to tat for it!!

But first, I really must sit down and make sure I’m making time for what’s important. Just after I take a walk by the ocean before the rain starts!

And it was going so nicely!

I’m enjoying tatting Renulek’s Wiosna 2025. The first few rounds are full of interesting techniques. Each round looks nice on its own and plays nice with the next round added. Brilliant!

If only my tatting were brilliant……

I missed a picot and 6 DS in a chain. If this were an outer round, I might live with it. If I had an abundance of this thread, I’d just snip and begin again. As it is, I’m picking it up each day and un-tatting 3 elements. I’ll be finished in time to take it with me this weekend on a short trip.

Incidentally, the thread doesn’t appear this tan in real life. It has a bit of a khaki green hue to it in lamp light and sunlight shows a different combination to my eyes. Of course, I’ve learned the hard way not to trust my eyes. I’m always asking other people what they think of color combinations I come up with. I’ve also learned that when I come up with a combination that looks “different” to my eyes, I need to combine it with other colors for a more pleasing look. What color should I combine with this????

Do you tat tight?

Is that a bad thing? Should tatting be soft and fluid like crochet or should it be crisp and stable like hardanger? These questions can start disagreements. I’ve no wish to cause anxiety or anger. If I am honest, I think there are times when you need to tat tight and times when you need to tat loose. Lace can be many things.

Perhaps that’s because I come at this having similar thoughts about organ music. There are times when I choose to play a piece fast with loud stops, other times slower with quieter stops. It depends on what I want the music to convey. I feel quite privileged that I live in a time when that diverse performance is accepted. I remember being a very young organist and listening to older weary organists expressing displeasure that their music wasn’t “right” and the pressure they felt to be perfect. I walked a fine line between respecting established working musicians and rebelling against the norm, doing it my way. That attitude has carried over to my tatting.

Frequently, I study a pattern to figure out how tight to tat. I may even Run-a-Line to see what works. Before I lose people, here’s what I was taught for Run-a-Line:

Using thread and shuttle you wish to tat with, wind on a length long enough for 3 rings and a few chains CTM with the ball. Tat a ring of 8 DS. Close it to create the shape you wish (round circle, teardrop, etc.). Tat a Chain of 8 DS, picot, 8 DS, picot, 8 DS and finish with an overhand knot. These picots can be different lengths to help with your planning. Now comes the telling part: Stretch out the chain stitches as far as possible while keeping the chain flat and straight. Are there gaps, or even spacing between DS? Is there a difference in those gaps between the beginning and end of your chain? How about the ring and chain(s)? Do you want consistency? How does changing thread or shuttle affect this sample?

So, after I Run-a-Line, I have a better idea of how I wish to tat a pattern. All this takes time and energy. Sometimes I just want to tat. Sometimes, I have that perfect idea in mind. I do it my way!

Since I had empty shuttles....

Renulek is releasing her Spring Doily 2025 (Wiosna 2025). I decided I needed something tatted under a lamp in our living room. The crochet lace I picked up in a resale shop has a bit of damage that I repaired. I just am not crazy about the pattern. So, I’ll tat something to go under the lamp. Here’s what I have so far.

Wiosna 2025 rd 1 by Renulek

I've really enjoyed tatting these doilies. I usually have a hard time actually finishing them. Sometimes it takes me years! Renulek's designs usually have several spots that look so good as you tat along that I like to enjoy them as is before adding the next round. 

Shuttles are empty

I have no pictures of lace to share today. I’m at that awkward stage in almost all my projects of planning/designing done but nothing tatted. The next few days will be quite busy at the house, so I’m not sure how much tatting I’ll get done. Maybe I’ll take myself to the local State Park to sit by the fire in Hearst Social Hall and tat there.

Yesterday, I had occasion to walk by the seal pup beach. No activity yet. Soon, though…..

Begin again.....

I cut off all but the first round of the hair bun holder in this lovely bright thread. I’m comfortable with that decision. It blends the right amount of Perfectionism with Joy of Creating. I will reach for this piece over and over again because I know it’s the way I want it. That’s the name of the game, right?

Besides…..I changed my mind about the beads…….