Tatteristic!

A Little More Tatting

2011-06-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Jane Eborall's Fandango Bookmark

I've been doing a little bit of tatting lately. Above you'll see the beginning of Jane's Fandango bookmark. It's really pretty and the pattern works up quickly. I'll post a picture of the completed, blocked bookmark soon.

I can't seem to get enough of these bookmarks that I started a few posts ago. They are so much fun to make and I love having a few around as thank you gifts, etc.

Busy As A Bee

2011-05-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, this past month has just flown by! We've been so busy. At the beginning of the month, I watched our four grandchildren while their parents went on a Hawaiian cruise. Everyone had a good time. This was their first cruise together and they really enjoyed it. It was also the longest time they had been away from the kids since the first one was born six years ago. All the grandchildren were fantastic and I really enjoyed being with them.

My husband has been remodeling a house and finished it just a week ago. He must be exhausted because even though he was up early and gone all day while he was working, now that it's done, it's hard to get him out of the house. LOL

We just got home from a four day motorcycle trip with a bunch of friends. Most people wonder if I ride on the back or ride my own. I ride my own motorcycle. It's a very shiny white Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail and I love it.

But even with all the stuff that has been going on, I've still been able to get some tatting done. One of the things I love most about tatting is how portable it is. I pack it in my motorcycle bag and take it with me everywhere I go. I made two bookmarks for the friends who put this four-day trip together and while we were gone I was able to make a third one just to have as an extra.

One last thing. I just bought an embroidery machine! I've never had one before so I'm very excited about it. I love to sew all kinds of things and I know this will be a lot of fun to use. I can embroider on clothing or pillowcases or quilts and with all the grandchildren (8 plus 2 more on the way), I'm sure it will be well worth the investment.

Well, I have lots to do so enough writing for now. I'll post more pictures later - some tatting, some embroidery, and maybe even some motorcycle pictures if anyone is interested in seeing them.

A Duet of Color

2011-02-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

Like so many other tatters, I love Mary Konior's patterns. This is Duet out of the Tatting with Visual Patterns book. The pattern consists of rings only and for the book, it was done with two rows but I added a third row to contrast the plain white center row.

Her patterns are lovely and I will be tatting more of them in the near future.

If you click on the photo, you'll be able to see it full-size.

Valentine Snowflake and Angel

2011-02-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

It's a little late on Valentine's Day to be sending gifts but I finished a heart motif that I wanted to do for Valentines so here it is.

Instead of tatting a simple heart, I used Jon Yusoff's Hearts in a Snowflake so that I can add this snowflake to my collection of flakes that will be sent for use on the Palmetto's Tat Day's fundraising quilt.

I've never had a chance to attend any of the tatting conferences so I'm going to try to make it this year to Palmetto's Tat Days. I'll keep you posted on my progress of getting that confirmed.

Jon's snowflake tatted up so quickly that I also did Birgit's Simple Angel pattern just for fun. I enjoyed making both of these motifs and am looking forward to making more snowflakes for the quilt.

A belated but heartfelt Happy Valentine's Day wish to all of my fellow tatters. I hope you were able to spend a little special time with your loved ones!

Airplanes & Wreaths?

2011-02-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

They don't have anything in common other than being finished during the same week. I know, what a letdown, huh? Sorry.

The beaded wreath, pattern by Laura Bobay, is something I started right after the holidays because I tatted one and gave it away. I only did the first round on the wreath I tatted and gave away and I really wanted to do both rounds because it is such a pretty wreath. So here it is:

The second item I just finished was Jane's Tat It And See (aka TIAS). She had all of us guessing until the very end and I was very surprised to see that it turned out to be an airplane. I know Jane loves critters and I was sure it was going to be an alligator. Oh well, that's part of the fun doing her TIAS motifs - you never know what it is until it's done. Thanks Jane for another wonderful TIAS. It was fun!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. I think I'll go tat a pretty heart to celebrate.

It Feels Good to Be Tatting Again

2011-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what a few months away from tatting does. I've really missed it and now that I'm starting up again, I have so many new patterns to try and beautiful thread to use that I don't know where to begin.

I figured I would start with some simple motifs and increase in complexity as I get back into my comfort zone.

The first thing I chose was a needle tatted bookmark from Roger's Needletatting Proboard forum.

The instructions were fantastic and it worked up very quickly with a butterfly at one end and a clover at the opposite end.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

I wish all of you a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

I hope we all find a little extra time to do the things we love, spend more time with friends and loved ones, continue to dream, and create beautiful memories.

Many blessings to you and your families,

Tatteristic!

Still Tatting

2010-11-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

I feel bad that I've missed writing almost two months' worth of tatting posts to my blog. It's been a very busy time and I didn't have much to show. I hope you'll forgive me this one time.

We've been on vacation twice this year. Each time I took my tatting with me but didn't accomplish very much. Then it got crazy busy at work, and don't even get started on how many family birthdays there are this time of the year.

Enough excuses, I'm back and I'm still tatting.

When I saw Laura Bobay's beaded wreath on Tat-Man's (aka Mark Myers) website, I knew I just had to make it. The only Christmas green thread I have is size 10 and it was too big for my taste so I found a leafy green Lizbeth thread in size 20 that I liked much better. I hope Tat-Man and Laura won't mind that I didn't actually do both rounds. After I finished the first round, I like it so much that I included it in my In-Tatter's Christmas Exchange package. I'm starting another wreath and this time I promise to do both rounds. The wreath was needle tatted and has clear seed beads between the large rings. If you click on the photo, you'll see the full-size picture.

