Yarnplayer's Tatting Blog

Purple tatted set

2012-01-30T15:20:00.000-06:00

Back of necklace

The earrings are my Carnival pattern, and the necklace is a design that I made up as I went.

People often ask if I'm going to write it up, but first I think I need to experiment with it awhile. The large medallion wouldn't lay straight until after a lot of blocking with steam, so I'm going to see if there's any way that I could adjust the stitch counts.

The beads were added to the center of rings using a technique that I learned at Jane Eborall's site. I like this technique a lot, so I made a video too. One of the tricky things about adding beads in this way is figuring out how many double stitches will fit around a certain bead. A change in size of bead or thread will need a change in stitch count as well. It's fiddly to do but worth the results, I think.

Beaded ring in progress

The thread I used is Lizbeth size 20 in Country Grape. The round beads are Swarovski Crystal Pearls in Light Green, the seed beads size 11/0, just some that I had in my stash.

I kept the neck cord simple with a zigzag chain, as explained on Tatting Fool's blog.

Olde Rose and Peaches 'n Onions

2012-01-23T16:39:00.000-06:00

"Olde Rose" and "Peaches 'n Onions" hand dyed thread batches have been added to my Etsy shop. I dyed and listed them both at the same time, since they go so well together.

Examples of where I used these threads together include the tatted earrings and necklace shown here. Both designs are original; the earring pattern I still need to write up, but the necklace is my "Duchess" pattern which appears in "Boutique Tatting".

By the way, I just started microblogging on Tumblr. Not that I really needed yet another venue on the Internet, but with Tumblr I'll have short posts that link back to this blog or my Etsy shop. Other folks on Tumblr can re-blog my posts and they will still link to my site, so, it's a great way for artists to get their work seen by people who might not otherwise see it.

I'm also on Pinterest. It's just for bookmarking things that one finds interesting. Not for posting one's own work, but to gather together creative ideas.

...and spears into pruning hooks...

2012-01-18T12:02:00.000-06:00

A design to compliment the "Swords Into Plowshares" necklace.
Even though the imagery isn't obvious, I still think they're pretty. And, as a gift to my blog readers:

The earring pattern is available for free!
I've prepared it as a PDF file,
CLICK HERE to download.

Other exciting news: I've been informed that I will soon have a tatting article published in Bead & Button Magazine, in the April 2012 issue. Yippee!

"Swords Into Plowshares" pattern finished

2012-01-11T11:45:00.000-06:00

The pattern for this tatted necklace is finished!
The design was inspired by the Biblical passage, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks...." Micah 4:3 and Isaiah 2:4.

The file is 6 pages of written instruction, in-progress photos, and a diagram, and is now listed in my Etsy shop. It's quite a challenging project, using techniques that include floating ring, split chain, and bead in center of ring.

In the directions I put, "just a normal join" in several places for clarity - mostly for my own benefit! During the designing process I kept thinking I was going to have to use a Catherine Wheel join somewhere, but didn't need it after all.

As these photos show, I've been having fun trying different color combos while testing the pattern. Several colors that I wanted to use didn't exist in my stash, so of course that means I need to get my dye equipment out for more hand dyed thread batches!

Swords Into Plowshares

2011-12-29T12:40:00.000-06:00

It's finished! This is what I was designing, a necklace inspired by the Biblical passage "They shall beat their swords into plowshares...." Micah 4:3 and Isaiah 2:4.

Anyway, I tried to capture in tatting the suggestion of a sword handle with the bottom part flattened into a plowshare, or at least a shovel. The center is colorful and floral-like, an attempt to convey growth and peace. The beads at the center add sparkle and also weight to try to keep the necklace centered.

This is probably too epic of a theme for my limited abilities, but the inspiration came to mind, so I had to try!

Still emerging...another sneak peek

2011-12-28T14:38:00.000-06:00

The necklace design is progressing. I have a theme in mind, and am trying to come up with something that expresses that theme. Will do a grand reveal when it is finished...hopefully it will be grand, but if it turns out to be a flop, I'll show that too :)

New necklace design emerging

2011-12-27T17:44:00.000-06:00

Either an inspiration, or an obsession, I'm not sure which :)
I've got sort of an idea developing on a rather grandiose theme, to be revealed in the future! The photo is just a sneak peak at my best beginning so far. Now, back to the tatting and tweaking!

Merry Christmas from Milwaukee

2011-12-22T11:45:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos that I took at the Milwaukee Domes recently. This is the best I have to show you at the moment. I'm one of those "last minute" people who gets nervous if I'm asked, "Are you ready for Christmas?" Basically, I tend to get thoughtful and am amazed that God didn't just throw out the whole unruly project (the human race, the universe, etc.) and sent His Son our wonderful Savior instead. Awesome!

The pictures show some "Santa" images from around the world. Enjoy!

Father Christmas

Jultomten

That's me with Weihnachtsmann!

Knecht Rubrecht

La Befana

Pere Noel

Tatting a Ring (video)

2011-12-14T19:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a basic tatting video I made, about tatting a ring. It shows the way I tat, which is comfortable for me. I know that my way is not the most classic tatting method, but the video may still be helpful for someone who is learning to tat. There are many tatting videos on YouTube now, so if you're trying to learn to tat and one person's method seems awkward for you, try another video from someone else.

Tatting at Discovery World's Artisan Market, and where to from here

2011-12-05T14:00:00.001-06:00

Me at my booth

Part of the rest of the market

View of Lake Michigan from Discovery World

Whew! What an exciting couple of days! The last art/craft show that I'm doing this year, and it was both exhilarating and tiring.

My tatted jewelry had loads of admirers. Remarks that I heard included, "So intricate" "Beautiful" "You must have good eyesight" "I wouldn't have the patience" "I've never seen anything like this" "What's this called?" "Do you teach?" Where do you get the supplies?" "What's that piece of equipment called that you're holding?" "Is this crochet?" "Who taught you?" "Are you on Etsy?" "Can you show me?" "I tried once but couldn't do it" "You mean you dyed the thread, too?" "I've heard of Annie's Attic, congratulations!" "You must show your amazing work at the Herb Faire at the Boerner Botanical Gardens in May" "Please write the pattern for that necklace, and teach it in class here!"

