White thread….ugh!

Something I struggle with in tatting is my sweaty hands. It makes working with white thread challenging. You just can’t allow any of your skin oils to get into white thread. It just doesn’t bleach out. And as the lace ages, it turns an awful color of, well, brown.

It’s a challenge to keep white thread white. Especially when it’s warm outside or I grow older and, well, age.

So, I’ve been trying mightily to keep my hands clean and not touch anything except the lace (no nose scratching, eye rubbing, or forehead massaging) and to drop everything when I feel that heater kick on in my body. Several times I’ve had to drop everything mid-ring. Well, I occasionally don’t keep things clean:

Soiled rings of a Round 2 motif

I’ll be replacing that split ring. If I can figure out how. Hopefully while it’s still cool weather.

On a more positive note, I’ve decided on which clear beads to use. I’ll be tatting up a sample right after I use my scissors (gaak) and re-tat a split ring (harrumph)!

TIAS day 11

I spent most of the day yesterday playing with different option for beads for the Saint Saens final round. I think I’ll make a decision tomorrow, so tune in then. I’m leaning towards not using the crystals. But then, again…..

 

Here’s my version of the final section of part 2 of this year’s game:

 

TIAS 2014 day 11

What is Jane having us tat?????

TIAS day 10 & rainbow at sunrise

My day started out with a rare gift.

We are normally awake before sunrise. I try to open a curtain or two so that I can see the sky lighten. It was cloudy this morning. (Yes, we got badly needed rain!) So, I knew the sky would be colorful….or at least I was hoping. Well, it was. I glanced out a west-facing window to see how light the sky was getting. I did a double take!

A RAINBOW WAS FORMING!

Really!

After checking out an east-facing window, I reveled in the rainbow growing stronger as the sun hit the clouds. I couldn’t dig out the camera fast enough. I don’t think I’ll forget how that looked for a long, long time. Absolutely gorgeous!

So, I was a bit later getting to the computer. I have completed day 10 of the TIAS. Do look at what Jane is posting of other people’s pictures and rhymes. It’s great fun.

TIAS 2014 Day 10
 

 

TIAS 2014 Day 9

Well, here it is. The next bit of tatting that Jane is feeding us. I feel a bit like the plant in Little Shop of Horrors though. I want more! Or Oliver Twist holding up a bowl. It is fun to see what will be released next.

TIAS 2014 Day 9

Day 8 TIAS 2014

Well, what have we here?

TIAS 2014 Day 8

 

Another bit of pattern to add to my “whotzitttt” and a guess? Mmmm I’m seeing a couple of diamond shapes. But then again, I may be wrong. Jane says she knows.

Day 7 TIAS 2014

I thought this was going to be a boat, but now, I’m not so sure…..

TIAS 2014 Day 7

Maybe it’s because I’m wishing for rain. I know, I know, many of you are tired of too much snow. But, we’ve already lost one tree, 2 roses, and several shrubs. I’d like some rain, please.

Day 6 TIAS 2014

The best thing about TIAS is reading all the guesses from all over the world. I’m always amazed. Amazed at the imagination and creativity, amazed at the English (my foreign language knowledge is quite limited) and amazed at the fun we all have.

TIAS 2014 Day 4 & Day 6

 

 Thank you Jane