I've also been crocheting some baby beanie hats and making some large tote bags for gifts. So you see, I really have been busy at a combination of all things crafty.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday and you're looking forward to the Christmas season.

(Revised 11/30/10 to include Laura Bobay's name as the designer of the beaded wreath.)

A Little Tatting Here & There

2010-09-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

I don't have any new pictures to post of tatting, but I have been working a couple of things - not just tatting. I've been sewing quite a bit lately and made some baby gifts for an adorable little girl born in August. I made her mom a nursing cover and she received a pink quilt and taggie blanket.

Believe it or not, they are made out of the same fabric so they match exactly. I'm not sure what's going on with these pictures - must've been different lighting when photos were taken.

Cluny tatting still eludes me. I've been practicing with different size threads and am still not able to be consistent enough. I've used both a shuttle and needle for practice and sometimes my petals look nice and sometimes they are just a mess.

As with anything that is new, I know it takes a lot of practice and I will continue to practice my Cluny leaves. However, they can be a little frustrating so I will be tatting other things in between.

I'm working on the Amusement Doily right now with a new Lizbeth #40 thread and I'm loving it. I want to make a few more snowflakes so I bought another ball of white thread just for that.

Tatting Snowflakes for the Holidays

2010-09-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

I posted these on my 25 Motif Challenge blog but I also wanted to post pictures here so that everyone can see what I've been working on.

I tatted the first one on vacation and the second one right after we returned because I thoroughly enjoyed the patterns in Lene Bjorn's 24 Snowflakes in Tatting book.

There are 22 more in this book that I want to try and complete between now and the holidays.

A New Toolbar for Tatteristic!

2010-08-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

I'm testing a new toolbar which you'll notice at the bottom of your screen.

It's free from Wibiya.com and has a ton of features for sharing, communicating, and monitoring your blog or website.

There are many additional options for sharing photos and posts and keeping in touch via all kinds of social media.

I still want to add some features but I wanted to get it installed and give it a try.

Please let me know what you think about it. I'm always looking for new ways to share info and improve communication.

Shepherd Hook Bookmarks

2010-08-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

There was a question from Tatknot in a comment to my last post. I had mentioned wanting to make some shepherd hook bookmarks and she wondered what they looked like.

Here's a picture. They are about 5" long and flat so they slip nicely into a book without any bulk added when the book is closed.

You've probably seen something similar but called by a different name. Here's what it looks like inside a book.

The motif is just a simple clover pattern with a charm. I found the hooks at Joanns and they only cost about $1.50 or so.

Thanks for asking about them. I'm sure others wondered what I was talking about too!

Getting Back into Tatting

2010-08-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

We're back from vacation and I'm looking forward to spending many evenings tatting. I've missed it.

I did manage to do a little tatting while on vacation and finished a pretty snowflake. As I was tatting on the plane, at the airport, or during the cruise, many people stopped and asked what I was doing. I explained that I was tatting and showed them my work. I took a bunch of small butterflies and gave them to everyone who inquired. All of the butterflies were much appreciated but I realized I would have liked to have had something a little larger to give to people.

I think I will make up some of the shepherd hook bookmarks with the hanging motif and give them to anyone who asks about tatting. They are a little more substantial, not so easily misplaced, and could even be re-gifted to friends or family if desired.

More to follow. I will post some pictures as soon as I can.

Tatting on Vacation

2010-07-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

We are in Alaska. I brought a lot of tatting with me to work on thinking there would be quiet times when I would want to tat. So far, we've been so busy that I haven't even taken it out and looked at it.

However, we did have a three hour flight to Anchorage and I was able to get it out and do a little work. The lady next to me told me her grandmother tatted but no one else in her family learned how to do it. I gave her a butterfly that I brought with me. I was thinking about leaving tatted bookmarks and other motifs as thank-you gifts to the hospitality staff throughout our trip.

Yesterday it was a clear, sunny day as we rode the train to Denali. Today I think it will probably rain. We're planning on taking the Natural History Tour today and won't get back to the lodge until 11:30pm. It's amazing that it stays light outside that late!

Learning to Make Cluny Leaves

2010-07-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

With much thanks to Mimi Dillman and Elisadusud, I think I finally figured out how to tat cluny leaves!

I watched the videos over and over and read the instructions step by step and slowly made some progress. Thank you to everyone who suggested tutorials - they were very helpful.

Here are my first two attempts (that were worth photographing!). The same No. 10 thread was used for both. The top pair was shuttle tatted and the bottom pair was needle tatted. (Clicking on the picture shows more detail.)

I wanted to be sure I could both shuttle and needle tat these because I switch back and forth between the two styles depending on what I'm making.

For anyone who is interested, I found the technique to be the same for both shuttle and needle.

However, just for learning the technique of how to make cluny leaves, you don't really need a shuttle or needle. For me, wrapping my loom hand required the most practice. Passing the shuttle or needle or just the thread by itself, was the easy part. Closing the cluny leaf requires pulling on the threads to tighten up the leaf and as long as you've read the instructions or watched videos and know which threads to pull first and last, that part of the technique just requires a little patience.

You need enough open space in the 'loom' hand to pass the shuttle back and forth. If needle tatting, the open space can be much smaller. Tension using either method is the very important and at first your 'loom' hand gets tired and cramped. I relaxed my fingers without even noticing it which made the passes back and forth rather loose and sloppy.

I'm not sure why the shuttle tatted clunies have sort of a right-angle bend at the beginning of the second leaf. Perhaps I twisted the thread after the chain? I'll have to keep any eye on my next set and see if it happens again. If anyone knows what I did that caused this, please let me know.