"Elf" hand dyed thread

So, okay, I will be teaching more tatting classes at Discovery World, to be scheduled sometime in January or February, most likely on a Saturday. I'll announce the dates when I find out more from the contact person there.

Hot Pink & Lime

Sales were pretty good overall, but I brought most of my thread back home with me. It's now loaded into my Etsy shop. By the way, I don't have any "elves" helping me make hand dyed thread. I do it all myself, and consider it part of my art. My dear departed Mom (may God rest her soul) wanted me to be an artist, and I think I've pretty well achieved that goal, in my own way. But, I digress. Something I found curious at the art show is that people seemed to give the impression that they needed "permission" from someone to try tatting. Okay folks, if you need permission from someone to tat lace, I'm giving you my permission! There are loads of tutorials and videos about tatting online, and about a bezillion free patterns to try, not to mention patterns for sale on Etsy and elsewhere. If you want a good starter book that includes a how-to video try this one, How to Tat by Janette Baker. As I told people at the Artisan Market, learning to tat a double stitch is like learning to ride a bicycle, it seems hard until you "get it", then it just happens and you don't have to think about making it happen any more.

Blackbird

Off-topic, I do occasionally play video games - I've got 3 sons all teenaged to twenty-somethings, so I've had some exposure to video games. Every time you "die" you have to do that whole section of the game all over again...and again... and again........and you have nothing to show for all that effort. At least with tatting you have something to show, even if it is just a string of knots, it is something you can hold in your hand and see. Not knocking video games, just sayin' that doing something creative, like tatting, or drawing, or making music, or making anything, or reading a good story, is an adventure of exploring the many possibilities in the world around us, and of the world within.

Event coming up

2011-11-29T10:12:00.001-06:00

This coming weekend I'll have a booth at the Discovery World Holiday Artisan Market, details on the flyer above.

I'm frantically working away at more tatted jewelry, such as these boomerang earrings in progress. I also have a couple of hand dyed thread batches in the works, and I'll be selling my books there, too.

If you're in the area at the time, do stop by. It's a fun event, and the Discovery World Museum is amazing to see!

Women of Influence

2011-11-26T11:28:00.001-06:00

Sue Anna, Lace-lovin' Librarian Diane, Marilee

Diane, new tatting student Jean, Sue Anna

Diane showing Jean how to unwind a skein of hand dyed thread

Amazing gifts from Diane! Handmade bag, matching blinged shuttles, and Christmas thread.


Fabulous gifts from Sue Anna! Lizbeth thread and thread storage bobbins.

"Tourmaline" on a cloudy November day

2011-11-19T19:31:00.001-06:00

New hand dyed thread batch of "Tourmaline". Some of the dye colors that I used in the original batches I can no longer get, so I've had to substitute. The colors turned out pretty good, actually, but I had a hard time capturing them in photos because today was so cloudy and dark here. I used a fluorescent lamp as lighting for the Tourmaline photos.

Yesterday, I tatted the "Atom" in a bright peach color. It's some Flora brand thread I had laying around, and the color was so screamingly outrageous I figured it would make a very cool atom! I paired it with Swarovski crystals in their "Hyacinth" orange and a peachy satin neck cord.

Bragging rights

2011-11-17T10:20:00.001-06:00

Screen shot taken 10:30 am

A screen shot of the front page

Hey, this morning my Tatted Jewelry book got #1 spot in the beading and jewelry section of Annie's Attic!

By the way, did you know that Annie's Attic also offers the book as an instant download PDF.

Other sources of the printed book include Handy Hands Tatting, and Lacis. Both of these companies offer International shipping, which Annie's Attic doesn't. It's also in my Etsy shop, and I'll sign it for you if you ask, otherwise I just slip a small notepaper in with my signature. Currently that's what I've been doing for all my books.

I think you would brag too, if it were your book (happy grin), so get your designs written up, it could be your book next!

Clean up, and on to the next show

2011-11-14T08:24:00.001-06:00

It was inspiring and fun to participate at the "Jewelry at the Domes" show, and the next art show that I'm in is already just 3 weeks away! The postcard above gives the details for that one, the Holiday Artisan Market at Discovery World.

Middle photo at left is of some unfinished pieces that I made while demonstrating. I also made a number of "one ring butterflies" to give away free to people who showed interest, but sometimes I got so excited talking to people that I forgot to give them one. 2 people in the Loose Bead Society now want to learn how to tat, and another woman said she would email me. I also have another new student already scheduled for a lesson on November 30.

I did have sales! Maybe I missed a few by not being able to process a credit card. I do have the "Square" app on my iPod touch, but there was no wi-fi in the building, so I couldn't use it. No, I can't afford a "smart phone" on my income as an artist.

I had to restrain myself from spending all my profits at the Domes show! I only made one purchase, and it's shown in the bottom photo. Aren't they beautiful? The lovely young woman who made these is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. Notice the tag says, "Jewelry by Jaws" and yes, that is how they are made. You will find out why at her website, JewelryByJaws.com. Take a look.

Tatted Jewelry at the Domes

2011-11-13T08:12:00.001-06:00

Here I am with my display. I'll be there from 9am to 4pm again today. If you're in the area, please stop by! Lots of beautiful jewelry by many talented artists, plus you get to see the incredible trees, flowers, and plants of all sorts inside the domes.

Another show this coming weekend

2011-11-07T19:48:00.000-06:00

I'll have more tatted jewelry in the first-ever Jewelry at the Domes show. Details are on the postcard scan above.

The necklace shown at left is one of my new items that will be there. Some tatted jewelry items have been disappearing from my Etsy shop, because of being sold at the previous show, or being sent to a magazine for a photo shoot and future article...I'll announce which magazine when the contract is signed...soon. It looks like another good opportunity to publicize tatting and I'll reveal more when all is settled.

