Posted on IOLI

 Here’s a link to the posting of the Biscornu on the International Organization of Lace, Inc. website. 

They have been encouraging lace making for many, many years. Recently, there have been more tatting resources available through IOLI. I encourage you to check out their website and consider joining in the Virtual Convention July 25-August 1, 2021.

The next 2 weeks, I will be attending a class on Church Music & Hymnology. While it is virtual, I will not have unlimited time at the computer outside class. I will be sketching future designs for tatted pieces, perhaps a new ornament collection. Please forgive if I miss a blog post. June 2021 will be an exciting time for me!

Happy tatting!!

When large projects come close to completion

 Several large projects are close to completion. That’s good! Reality is large projects tend to consume waking hours and creative thinking. All but one will not be easy to blog about. Too difficult to take a picture to share, not really tatting or even organ music. So, this space may be a bit dull for several posts. Thanks for your patience. I would like to share this picture though:

keyboard of Dobson organ at St. Dunstan's Carmel Valley, CA

In the Program

Those local to Monterey may have figured out that I review concerts for a website. I don’t consider myself a journalist and I ALWAYS ask for my text to be proofread before submittal. As my daughter said once I don’t “grammar” well. She admonished me to stick to playing music and tatting lace. Don't let a teenager limit you. 

I was pleasantly encouraged to read a column by a restaurant reviewer this week. Raul Nava will be writing for the Monterey Herald. In his column, he wrote of his vision. He wishes to “avoid the traditional parade of critical commentary on dish after dish.” That sums up my vision for my reviews. 

I could write words detailing every mistake, expressing my own personal bias, or slamming the venue. But, I like encouraging people to play music, buy tickets to hear music, and to explore compositions they haven’t yet come to love. Sure, I’ll be attending concerts that will be a negative experience. I’ve played some concerts and services that I’d really, really like a do-over! Sure, recordings are available for free. I recommend newbie concert goers listen to the music at least once before settling in their seat and perusing the program.

I’ve decided that will be my “by-line” for these reviews: In the Program.

I hope if you see me at a concert, you’ll let me know you read this blog and give me feedback. Oh, and invite someone to explore the music with you. There are plenty of people out there who hesitate to attend a concert, and would be glad for the encouragement!

Question in yellow....answer as you wish!

I like blogging. I think it’s because I can put thoughts and photos out there and people with like interests can comment.

Doesn’t work that way so much with the organ music sectors of my life. There’s a few places I visit regular on the internet. I’ve enjoyed some videos. Not just on Youtube, but on the AGO website. I like reading about these busy folks:

Morwenna

Michael’s music. 

Katherine Crozier.

I especially like talking and listening to organists in my area. I’ve been here 2 years now. (Egads!) I’ve met quite a few. I hope to meet more. Now that I’ve finished a couple of big projects at the house, I’ll be getting out more in the area to document what organs are here.

I know some of you will have strong feelings about the next question. Those who comment here will likely be published. Those who tell me privately I may just publish in a post or two. Consider yourself warned. I will ask permission of course, but beware.

Question:

Start a new page on this blog showing what organs I’ve discovered here?

OR

Start a new blog and merge the organ stuff from this blog onto the organ blog?

I’ll be making a decision this summer. It’ll likely take me that long to amass the raw material for posts. Or find the camera and learn how to use it better!

Jane's TIAS 2017

Thank you to all who commented on my 5 Year Anniversary Blogging. Not only did people leave comments here on the blog, but I even had someone stop me while on a walk and let me know how much they've learned reading my blog (rants and all!)

Now for today's topic:

I’m having great fun with this!

Jane’s patterns are a breed all their own, fun, and whimsical! Seeing what everyone guesses is fun also. But the most fun???? The ripple effect of digging up a shuttle or 2 and some thread and maybe some beads!

So, thank you Jane! I’m so glad to be part of the fun!!

5 Year Anniversary

So, I’ve been doing this 5 years? Really?

I’m afraid I was slow on the uptake of give-aways to celebrate. I don’t use this blog to attract people to buy what I create. The music I give away is exclusively aural. The tatting I give away is usually gifts to individuals. In fact, most of my tatting falls into that category. Well, and my trials in new techniques and such. I wouldn’t call those good candidates for giving away to people who read my blog. Nor the trials of the designs I’m working on. The last time audit showed me with shuttles in hand maybe 10 hours each week. Not a lot of tatting time.

Anyway, 5 years ago I started down this rabbit-hole adventure. I’ve enjoyed it! I hope I’ve inspired some people to listen to more organ music, learn to tat, or get out into the world. I have discovered new passions (a historic house), revived others (weaving on a loom) and learned so much! I thank you for sharing this journey with me. If you have a moment and the inclination, please leave a comment telling me what this blog has meant to you. I won’t publish it if you put the request in the comment.

Thank you! And for the next 5 years………

Have I really written THAT much????

I’m feeling old today. It’s damp and cool, so my foot is aching. I picked up some furniture yesterday, so I need a rest day. This is the 401^st post for this blog. That’s a lot of nuthin’ much tuh say. I can’t believe I’ve stuck with this for 5 years now. A lot has happened in my life. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve designed a few things. I’ve enjoyed it all!!! But, the thought of it all leaves me feeling…..old.