Well, now that I have the feel of how to tat cluny leaves, I can safely say that many more practice sessions are in order to work on consistency and symmetry.

Because I struggled to learn this technique, I wrote down my own instructions along with a few pictures for future use. I don't want to forget what I did a few months from now if I put it aside for other tatting and try to come back to it later!

As soon as I have finished a motif with cluny leaves, I'll post pictures here and add it to my 25 Motif Challenge.

Don't you think cluny leaves would look fantastic as part of some crazy quilting? I do.

Now it's time to practice, practice, practice.

P.S.
If you've been hesitant like I was to learn how to tat cluny leaves, or tried before and gave up, I say give it another chance. They are beautiful in all of the tatted pieces I've seen and I'm glad to be able to add them to my list of tatting accomplishments.

Catching Up On All the Tatting Blogs

2010-06-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

I've been tatting away on various projects but none of them are very inspiring right now. I've started and stopped a number of times and just can't seem to decide what I want to work on next.

When all else fails, I tat little butterflies or other small motifs to use up thread left on shuttles. I guess I think if I have empty shuttles, I'll be ready to fill them with beautiful thread for the next tatting project.

Since I haven't figured out what I want to work on, I decided to catch up on all the tatting blogs. Everyone is making such beautiful tatted items and that inspires me. Thank you tatters for posting and sharing your work.

I think I'll check out my pattern books and look online and try something I've never tatted before. One technique that seems very popular right now is cluny tatting. So far I have failed miserably at making clunies so I will look for more info online and perhaps some new videos and give it a try.

Any suggestions on where I might find instructions for making clunies? Videos are great because I'm very much a visual learner. It reminds me of learning to make split rings and split chains. I tried and tried and tried and finally the light went on and I got it. I'm hoping for the same reaction to making clunies!

Word of Caution About Blog Comments

2010-06-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Some of you may already know this, but I just recently figured out something about comments.

I love reading all the comments other tatters leave on my blog but I don't publish them without looking at them first, and this is why. I've been involved in the tatting community for almost two years and am pretty familiar with many names and bloggers but I don't know everyone. While I'm not afraid of a few negative comments here and there, I am very cautious about spamming and other malware that is prevalent everywhere now.

As I was looking as some of the comments I've received, one trend I noticed was after that after a very innocent comment there were a bunch of underlined dots. I didn't immediately recognize the name and wondered why there were 10-15 dots at the end of the comment.

Now, I admit, I often end my sentences in email or when texting with 3-4 dots...it's kind of my way of letting the recipent know that my comments are open-ended and hopefully they will reply with further thoughts or information.

What was interesting about these comments was when I hovered my mouse over the dots and looked at the bottom of my browser screen, all kinds of trashy website URLs came up!

Spammers have figured out a way to create links using this method.

So, fellow tatters, be wary of unknown bloggers or odd comments you see on your own blogs and check them out (hover don't click) before publishing.

Just my two cents' worth but I hope it helps someone.

One more thing - if you receive comments in a foreign language, copy them into a translator (Google has one) before you do anything else. You'll be surprised and probably disappointed in what some of them say...

2010 Tat Days Quilt Block

2010-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Not very long ago, I volunteered to finish a quilt block for the 2010 Tat Days put on by Palmetto Tatters Guild. Here's a photo of the quilt block I received:

Well, I looked and looked at the block trying to decide what sort of crazy quilting/tatting I would add. I tatted up some edgings and tried them out; some I kept; some I did not. I tried a number of different single motifs to fill the 'center' area but finally ended up tatting a rose motif for it. I added some butterflies with beads; more tatted edgings; and even a little lace with buttons, and this is what it looked like when I sent back to Georgia.

If you double-click on the photo itself you'll be able to see much more detail.

It was fun to work on and inspired me to practice some embroidery stitches for future projects. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished quilt and I can tell from the other blocks I've already seen, that it will be a huge success!

Big and Small Tatting

2010-06-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

As one of my 25 Motif Challenges, I tatted a doily. Even though I was afraid I might get bored doing a doily, I actually found it to be quite fun and kind of relaxing to tat. Some of the rounds were repeats of previous rounds so there were easy tatting times.

It's called a Clover Leaf Doily by Linda S. Davies and I found the pattern at www.craftown.com. It's about 6.5 inches across and was shuttle tatted in Lizbeth #20 thread; a medium leaf green and ecru.

After finishing the doily and while I pondered which tatting project I would start next, I decided to tat up some butterflies. I decided it would be fun to make teeny, tiny butterflies since I had just finished a large project.

These butterflies are all needle tatted and less than 1/2" across. I used a pretty pink Sulky Rayon thread; an ivory hand quilting thread, and blue outdoor UV resistant thread. Quite an interesting array of thread I have on hand, don't you think?

What should I tat next? I still haven't decided...but I'm thinking about doing something with cluny leaves since I've never done them before. I'll keep you posted.

Love to Tat

2010-06-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but after a long day at work, I really look forward to spending a little time tatting.

There's just something wonderful about picking out a new pattern (or sometimes an old favorite), searching through thread for just the right one, winding the shuttles (or even threading the needles), finding something good to watch on TV and settling in for an evening of tatting.

I can't wait to get home and start tatting!

Back from Vacation and Tatting Again

2010-06-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

I’m still here. I know it’s been weeks since I last posted anything but, what can I say, it’s been a busy couple of months around here.

My husband and I had two four-day vacations. The first was a long weekend in Williams, Arizona, with a visit to the Grand Canyon. This was a well-planned motorcycle trip with lots of scenic roads and a little sightseeing along the way. Unfortunately, the weather turned bad the day we left San Diego. It rained and snowed in the mountains and the roads were quite treacherous.