I'll be dyeing more thread after the show, to restock the rapidly dwindling supply in my Etsy shop. I really need to concentrate on getting more jewelry made this week.

Tatted Jewelry at "Loominosity"

2011-11-04T16:29:00.000-05:00

Me with my newly published book!

Jewelry displays at the "Loominosity" show

These photos were all taken at the "Loominosity" Exhibit and Sale, a 4 day event showcasing the artwork of the members of 2 guilds, the Loose Bead Society and the Wisconsin Handweavers. Something tatted can be found in each of the photos.

I also had a new tatting student come for her first lesson. She was so enthusiastic about learning to tat, she gave me this beautiful felted bag that she made!

Gift from my new tatting student, and her very first tatted chain!

Ginkgo Leaf pattern is ready

2011-10-31T11:13:00.000-05:00

The pattern for the Ginkgo Leaf is now finished, and I've listed it for sale in my Etsy Shop. The pattern has instructions for the leaf with or without beads, with many in-progress photos. I consider it an advanced level pattern, mostly because of the folded rings and the Catherine Wheel joins.

But, actually a folded ring isn't really that hard. I think if you can already tat a ring, you'll be able to learn the folded ring easily from the instructions in the pattern.

The Catherine Wheel join is a bit fiddly, but I made a video and a free PDF tutorial on that technique. I like that join for when I want a smooth, outlining curve in a design.

Show schedule and new book

2011-10-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

My table at Discovery World last year.

In November and December, there will be 3 shows where I'll be displaying my tatted jewelry and demonstrating tatting. The first coming up is Loominosity November 3 - 6. This is a group effort, so although I will have things on display there all 4 days, I only plan to be demonstrating at that location (New Berlin, Wisconsin) on Thursday, November 3rd, until about 3:30 pm.

The following weekend, November 12 and 13, I will be at the Milwaukee Domes for the Jewelry in the Domes show. I will be at that event both days, sharing a table with the fabulous felt artist, Jan Falk.

Then, December 3 and 4, I expect to have my own booth at the Discovery World Holiday Artisan Market. So busy, busy!

My demo at Loominosity 2010

Some of my tatting in the gift shop.

And, to top it all off, my new book is coming out very soon! It's called
Tatted Jewelry and you can see a preview at Annie's Attic. That is where you can buy the book (as soon as it's ready). I'm quite happy to have had a book published by a real publisher!
Update: Since Annie's Attic doesn't ship overseas, I'll see what I can do about getting some copies to sell from my blog or Etsy.

Free pattern! "Roundabout" earrings

2011-10-15T21:04:00.000-05:00

This is a one shuttle tatting pattern. The design reminds me of a roundabout intersection of roads, and it's also a sort of cross. To download the PDF file, CLICK HERE.

Black Bedazzled Butterfly tatted necklace

2011-10-06T12:52:00.000-05:00

The necklace that I've been working on is done! The pattern is from my Boutique Tatting book. I did some extra embellishing on this one, adding tatted connectors to the neck chain and making the antennae a bit more fancy, but otherwise it is just as written in the book. The thread in this model is Lizbeth size 20, the beads are Swarovski pearls sizes 4mm and 6mm, and the seed beads around the outer edge are size 11/0.

Here's a short video showing the outer chain tatting in progress, with lock joins and bead picots.

Note to experienced tatters: after trying the lock joins both ways (pulling UP through the picot, or DOWN through the picot) I decided that the up join worked best for this design element. The reason: the up join tends to make the edging turn slightly upwards, which is what I want for the front of the necklace. A detail that most people won't notice, but that is just how it is with details, we do them to please ourselves, don't we :-)

Other news: someone asked if I had thread dyed in grey to crimson like my I.D. photo. Well, at the time I didn't (the photo effect was created digitally) but, I do now! At least until it gets scooped up by Etsy shoppers!

So much guild activity!

2011-09-28T15:27:00.000-05:00

On Monday, I not only attended the guild meeting of the Loose Bead Society, I managed to coax Sue Anna into making over an hour's drive to come too! During open beading time - well, throughout the whole meeting, actually - Sue Anna and I were both tatting, which caused quite a stir among many of the guild members, who came over to see what we were doing! I think they were surprised to see that Marilee is not the only person who tats ☺The top photo shows the black butterfly (pattern is in Boutique Tatting) that I started on Monday at the meeting, and that's how far I'd gotten by early Wednesday morning.

Then, later Wednesday morning I headed over to the mall food court where I'd heard the Embroidery Guild was gathering for Stitch in Public Day. Another super-nice group! They greeted me warmly, and let me tat with them while they worked on projects ranging from counted cross stitch to needlepoint. They seemed quite eager to have me come "stitch" with them again!

Then, I found out that there is a Crochet Guild in town, too! Still more creative people!

Anyway, this 2nd photo shows how much more I got done on the butterfly during my visit with the Embroidery Guild - while chit-chatting away!

The gloves are off...

2011-09-22T15:37:00.001-05:00

...the rubber gloves, that is! (grin)
I had just finished a grand slam of a hand dyed thread batch, when I received notice from Annie's Attic that my new book was as far as the 2nd draft stage, and would I please look it over for corrections and suggestions. So, I am still busy doing that. But, just so you know, there is more hand dyed thread and some of it...hmm..well..I sold to a fellow Wisconsin girl, and she knew exactly what the colors meant! And, of course, lots of pretty fall leaf colors, so something for everyone.

Ginko leaf

2011-09-19T09:41:00.000-05:00

My best attempt to approximate a gingko leaf shape in tatting. If there is interest, I may get around to writing up the pattern, but be aware it's a bit tricky.

I used folded rings in the center ( there's a great tutorial on folded rings at Martha Ess' Tatting Page) and Catherine Wheel Joins on the outer edge. I really find Catherine Wheel Joins useful for keeping a smooth curve, and I'm glad Bina of Paradise Treasures introduced me to that technique.

Anyway, in size 20 the Ginko leaf measures about 1 and 1/2 inches across (3.8 cm). I think for earrings I would like it a tad daintier, so I'll try size 30 or 40. In those sizes, wouldn't you know, I don't have any appropriate colors - so off to do more dyeing!

