25 Motifs in 2016

I did it!! This one completes the Challenge:

Hen N Chicks square by Rachael Mohler

I completed 25 motifs in 2016. I know many, many other tatters have tatted that much in 12 months. I probably have in quite a few years in the past. But, this year I kept track. I thought it would help me keep track of projects for the house, help grow the studio, and generally keep me focused and motivated. Well, it did!!

Thank you Sharon for maintaining the blog. I know how much work you’ve set for yourself. Yes, I know technology makes a lot of the task easier, but you still have to sit and the computer, look at the screen, edit the post, and then make sure it’s all the way you want it to be. Thank you!

And so, here’s my 2016 25 motif Challenge list:

1: Design # 10 Ball Cover by Nadine Nunnelley

2: Cross by Melanie Cervi

3: Wild Rose by Nellie Hall Youngburg

4: TIAS 2016 (Bunny) by Jane Eborall

5: Snowman by Melanie Cervi

6: Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

7: Heart basket using Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

8: Edging by Nellie Hall Youngburg

9: Celtic Knot Butterfly by Rozella F. Linden

10: Tatted Scarf Square from a Workbasket magazine c. mid1970’s

11: Celtic Picot Mat by Jennifer Williams

12: Curled Ring Earring by Muskaan

13: Tatted Triangle Motif by Frauberger updated byJennifer Williams

14: Rainbow Bright Earrings by Renee Campbell

15: Long Picot Earrings by Nina Libin

16: Lanyard using Necklace by Nina Libin

17: Bead Cap Earrings by Melanie Cervi (no picture….it went poof after the gift was wrapped and given)

18: Edging based on several vintage patterns

19: Window Decoration II by Jan Stawasz

20: Motif from Hector Earrings by Nina Libin (no picture....I had one, but now....poof!)

21: Dainty Tatted Trim by Anna J. Johnson

22: Insertion based on Hen N Chicks

23: Daisy Medallion updated by Ruth Perry

24: Tatted Tablecloth Square from Workbasket c. 1974

25: Hen N Chicks Square by Rachael Mohler (see picture above in this post)

There! If anyone has questions or comments or would like more info, I’ll be back to check after a walk on the beach! If you're curious what else I've tatted lately, have a look at the Board I have on the other blog I maintain.

Monterrey County Fair 2016

Well, the Fair was a resounding success for me this year. 

I entered 3 items in different divisions and classes. I won 3 ribbons: 

a 2^nd place for the Double weave sample

a 1^st place for the Frauberger triangle , 

and Best of Show for the heart basket. Who knew? 

In my opinion, almost all of the pieces I saw in each area were very well made. The judging must have been quite difficult! I did not consult the guidelines I’ve seen for judges, I tried to just do the best I could and be creative. Who knew? Oh, and here's the other side of the square: 

I was asked if there was enough interest for a tatting Division next year. I think so. The Study Group continues to grow. I need to do more networking to keep building on that success. You see, tatters usually come from the ranks of Embroidery and Lace artists. There is an Embroidery Guild here. I need to connect with them to do things properly.

Speaking of Study Groups, the Organ Study Group is doing well. I continue to open the studio from 11 AM to 2 PM on Wednesdays and there are people coming over to explore the organ and organ music. Again, more networking is needed. I have my work cut out for me there!

Lots to think about, lots to do, and lots to create!

Motet

A motet is a short piece of choral music, typically of the Renaissance style of polyphony.

Now before the tatters in the crowd roll their eyes, and the organist harrumph, I bring this up because I think this composition form lends itself very well to my ideas in thread. All polyphony means is separate parts of the music happening at the same time. Like how cloth is woven. I’m thinking of twill; like the cloth used for denim jeans. So, I’m experimenting with the warp left over from the beginning weaving class and the thread left over from the Frauberger triangle. The colors aren’t very complimentary, so I won’t offend your design sense by sharing a picture. It has promise though.

For the local readers, the fire South of Carmel is filling the air with smoke. The plume was very visible Saturday from our house. We’re upwind, so we haven’t dealt with air quality issues. The animals are all spooked. On the hike yesterday, we saw several deer out in the open in places where they would have been hiding. And a coyote on the trail. There’s still room for all creatures to have their space, but it was a bit scary coming around the curve and seeing the predator loping down the trail away from us.

I think I’ll stay indoors and tat and weave and play the organ.

Triangle complete

First off, thank you Jennifer Williams for doing the grunt work to bring this pattern to life. Her diagram and concise explanation of the path to tat was a huge help to me. 

Frauberger fig. 64

This is the first time I've tatted a pattern starting at the edge and going towards the center with each round. I was nervous that the edges might begin to curl or ruffle. But, so far, so good!

Progress on triangle piece

Here’s my progress so far.

from Frauberger book 1921

You remember I ranout of thread just a few inches from finishing this round. Since it was going to be on the outside, and I wanted it done right so I could ask for it to be judged at the Fair, I started over. I think this is the first time I’ve worked a doily that starts with the outside round and finishes at the center. The next few rounds are mostly chains, so I need to really be alert when starting it. Time to get some rest.

Widor project on to the next phase

You know how you get a song stuck in your head? Well, I have a registration stuck in my head. I attended the Angela Kraft Cross concert last weekend. I know one of the pieces she played well. It was required to learn if you were in the studio I was in during College. The tune isn’t that catchy; it’s just chords and not much else. What is stuck in my head is the registration. It wasn’t rocket science; the organ is not large. It just sounded so good! So French! So right!

Fortunately for the family, I don’t own the score anymore. They were spared me playing the section using different stops on the organ here at the house. Still, guess what I’ll be hearing as I tat. Hopefully it won’t distract me and cause errors to creep in. I’d like to finish the next section of the Frauberger triangle.

At any rate, I do wish the travelers a good journey to record in France.What a fun trip it will be!