We had a group of almost 20 motorcycles when we left San Diego and had three motorcycles tip over on the icy roads. Everyone was able to get back up and keep riding but the first day was non-stop rain, sleet, and snow for 12-1/2 hours - all the way to Williams, Arizona.

Friday was spent at the Grand Canyon; another cold and wet day but the Grand Canyon is awesome and we all enjoyed seeing it. Saturday was absolutely gorgeous – the perfect day for riding. We left Williams early that day and headed south through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, and stopped in Wickenburg.

On the way back to San Diego on Sunday we stopped at Lutes Casino in Yuma – a fun and interesting restaurant featuring potato tacos. Just to give you a better idea of the weather we encountered during these four days; the lowest temperature on Thursday was 28 degrees and the highest temperature through the desert on Sunday was 98 degrees!

Our second long weekend involved flying up to Reno for some very important training. My husband and I both ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles and we’re also officers in our local motorcycle chapter. Every year Harley-Davidson puts on four training seminars in the United States for officers of local chapters and we were lucky enough to be able to go to the West Coast seminar in Reno. There were 700 bikers there from all over the United States and we shared stories about our local chapters and learned a lot from each other about making our own chapters more inviting and more fun. It was a very busy month for us but a lot of fun.

Well, enough about our weekend adventures. More about tatting in my next post.

Interesting Set of Events

2010-04-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

This morning on my way to church, I noticed an accident that had just happened on the other side of the freeway. No emergency crews had arrived yet but there were 4-5 cars that pulled over to help. As I do when I see accidents on the road, or hear emergency vehicles nearby, I offered up a quick prayer for the person(s) in the car, the people who stopped to help, and the emergency crew that would be there soon.

I found out later that morning that one of the people who stopped to offer assistance was my son. He's an EMT/Firefighter and had just gotten off work. The accident happened just in front of him and he stopped to help.

The car had veered off the freeway and rolled over when the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The driver only suffered minor injuries and is okay.

Now, as I think back to the picture in my head, I can remember seeing a large silver truck along with the other vehicles that had stopped to help. It never occurred to me that it could be him but I'm thankful that it was and that he was able to help.

The Tatting Player's Earrings

2010-04-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen her post yet, check out The Tatting Player's earrings that Iris is going to help us create beginning on Monday.

I just finished my very first piece of tatted jewelry which was a pendant for the InTatter's exchange, so I'm excited about learning how to make earrings.

Pendant for Valerie (InTatter's April Exchange)

Pendant plus extra motifs attached to bookmarks

Because I loved this motif so much, I also made a couple extra and attached them to lightweight metal bookmarks called shepherd's hooks. It only takes about an hour or so to tat these motifs up so they're very fun and fast to do. In the pictures the bookmarks look a little like earrings but they're about 5" long and flattened to fit between the pages of a book.

I used a simple clover leaf and chain and attached a small charm at the bottom of one of the clovers. All of these motifs are done in #20 Lizbeth thread. The colors are Western Sunset and Springtime.

Work Inspired by Tatting Shuttles

2010-03-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting that different shuttles inspire me to do different types of motifs. I should probably say right here that I only have three different types of shuttles: Clover, Aero, and Pop-A-Bobbin.

For some unknown reason, the only shuttles I can find locally are the plastic Clover shuttles. I have come to love these shuttles because they're comfortable and have a fantastic tip on one end.

I have purchased several Aero shuttles and also love working with them. I like the fact that the bobbin is removable/interchangeable and, again, the Aeros have a wonderful tiny hook on the end. However, I thought they were a little too long so I asked my husband to snip off the extra plastic on the back tip of them and now they're perfect for me.

I recently splurged and purchased a Pop-A-Bobbin shuttle and absolutely fell in love in love with so it quickly that I've asked to be put on the waiting list to get another one. This shuttle is a little bit bigger and heavier than the other two shuttles I use but it didn't take any time at all to be completely comfortable with the differences. I actually really like the fact that it is a little heavier than the others. The little indentation where the bobbin plug goes makes it easier to hold onto and the shuttle doesn't slip out of my hand - an unexpected benefit.

Anyway, I almost always use the Clover shuttles when I'm trying out a new pattern or technique. I'm just very comfortable with it and it is often the first shuttle I reach for.

When I use the Aero shuttles, I usually pick projects that I will be traveling with. The hook is built into the tip of the shuttle so I don't need to carry an extra crochet hook, and I can easily carry an extra bobbin or two in case I need more thread.

What I've found with the Pop-A-Bobbins shuttles is that they are fantastic for edgings. These shuttles hold a ton of thread and, like the Energizer Bunny, I just keep going and going and going...

Spinning My Wheels

2010-03-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're spinning your wheels? I do.

I feel like I've been productive with my crafts and tatting and yet I don't really have anything to show for all the time I've spent working them. How can that be?

Maybe it's because I've done a little bit on many different projects. Let's see what I've done...

(1) Add some edgings and embellishments to a crazy quilt block; (2) Practice tatting several small motifs to use in a pendant exchange; (3) Shop for findings and embellishments to add to my pieces; (4) Work on burp cloth edging and Filet Panel by Mary Konior, Tatting with Visual Patterns; and (5) Cut out and begin sewing a couple of large tote bags for friends.

I guess I have been more productive than I thought!

Testing some half-closed rings for crazy quilt embellishment

Filet Panel from Mary Konior's Tatting with Visual Patterns (unblocked)

Edging on second burp cloth (triple crochet then double crochet around edge)

What have you been working on?