In other news, I enjoyed having a sneak peak at how the nice folks at Annie's Attic are arranging my new book, Tatted Jewelry. It looks like the book will be around 40 pages, and will include many in-progress photos (taken by me) and beautiful professionally taken photos, too. Oh, I'm so excited - just wait'll you see!

Ripple necklace

2011-09-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a new finished necklace, which I've decided to call "Ripple" since it reminds me of undulating waves or vibrations. I used my own hand dyed size 10 from the "Stardate" batch, combined with Lizbeth thread size 10 in black. I designed the pattern myself, and it's just one shuttle with ball of thread. Really not hard - except for those loop tatted rings below the beads in the center (well, you know I would have to challenge myself, lol!) For more info on the loop tatted ring, Tatting Fool has prepared an excellent tutorial on her blog.

Getting the curve just right was my other main challenge with designing this piece. It follows the neckline curve pretty well, in fact it is about the same width as a t-shirt crew neck.

Other exciting news: I just received a phone call this morning from an editor at Annie's Attic, and my "Tatted Jewelry" book is as far as the rough draft stage! I've been asked to look it over to make sure the photos and patterns are matching up, etc. So, that is what I need to do next. Relaxing outside will have to wait for a little bit.

2011-09-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

Purple and silver necklace and earring set - to go with the purple blouse that my sweet husband bought for me. I decided to keep the necklace simple with mostly chain. The threads are Flora, size 20 purple and size 10 silver. I used the different sizes because I didn't have the 2 colors I wanted in the same size. Actually, I like the effect.

The maple leaf pattern is done!

2011-08-30T20:07:00.000-05:00

Small Maple Leaf!

My original tatting design, and the PDF pattern is now listed for sale in my Etsy shop. Instructions are included for both beaded and non-beaded versions.

Cute for earrings, but could also be a pendant, or motifs for scrap-booking, sewing on clothing or quilts, you name it.

I spent many hours experimenting and adjusting the stitch counts to come up with this finished design.

Knitty Gritty dye batch

2011-08-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

Autumn colors in thread.

I was also hoping to have the small beaded maple leaf pattern done by now, but it's not. I am still tweaking the stitch counts. Not shooting for perfect, of course, only stunning...ah well, cute, at least :)

"Newcastle" necklace in earthy colors

2011-08-23T10:23:00.000-05:00

The exciting news is that I tatted while proofreading this pattern in my new book, "Tatted Jewelry" which is in progress. The DRG Publishing people have been so very nice! I'm totally impressed with the work they have done so far. (The book is scheduled to be published November 18 of this year.) I'm thrilled to bits that my book will be the 2nd tatting book that they sell in their Annie's Attic catalog - the first is "Learn to Tat" by Janette Baker. Such an honor!

Some folks may be happy to know that this particular pattern uses only one shuttle and ball thread. The model I sent for the book is in black and dull olive, with a gear at the bottom (to look "steampunk", sort of). The one pictured here seems to give a "back to nature" impression. Funny how changing colors and details can make a design look very different.

Well, I need to dye some more of the thread I used on the border, which is from the "Knitty Gritty" colorway and looks so appropriate for autumn. I'll get to work on that now - and my small Maple Leaf pattern, too.

The small narrow leaf is done

2011-08-18T09:59:00.000-05:00

It looks so simple - but it took me many hours to work out the details and prepare the pattern!

The first few small leaves that I did only took a few minutes to dream up and tat! But, to write them out so that they make sense...well, then I have to "shift gears" in my brain, it seems :-)

I did these leaves first because these are more difficult than the maple or palmate leaf, which I will work on next. I also have an idea for a ginko leaf in the early stages! Originally I planned to do a collection of small leaves, but when this first one took so much effort I figured I would "burn out" unless I released them one at a time. The Small Narrow Leaf pattern is now in my Etsy Shop.

Stuff I did this week

2011-08-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

I worked on writing up new leaf patterns, but nothing is finished yet.
I dyed some "Sugar Maple" thread.
I went to the Wisconsin State Fair and looked at the craft exhibits, but there wasn't any tatting. (No, I can't enter my own tatting, since I'm considered a "professional crafter" it would be against the rules.)

*******************************

Did I mention that I met "Lamb Chop"?

Yes, you read that right - the legendary TV star puppet Lamb Chop!!!!!!! And Mally Lewis, the daughter of Shari Lewis!

I saw them at a live performance at the fair. It was really exciting for me because I've been a fan of the Shari Lewis TV shows for as long as I can remember, and my kids grew up watching Lamb Chop's Play Along.

And look, I got my picture taken with Lamb Chop and Mally Lewis!

More new leaves

2011-08-06T10:07:00.000-05:00

It's so much fun exploring leaf shapes!

Earrings in spite of summer heat

2011-08-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

These are not a perfect maple leaf shape, but I think they're cute. Leaves come in so many shapes anyway.

So far no progress on the purple and silver necklace from 2 posts ago. I need to feel "in the zone" for ideas to come, and the summer heat has drained nearly all of "the zone" out of me! I did manage to finish a pair of earrings to match the "Duchess" necklace that is in my Etsy shop. I had to use size 10 thread since I didn't have any size 20 in those hand dyed colors. Usually I like size 20 for earrings. Anyway, I do like the color combination of the thread and beads.

Purple and silver

2011-07-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

Current tatting project in progress is a necklace to go with a purple blouse that my DH bought for me. (Isn't he sweet!) I'm trying to design a long-ish sort of jumbled collection of do-dads on chains, sort of like the necklaces that had been displayed with the blouse at the store, but I want to include tatting in mine. As usual, I'm just making it up as I go, and don't really have a clue to how it will actually turn out.

The Winner! And 2 more winners!

2011-07-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

The lucky winner of the Garden Afternoon Giveaway is Donna!

And, there are 2 consolation prize winners (they'll receive hand dyed thread samples). They are Gemini and Kathy Niklewicz.

