Tatting Tales ~ All things Tatting (It's an obsession)

Locks of Love

2012-05-30T16:41:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I decided to donate my 18 inches of hair to the "Locks of Love" foundation. What do you think?
I bet they will be able to make two wigs out of the donated hair. I sure hope so!
Also, I am hoping that by losing so much hair maybe....just maybe my headaches might subside.
I've been tatting but do not have anything to show just yet.

We have a winner!

2012-05-28T08:34:00.000-06:00

I entered all participants of my Random Monday Mondo Giveaway into an Excel spread sheet. Everyone was assigned a different number and those who were eligible for two entries were assigned two numbers. I then used a random number generator to randomly pick the winning number and the winner of the WorkBasket Magazine and HDT is Jeff Hamilton. Congratulations Jeff!

Stay tuned for there will be more Random Monday giveaways coming soon!

Added touch to the lanyard

2012-05-23T08:33:00.001-06:00

I felt like this needed just a little something to round it off so I added an adapted version of my "Wisteria" patten the to cardholder. "Wisteria" pattern can be found in my newest book, Branching Encapsulation.

My husband now says that I have sufficient "flare".

Lanyard finished

2012-05-21T10:24:00.000-06:00

Here is the finished lanyard. I think it turned out really well. This lanyard has given me some other crazy design ideas....there are just not enough hours in the day.

I was fortunate enough to add a new "used" camera to my collection and here is one of my first photos from it. It is fantastic. It is the Fuji X100. I'll try not to bore you tatters too much but if you know me at all you know that I am a total camera freak. I collect old cameras and I shoot with each and every one of them. Some of them are nearing 100 years old. Yes, I still use and develop my own film. This new camera is digital but in an old school manual body so it encompasses the best of both worlds.

You may have noticed a slight lack of posting here. This is because I have been spending as much time as I can in my studio throwing on my wheel. I need to make a complete new dinnerware line for my family. I threw this large bowl specifically for Pho. Ever since we visited Vietnam we fell in love with this awesome noodle soup.

Triangles and Lanyards

2012-05-19T09:55:00.001-06:00

A few years ago I designed this triangle and I decided to revisit the design and tweak some things. You'll be seeing more of this soon.

I took a break from the triangles to tat a beaded lanyard. Thank you to Patti D for the pattern. I had to play around with stitch count since my beads are smaller than the pattern called for. This piece actually became a zipper pull.

Here it is in silver thread, it is so much prettier in person than the photo shows. This pattern is great because it tats up so quickly. I am hoping to have the lanyard finished this weekend.

Mondo Monday Giveaway Part 26

2012-05-14T09:23:00.001-06:00

Our prize is an issue from 1953 of The Workbasket craft magazine. This vintage magazine is chock full of really fun subjects like Knit, Crochet and of course tatting, recipes and gardening tips plus more.
Also included is a skein of my very special superior hand dyed tatting thread. Size 80, Six cord cotton "Neapolitan"

Please review the giveaway rules here. If you are new to my giveaways please make sure to sign up on THIS post.

The winner will be announced on Monday May 28th 2012.

***A SPECIAL NOTE***Anyone and Everyone is welcome to enter my giveaways.
However, I can no longer afford to ship my giveaway prizes internationally.
If you live somewhere other than the U.S., PR, AK, HI, or Canada and you still want to enter, you must agree to pay the shipping charges.

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Stuck on Flowers

2012-05-11T10:29:00.001-06:00

Here is a follow up on the bookmark. I am not quite finished as you can see. It is going to be so dainty.

I can't stop tatting these 3D flowers. They are so much fun. The large flower is tatted in my "Wild Pansy" HDT which is an old colorway but I just dyed a new batch in. I haven't written up the patterns for either of these and probably won't for some time due to time constraints. But I'll let you all know if and when I do get them written and diagrammed.

Free PDF Hosting

2012-05-08T14:58:00.001-06:00

Hey guys, This has been on my mind for awhile and I just keep forgetting to share it. Lot's of tatters are giving out their patterns for free, including myself, and for five years I have been using this site: FreePDFHosting.Com.
The nice thing is, if you download one of my patterns it takes you straight to the PDF...there is no logging in, no annoying adds and no hoops to jump through like a lot of "other" PDF hosting sites.
I wish every tatter would use a hosting site like this rather than the "other". I have so many free patterns that I went ahead and made donation of $5. So far it has cost me only $1 a year to save you my readers the hassle of all the aforementioned aggravation.
If I go to download someones pattern and the site wants me to "sign up" and "login" I just skip it. So there are a lot of neat patterns I'm missing out on because those sites make it so difficult.