My tatting time has been taken up with preparations for theFair. I don’t plan on showing what I entered until after the judging. I’m pretty sure the judges won’t be reading this blog, but I consider it poor form to post pictures prior to their assessment. After that day, I plan to post lots of pictures of what’s happening there.

I’ve begun practicing another of the Little Prelude and Fugue by JS Bach. It’s my custom to dust them off each summer. Most times I find some excuse to play them each year. Well, any excuse will work!

I’ve also decided it’s time to learn the Vierne Pieces en Style Libre. They’re distinctive and have lots packed into a few short bars. I have sketches of some of them already inspired by concerts I’ve attended.

bell from silent auction box

 I’ve also decided Christmas gifts this year will be tatted coverings for some of the bells I’ve picked up. Similar to the coverings I did for ornaments. If an idea comes to you, and you share them, who knows what may come your way????

When patterns get adapted and organs need a new home

I’ve allowed my routine to slip. The result: not as many walking sessions, not as many blog posts, not as much practicing, nor as much tatting. Deadlines are looming! Time to get serious about that to-do list! First off, I need to finish the items I’ve entered in the Fair. Next, find a new home for a wonderful reed organ. On the way, I’ll use this:

lanyard for pin

I have found myself finishing this necklace repurpose. Remember that trip to Lacis? And the purling pin type hook I bought? And the necklace I started to have something to do while waiting in line? Well, it all came together. I’m pleased with the result. Thank you Nina Libin for the wonderful pattern! It was fun to play with the thread and beads. I finished most of it while listening to the lectures, Master classes, and rehearsals for Bach Festival.

Now I’m off to get the word out about the wonderful reed organ that has come available:

It's a very sweet parlor organ fully restored built by George Woods & Co. I wish it could follow me home. It was be so fun to sit down and play everyday. There's something very special about the way such an instrument plays. It is confusing to call them organs. Kind of like how different acoustic guitars are from electric guitars or even lutes.

But I'm rambling again! Off to the list. (Sounds better than Off with her head!)

A New Year....same ole......

Well, I’m not doing well sticking to my task list. I guess that’s because there’s too much for me to do. At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to THAT!

Progress is continuing on setting up the keys part of Picotsnkeys. This week should see the finishing touches to the studio space. The office space is still in progress. I hope to have pictures Thursday.

I will continue with the goal of posting twice a week to this blog. If you’re curious what else I’m posting/contributing to, leave a comment. I’ll try to explain it without conducting or gesturing!

indulgance

Whenever I make big changes in my life, it always takes me awhile to put thoughts into words regarding those changes. I still haven’t really expressed what’s happened lately. I have been trying. I wasn’t succeeding very well until I made myself set an appointment with myself to write. I figured out part of the problem is the computer is still in the “set-up” stage. So, I picked up pencil and paper. Now for the task of putting those scribbles into the computer and loading them into the blog software.

                I guess I’m just that old fashioned!

Rodgers organ in place

I’m old fashioned enough to really love playing the organ. Since I have moved an organ into the home, I’ve “wasted” a great deal of time just playing. I did try to make a clip to load into the blog stuff, but it was less than enjoyable. So, here’s a picture instead:

I find that I’m grabbing music at random to play; mostly just playing. Not really practicing or designing. It’s been very enjoyable! I think I’ll indulge in this randomness through September, and then get more disciplined in October.

Happy June!

Well, May has come and gone. June is here. Happy June!

Thank you for coming along with me on the adventures I’ve talked about here. I like talking. I like listening more. Thank you to those who have commented. You know who you are.

I've learned a lot about myself writing for this blog. I've learned that while I enjoy working with thread; "hear" the patterns in music; and know that I have a good idea combining the two means of expression; I'm not a visual person per se. I express myself with sounds much better. Words come more difficulty for me. Pictures take even more of an effort. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on this whole Picotsnkeys venture. But realizing that has helped me fine-tune my efforts and redirect my energies.

So, what have I been doing the last few weeks?

Packing and unpacking

Saying goodbye

 

Saying hello


Fine tuning the angel pattern (sorry, no new scan)

I still need to purchase an organ to teach/play. I still need to finish unpacking. I still need to finish the angel pattern write up. I still need to do lots and lots of important tasks. Including writing down more of what is important.

 

Now, where is that to-do list.......

Here's my TIAS so far

TIAS 2015 up to Day 11

Each year I enjoy what Jane cooks up for us. I think I like that the pattern is released in small chunks and we are encouraged to guess what we’re tatting. I've guessed we're tatting scissors. She is so kind to post what folks send her on the blog. I'm in good company as many of the folks who have sent pictures guess scissors also.
 

Now I’m off to work some more on the angel. I’ll post when I have something interesting to show.

Nostalgia hit

So, I’m feeling sentimental. When I started this blog almost 3 years ago, I really didn’t think it would last. You see, I had started an Etsy shop. It was fun to get my tatting out there. But it became a frustrating time sink. I’m not like some who HAVE to have time online. I hardly ever think of something to say in comment. I was feeling my age.