Garden Afternoon GIVEAWAY

2011-07-20T19:00:00.002-05:00

Hey there, leave a comment on this post if you want a chance to win a mini set of 5 colors from the Garden Afternoon batch plus a skein of the multicolored thread - all size 20. The mini skeins are 20 yards each, and the multi is 50 yards, so the prize total is 150 yards of brilliantly colored hand dyed thread, done by me. I'll announce the lucky winner on Saturday, July 24.

Oh, and there is more in my Etsy shop, but it's going fast! When it's gone, it's gone...I dye all these myself, so naturally the supply is small, limited to how much energy and time is available.

Psychedelic Soft Boomerang tatted earrings

2011-07-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

Usually I shy away from multicolored threads when I want the unusual shape of the item to be the main focus, but I'm pleased with how these turned out. I used my hand dyed "Summer Trail" to make them.

The "secret" revealed 11-18-11

2011-07-14T11:41:00.000-05:00

I can tell you now! I'm getting a book published!

NOT self-published, like my previous books, but by a REAL publisher!!! You've heard of Annie's Attic from DRGnetwork? They've informed me that my book, Tatted Jewelry, will go on sale 11-18-11, just in time for Christmas gifts. That's the "secret" I was working on April through June.

Hot summer treats!

2011-07-13T17:17:00.000-05:00

Mini sets in hot brights!
Plus, blue and orange together - what was I thinking?
When they're gone, they're gone - that's all, folks.

One handed tatting a ring

2011-07-12T11:26:00.002-05:00

Shuttle thread arranged into a circle, and 1st half of double stitch

1st half of double stitch continued

Letting the knot "flip"

Flipped 1st half

Sliding into place

2nd half of double stitch

2nd half flipped

Sliding into place


Forming a picot

Enlarging the circle by pulling the thread below the ring

Closing the ring

Closing the ring - nearly done

A finished ring

My one handed tatting student is a beautiful teenaged girl who was born without a left hand. She is a very determined and talented girl! She was very attentive at her first tatting lesson, and did really well! Here is a photo of her very first one ring butterflies!

I really appreciated the expert assistance offered by Sue Anna who came (quite a distance!) to help. She taught the mother regular shuttle tatting while I taught the daughter the pillow method (learned from the book, Tatting with One Hand by Helen A. Chesno). Sue Anna devised some really cute little rhymes and songs to accompany tatting and kept us all "in stitches".

One handed tatting

2011-07-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

The reason why I am learning this technique is that one of the students coming to tatting class was born with only one hand. The method of pinning the tatting to a pillow as a substitute for a left hand was invented by Helen A. Chesno and Gladys Flynn. The how-to is described in detail in the book, Tatting With One Hand (Tatting For the Physically Handicapped) by Helen A. Chesno, published in 1984. I purchased the book from Lacis.
The photos below show my attempt at tatting a chain in the one handed method.

Working a chain - 1st half of double stitch

1st half of double stitch continued

Letting the knot "flip"

Flipped 1st half

Sliding into place

Tatting in progress

2nd half of double stitch

2nd half flipped and sliding into place

Bead on 2nd half split ring and other beady things

2011-07-07T11:03:00.001-05:00

The 1st half of the Split Ring is worked like a normal ring. So, a bead on the 1st half needs to be slid into the working circle of thread before beginning the ring. But, the bead on the 2nd half (from shuttle 2) is slid up only when ready to make the bead picot. (Also seen are beads over picots, held temporarily with paper clips.)

The finished bead picot.

The finished Split Ring.

The photos above show a remake (in progress) of a pendant design that I never got around to writing up. I've called it "Lacy Lantern" recently, but in the past I called it "Swallowtail". If you have an idea for a name for the pendant, feel free to state it in a comment!

By the way, the blinged shuttle was a gift from Lace-lovin' Librarian - thank you, Diane!

The thread I'm currently working with is from my latest hand dyed thread batch, called "Summer Trail", currently listed in my Etsy shop.

Improvised necklace in iris colors

2011-07-01T17:30:00.000-05:00

This purple, blue, and yellow necklace sort of just "happened", while I was trying to work out a different design. The first design didn't work (yet!), so I threw the samples into my "ideas bag". Then I got out some hand dyed thread and seed beads, and after a bit came up with an oblique shape that I thought looked pretty good. I then decided to try for a necklace, repeating the shape so there's one for each side and tatting a flower-like design for the center. I chose a solid color for the center for more contrast. I then had 3 separate motifs.

The pieces were put together by tatting around them, mostly chains. It seemed to me that a dark ecru would set off the hand dyed colors, then I outlined the whole thing with dark hydrangea color. I experimented as I went, putting in some "squiggly" chains (not sure about the proper tatting term for those!) and wrapping some chains in a vine-like effect. It was fun to do! Helped keep my mind occupied away from worries.

PDF ebook versions of both my books

2011-06-29T15:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, entering the eBook era now. By popular demand, both of my own tatting pattern books, "Boutique Tatting", and "Up and Tat 'Em", are now available in my Etsy shop as PDF eBooks.

It took me a while to figure out how to get an entire book into one file.

July 5 edit: With Kersti's help, the files have been reduced to a much smaller size, which is easier to download. Yay!

More "Purple Glory"

2011-06-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

Inspired by the bright pink to dark violet colors of a purple variety of Morning Glory flowers (Grandpa Ott). I had the flowers growing in my back yard last year. They re-seeded themselves, and are now growing again. But, this year I have a plan for when they get too high, because last year they were climbing their way up to the roof! Gorgeous when blooming, but when winter comes what is left is dried mess where it can't be reached. So, this year I will be smart and prune them!

Done and shipped

2011-06-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I got the big "secret project" done at last and shipped it off somewhere...can't say where just yet. I'll tell you as soon as a few "loose ends" get tied up :)
In the meanwhile I'll get back to hand dyeing thread - Purple Glory coming up next. My Etsy business has suffered just a bit while I devoted a great deal of time to the big "secret project", but it should all be well worth it - I hope!

