To Zoom or not to Zoom

 I have been looking at opportunities for this summer. Opportunities to learn in workshops and classes; opportunities to teach workshops, lessons, classes; and opportunities to relax in the company of people I enjoy being around. Some of these opportunities are in-person and some are in Zoom computer classrooms.

There are merits to both formats. Some of those in-person meetings will take me away from the local area. Not a bad idea. The “two weeks” has stretched to 6 weeks. I’d like a break from camping in my own home. And no, I don’t wish we had rented a place to stay while the work is being done. Mostly because if it was out of sight, the decisions we’d need to make would not be that pressing and wouldn’t get hashed out. But, then pandemic…..

But Zoom has been good, but it’s not that good. I would be much more effective teaching a workshop in person. I like seeing students succeed and understand what I’m demonstrating. That happens at a higher success rate in-person than over the Internet. But, then pandemic……

I guess the answer is to walk down to the Bay and decide.

Preparing is exciting

 

I’m in the last throws of preparing for the round of classes hosted by the Lace Museum. I always feel a bit giddy and definitely excited as I pull together the materials. Today I’ll refresh my camera skills and make sure the computer will still play with the webcam the way I want it to. I know, I know, it’s software... not a kid. But for something that stays still, there are a lot of “moving” parts!! I’ll be ready Saturday for sure!

Our game with Jane’s TIAS is taking shape. It’s definitely a critter of some sort…..

I can finally share it!

This is my newest example of Sonata BWV 1034:

I wanted to give those who signed up and attended the Lace Museum class the first viewing. It’s so hard for me to keep a photo secret! 

We met for the first of 3 sessions yesterday. It’s always fun to see the grin people get when they have success creating lace. Each class always teaches me something. The learning curve has been a bit steep since it’s an online only class, but I think we had success overall. Of the 5 students, 4 are working with a needle versus a shuttle. I can’t wait to meet up again tomorrow and Friday!

Not words I like to use

Cancel

Can’t

Those words always seem empty to me. I’d much rather be busy with creating and using positive words. But that’s not reality at the present. Don’t get me wrong. I am lucky and fortunate. I have resources, space, and in that mantra of Real Estate, “location, location, location.” We’re able to continue walking for exercise, we have not had to change our eating habits, and for the most part, our days are full of activities very similar to what we did last month, last year, or even last few years. We are fortunate.

So what have we been doing? Catching up and cleaning.

I’ve been organizing and documenting and cleaning. You know, all those tasks you’ll “get around to” someday that you know are really important in the long run. Not quite to the level of getting our affairs in order, more like on the level of “Spring Cleaning” and “getting ready for a move” level. OK, truth be told, I haven’t felt very pressed to do anything. I’ve been just reading and walking and caring for the garden and clothes and cooking. I’ve also been sorting out what’s on the computer. Making a list of what should be on the computer. We’ve got time now.

Time to…..

Take a walk.

Back to Normal

At least that’s what I hope. OK… if we can call any of this chaos normal. 

The equipment necessary for me to post to this blog has not been working properly. It’s too complicated!!! But, I think it’s all working well now. The only thing it cost was time and patience. Considering how much time and patience finishing my tatting patterns take,  the cost of getting back the equipment back up cost a lot. Sigh. Back to the shuttles now. After a cup of tea and maybe even a cookie!

Heart set aside

I’ve had an addition to this week’s schedule. I need to spend most of Friday taking care of details. Ugh! I’d rather tat and play the organ than sit and wait and listen and decide. But, needs must!

I know I’ll be thinking of a problem I’ve been trying to solve. Remember Bux2Bach? I’ll be tatting another version soon. Problem: I can’t find my notes. Anywhere! So, all I have is pictures to go by. And it’s not enough! I cannot remember what I did 2 years ago and the stitch count isn’t falling into place! Argh!!

This afternoon will be filled with preparing for the EGA workshop on Ice Drop patterns. I've no idea how many of the people who come will need a refresher on how to tat. Only 6 signed up for kits, but I will prepare enough handouts for 15. Since everything I'll be using is available on the Internet, the most important handout will be my list of links. How does that Podcast put it? Related Links. That section of her Podcast is often 25% of the time. So, I'll be spending quite a bit of time preparing that document! I should have time to look for those notes while the printer whirs away.

Destructions

I had a heart to heart with myself again. It’s tempting just to express opinions while writing a blog. But, like all very personal communications, those posts don’t always represent what I intend. So, here’s my pledge: I promise to keep my posts helpful and positive as much as possible. Of course, that means I need to keep up posting, even when life is giving me lemons.