FreePDFHosting.Com is simple and straightforward ....and go ahead and make a donation, even if it's only $1. Everyone will thank you!

On to other items.
I have been tatting like crazy making lots of these sweet little barrettes. My daughter loves them and I've been making them for other little girls in my life too!

Merely interesting observations...

2012-05-07T09:58:00.000-06:00

I wondered how I should title this post, "How would you tat if all your work was scanned?", "Wabi Sabi Tatting", "Is perfection what it is cracked up to be?" Many of you thought I was trying to prove a point, but that is not why I did this little poll. I did it purely to satisfy my own curiosity.
Are people naturally attracted to one type of tatting over another?
With the advent of the Internet and scanners, our work can be more highly scrutinized than ever before.
Many of you guessed that there was frontside/backside tatting involved here...but I tell you now, there is MORE than that going on in this example.
Thank you to everyone who voted. At the time of this post there were 172 votes; essentially 75% of people liked example A. and 25% liked example B. better. Frankly I was surprised that 1 in 4 people liked example B. better and that made me wonder if they were trying to prove the point that they don't care for frontside/backside tatting. But overall it seems like people are more attracted to "perfection".
As a Master tatter I feel an obligation to share my knowledge and strive for my personal best in tatting.....BUT.... I will say this and you can quote me, "I don't care one iota how other people tat". If you are tatting at all then I am super stoked on you! Nope....I'm not one of those who gets my panties in a wad over these little details. I will never judge someone else's tatting...(unless I'm getting paid to do so.)
So, from a teacher's perspective, and for those who DO like to get caught up in all the details, the following may be of interest.

Firstly we will address the obvious frontside/backside differences. So in case anyone is lost, example A. is tatted with all the little tricks I will be covering. And example B. is just your everyday normal old school style of tatting.

You can tell the difference between frontside/backside tatting. Example B. has the half stitch where the chain starts. If you care, this is extremely simple to remedy, just reverse the order of your stitches on your chains.

Another way to tell the difference between frontside/backside tatting is how your picots look. Did you know that there is a front and a back to a picot?

...and I don't think this even needs an explanation.

Now on to the other tricks. Dropping your shuttle through your ring before closing it does make a slight difference. You can see in example A. that doing this forces that last stitch to the front so you can see it whereas in example B. it gets a little twisted and becomes lost.

And finally....and probably my new favorite is KrystleDawn's method of the LHPJ "Larks Head Picot Join", which as she puts it, "Puts the belt on the pants of the double stitch"...or something to that effect. Feel free to chime in Krystle!

I swear, every time I do this stitch I think to myself, "How in the world did she come up with this...she must be some kind of mad genius!"

Anyhow, with just a little bit of practice all these things are quite simple and can become part of your normal tatting.....or not. It's up to you and you are the most important and most qualified judge of your own tatting!

The bottom line is that tatting should be fun and enjoyable so tat the way that makes you the happiest!!!!!

Quick Survey

2012-05-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

I will post after the weekend on why I am doing this poll. Please don't overthink it. Just go with your instincts. I value everyone's vote. It only takes one click so lurkers please participate!

Tiny Tatting....Oh how I love thee!

2012-05-04T11:32:00.000-06:00

This is another of my free patterns that can be found in my sidebar under "FREE PATTERNS". I decided to tat a book mark in size 100 King Tut quilting thread. When it is finished I'll show it next to a quarter so you can get a size reference. I don't know what it is but there is really something magical about the super fine tatting. On another note, today is my 16 year wedding anniversary. We were supposed to get married in a hot air balloon but at the last minute weather turned sour. So our anniversary gift this year is a ride in a hot air balloon. We won't get to go until next month but I am super excited. I guess the old saying, "better late than never" is appropriate in this situation.

Pure Silver Bobbin Shuttle

2012-05-03T10:09:00.000-06:00

100% Pure Silver and handmade by me. I'll be listing this shuttle in the shop soon. It will be made to order with the hook size of your choice. I only have enough silver left to make two maybe three. Silver prices just went up again and I cannot afford to buy any more. It is astronomically expensive but oh so beautiful. So, bobbin shuttle tatters with a little disposable income, keep an eye on the shop.

Here is yesterday's completed flower. Tatted in "Victorian Valentine" HDT, and Flora's Dusty Rose both Size 20. This is a really fun pattern but takes an entire day to tat. But I want to tat it again in blue...and then purple...and then...

Clarification on Butterfly Project

2012-05-02T09:42:00.001-06:00

At last check the Butterfly Project has 900,000 butterflies. They need a total of 1.5 million to represent all the lost children of the holocaust. Please send your butterflies to them....not to me. All the information is provided in the link.