The Fab Five of Tatting

2011-06-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

Do we look like we're having fun?
From left to right, Sue Anna, Diane, Barbara, me, and Gina. We visited, admired the lace on display, and shopped the vendors at the L.A.C.E. Day at Downer's Grove, Illinois.

Trying to get my "Celeste" design to be easier

2011-06-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

1st side with Alligator Join

1st side with modified Alligator Join

Currently I am in the process of tweaking my "Celeste" necklace design. My first attempts are shown on this post from last October. Originally, I tatted the center motif in 2 halves, which meant more ends to hide. When I got the design out again after several months, it occurred to me that the center motif should be easy enough to tat in one piece. Well, maybe not easy - but possible!

But, then I ran into issues with the joins. On one side, considering the direction the threads were going, it seemed logical to do an "Alligator Join", which resulted in a smooth curve around the central beaded ring. But, when I reached the other side, my only option there was a Lock Join, which breaks the curve. The 2 sides don't match - that's unacceptable!

I experimented some more, and discovered that a regular Lock Join at the 1st side just looks messy. So then I tried doing the 1st half of an Alligator Join, followed by the 2nd half of a double stitch unflipped, to lock the curve. The 2nd photo shows how this makes the 1st join look more like a regular Lock Join, while keeping the tatting going in the direction that I want for the design.

Well, I've now re-read this post and it all sounds very tedious! Maybe I'll go back to tatting it in 2 halves, after all.

Tatted "Compass"

2011-06-01T12:20:00.000-05:00

No, it doesn't really point North - but I think it's sort of cool, anyway.

It took me quite some time to work out this design, and now I'm working on writing it out, along with some of my other designs which I never did get around to writing down. Writing out patterns is work!

Other things I'm doing include preparing for teaching my tatting class which will be June 13, and I plan on attending the L.A.C.E. day at Downer's Grove, Illinois on June 18 along with some tatting friends.

"Lava" hand dyed thread, and a new choker

2011-05-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

The "Lava" name and the color was inspired by the "Lava Rock" used in the garden. My dear husband's comment on seeing the thread was, "It looks burned." :) But that effect is only from the color - sort of rusty brick red shading into brown and black.

Over the last few days, I tatted a choker using the "Twilight Zone" hand dyed in size 20 with purple Czech glass druk 6mm beads. I got the idea for putting the beads inside split rings from Jane Eborall's super wonderful technique pages. The actual pattern I just made up as I went. I tend to not like working repetitious designs, but couldn't think of anything to change it, so I just kept going. Of course, I ran out of thread a few times and had to tat over the ends.

The matching earring design is the same as the ends of the choker. I do like the earring design, although I might tweak it a bit. I'll let it rest awhile. Then later, a new idea usually jumps right out.

Experimenting in the "Twilight Zone"

2011-05-18T13:14:00.000-05:00

While I was painting this batch the colors looked so dark, that I was afraid that the whole thing would just turn out black. Instead, the purple and blue areas are bright! Whatever - you just can't predict what will happen in the "Twilight Zone".

I tatted a rough idea for a butterfly viewed from the side, attempting to continue my current fascination with streamlining shapes. It needs work, but at least I did manage to tat it all in one pass with no ends to hide, and it shows how the new dye batch looks worked up.

I also tatted the center from my "Amoeba Triangle" design into earrings. For these I used Lizbeth bright aqua. The color is so bright my camera just couldn't capture the exact shade.

In June I will be teaching a tatting class, and it is already full to my maximum of 6 beginners. So, I don't know why I'm posting about it - except to let it be known that interest in tatting is alive and well!

Video - bead in center of tatted ring

2011-05-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

I made this video while working on a design that uses beads in the center of rings. Enough of a challenge in itself, but I wanted to use size 10 Lizbeth thread, and many beads don't want to fit on a thread that thick. So, this shows one way to handle the situation, that worked for me.

Tweaking the "Amoeba Triangle" design

2011-05-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

The newer "Amoeba Triangle" is the pink, on the right. I've attempted to improve the design by adjusting the center to accommodate a larger bead, and by replacing the picots in the outer edge with small tatted rings. The new angle at which the pendant hangs came as a surprise - and I like it.

The earrings in the photos on the left are some other things I've been tatting as time allows. The brown pair is from the "One Shuttle Glamour" design in my Boutique Tatting book. The pink pair is a newer design, which for now I'll entitle "Giddy" unless a better name comes along.

Dark Hydrangea

2011-04-30T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hand dyed, purple-blue, intended as a solid color but is streaky - usually a desirable effect if you enjoy hand dyed thread. The color is really hard to capture, but the orange handled scissors and blue capped pen in the photo help to give a reference. My first attempt to capture the iridescent colors of blue Hydrangea flowers, and this batch turned out dark. I hope to try for a lighter version later.

Download issue fixed!

2011-04-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

My apologies to all the folks who were disappointed when my free patterns and tutorials refused to download. The bandwidth problem has now been fixed - permanently! Hey, if the people who said tatting was a lost art could see how much demand there is for tatting patterns, they'd have to eat their words!

"Wondrous Window" pendant and another work in progress

The Catherine Wheel Join, in a still photo document

2011-04-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

In response to requests for still photos from my video demo of the Catherine Wheel join, I grabbed some frames from the video and put them onto a 2 page PDF file.
To download the PDF,
click here.

"Corsage" hand dyed thread

2011-04-15T20:26:00.000-05:00

Inspired by the colors of an orchid, that I thought would make a really very special occasion corsage, hence the name, "Corsage".

Might be nice colors for Easter eggs too.

Pattern finished for "Trendy Teardrop"

2011-04-13T17:28:00.000-05:00

It's done! Already listed on my Etsy site, this pattern was tricky to write up because I kept wondering if I was explaining the different techniques clearly enough. The set in the photo above was tatted in Lizbeth thread, color #682, Country Grape Dark. I used size 10 for the pendant, and size 20 for the earrings.

