Heart samples

 

Split Ring Heart by Georgia Seitz

When I teach, I try to come up with ways to help students get the concepts and practice the skills. For the last class I taught online with the Lace Museum, I used the pattern for this heart:

The pattern is written well. There is a clear diagram, a good photo, and text written out clearly. Some information is assumed, some is noted in a proprietary manner, but as tatting patterns go, it’s quite clear. I like using patterns of this type for classes. I feel it teaches students how to tat along with how to explore more tatting and even how to communicate their designs.

This is my sample I finished after the class ended. I have given up finishing a heart during the online class. I find it too distracting to my primary task of monitoring student progress. I did make sure to talk through how to finish and block the heart. I decided I’ll be putting this in my box of class samples. It clearly shows the path of work.

Now, on to the next project: a design based on music of Palestrina that incorporates a bit of stitching using the Palestrina knot.

Sample, sample, sample......

 That is the mantra I’ve heard. I usually follow it. I mean, you can always use the bits and ends for decorating a card. And when I teach a class, I like to prepare samples to specific points so that I can just pick them up and demonstrate a particular technique or part of the pattern.

So, here are my samples completed from last week’s class: 

I used shuttle to tat 2 of them, and needle to tat the other 2. I have samples in Christmas colors already done, so I just may use these as gifts.

Now, on to the samples for the next class.

Be prepared

 I am prepared….

For the Hearts class. I really like these patterns. They are in my “frequent pattern used pile” and I have many examples. I’ve even made a basket with 3 of them. I’m looking forward to sharing them with the students who’ve signed up. If you would like to join us for 2 Saturday mornings (Pacific Time), head on over to the Museum website and sign up. No particular materials needed, just a ball of thread you like working with and 2 shuttles or needles.

What do you get the tatter who has everything?

 A seat in a virtual workshop! Scroll halfway down the page.

$65 reserves your spot along with the documents. Fun thread and shuttles/needles are available for purchase from the Museum gift shop for a reasonable price.

Come join us Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17 from 9 AM PT to Noon PT.

We will be looking at heart patterns. Christmas Heart by Anne Bruvold and Basic Split Ring Heart by Georgia Seitz will be offered. Bring a pattern you've had in your to-tat pile for awhile. 

For those that need a beginner refresher, or would like to encourage a new tatter, there will be a beginner series of 3 classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning the week before. Jan. 11-15 from 9-11:30 AM PT. 

See you in class!

Two Hearts in One completed

Two Hearts as One by Martha Ess (front)

Here is the version in olive and deep red:

I’m glad I tatted this beauty. Thank you Martha Ess for giving us a great design to tat!

For my next version…..

Two Hearts as One by Martha Ess (back)

I considered tatting the pattern with picots only where necessary. Using beads, of course, and joining. But then I realized that it would be that much harder to tell which side is the front. And it would complicate the pattern just enough my brain might short-circuit. No explosion, but too many mistakes that would need to be dealt with. Not worth it.

I’ve had ideas for my Bach Fest piece. Last year was so much fun. And the bookmark continues to bring Joy. I’m seeing where a fugue subject takes me this year!

More weaving in the heart

I completed more of the Martha Ess Heart pattern:

This is the final round at the point of the heart; from here on out, you work up the side to the top ending at the “cleavage” with a final chain. To complete the pattern, you tat part of a self-closing mock ring, switch to the other color thread, tat part of a second self-closing mock ring, then you weave the shuttles through rings, tat chains and finally close the rings. It sounds complicated and hard to execute. In all sincerity, it was easier to figure out shuttle placement of these few elements than to figure out shuttle placement of the first join of this round.

Funny thing though….I caught almost all of my mistakes in the complicated parts, but as I finished, I noticed that first join does not match the picture. I need to study the pattern, figure out if I really did make a mistake, and then make notes to help the next time around.

Yes, there will be a next time. I’ve had a request to tat this pattern in quilt thread for some earrings.

