A bit of a detour

 I’m always intrigued by vintage patterns revisited. Muskaan adapted a pattern from a wonderful book written in German published originally in 1920. She added beads which inspired me. Besides, I just received some of the Liz Metallic in Frappe and I had 2 faux pearl drop beads. The second earring should go faster…..should….if I keep my concentration!

Lace Day earring designed by Muskaan

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

 

Beaded Fish designed by Jane Eborall

I tatted this up over the weekend. It was fun!! Thank you Jane for another pattern that makes me smile!

Shiny

 

I’m supporting a friend who is job searching. She’s easily distracted while looking at websites as she works as a Web Designer. My role is to hold her accountable for “shiny time” and celebrating “job hunt time” as she scrolls through all those job listings! I’m fortifying myself with chocolate!

I’m still exploring different fibers. I wanted to compare the two of the metallic threads I’ve used in the past. The one in the middle is what  LizMetallic looks like, the smallest at the bottom is Beading thread that is waxed I think, the top one is DMC Metallic. Since the DMC has rayon, it handled differently from the rest. I would love to know how the Beading thread is spun and finished. Anyway, the shiny distracted me!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled tatting/practice!!

Statement

 

Organists make a statement when they play. Especially when you can see the pipes. We can shake a concrete building with our pinky finger!

Personally, I’m not much for “statement jewelry” that tends to be clunky and sparkly. I prefer pearls. Just a simple strand. I’ve never had a diamond ring. They just don’t appeal to me. I love the soft luster of an opal or pearl. And things that stand out from my hand just get in the way of playing. Things that are full of sharp edges don’t really work when you are tatting.

I am tempted with this statement piece: Dissent

I can think of quite a few people I know who wear statement jewelry who would love a chance to honor RBG. Time to get crackin!

Successful Workshop

Well, my idea worked: 

That was satisfying to discover.

Also satisfying:

Successful Ice Drop workshop. 4 of the 8 participants finished the pattern. I find it easy to teach stitchers who are experienced in reading charts, visualizing the finished piece, and comfortable with thread. All of the ladies chose to work with needle. I’m hoping they enter some needle tatting in the Fair.

My application to teach at Palmettos Tat Days was chosen. I’m waiting for the details before I can commit to other projects. One of those projects involves the organ, so I may have quite a conflict to resolve! Hope to hear soon……

On to Row 4

Spencer doily Row 3 finished

It’s taken a month or so, but I’m finally to row 4 of the Pearl Bun Holder.

I’m using the same center as this one, and adding fresh water pearls. After sorting through my thread stash, I settled on using Gutermann 40 weight cotton sewing thread wound with Sulky Metallic in Prism White.

My Pantone challenge

I finally get to share what I’ve been working on. At least this gift:

The challenge was to use the Pantone color that has been associated with your Secret Santa person. I used Candlewicking thread for the band and the tatting. Not ideal, but good colors. The darker color used in the snowflake was the target. As usual, there was a bit of learning curve with this project!

Tablet weaving is tough on my wrists, so I started and stopped a lot. That translates to mistakes. A lot. Didn’t hesitate to cut the band up and I found a nice fabric to compliment. Sewing it on didn’t work as well as I like, but I hope it will be used. It’s not meant to be an heirloom, but a frequently used item. I have a friend who dusts the house with her loom samples!

Snowflake 8 from Festive Snowflakes & Ornaments

The thread was not as tightly plied as I usually tat with. That required extra attention with every DS. To get the colors in the proper place on the snowflake, the pattern ended up needing quite a few SLT. The advantage of using such a soft thread is that those knots end of disappearing into the piece. I plan to use this pattern quite a bit. It looks good in thread! I wonder how it will look in the metallic thread???

On to the next gift……