Dreaming of beads

I’ve finished Round 6 of Wiosna 2025 by Renulek. I’m a bit embarrassed at how long I’ve been tatting this piece. But now, I’d like to begin adding beads. I’ll be getting out my colored pencils, printing another copy of the picture of the complete doily. And dreaming……

Not quite what I need

I started sewing stars on my flag yesterday. I’ve never been able to just “eyeball” things. I have to measure and calculate everything. So, I grabbed my ruler and did the math. Stitched some stars on and discovered I miscalculated. Sigh!

I’ll be grabbing my scissors and ruler and pencil and needle and THEN sew on the stars. It may turn out to look a bit like this:

Not always the best

I tried out one more earring idea. I decided this isn’t the best idea. I like some facets, but it just isn't jelling for me.

It went into the bag of trial samples. I plan to use them when teaching to stimulate discussion of how to choose thread and beads for your take on a design.

Not at idle

My shuttles are back in motion. Here’s what came off them:

Earrings for Kelly designed by Nina Libin

I tweaked the bead placement just a bit for this pair:

Idling

I feel like my shuttles are idling. I’ve enjoyed all the concerts, talks and masterclasses. I have so many good design ideas. It’s been fun talking to people about my Art of Music piece. But I really haven’t been tatting much. Just projects I can work on without thinking too much.

I did finish a bootie that I would like to enter into the Fair. Just have to get the second one started now. I’m still working on getting a pair of earrings finished. I keep making silly mistakes. Ones that I can’t really correct. Between 5 or 6 earrings I should have a pair I can wear! I have added a couple of squares to my shawl in bamboo.

The Festival ends the day after tomorrow. I should be able to get back into a better schedule next week. Idling will be turned into production.

Inspiration

 How do you seek inspiration? I confess that I seek inspiration in many ways. Sometimes I find new ways to tat by just tatting. Sometimes I discover new designs by tatting published patterns. Sometimes I think up new designs by experiencing nature and music.

Just yesterday I was listening to someone else play an organ piece I’ve played many, many times. There is a pattern in the harmony that occurs over and over again. I thought of how the notes look on the page.  I thought of a way to represent those patterns in beads. And a new pattern took shape in my mind, I sketched out an idea in my sketchbook, now I can’t wait to put into thread.

Right after I finish my Fair entries, complete some earrings, get a pattern written down, and manage those chores!

In the Gallery

The Festival has begun. The music is filling the air. I’m so excited!!

I hope lots of tickets end up in the box under my piece Melody in Mauve.