Tatting on Crazy Quilt Blocks

2010-03-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

I know, I haven't posted any pictures of my tatting lately. I've been tatting away but I don't have any completed items to take photos of just yet. I've been working on a couple of Mary Konior patterns which I just love.

Lately, I've been drawn to edgings. Probably because I've also been doing some crazy quilting. You can purchase beautiful edgings but I prefer making them myself to add to the blocks. The tatted edgings and motifs don't require much as the blocks themselves are usually only about 10-12 inches square. It's pretty easy to work up a length of edging to fit a section of the quilt block. Many times you only need a few inches to cover a seam.

Easy ring and chain motifs can be done in all sizes. All types of thread and embellishments like buttons and pins can be used on or near them to highlight their presence on the block. Here are some plain white test ideas I was trying out.

Using BTS (bare thread space) in tatting opens up all kinds of new possibilities. You can weave a pretty ribbon or strand of beads through the BTS and create lots of pretty designs. I've even found a way to spice up plain old rick-rack so that it looks completely different than you imagine it would.

I have a sewing machine that does a lot of different stitches but I also enjoy doing hand embroidery so I may use some of the stitches for inspiration but completely change them up and add to them just for the fun of it.

As soon as I finish the current quilt block I'm working on, I'll post a photo of it.

Crazy Quilt Blocks + Tatting = joining old knots and stitches together for a new twist (well, for me anyway)

Butterfly Tatted Using Both Needle & Shuttles

2010-02-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a butterfly and was surprised at how much trouble I had selecting just the right pattern. I love all the little butterflies that you can make to use up extra thread on a shuttle, but I was looking for something with a little more substance. I wanted to challenge myself and be able to post it on the 25 Motif Challenge as well as send it off to it's new home.

I finally decided on the Green Butterfly pattern by Martha Ess - yep that's the name of the pattern. I chose some pretty Lizbeth thread and started tatting. If you've read the post about this butterfly on my 25 Motif Challenge blog, you know that I used both shuttles and needles to tat it.

Once I selected which thread to use, I wound my shuttles CTM to get started. When I read the pattern, I realized that the center rings are the first sections to be tatted. Well, I had already wound my thread for the larger sections of the wings and didn't want to have to cut it and start the wings with two ends to hide.

That's when I decided to needle tat the center green rings. It worked out great and I didn't have any extra ends to hide on the larger sections of the wings.

There was a challenge to completing the butterfly because there are five sections to be joined together. Even though the pattern directions are clear and easy to follow, I somehow always manage to flip things the wrong way or join something upside down. Joining sections or smaller motifs into a larger piece is definitely something I should continue to practice.

The butterfly is actually rather large compared to the pieces I've been tatting. It's about 5" wide and 4" tall and if you click on the picture, you'll get an idea just how big it is. At the bottom of the picture, I included the colors of thread used.

Now the butterfly is complete and it's been blocked and photographed, so I'm sending it to the Palmetto Tatters Guild as my membership fee for the 2010.

[Note: 3/2/10 added link to Green Butterfly pattern]

Superbowl Tatting

2010-02-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

I wanted to watch the Superbowl game today and tat but I didn't want to start anything that required a lot of concentration. While surfing the web one day I came across these adorable burp cloths and baby blankets that are hemstitched and ready to be edged from Ammee's Babies. It was the perfect project.

The burp cloth is really soft flannel about 8" x 18" and because they are already hemstitched, all I did was crochet around the edge once and then add a tatted chain (3-3-3) to finish it off.

I enjoyed the game and was able to finish a cute little project without having to do any untatting today!

Introducing Norman, the Rooster from California

2010-02-01T01:01:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to Norman. He's a beautiful rooster born and raised in California.

Norman was a wonderful Tat It And See pattern created by Jane Eborall. For 11 days Jane taunted and teased us with small portions of the pattern to tat Norman. When we began, we had no idea what he would turn out to be. All we knew was that we needed three coordinating threads, a small bead, and time to have lots of fun!

Jane does a fantastic job with T.I.A.S. and not only provides the pattern, she includes helpful tatting tips and techniques about joining threads, adding beads, and other ideas along the way.

Once Norman was completed, Jane even provided patterns for the rest of his family, his chickee wife Aileen, and their two chicklings.

Thank you Jane. I'm already looking forward to the next T.I.A.S.

Note: I changed photos because I thought the first one was too dark 02/03/2010

Retro Tatting Mistakes

2010-01-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I was working on my T.I.A.S. motif which, by the way, I am thoroughly enjoying, when I noticed that I had made a huge mistake.

Here's what happened. I'm going along smoothly following the instructions for Day 6. It's time to add the third thread color on the chain shuttle. No problem. I've done that before. I add in my new color, hide the ends as instructed, and cut the old chain thread.

Unfortunately, after I added the new color I forgot to make sure my work was reversed and that I was going the right way. I was not using the new color for the chain and the chain was facing the wrong way. I started calculating how far back I would have to cut to fix my error. I was doing so well up to this point and I really didn’t want to have to start that section again. So I figured out a way to cheat a little and not have to cut out anything!

I un-tatted the chain that was the wrong color and facing the wrong way. There was only about an eighth of an inch of thread hidden under the double-stitches and I wasn’t sure how I would be able to hold onto to it and feed it into a new chain.

Then suddenly I had an idea. I put the teeniest bit of glue on the thread end and let it dry. It was a little bit tacky which made it possible to re-tat the new chain in the correct color over it without losing the old end. This isn’t something I would recommend doing all the time but it worked in this instance and I was able to continue tatting!

Ahhhh, Day 6 complete.

Have You Tried The Magic Thread Trick?

