Picotsnkeys

 

Why would a tatter join an EGA chapter? Well, it’s fun to stitch with friends. I enjoyed learning the finer points of Basketweave stitching my chair seat many years ago. I know the canvas will be used every week. I realized I knew nothing about what to do after the last stitch is put in place. So, I learned a bit about blocking. That really helped my tatting! Then I realized I didn’t know much about “finishing” a piece that I stitched. I knew I wanted to add tatting to clothes and such, so I set myself a goal: Learn Finishing techniques. That's when I looked into Embroiderers' Guild of America. Our local EGA chapter is such a great group. They have introduced me to all kinds of fiber fun. They have helped by giving me lessons, guiding me in choosing materials and pointing me to workshops, and most of all they have helped me by encouraging me.

I thank them just about with every project I tat.

This small canvas work project has been popular with the group. I’ve only stitched one, but several ladies have stitched whole sets of mug rugs. We’ve all finished the piece differently. I chose to use the Helix tatting technique so that I could control the diameter and color of the cord. I also tried out adding beads to see how that worked. I think overall the exercise was successful and will go in my tool kit of finishing options. I look forward to using what I learned with this on other projects in the future.

Now, what other trouble can I get into with shuttle, needle and thread?????