Life has been very busy lately, so I'm way behind on dyeing more thread. But, I should be able to get some done soon. Temperature outside today was a glorious 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the sun was shining, the birds singing, and crocuses and early daffodils blooming! Lovely spring days this week have definitely lifted my spirits - I wish good cheer and good times to all!

Finishing up

2011-04-09T10:10:00.001-05:00

What I'm showing in the photo above is a finishing extra that I usually add when doing the Magic Thread Trick. (By the way, Sharon has a good video demo for the magic thread trick on her website.)

The magic thread (fine white thread in the photo) has been tatted into the final ring. Then, I put the end to be pulled into the work into an embroidery needle. The thread end needs to be frayed out in order to get it to fit into the needle. (I'm using size 10 Lizbeth thread in the photo). Oh, and there are extra ends sticking out in another ring too, from where I ran out of thread...but that's another story :-)

So anyway, I sew the end into the work below the final ring, before putting the end into the Magic Thread.

The end will pull in easier if the frayed end is cut off first.

After pulling the end in, before pulling it through all the way, I stop to tug on the side that closes the ring up tightly first. I also tug on the the other end that I tatted over in the first part of the ring.

Then, I finish pulling the end in all the way, tightly. I wait to cut off the thread ends sticking out until the project is finished (which is why I have more thread ends sticking out from where I ran out of thread earlier).

These are just some things I normally do, that might be new and possibly useful ideas for some folks. So, I decided to take photos while I was doing this part on my necklace (Duchess from Boutique Tatting).

But, I won't have the necklace done in time to wear to the Lighthouse Lacers guild meeting :(
Also, I don't have the Trendy Teardrop pattern finished yet :(

But, it will all get done eventually, one step at a time...it isn't a race :-)

Trendy Teardrop in green

2011-04-04T09:17:00.000-05:00

Here's how the Trendy Teardrop set looks in a pastel shaded green. I used my own hand dyed thread in Celery. I'm still working on the pattern, but hopefully that should be finished this week, and then I'll make it available in my Etsy shop.

Last week was very busy with family activity, so not a lot of time to work on either tatting or dyeing. I did take time to "remodel" my blog, as you may notice. I did some experimenting with it this past weekend, so if you popped in during that time you may have caught me while I was in the process of rearranging. My free pattern links are now on their own page, which you can access by clicking on the tab at the top that says "My Free Patterns". I'm aware that I don't have all the links there yet, but will add them as time allows. Comments on what you think of the new look are welcome!

Trendy Teardrop in ecru

2011-03-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

I seem to be working slower than molasses in January these days, but I did finally manage to get the ecru pair done. This is my new design that I plan to make available as a pattern for sale in my shop on Etsy - but, I don't have the pattern ready just yet. It uses the Catherine Wheel join (CWJ), so if you're planning to get the pattern, study up and practice the CWJ. I plan to put photos in the pattern to illustrate the technique as well.

I'm working on it...

2011-03-22T10:46:00.000-05:00

My new pattern using the Catherine Wheel join isn't ready quite yet, but will be soon. My excuses include family commitments and a whole lot of equipment breakdown, including my digital camera. But, it's replaced now. Also, finally, after changing to a different and supposedly impossible transfer setting, managed to get the irreplaceable pictures out of the old one (isn't it Murphy's Law that a camera will break down during a special occasion, not during workaday tasks!)

I've had requests for the Catherine Wheel demo to be made available as still photos, so I will work on that also.

The next dye batch is Parchment. I used the same colors as in the first batch, although this one might have longer color changes. I don't really remember what I did the first time. Well, each batch of hand dyed thread is unique, anyway - that is the nature of hand dyed thread.

Catherine Wheel Join - my video demo

2011-03-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

I made this video to demonstrate how I make Catherine Wheel joins, because I find them really useful. This type of join forms a smooth curve with no dips or breaks when outlining another tatted element in a design. The video just shows a single ring being outlined in order to explain the basic process.

Examples of where I've used this type of join include the Boomerang earrings and the Amoeba Triangle. I also have another pattern in progress that uses it, so you'll be seeing more of this join.

To download a PDF file of still photos showing the steps of making this join, CLICK HERE.

A different triangle design

2011-03-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

In this triangle, I was attempting to get more "swing" into the shape, instead of symmetry. The result has sort of an organic look, I think, so I called it "Amoeba Triangle".

The center is tatted in my own hand dyed thread, "Celery". By the way, I also just finished adding a fresh batch of "Celery" to my Etsy shop.

New triangle design in progress

2011-03-07T12:41:00.000-06:00

The "amoeba boomerang" design in the mid century modern glass (shown in the photo) is the inspiration. I've spent many hours trying to puzzle out how to tat it! Completely nutty idea, I know - tatting doesn't like streamlined shapes, but I'm imposing my will on it :-)

I do think it's starting to shape up into something interesting. Just needs a little tweaking to add stability. I used Catherine Wheel joins to get the smooth curves in the chain. Yes, I know that I need to make a tutorial on how I"m doing those joins, and I do plan to...in the future.

Student work

By the way, the first tatting class series that I taught at Discovery World is completed. Here's a photo of some of the things the students tatted. The bunny is from a free pattern at Be-stitched.com.
They learned to shuttle tat rings, chains, joins, lock joins, floating rings using 2nd shuttle, and in the 4th session they even learned split rings! I am so proud of them! More classes will be scheduled in the future, so if you happen to live in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area call the gift shop at 414-765-8770 to let them know you'd like to put your name on the waiting list for tatting classes. You'll then be notified when a class is scheduled.

Boomerang earrings

2011-03-04T11:07:00.000-06:00

These are fun, but fiddly to make. I want to do more designs with boomerangs, but for right now, I've got to hand dye more thread. The shelves are going empty! That's a good sign of a bright future, though.

The "Vision" set, and photos from tatting class

2011-03-02T17:15:00.001-06:00

Actually, I finished this set quite some time ago, and finally got around to listing it again. The Vision necklace pattern is available free on my blog, but the matching earring pattern is in my Boutique Tatting book.