2010-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

If you haven't tried it yet, think about using the Magic Thread Trick to hide ends. Here is a link to Debbie Drakes instructions via Georgia's website that is very helpful. You can find lots of helpful websites if you Google this topic.

I've been trying to use it more often and find that when I remember to start a motif with it, I enjoy getting to the end because I know all I have to do is pull my thread ends through, clip and I'm done.

I also tend to tat very tightly so sometimes I had trouble pulling two threads through. If that happens to you, just do the Magic Thread Trick twice (say that fast three times) and pull each thread end separately instead of both together when you get to the end.

Tatting Update

2010-01-18T17:02:00.000-08:00

I have been tatting up a storm. I am still working on my 25 Motif Challenge as well as some homework from Georgia’s online tatting class and Jane’s T.I.A.S project. As I’ve already mentioned in previous posts, my goal this year is to learn some new techniques.

Georgia's online tatting class has been about mignonettes and netting for the last couple of weeks and some of the work we’ve seen is just beautiful. I’m going to try Gina’s Netted Heart. Hopefully, my end result will match the picture.

We’ve been doing split rings, shuttle and thread switches, and adding a bead in the online T.I.A.S. and I never thought so much tatting would be so much fun. While I keep guessing, I have no idea what motif Jane has in mind for us but one thing I’m sure of is the ‘fun factor’ is definitely happening!

Today has been kind of a cold, windy, rainy day – perfect for sitting in front of the fireplace and tatting. I think I’ll start on some of the homework from the online tatting class.

Request for Bag/Tote Patterns

2010-01-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

I've had a couple of requests for the patterns I used for the bags.

The crazy quilt bag with the tatting embellishment is called #ps026 Mini Bow Tucks by Penny Sturges. The size is 11" wide by 10" tall by 5" deep. I purchased this pattern at a quilt store, The website is listed as www.quiltsillustrated.com.

The pattern is not a 'crazy quilt' pattern; I did that part myself simply by sewing together strips of fabric in a random crazy quilt kind of way.

The brown and green floral totes were made from a Simplicity pattern, #2685. It measures 17" x 19" and could easily be used as a diaper bag, beach bag, or just about anything else.I used a home decor type of fabric with a canvas lining to make it very durable.

If you make any purses, please post a picture and let me know. I'd love to see them.

Crazy Quilt Bag With Tatting

2010-01-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

I just finished making three bags, one of them has some of my tatting motifs on the front. The pattern for the bag itself was easy to put together but it took a couple of extra days to do the crazy patchwork fabric piecing and adding all of the embellishments. It was fun and turned out to be really cute.

The ribbons on each side of the bag can be tightened.

Embellishments include tatting, beads, buttons, stitching and ribbons.

A closer look at some of the embellishments.

This is the back of the bag with a pocket and button closure.

The other two bags are late Christmas presents. They're both made out of the same pattern and they were super easy to sew. Since I've given both of them away and I liked the bags so much, I bought some fabric to make one for myself. It's hard to tell but these bags are actually a pretty good size and have an inside zipped pocket for storage. I folded up a bath towel and stuffed it inside when I took the photos and there was still room to spare.

There is some decorative stitching below the band and I just love the big wooden buttons.

Now that Christmas 2009 is completed, I can start thinking about new projects for 2010.

TIAS 2010 Begins

2010-01-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Yippee! Jane Eborall's Tat It And See begins today. I've included a link to take you straight to her TIAS blog.

I did one of these last year and it was so much fun. Jane provides a ton of helpful tatting information during the TIAS and tatters enjoy guessing what it is throughout the whole process. Here's a link to the TIAS Introduction page.

If you haven't done a TIAS yet, and even though I've only done one since I began tatting, I encourage you to give it a try. It's a blast!

Tatting in 2010

2009-12-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

I know it's not quite the New Year, but it's close!

I have so many tatting ideas I want to work on next year. Some needle tatting projects as well as some shuttle tatting projects. I still haven't decided which motif to start the 25 Motif Challenge with so I'm still looking for something interesting/new to do.

Something that I really want to do this year is incorporate tatting into other crafts. I mentioned the crazy quilt purses with tatting for Christmas. Unfortunately, I didn't even get those started so they are at the top of my list this year to complete.

I'm off to peruse my tatting books and the internet for a challenging pattern to get started on. I have a lot of new thread to use thanks to the Secret Santa exchanges so I'm ready to begin.

What tatting projects do you have planned for 2010?

Wishing all of you a Tatteristic New Year!

It's Almost Christmas

2009-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas which is a wonderful time of the year. We are able to share precious moments with families and friends, take a a little time to reflect back on all of our blessings, share fond memories about those who are no longer with us, and enjoy this season of our lives.

May your heart and home be filled
with the true spirit of Christmas
- JESUS!

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on me and my family. Thank you for our health and fellowship with friends and family. Bless all who are away from home protecting us from harm and bring them back safely. Be with friends and family as they travel across the street or across the world to see loved ones. Even as we enjoy the celebration of Christmas, help us to remember that you are truly the reason we celebrate this season.

May God fill your life
with love, joy and peace
this Holiday Season
and throughout the New Year.

Tatted Christmas Motifs Finished

2009-12-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it and I'm so happy to have it completed early. I say early because I'm usually up all night on Christmas Eve wrapping gifts. All of our gifts are wrapped and separated by family and ready to be delivered.

All of my tatting for Christmas is complete. I made about a dozen different patterns to be used as ornaments or tucked inside a Christmas card. I was even able to get some glitter on them so that they would be sparkly.

I had not originally intended to make snowflakes for Christmas but once I finished a couple, I found that I was really enjoying the patterns so I kept tatting up more.