Other Projects

“I have applied. “ When I told a good friend that and paused before trying to explain Palmetto Tat Days, the response was, “Well, I know you apply yourself. You accomplish quite a bit each day!” I like to gather people around me who keep me grounded. Helps me not to take things quite so seriously. And I have applied to teach at Tat Days. I hope they like my class ideas and patterns enough to join in the fun! Our budget can’t take the $1000.00 hit what with flying from the West Coast to the East Coast.

With that done and sorted, I’ve been able to pick up the Heart pattern again.

At several points in this pattern, we need to finish tatting a ring, but not to close it until we’ve switched to the other color and tatting 2 rings. That can result in plenty of confusion. I think I’ve got it now. I’m on to the final round and added beads of course! 

I do hope things work out for Palmettos. What with the money I’ve been spending to make sure I live, I’ll need help. That addition to the week’s schedule was further testing at the Mammogram Center. $800.00 later, we have added data to teach the computer program it’s just scar tissue. Moral of the story: seek care and get the testing, but be a wise and informed consumer of what the Medical Industry offers.

Enough circular thinking! I am tatting rings instead! After deep breaths…….

Progress on Martha Ess Two Hearts as One celtic style pattern

I am intrigued with patterns that have elements that intertwine. So, I revisited this pattern. I posted the seperate heart motifs on the Homework blog here. Here’s the first part of the two motifs together:

I find that my brain keeps track of just so many details when tatting. Or playing the organ. Or cooking. Or…… So, I didn't quite get the final split chain (in green) worked in. 

Here's a poor picture of that chain joined BEHIND the red chain. 

 

The picture is poor as we were in the midst of quite a storm! Poor natural light. If you blow them up in a fresh tab you should be able to see the error and the correction.

Where was I? 

Oh yes, the celtic-ness of this pattern.  

I think we should come up with another term for the intertwined elements in tatting patterns. In music we call them contrapuntal textures. Look it up. I think it will work! 

Now to untat a mistake in the SCMR…..

Shuttles for Joy and Hope

Hearts of Hope by Anne Bruvold

I have tatted a shuttle full of these. My first intention was to tat one for each of the victims. But, as I filled the shuttle, I couldn’t help thinking about those left to survive or punish. My Hope is that this does not define their life. I Hope they continue to live seeking out life experiences.

I’ve filled the shuttle a second time as I’ve given almost the entire first batch away. People ask for one to remind them to take action. I purposely used a different shuttle for this batch. I want my shuttles to bring Joy and Hope, not be items of Remembrance.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I enjoy truly international Holidays a great deal. It’s fun to celebrate something that crosses borders and is significant in more than one culture. Especially if it involves gift giving, spreading joy and love, and general wonderful time with family and friends.

This year, it’s my pleasure to share with all a wonderful new pattern by Muskaan:

Block Heart Bracelet designed by Muskaan

I tried this out using both needle and shuttle with Lizbeth size 20. I think it will work with either tool just fine! I prefer shuttle, mostly because I felt clumsy using the needle, dropping it to pick up the other needle, and finding out where the first needle landed when I crossed my legs. No blood, but it interrupted my concentration, which of course opened the gates for an error. Just me trying to keep sane.

I so enjoy all my International tatting friends! Please take a moment to visit their blogs and leave them a comment. I’m going right now to thank both Georgia for sharing the pattern and Muskaan for creating the pattern!

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!

Julehjerter basket

Well, I finished the Christmas Heart Basket.

top down view of basket using
 Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

upside down basket using Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

 I’m pleased with the way it worked up. I can see some things I would change with the next tatting of the idea. For this basket, I used size 30 thread.  I think a chocolate kiss would fit nicely in one. 

A Better Bunny

Remember my sad looking bunny? Well, I went to trim the whiskers and clipped part of the picot holding the bead. That being the fifth error, I decided I really needed to tat a better one. Now, since most of my thread and bead stash is in the construction zone, I opted for the pink thread with smaller beads. 

TIAS 2016 by Jane Eborall

Looks much better, huh?

I also finished a heart that I started thinking I would do a basket like Cyn describes: tatting 3 or more hearts and joining them down the sides. Again, too many errors to compete the total project. I’ll be starting another set soon. 