So, the topic for today: destructions

I laughed out loud when I read this post. That’s what we called the instructions/manuals that came with anything requiring assembly or a learning curve to use. My Dad was a gifted technician in all things electronic. He was a tech whisperer before the term was even thought up. He just re-engineered what didn’t work the way he thought it should. That left the rest of the household trying to figure out how to change the volume on the record player; unlocking the front door in a specific order of pulls, key rotations, pushes and key removal; and my personal favorite, Dad not using my brand new electronic typewriter because he wouldn’t read the instructions I unpacked. It also meant that we had a stack of computer programming cards to play with and construct our card houses out of; more money in the bank because Dad could fix or patch up anything; and conversations with people all over the world before chat rooms existed. In his view of the world, instruction manuals were for dummies.

So what have I been doing lately? Writing destructions for pattern ideas. That’s including learning a graphic program so that I can create diagrams to go along with the text. I find I execute a pattern better if I have both. I’ve given up creating good photographs. The brain just doesn’t see focus and light well enough and I spend way too much time taking and editing photos. That’s best left to those who have those skills.

I’m not nearly ready to share any of those destructions. In order to have a prayer of turning this idea of music as thread art into a reality, my designs are quite complicated and specific. If I do come up with something that I think others would enjoy tatting to use as gifts or enjoy creating their own riff, I’ll let you know here where you can find those destructions.

A long winded way to say, nothing to see here, pick up you needle or shuttle and tat. Well, and maybe find something to ammuse you and reduce your stress.

And oh by the way, the lemons are ripe. Anybody want to come pick some and help with the limoncello? You must be willing to taste test……

The Celtic project

That sounds devilish doesn’t it?

I just wanted to tat a pattern using the Celtic Knot technique. 

Celtic Picot Mat by Jennifer Williams

This is what I came up with.

I know the scan is a bit hard to see detail, but that’s because I broke the software for the printer…..again! I just couldn’t manage to get it all sorted. Another task for another day.

I am pleased with the addition of the sequins to this pattern. And I do like the way the pattern flows. It was a bit wonky while working on it, but as the last few joins fell into place, it worked just fine! 

Who knew?

I can see uses for this in my designs. Maybe something on the Bach Trio Sonatas. Maybe something with ornamentation like Daquin. 

a new desk

During our move, I made a big commitment to myself to stay organized and not let clutter get in the way of my work. I’ve had a bit of success with that. One area I wasn’t doing so well in was the desk/computer area. 

I tried a laptop, but couldn’t keep the piles from taking over all available surfaces….including the closed computer! I tried a table for a desk, but couldn’t manage any writing surface for those notes and such I like to make sitting at the computer. Besides, sitting at just any old surface in any old position wasn’t treating my arms and hands well at all.

So, I searched for a desk, and found this:

The desktop computer fits inside; along with a second monitor. It fits on a wall just nicely so it will be the only thing in that part of the room. There’s 2 pull out shelves for note taking. When I’m done for the day, I clear the surface(s), roll the top down and I’m not at work!

It looks nice while I’m sitting at the loom. It’s around the corner from the organ, piano, tatting and music storage. I can’t let piles begin, so I’m doing better about putting things away. Now to train the cats and other humans how to live with the new desk!

TIAS 2016 day 3

Today dawned a clear sky. I’m going to take a break and walk down to the beach later. Right now I have a decision to make:

Do I start over?

TIAS 2016 Day 3

After I sent the scan off to Jane for her blog http://tatitandsee.blogspot.com/2016/01/another-day-another-link.html I noticed that I still haven’t adjusted the scan options. I don’t like it when the colors get “enhanced” and I’m working with software that didn’t come with the scanner. 

Then, I noticed that I miscounted. Anyone see it also?

Do I start over…….

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!

Interrupted progress

Well, yet again, the house took over my life. Don’t get me wrong. It’s all good. Just not what I anticipated working on when I woke up yesterday. But then, that’s life. I won’t bore you with details. If I could make it all sound humorous. I would spend time trying, but trust me…it’s nothing that important.

I did spend some time sorting through what’s on the shuttles. I’ve made good progress on the flag. I’m close to finishing the edging for the overshot sample. The next step in the angel is cleaning the thread. And, I’ve made good progress getting the computer sorted. (I like that word for the activity. It sounds much better than filing which I associate with scraping away.)

So, I need to set aside time to work a plunger on a toilet today. Then, to figure out what the treadling for the twill sampler will be. Oh, and design discussion. Better get to it!

an edge to a sample

A big advantage of this house is that I can spread out and have room for all my projects. Well, not all, but I’ve set up the loom, 

ready to warp

moved an organ in, 

ready to play

set up a tatting room

ready to tat

and a computer room.

ready to document

Hee heee. I’m using everything. Really.

I’ll be taking a workshop in November on Doubleweave.
More on that later.How am I working that into my tatting? Well, I create this sample of pick up on plain cloth:

Unknown cotton thread for warp and weft (probably 10/2)

And will add an edging tatted in the dark blue thread. 

Chain Reaction by Mary Konior

It should all come together Thursday.

frustrated yet again

Ok…today I’m   frustrated  !

I know, I know….nothing new, right?

Well, just in case you haven’t been around me, I’m frustrated because….