Since they were so much fun, I think I will order the 24 Snowflakes book and make some as part of my 25 Motif Challenge.

Speaking of the 25 Motif Challenge, most of my Christmas projects are done so I can decide which motif to create first for the challenge. I did not have enough time to finish the crazy quilted purses but I will continue to work on them and give them as late gifts to the recipients.

Secret Santa Tatting Exchanges

2009-12-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

December has been a very busy month. I participated in a couple of Secret Santa Exchanges and received some lovely thread and other tatting items. I can't wait to try out the thread but I have to hold off until after the holidays are over. There are just too many things going on this month!

I found a snowflake pattern that is pretty and easy to tat so I've tatted it in three different sized threads and with both a needle and shuttles. All of them turned out very pretty and I think I may do it one more time and add beads to it.

Off to tat. See ya later...

How Many Days Until Christmas?

2009-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is not very far away and I still have more projects I want to make. I have found some new needle tatting patterns I want to try (including snowflakes for the tree), a cute pattern for a purse (even though I haven't finished the others yet), and even a couple of cookie recipes I want to try for a cookie exchange this month.

This is why you haven't heard from me in a couple of weeks. I keep adding more projects to my list of things to do.

Well, I'd better stop talking and start working. I need some elves to help me get everything finished!!

Welcome New Friends

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just a quick Thank You to everyone who has visited my tatting blog. I am visiting all of your blogs and learning a lot about what I want to see on my blog and how I can improve it to make it as interesting as possible. I will be posting more photos and adding some tips and techniques I've picked up along the way. Of course, I'm always looking for new widgets and improvements/add-ons from Blogger that make sharing info much easier and more fun to use.

It is a blessing to me to be able to share my interests with all of you and I am truly enjoying your blogs about tatting, sewing, quilting, and other crafts through the use of something so readily available and easy to use. Not very long ago, sharing knowledge and photos was kept within a small community of family and friends - usually only those you saw at work, school or church or corresponded with using snail mail.

Now we can easily share everything about the process of creating beautiful crafts in a few minutes all over the world. I love technology!

Again, thank you and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you a little bit more next year.

Focused on Tatting

2009-11-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it's already the middle of November. Christmas is just around the corner! Did you notice how early the malls and stores put Christmas out this year? I was at the mall this week and noticed that Santa had already arrived there. He normally doesn't make it to the malls until around Thanksgiving so he's really early this year.

Anyway, I am having so much fun tatting Christmas motifs. To help get a little extra needle tatting practice in, I have tatted all my motifs both by shuttle and needle which has been a lot of fun and I've learned some interesting things along the way.

Even though with the needle, some patterns feel a little awkward at first, I'm growing more and more fond of needle tatting. Maybe it's because I have sewed my whole life and the needle is so comfortable to me or maybe it's because I can visualize what I'm doing better with the needle - I don't really know. But whatever it is, I'm enjoying it.

I will continue to look for patterns with techniques that challenge me. With a little experience under my belt now, I'm even thinking about joining the 25 Motif Challenge next year and signing up for the Tatters Across Time program.

Next year looks like it will be another busy, tatting-filled year.

Too Many Lists

2009-11-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm a list maker; I admit it. I make lists for everything. The problem for me is that I have too many lists on various pieces of paper or on the computer or my phone and none of them are in sync.

Today I found a free app that I think will help keep my lists organized. It's called TaDa List and you can open it from anywhere. Here's what one of my lists looks like (I've already created four). You can even email it to yourself. Once you check off an item as being completed, it is removed from your to-do l ist but it is still displayed on the TaDa List so that you have an complete listing of everything (finished and in progress).

Well, I hope this works. If it does, all I can say is TaDa!!

Happy Friday!

2009-11-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

A few more hours of work and then it's the weekend!!

I've already completed two Christmas items but I can't post pictures yet. They're for an exchange and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'll post them later.

I keep trying but other things have kept me from starting the crazy quilt purses I want to make for Christmas.These purses are gifts where I'll incorporate some of my small and not-so-great pieces of tatting that I've saved.

This is not my work but it's a sample picture similar to what I'll be doing. You randomly sew different pieces of fabric together and then embellish that with crazy stitching, buttons, and, of course, tatting. Doesn't that look like fun? I hope this weekend I can get started on this. I'll keep you posted.

Have a great weekend!

Google Internet Search Widget

2009-11-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've added a Google widget to my blog. Instead of having to open a new tab or window, you can search for tatting patterns, shops, blogs, and more right here from my blog. I hope you like it and find it handy to use. So many times as I'm reading your blogs, I've wanted to search on a name or pattern but I usually forget to do it so I put it right under Lady Shuttlemaker's button to the right so you can give it a try. Let me know what you think and if it was helpful.

Speaking of Google - and I do love Google. Have any of you received a Google Wave invitation? If you'd like to try it, request an invitation. Google Wave is a new way of communicating and collaborating with others in real time. It's a combination of chatting, email, file & photo sharing, and more - check it out. Google Wave Video.

Are there any tatters already using Google Wave? If so, please let me know.

Who's Tatting This Weekend?

2009-11-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

I am!

I have so much tatting that I want to work on. Some of it is brand new and will be for a couple of Tatting Exchanges that are coming up this month. There are still a couple of unfinished motifs that I'm working on and want to get finished, and, of course, I'm always scouring the internet for more ideas. It's crazy. Right now, there is no way I would ever use up all of the thread I have or be able to even do one sample of all the motifs in all the books I own, and yet, I keep looking for more.