Julehjerter by Anne Bruvold

2 more motifs for my challenge! Whew!!!

Back to my goals

Well, it’s been awhile. My bad. I’m very embarrassed!

 My excuse is I’m moving….soon….to Monterey/Carmel area. That means we have to sell this house. Now, we’ve only been in this house for 15+ years. So, there’s not too much archeology required. But, we’ve raised our children here. So, there’s all the “stuff” associated with that and the memories. ‘nuff said.

 What have I been tatting you ask?

 Well, I’m still bouncing around ideas for an angel for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. I’m getting closer. I’d like to have a skirt that seems to swirl, so I’ve been looking for geometric patterns that are dense. I found this heart pattern:

Morales heart

 Lilly Morales reworked an older pattern. I kinda reworked her pattern. I’d like to adapt it for the skirt of the angel. Along with keeping up with Jane’s TIAS 2015 and continuing the flag. More on those later.

organ factory tours and such

Well, my idea didn’t work too well. I just need to tweek it, but that won’t happen for a while. Other things to do.

Like visiting an organ factory.  Now, before you roll your eyes, let me say that I joined over 30 people on this tour! A bus was rented to get the group from South Bay to North Bay. That meant that on the way, we were treated to a DVD of a tour of another organ company’s factory, a short excerpt of a talk by a third organ builder, and plenty of time to chat with other organists and curious people. It was a wonderful day! I think the comment that I enjoyed the most was from a non-musician. And the commercial at the end of the DVD for the shows visiting other factories (over 300 have been taped) really “tickled me” as my Mom used to say. If you're in the Bay Area and love to see what people do working with their hands creating cool stuff, call and see if you can stop by. They don't always have an organ being put together, but they lots of cool parts.

Like tatting the earring pattern in Sulky “Piano Keys"

I need to finish another one to make a pair, but I can’t decide which one to match. I would like to wear the for the Memorial service this week. So, best get busy eh?

Like having fun at Exclamation Point demonstrating tatting and the different techniques used with different tools. I’ll be working on my supplies for that later.

Like cleaning house (ugh!) and paying bills (double ugh!) and maybe even completing another pattern in the TAT binder (I have to stay focused!). And there’s the list of errands…….

Look what fell into my mailbox!

SweetHeart bookmark. Tatted by Andrea Deike.
Pattern by Birgit Phelps

Isn’t it a lovely gift? 

I participated in the InTatters exchange this Spring. My first with this group. I love surprises, and love sending off a bit of tatting as a gift. Imagine my smile as I opened this card from Andrea! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I plan to tat this as a bookmark for the Hospital Chaplain next. After I finish a Squares bookmark in pastels.

<still grinning!>

Old Glory

Well, this is what I’ve been working on. It’s Old Glory Heart by Nancy “Nell” Corns.

Tatted Old Glory Heart

I’m not real crazy about the pattern. The concept is good, it looks OK, it was just really fiddly to execute. I’d like to see if I can adapt it to using different techniques. I really didn’t like hiding 22 ends and didn't like all the blips in the joins between the red and white rings. I know, picky, picky……..

I’m going to work through another older pattern that creates a true American flag. More later on that.

Heart decision

I made a decision regarding which heart I felt would be good for the “beginners” to learn. I wanted a simple rings and chains heart. There are some very simple ones already designed. I haven’t been able to reach some of the designers to obtain their permission to use/teach their design. I feel it is only respectful to attempt to reach them. I understand one lady who self-published her design is no longer using the email on the pattern. So, I put out a request on the forums I monitor to see if anyone can put us in contact. If all goes well, I would prefer to use Butterfly heart designed by Irene Woo:

Butterfly heart designed by Irene Woo

TIAS 2012 is finished

Here’s my version of Jane’s TIAS 2012. Thank you, Jane, for the great adventure.

TIAS 2012

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please leave a comment. If you have a blog, let me know your address so that I can visit!

More tomorrow on my search for a heart pattern