The adventures continues completing round 1

 

I like the way this is working up. I was skeptical using a variegated thread. But, this is working so far. I must puzzle more on that as I complete the pattern.

I also like the many, many programs that IOLI is offering. The member’s only events on the surface looked a bit, well one-sided, focusing on topics those who work bobbin laces would be interested in. As I’m not head-over-heals into bobbin lace, I was prepared to be bored or worse yet put off by snootiness. Occasionally, there is still a comment or phrase that implies if you don’t want to devote your life to bobbin lace, you’re not a “real” lacer. But, for the most part, the programs have been accessible and interesting. I now have a list of museums to explore. I hope to start on that list next month….at least virtually!

Enough

Enough introspection! Time for music and lace:

I’ve been reading a thesis written for a Master’s Degree in Music Education. The premise is that teaching basic aural skills in music is enhanced when color is assigned to musical ideas. Quite fascinating and I’ve a list of materials to find for further reading plus a list of people to write to and ask after ideas I’ve come up with. Music and lace. Seems more possible now.

Here’s what came from my shuttles most recently: 

I will start on figuring out the border next. If anyone recognizes this pattern, please let me know. I feel certain it has been published before. I’ve looked through my books and done a bit of research online, but have not found any hints yet. Anyone????

Oh, and June 2020 will be Glorious!!!

HIT

HIT – Historically Informed Tatting (today’s a bit of a rant)

I am doubly motivated to pursue designing in tatting that is historically informed.

1. I am the Queen of Repurpose. If I can find another use for something, I will. This leads to boxes and boxes of bits of thread, pieces of paper, pretty bags and boxes, etc. Mighty convenient I live in a Historic home.

2. I look to the past in my music. Those who do not consider how music has been written/performed/composed in the past are doomed to repeat mistakes. Unlike several of my older colleagues, I do not pursue historic performance for the sake of historic performance. I am content to play using current instruments with current knowledge. I just like to fill the air with beautiful sound.

So, when I design in tatting, I spend a good deal of time trying to find out what others have done with the kernel of idea that I came up with. How have tatters created lace based on 8 repeating rings or motifs? I am constantly asking tatters who have extensive libraries if a design idea I’m working on has appeared before. And, I’m always trying to recreate lace I see in pictures or museums or antique shops.

(Here’s the primary rant)

HIT is important. We must honor those who have tatted before us with the respect as graciously as possible. Innovation is important. But, how many of us twitch and have wide open eyes in surprise when an instrument other than a clarinet opens our favorite Gershwin tune?

All this is my way of following in Jane’s footsteps, Georgia’s footsteps, and others; justifying why I don’t have a ton of designs posted, or pictures every single day; spending hours in museums and looking through books; innovating in (I hope) a historically respectful, creative way.

‘nuff said. I’ll go to the corner and pick up my shuttles.

After a cuppa. Join me? There’s enough hot water here for a ton of people.

What a weekend....

I’ve been having fun with organs in this area. So much, I’ve not picked up shuttles much. A friend of mine traveled down from San Jose to play a concert on the Dobson organ at St. Dunstan’s. It was so much fun! Those who missed it will have another chance. She definitely wants to play here again.

Then on Sunday, a local organist played a bang up concert on a new Allen in town. I neglected to snap a good picture of the organ. I did take one, but I didn’t catch that it was very out of focus. How does that happen using my phone? I mean, it’s so easy to get good pictures on the phone until you really want them to turn out! Anyway, the concert was fun. He invited good friends who sing in a barbershop quartet to sing. Not your average church concert!

I’ll miss posting the rest of this week. I’ll be preparing to visit an organ museum. I promise to check my phone to make sure I have at least one good picture to share. I hope to finish 2 tatting projects while traveling. One is up to that fiddly finishing stage of the last few elements and hiding ends. The other should only take 3-4 hours to tat….once the shuttles are free.

In the meantime, those here in Monterey can enjoy “locals weather” and the less crowded streets. The sunrise was spectacular this morning!

Needle tatting workshop

It was my pleasure to spend last Saturday at Lacis in Berkeley. The Museum and store are always a treat to visit! This time, I soaked up all things Needle Tatting. Barb Foster led a wonderful workshop. We also got a chance to tour the tatting display with Jules Kliot. It was so fun and I learned so much! It meant a 14 hour day what with driving up and back, but well worth it. I’m afraid I was doing so much note taking and experimenting I don’t have much tatting to show. I did buy a new book and some thread. I’ll have a picture of something for the next post. Promise!

Forger's Spell

I’m glad to have finished the bookmark yesterday. The day before I finished the book I have been reading for Book Club: The Forger’sSpell by Edward Dolnick. He examines the case of a dutch forger who painted “Vermeers” that Goehring bought during the war. As a journalist, Dolnick amassed quite a lot of detail regarding this man and forging art in general. If you like non-fiction, if you are a WWII buff, if you wonder how the art world functions, this is a good read.

I plan to make my way up to the De Young museum soon to take a peek at The Girl with the Pearl Earring. It will be there for a few more weeks. In the meantime, I’m starting on a request of a bug with buttons that a friend spied on Jane’s list of patterns. It will be a good romp through split rings!