For me, that's part of the fun. Whether it's tatting, quilting, or any other craft, I want to experience all of it and see what others have created and how I can weave all of the tangle threads together into some new idea.

What tatting project are you working on this weekend?

Needle Tatted Snowflake

2009-10-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

I've been practicing my needle tatting by working on a snowflake. For some reason, I'm still having trouble keeping my chains and rings going in the right direction when I begin a new round.

I'm sure it's just a matter of time and practice and I'll be more comfortable with the flow of tatting. It's not perfect but I'm happy with the way it turned out. The pattern by Lenore English was very easy to follow and I enjoyed being able to do the repetitions for practice. The piece measures almost four inches across using a size 20 thread.

Is it me or is needle tatting faster than shuttle tatting? It has only taken me two evenings to almost finish the snowflake and that seems pretty quick.

Recycle and Re-use Tatting?

2009-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier I mentioned that I want to put some tatting on crazy quilt purses for Christmas. I've been working on some small motifs and edgings to use and then I was looking through my tatting stuff for something and realized I had a ton of unfinished and banished tatted items in the back of a drawer that I can use.

I couldn't bear to throw them away even though they didn't work out, or I didn't like the color, I miscounted, or whatever reason, so I just stashed them away in the back of the drawer. Well, now these little unfinished, unwanted pieces will be put to good use decorating some quilting and no one will be the wiser that these were probably pieces that would eventually be thrown away. Recycling happens everywhere, doesn't it?

Now it's time to start sewing the purses so that I can get to the fun part of adding my tatting to make unique Christmas gifts.

Needle Tatting - So Much Fun!

2009-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

I began shuttle tatting about a year ago and love it. During this past year I have tried needle tatting now and then but I wasn't real thrilled with the results. I thought the motifs I did with a needle were a little loose, if you will, and not as nice a shape as something done with a shuttle. But I love all of the needle tatted projects I've seen in other blogs and kept thinking I have to try again, I know I can do it. Well, after much practice and with the determination to needle tat something I'm proud of, I think I got it!

It's all about tension and needle size. I know I kept reading that but until I had more practice under my belt, I couldn't believe that would make so much difference. It does and right now I am lovin' the needle tatting. If any other tatters are trying to needle tat and are frustrated with the results, let me just say, keep at it. Your results will improve and your needle tatted projects will be just as beautiful as those you've admired.

And here's something you may not have realized yet - split rings with a needle - super easy!! Really, I struggled just like everyone else learning split rings with a shuttle but they are so easy with a needle - you won't believe it until you try it.

Needle Tatting Progress

2009-10-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my needle tatting and have actually made some progress. I have finished three small medallions and the Heart A-Fire pattern by Roger L. It took me awhile to keep the rings and chains going in the right direction and then finally the light went on and I think I get it now.

Tatting, Tatting Everywhere!

2009-10-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

There is so much tatting information on the internet! I mean, really, I knew there were tons of blogs, videos, and shops but the more I get involved in the tatting community, the more information I find. There are Yahoo groups, several forums and boards, and don't even get me started on the number of Etsy shops, thread suppliers, and tatting/lace blogs that are available.

The best part is that you share your creativity with the rest of us - your tips and shortcuts learned along the way, ideas and patterns, and beautiful photos of your work. You are thoughtful and giving and much appreciated by all.

I've learned a lot from reading your blogs, following your suggestions, and tatting your beautiful patterns. Thank you!

Christmas Ideas

2009-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today was a dark and cloudy day with a little bit of rain - just perfect!! It makes me think about the holidays. During my lunch break, I went to this wonderful quilt shop nearby in search of ideas. I found a couple of adorable purse patterns that I think I'll make for Christmas. What I really want to do is a crazy quilt look and instead of the usual embroidery stitches (I may still use some), I'll put some of my tatting on the purses. I think they'll look great and it gives me a chance to use some of the random motifs that don't really belong anywhere and some edgings that I've tried but haven't attached to anything.

2009-10-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I was able to finish up another motif designed by Jon - Quantiesque - which is one of my favorites. I did it in a pretty Orchid Pink 20 by Flora. Maybe this evening I'll be able to work on my Design-Tat project. Have a great day!

Happy Friday

2009-10-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning bloggers. It's Friday - we made it through another week. The weather has cooled off about 15 degrees here and it's beautiful. Now it feels like the beginning of fall and I can't wait for the holidays. I'm still thinking about projects for Christmas and I have a few in mind, but I know I'll think of more.

I hope to do some serious tatting this weekend. We've been very busy this past month and away from home a lot so I'm looking forward to some quiet time with my thread and shuttles. I also need to finish my Design-Tat homework of the drawing and submit it.

The InTatters groups has a fun project for October which is to use the thread we don't like (for whatever reason) that's been stashed away at the back or bottom of the drawer and make something. I found some pretty thread in the bottom of my thread box and made a little angel. Honestly, a small motif or small angel is about all I could handle with that thread. It stretched; it broke; it got all tangled up; it was no fun to tat with at all.

LadyShuttleMaker's weekly Monday MONDO Giveaway

2009-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Tatting Tales ~ All things Tatting (It's an obsession): LadyShuttleMaker's weekly Monday MONDO Giveaway

This is going to be fun

2009-10-08T08:54:00.001-07:00

I think I may enjoy this after all. I got the InTatters link on the page and found a pretty background for my blog. I wonder who my first visitor/follower will be?

Welcome

2009-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog, Tatteristic! I've been thinking about it for months but kept putting it off for a bunch of silly reasons. You know, things like, I'm too busy, what would I write about, stuff like that. Well, hopefully, I will have enough interesting stuff to say to keep people interested. Let's get going and see what happens.