But the blog has survived. I find I enjoy posting. Not daily, mind you. But twice a week suits me just fine.

So, where to go from here? Well, I think I will continue to post about how tatting and music fits together in my life. I welcome any comments. Those who do comment, I will try to answer and comment on your blog/website. No promises though. The thread and keys emit a siren song each day!

 

Of blogging and pins

Well, quite a while ago, I mentioned that I would be posting on Tuesday and Thursday. With my schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the Homework blog, that means that I can block out a regular blogging time in my day. Or so the theory goes…….

In an attempt to try out such a hair-brained idea, here’s the post for today:

I’ve sent off my tatting to the judges who volunteer for TAT. I hope they think my efforts are worthy of “Master Tatter.” It’s been a 2 year process. I’ll confess it was difficult at times to keep at it. Some of the patterns just didn’t grab me. My family reminded me that some of the pieces I work on for the organ don’t grab me; to accomplish what I set out, tatting will be no different. Many people have encouraged me along the path. I remember seeing a photo of the pins on a website many, many moons ago. I’ve been thinking of how my set would look. Anyone else have a set they own?

It's August...already

Can you tell that the computer does not dominate my time?

With apologies to those who follow this little corner of cyberspace, I have managed to get back to a normal daily life. I think. More on all this as it’s appropriate. I have no wish to show you what I’ve been eating or talk about other mundane daily activities. I have set a goal to post Tuesday and Thursday; at the very least.

As a teaser, I’ll say the posts will include my progress on tatting the patterns in the Master TAT binder, working on the blue version of the Saint Saens, tatting a motif based on a Bach piece, and learning more about web programming to volunteer as keeper of the Homework blog. That should do it for, oh say, 6 weeks!

A New Year

Wow! Where did 2013 go??

And 2014 will fly by just as fast, I’m sure!

So, what’s been significant in my life: Termite damage; Holiday celebration with an expanding family and many, many friends; Sorting through boxes and boxes and boxes; Taking on a new volunteer position; and being way too busy to waste time (especially on the web)

 
Stay tuned for details……..

200 posts and counting

I can’t believe I’ve had this much to say! Wow! I know I’m probably not as prolific as others, but I had not imagined I would still be writing this blog!

Perhaps a clue is in a blog I read frequently. Jane E posed the question in a recent post: “why can’t I regulate myself? Why do I start a thing and HAVE to finish it?” http://janeeborall.blogspot.com/2013/04/just-quickie.html

I like her answer: “because I’m bonkers!”

Well, I can’t claim to be bonkers in the same way, as I certainly have my share of unfinished projects, but I do feel like I don’t “regulate” myself well. I’ve taken to keeping track of how much time I spend doing what. It helps me to make a better to-do list. I’m more reasonable in how much I can accomplish and better at seeing what is most important. If that’s bonkers, I’ll gladly wear that label.

I’m hoping it will all help me recover from the broken foot. Now off to finish that next part of the pattern.

150 postings and counting!

I can’t believe I’ve published 150 posts! I know I have not been very consistent. I found it hard to write for several months as I am not allowed to post pictures of the projects I’ve been working on. That and I really want this blog to be a celebration, not a place for me to vent. I promise to find more to celebrate and post!

Of Tuesdays

So, it’s Tuesday. I usually get down to the real work on Tuesday. Monday seems to be catch-up day and organize-for-the-week day. Tuesday, I get down to business.

So on the list for today is to work on the Saint-Saens design. It’s in white thread, so I have to be very, very careful with cleanliness. That’s a big challenge for me. My hands have always been sweaty, add to that a hot flash, and you have “drop everything in the middle of a join and resume after waiting and washing hands” every 15 minutes or so.

To make it less stressful, I’ve decided to break up my surfing/chores/reading and do those as I’m breaking from the white thread. Where do I surf? Well, it’s January, so I have been tracking here for the guesses and wonderful International camaraderie. I usually do a romp through Antique patterns each week. Those are listed here http://www.georgiaseitz.com/public/publicindex.html. I rediscovered a lovely blog here when Gunhild left a comment on this blog. I always love seeing what Pimboli is up to! I have to be very careful and make sure I’m not drooling on the computer as I look at the fantastic sketches this lady post! There are other blogs I regularly look at, but those are for another post.

Off to get started with the design.

lazy musings

Life has been a bit slow and lazy lately. That hasn’t kept me from tatting or thinking about tatting. Everything has ended up in my sketch book. Here’s an example:

Sinfonia:  Two measure motif that gets tossed back and forth….use chains on either side of rings; maltese; rings on either side of a center section of ?????

     6 key centers in 30 measures alternating Major, Dominant, Relative, on to next key center…..develope motif representing scale degree and mode; use color for mode;

     Research whether motif in sinfonia was used in larger work

     Play with improv on motif and research results

That’s a bit hard to put on paper or blog, but some of you may get the idea. The rest can go ahead and have a good belly laugh at the way my brain works……my friend did the other day. I’ll admit to laughing at myself quite a bit, so I didn’t mind at all.

I hope today that everyone can find something, no matter how small, to enjoy and smile about…maybe even laugh.