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!

Friends help!

I have a local group of tatters who get together each Tuesday afternoon. We support each other and teach each other. I have learned so much from them! This week, we discussed what to use for thread color and beads to finish out the Monster Doily (Wiosna 2017).

Here what I decided:

I want to use some green, but the green thread was too, well, GREEN.

I have more Sea Foam beads, so they went into the YES pile. I pulled out other beads I used in the previous rounds along with some “mauvey” beads.

I am intending the final border to be in black thread with clear sparkly beads.

Sea Foam beads are in center, mauve on top, matter finish on bottom

That left thread color for a couple of rounds in between. I pulled out my size 80 thread box and began rummaging. Nothing looked intriguing to anyone. More vintage thread surfaced from someone else’s stash and this ball stood out:

More discussion and bead color ideas were floated. I now have 4 colors in the maybe pile. I think I’ll do some test tats and see what I like…….

Insertion strip turned

Remember this project?

Well, I finally have reached the top of the second strip of the Rosette Insertion pattern on page 15. Now it’s time to tat down the other side.

In the second photo you can see the paperclip. Necessary to use for the lock join to the core thread. That’s because I chose to simply tat the “pattern” I came up with for the point in reverse. Easier on the brain than trying to figure out the way to tat it all back side or something!

Half Way DONE!

Back in November the OnLine class looked at the antique patterns as published by Mlle Riego. About that time, a linen blouse I picked up from Coldwater Creek developed a problem with the lace trimming. 

Nothing for it but to tat up a replacement! 

Thus was born this project. One strip done, the other loaded on the shuttle (with almost 600 beads and almost 12 yards of thread) to be prepared for blocking and sewing on. Should be done just about the time warm weather hits!

OK….those who know Monterey, know that’ll be October!

Nothing like a realistic goal…snicker, snort!!!!

in purple

Well, here’s a picture of the square set I’m working on new. It’s the same pattern as this square.

 I just made things more complicated by using size 80 in 4 different colors AND beads. (Thanks Eliz for sending me down that lane with your comment. I rather like the effect.) The idea came to me due to a common structure of hymns: the first, second and last line similar melody and harmony; the third line a complimentary, but different melody with similar harmony. See where my mind went with this?

If you do, tell it to come back quick….before I lose my keys or something!

Rain!

We have had rain. Not a huge amount by some standards, but welcome. The plants look much healthier now. Of course, the oxalis is taking off big time. I know I should be attacking it while the ground is moist, but there is so much else to do!

Like tat and play new organs!

First, the newest square study, then on Thursday, the newest organ.

Workbasket pattern in pastel and white

I wanted to play with variegated thread in hopes that it would make the solid thread areas pop. I don’t think it worked for this pattern. I do like how the faux center turned out where the corners meet. I would like to stick with variegated as there are so many music compositions that use theme and variation structure. If I can learn what works best for tatting design structure to vary a basic motif, perhaps that will be a good method to represent music compositions that take a simple melody and expand it with variations. Just a thought.