A Duet of Color

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.

Work Inspired by Tatting Shuttles

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...