It’s taking a long, long time getting to the point where I have pictures to share on the blog. I try to share pictures with this blog. And I have been working on getting the studio functioning and the designs finished. It’s just that the tasks that are most important are complicated and are impossible to photograph.

So, dear reader….

No pictures yet again. Hence my frustration.

Guess I’ll just have to go create something. Maybe I’ll have a picture after I set things down today. 

We’ll see what I can post Thursday.

The pipes have arrived

Has it been a week? Yes, and what a week! We’ve been meeting with local people who help owners make Historical residences their home. Sounds pretty simple, but there are still a host of choices and decisions to make. I can understand now why some people just demolish the house on the lot and build a new house. It’s coming together and we’re making progress.

I’m making progress on the angel pattern. The learning curve will be very steep getting this one written down with diagrams using the computer. I’m slowly getting there. If I’ve learned anything after 35+ years of playing the organ, the learning of a skill is tedious and needs to be taken slowly enough your brain and body learn good habits.

I’m also making progress in the studio set up. Last weekend, we transported the pipes. They are resting in boxes on the living room floor waiting for the rest of the instrument to arrive. Next week I should be getting everything put back together. So much to do, so much to do……

I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back up with a computer. I hope the tablet won't get cranky when I type this, (and stop working!) but I do prefer a computer. I got used to the laptop just fine. I didn't use it except at the desk. So, I bought an old-fashioned desktop. I know the desktop will frustrate me in some ways, and I will grab the tablet, so I don't want to rock the boat. Listen to me…..I sound like I’m talking about favoring my children. Gheesh!

You would think with all the time off line that I would finish some tatting. Alas, nothing to show. I spent the time working on the studio. Two walls are painted. The glass is almost scraped of the old paint. The yucky shag carpet is gone. We still need to get the brick looked at and cleaned and sealed. Sigh. I know it will all happen in due time. I’m just being impatient.

So, what have I been doing? A trip to the library gave me a stitchery book to look through. Nothing very great to report. Two tatting patterns; those were very, very simple. The written directions didn't match the picture. What made the book worth a look-through was the section on Victorian picture frame decorations. Nice lace additions to very quaint looking photographs. That got me thinking. I'm always seeing photo frames in the thrift shops. Some have seen wear. How about decorating them with tatting? That got me thinking of Christmas. Well, you can see where this is going. More as it takes shape.

A Sunday visitor

A good friend of mine commented the other day that posting twice a week to my blog was a good amount of writing. It caught me by surprise. I don’t think I write often, or that I put up pictures that often. Part of the reason for that opinion is that I don’t spend time “on line” for hours each day. I prefer to be at the organ keyboard rather than the computer keyboard. That got me thinking…..

I accept that computer literacy and such is crucial for kids and young adults. But, do we give them freedom to explore the world WITHOUT being at the computer? Do we shame kids who don’t prefer to be online? Do we value what kids do away from the computer?

To me, the computer is just a tool. A very powerful tool. Almost as powerful as the organ (hehehe). I value what the human driving the computer creates more than what the tool can accomplish with their effort.

Just sayin’

Rant over.

We had a surprise visitor last weekend. I love when folks drop by to say hello and see the progress on the studio. This visitor was more interested in the roses. Mind, there’s a lot of them on the property. I lost count at 40. Some are in the ground, some planed in large pots. I have been trying to nurture them; in my own black thumb way. So I wasn’t that surprised, with the drought and the place being vacant for those several months, that some of the more exposed roses were looking kinda grim. After I spied the visitor, I didn’t quite so guilty.

We have a good fence, but I doubt that will keep him out. Sigh!

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!

And where did November go?????

First off….I’m OK. The area of USA that we live is prone to Earthquakes; but that’s not what disrupted our house. I can usually handle one or even two small disasters; and moving doesn’t normally phase me. I’ve handled remodels in the past without moving out or getting storage lockers. Well, this time, it has thrown me. I’m misplacing things, running out of energy in the afternoons, and getting overwhelmed far too quickly to manage the whole process. Good thing our daughter is moving back in. She will be able to handle a lot of her things on her own. So, now we get some termite damage fixed and then we’ll be set to get back to normal.

I completed a huge project last month: a prayer shawl. I knit with a Knitting Board loom. I’m very pleased with the way it all turned out. It took a day or so to get a decent photo. Scanning is so much easier the way I have the computer set up. Then, the photo disappeared. I can’t find it anywhere. Not on the cameras (yes, plural), not on my phones (yes, plural), not on the computers (yes, plural). I guess I just thought I had taken the picture. Anyway, the shawl turned out well. The yarn was fun to work with. It’s a very fast repeat of 6 different fall colors. That made it look rather heathery. I’m sure it will warm and brighten someone’s day.

Next project: Move back in and sort out. Then it’s on to Christmas. However, I may have to postpone some of the sorting until after the holidays. Gee, that will make me sad….hehehe.