I enjoyed tatting the flower so much that I have started a second one. I will either add them to a barrette or headband.

The Butterfly Project reminder

2012-05-01T10:46:00.000-06:00

This is "HOPE", it is one of my free patterns which can be found in my sidebar. She was tatted in "Coral Rose" and "Ol' Saint Nick" HDT. I've blogged a lot about this project in the past but I am here to remind you to send in your butterfly's. They have extended the date to Dec, 31 2012. My goal is to send in 50 and I am a little over half way there.

This is my completed project tatted in "Sunny side Up". It is a 3D flower. I love how it has a natural flower shape that holds without any help.

"Sunny Side Up" + "Magnolia" = Happy Time

2012-04-30T11:03:00.001-06:00

I've started a new project which required some special new hand dyed thread. It is so simple yet so effective. I call this "Sunny Side Up".

I have dyed lots of new batches of thread which I have yet to add to the shop and blog about. This is "Magnolia"...not a new colorway but rather an old favorite!

I admit I am struggling a little with blogger's new format. I don't know why they had to go and fix something that wasn't broken. I have found myself more frustrated than not when I am trying to post now. Ah well, I am sure I will get use to it in time!

Shuttlebirds and then some....grab a cuppa!

2012-04-26T11:07:00.001-06:00

On our drive to Shuttlebirds we passed this awesome bed and breakfast. We pulled into the barking lot to get a closer look. We are coming back to stay here someday!

I think this is one of the best years ever for Shuttlebirds. There was great attendance and lots of vendors! I had great fellowship with all my wonderful tatting friends. Miss P made an appearance here and there and was well received. Overall, we just had a fantastic time. I am already looking forward to next year

Here I am with my vending space. You can see the lovely Jessica S and Georgia Seitz in the background.

Here is KrystleDawn's vending spot. We were neighbors.

This is the class I taught. The pattern can be found here.

I took this class from Krystle. Isn't this just a lovely lovely pattern?

I took this class from Jessica. She updated an old Priscilla pattern. I used a new metallic thread that I found and especially like. So I will talk a little bit about that.

It is made by DMC and it is 100% Polyester. I don't normally tat with metallic threads because I haven't found one I like until now. It is strong and smooth and has not broke on me yet. As far as I know this only comes in silver and gold. This is not to be mistaken with DMC's "precious metal effects" thread. That is a different line and I do not know how that line tats up. The "precious metal effects" line also comes with a lot more colors to choose from.

This picture is for Livi. Miss Piccadilly is feeding "Raku two" some water from her sippy cup. "Raku two" is a gift from Livi to Piccadilly. Last night, I was surprised with a package from Jess of Tatilicious. She was generous and kind enough to send a few things to cheer us up! Miss P also got a Sandra Boynton book and I got some HDT and a lovely assortment of notions. Thank you (((JESS)))!!!! And speaking of Raku, thank you for all the kind comments on my last post. It looks like he is coming back to live with us this weekend. I have been praying that we can find a more suitable home for him. I do feel really sorry for the little guy!

Ughh...blech...and harumph!!

2012-04-18T10:32:00.004-06:00

Stand by for a bit of a rant.
I have been working really REALLY hard to get ready for shuttlebirds. Not an easy task when you have a 17mo old. Anyhow, I got a very disturbing phone call last night. (Note to self: "Never answer phone".)
But before I go into the details of the call I must back up a bit.
It starts with this: My hubby has been sick for almost two years now. That is why we are still in Idaho and not in Mississippi or some other far away assignment. He is undergoing treatment and we cannot leave until he is better. This is a story all on its own. Stress has wreaked havoc in both of our lives the last few years and we just cannot deal with it like we used to. So we have both been working hard to minimize stress on all levels.
We have a mini zoo going on in our home. I LOVE animals. Anyway, hubby has been asking for over a year if we could get rid of one or two. About six weeks ago I finally relented and gave our three legged kitty back to his original family. He went to live with his mom and brother. Seems ideal right?
Well back to the phone call. It seems that their dog (they have a mini zoo too) attacked poor Raku last night and tore his trachea and fractured his jaw. He is in surgery today. They said they can no longer keep him so we will have to take him back.
I am having the hardest time concentrating today and I feel just terrible. I hope this doesn't ruin my time at shuttlebirds. I am sick over it.
This poor cat already lost one of his legs and now this. I am so bummed out. Needless to say we don't need this stress and I feel like I have no choice but to take him back. **Sigh**

100% Pure Silver BOBBIN shuttle with hook tip

2012-04-14T11:52:00.006-06:00

OK bobbin shuttle tatters, you spoke and I listened. Here it is, the title says it all. This shuttle this will be "MADE TO ORDER" in my Etsy Shop. It will look just like this but with a hook tip size of your choosing.
It comes with a steel bobbin and tension screw. This is my most technical shuttle endeavour to date and I am quite pleased with the results. It is top notch!
More info will follow shortly...

