Brussels Tat a Monument project installed

I received an email with the link to pictures of the Brussels Tat a Monument project. Seeing all those tatted squares from all over the world is humbling. This is why I tat. Not just to create beauty, not just to make a statement, but because I am connected to those around the world who create lace.

To see the album, go to either Cathy’s Facebook account or this Flicker album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/138507760@N08/albums/72157669311118639

Here is the photo of my submission letter:

Thank you Cathy for this project. We are human. We all deserve to live with dignity and freedom. Please let us know where the tatting will go after the installation is complete.

Frustrated a bit......

The pattern for the candle cuff just isn’t coming together as I had hoped. No worries. 

The entries for the Fair are not all going to be done. No worries. 

What I’ve been spending time on is much more important!

I had the pleasure to help to produce, and enjoy, this:

http://www.saintdunstanschurch.org/event/music-at-st-dunstans-2018-08-05-chase-olson/

Here’s more info:

http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/entertainment/music/young-artist-takes-on-st-dunstan-s-dobson-tracker-organ/article_e9c18582-95ea-11e8-a798-2f23083c37cc.html

The concert was wonderful and well received. If you were one of the few who didn't heard him play, he'll be back. But school comes first for a few months.

And to work out the frustration with the shuttles, I tried out this Benile pattern:

Dragonfly by Nina Libin

Dragonfly by Nina Libin

I love it! The top one is tatted in Crochet cotton size 10 with size 11 beads. The bottom one is tatted in Lizb Metalic Gem Stone. I do like working with this thread. I hope to see more sizes available soon.

It was a bit tricky to get the beads loaded so that they ended up at the proper place in the pattern, but I made notes and now it’s a fun thing to tat. Since all the beads are loaded prior to tatting, it’s a good one to do at the Fair!

Breathing is good!

I had to remind myself to breathe this morning. There is just so much goodness here. Yes, it’s an expensive place to live. My hard earned dollars would go farther elsewhere. There’s just so much to wonder at. I enjoy as much as I can.

Sometimes, I enjoy so much I don’t finish what I start. So, no pictures today. I really couldn’t do the sea justice, I couldn’t capture the mist/fog, nor could I convey the beauty of the music at the Mission. I woke up still breathless!

Week 2 of the Festival

Most of the concerts are repeats, so I’ve had a bit more space to breathe. While waiting, I watched this little one:

I could see the throat working hard, but alas, the singing wasn’t audible to my ear. Perhaps that what Beethoven felt?

On a tatting note, candle cuff version 3 is looking promising. Hopefully, a picture soon.

Magic at a Mission

Last night was another magical experience. The Carmel Mission never disappoints. Even though the organ is in an awkward position as installations go; Even though the benches get hard and uncomfortable if you’re not standing, kneeling, sitting or generally participating; Even though it’s so long and narrow that you feel as though you’re sitting at one end zone and all the action is at the other. It’s just magical. And built by people who probably didn’t know the theory behind the architecture, but knew to copy the masters. The music just envelopes you and you’re "magiced" away.

Last night, I made sure I was in place to listen to the Tower Music. The set was presented by three very talented and accomplished trumpeters. I’d heard the Britten before, and it is still intriguing. He melds three very different fanfares into a sometimes discordant, but always captivating piece. What I really wanted to hear was the 3 Part Invention. Bach Inventions are so intriguing to me. In this arrangement, the trumpets each play a line following the original score. So, one trumpet plays in the treble clef, one in the bass clef, and one jumps around in between. Sound complicated, yes! Those three melodic parts all mesh together to create chords and harmony. Why was I so focused on those few minutes of music?

Because I envision tatting designs of disparate elements all meshing together to create lace.

The music was wonderful. I’m sad to say that I’m not any closer to a design. I will need to hear this again next Wednesday!

Festivals and such

Festivals are addicting.

You have the opportunity to immerse yourself. When I attend an AGO Convention, it’s often 4-5 concerts on a dozen different instruments in 4 days. Bach Festival is 2 or 3 mini, or full, concerts each day for a couple of weeks. And that doesn’t include the free events! I’ve yet to attend the Jazz Festival here. Maybe because my instrument doesn’t often end up outside, I’m not drawn to outdoor music. Music outside is fun, just not what I think of first. And then there’s the daily life that has to be fit between all those concerts.

On a tatting note….. I have two more ideas for candle cuffs. I’m hoping to try one out today…. Between hearing another concert or two.

Candle cuff

Recently, a good friend asked me to make her more of these:

 I wasn’t happy with the pattern the first time around, nor the second, and felt the third try was better, but still not right. Since she found a wonderful new candelabrum, I happily revisited the pattern. I still don’t like it.

 The Twirls is fun to work with. I’m not sure I really like the heathery effect for this pattern, but they don’t look half bad on my patina candlesticks.

The main issue I have is how the dangly chains twist. Some may like the effect, but I think it looks sloppy. I decided I needed to come up with a new pattern for her new candelabrum!

I have a few ideas. I’ll try out one this afternoon as I listen in on the Masterclass. If you see me tatting there, interrupt me (but not the singer or coach) to say hi. And if you take a swing through the Gallery, buy a ticket and stuff the box for Sonata!