LadyShuttleMaker is in DYE mode

2012-04-13T10:15:00.004-06:00

Did you know that I have 72...yes...(((SEVENTY TWO))) tried and true colorways? I have been hand dyeing the absolute highest quality cotton and silk threads for five years now. Wow!!! To keep my recipes organized I have carefully arranged them neatly in my top secret folder....yes this is for real.

This is my current inventory and would you believe that I am low? I really love dyeing thread and I really hate winding skeins...but wind I must, so I am off to aggravate my carpel tunnel and have a blast playing with color.
It's a bittersweet, love/hate thing.

Someone else is excited about Shuttlebirds too!

2012-04-12T10:49:00.005-06:00

Brenda "Blathnaid" is coming to Shuttlebirds again. She had so much fun the last time! She has been a great little leprechaun helper. I must say, (and I mean no offense to the boys) but girl leps are so much less troublesome than the boys. My Brendan is still off gallivanting around the world...I wonder if he'll ever come home.

If you are totally lost, I'll take a moment to catch you up. Brendan is my first Leprechaun. He came to me when I lived in South Korea. He is very adventurous and mischievous. I took him to Vietnam and it was there that he decided to part ways and go on his own. Every now and again I hear word about his travels. He is after all "Brendan the Navigator".
I missed him though so when I got back to the States his sister Brenda came to live with me. She is "Brenda the stay at home". Her Gaelic name is Blathnaid. She is stylish and organized...(two things I am not)...and although she loves a good joke (like all leps) she is more mild mannered than her brother. She is here to stay!

Just finished stringing this one.

Here they are side by side. I don't know if I will tat this in size 80 or not. Probably not as I think it would be a bit too small and better suited to a pair of earrings.

I thought this looked pretty so I wanted to share. This is a handmade chime that I bought in Korea and behind it is my blooming tree in all it's glory. Welcome Spring!!!

Medallion take two...in size 50

2012-04-11T17:57:00.002-06:00

I am working my way down the thread sizes. Here is size 50 in "Icicle" HDT.
I do not have a ring or hoop but instead use a wire and shape it after the fact and then tat over it.
Shuttlebirds is just around the corner and I am super stoked. I am teaching this year as well as vending. I have a boatload of thread to dye so I am going to be busy this weekend.

Medallion now a necklace...and an Angel to brighten your day!

2012-04-10T13:07:00.004-06:00

This is now complete with beaded chain.

I decided to revisit the feathers and torture my daughter some more. It is so much more difficult to photo shoot a toddler than an immobile baby. For those who don't know what I am talking about here is a picture from the first set around a year ago.

Happy Tuesday. Now I'm gonna get some tea and try to tat!

Thank you for the warm reception!

2012-04-09T12:26:00.003-06:00

Here is my little one hunting Easter eggs. Somehow she knew exactly what to do without anyone showing her. Unfortunately she is still too small to eat the candy inside the eggs but she sure had a good time anyway.

I worked on this medallion over the weekend. This is tatted in the very luminescent "Pear Glace" size 20 HDT. I'm thinking about re-tatting it in size 80.

I want to thank all those who went out of their way to let me know how much they love my new book. That means so much to me, and really reinforces how all that hard work was worth it! It really is my best work and I poured everything into it.....ask my hubby!

I hope everyone had a great Easter Weekend!

Is it Spring yet?

2012-04-06T07:00:00.003-06:00

I've been working on converting an old crochet pattern to tatting but it is tedious. Not sure if I will continue with this one or not.

One day we had 75 degree weather and the next day it was snowing. I wish the weather would make up its mind. I want to start gardening.

Here is Miss P playing at a children's museum. She was having a blast in this mock super market.

What I did with Scottie Dog

2012-04-03T08:21:00.002-06:00

Piccadilly is all set for Shuttlebirds. She has enough tatting to wear everyday. Now I can cross that off my list.

You know how you always get sick on vacation, or after a large project? Your mind and body are working so hard that when it comes time to relax, sickness sets in. That is me right now. I didn't realize I had been working THAT hard on the book, but anyway now I am totally sick.
I've heard back from several pleased recipients of the book so far, so it is all totally WORTH IT!

Well wouldn't you know it, I have a pack of nieces and nephews coming in today so I have a ton of work to prepare for their arrival. They say there is "no rest for the weary" and I guess that is true!

Still worth it!