My tatting among other hand crafted items in the gift shop

View of Milwaukee Art Museum from Discovery World

View of city of Milwaukee from Discovery World

Student work

Above are some photos taken during my tatting classes at Discovery World museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's a fantastic view through the windows there! My beginning tatting students have been doing really well! They've been practicing :-) Here is their work after just 2 weeks.

Tatting class with view of Lake Michigan

The winners!

2011-02-25T12:00:00.000-06:00

The winners, as chosen by the random number generator, are:

Forever Beginner, prabhjyotsaini, and Connie Angeline.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who left a comment! All of the comments are so inspiring, encouraging, and warm - you've really helped bring out the sunshine.

Extremely very early spring giveaway

2011-02-22T10:49:00.001-06:00

Well, I looked out the window of my home here in cold Wisconsin this morning, and saw that it was snowing again. I decided to cheer myself and others up by having a giveaway! I realize that to folks living in warmer climates or "down under" the equator, snow at this time may be something to enviously covet - but I can't pack and ship snow, LOL ;-)

So, the giveaway will include hand dyed thread, plus a random bead assortment! Please leave one comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. Three winners will be chosen at random on Friday, February 25.

Readers of this blog from outside of the U.S. are welcome to enter this giveaway. The package will be marked "gift".

Works in progress

2011-02-17T10:03:00.000-06:00

White thread ready to dye

Started in a combination of Olde Rose and Peaches 'n Onions HDT, the "Duchess" necklace from my Boutique Tatting book. (Obviously I will be disappointing a few people when I am sold out of any hand dyed threads that I show in projects...but, that is just how it is.)
I do have more white thread prepared for the next batch, though, which will be familiar to HDT enthusiasts as Rhubarb Pie! Anyway, the other works in progress in the top photo are tatted atoms and the Five Petal pendant (shaded blue in the back, halfway done) from Up and Tat 'Em.

In Discovery World gift shop

View from Discovery World

Students first tatted projects

The tatted atoms may find their way into the Discovery World gift shop - there is already one there, along with some of my other tatted jewelry.

By the way, the first session of my tatting classes took place on Feb. 12. I'll see the students 3 more times yet. Hopefully, they are practicing this week! I am so proud of them - they completed 1 ring butterflies and flowers in the first class! I'll get them going on joins and following patterns next session.

Do they only come in red?

2011-02-09T10:30:00.000-06:00

Tatted from my Unfolding Heart pattern, all in size 10 thread. Top is my Stardate hand dyed, center is Lizbeth Victorian Red from Handy Hands, bottom is my Olde Rose hand dyed.

Stardate 1102.07

2011-02-07T08:17:00.000-06:00

"Stardate" hand dyed thread

While adjusting for shifts in relative time, hand dyed thread continues to enter the present reality. I sensed a desire for a batch of Stardate (though I lack any telepathic ability - I received emails asking for it :-)

"Luna" hand dyed thread

The smaller batch of pastel Luna was so named at the suggestion of my teenage son, who found a picture of a Luna moth and said, "That's the same color, just call it Luna". Since Luna means moon, and because I used 2 colors from the Stardate batch plus 2 more pastel green tints, it works well with the Stardate colors, I think.

Set a course for creative tatting -- engage!

Preparing for class and more hand dyed

2011-01-28T11:41:00.001-06:00

The students at my beginning tatting class will receive kits with Lizbeth thread size 10, practice thread in size 3, tatting shuttles, crochet hook, beads, and a few other goodies. The class will take place on 4 consecutive Saturday mornings at Discovery World museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, beginning February 12. More information about the class is here.

I tatted a couple of Lacy Treasure pendants in some colors that the students will get in their kits - Lizbeth Spring Garden, or Lizbeth Wildflower Garden. But, they will need to practice the basics for a while before they will have the skills needed to complete the pendant. Shuttle tatting has a learning curve that starts out with the most difficulty at the start, then gets easier and more fun.

I also fooled around with another color combo in my hand dyed thread, called Peaches 'n Onions. The title was inspired by the movie, Holes, and the colors do sort of look like red onions with peaches. I used some color from the Olde Rose batch, which I made a few more skeins of. This batch turned out with more brown in it - not intentionally - I opened a new jar of dye and the color was just more brown even though it was supposed to be the same as the rose shade I'd used before. But I still like how the skeins turned out.

I paint my hand dyed thread with a brush, myself, and wind all the skeins by hand, so it is something special, unique, and in limited supply. Other quality hand dyers include LadyShuttleMaker, Tatskool, Dr. Von Threadmore (Krystledawn), and Heather's Designs.

How to tat - the 2nd half of the double stitch

2011-01-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

Let the shuttle thread hang down. Shuttle goes over the thread on left hand...

...over the thread...

...when the shuttle has passed over the thread, come back under that thread...

...back under the left hand thread, and through...

...the loop from the hanging shuttle thread.

Almost done - now comes the flip...

Make the flip happen by relaxing the tension on your left hand (bring your fingers down, slightly closing left hand)...

...and pull the shuttle thread tight - to the right. There is the 2nd half! Bring your fingers back up on your left hand to tighten the tension. Keep the shuttle thread tight. See how the shuttle thread is the core over which the stitch slides.


The completed double stitch.

These photos are my attempt to show the classic method of shuttle tatting. In actuality, I hold my shuttle in a slightly different manner, but the manipulation of the thread is just the same. I've shown the 1st half of the double stitch on a previous post; to see the 1st half click here.

Olde Rose

2011-01-20T15:53:00.000-06:00

I thought about calling this batch "Shabby Rose" or "Faded Rose", but decided that there is nothing "shabby" or "faded" about my hand dyed threads ;-) Actually, they're not "olde" either, but I couldn't think of a better name that was short. (I like short names for my dye batches - less to write on the tag!)

"Unfolding Heart" tatted necklace

2011-01-19T11:15:00.001-06:00

Embellished with size 8/0 beads in the picots, a brass lock charm added at the bottom, and brass chain attached. I used size 10 Lizbeth cotton in the Victorian Red color.

It's the same as my basic Unfolding Heart pattern, I just added beads and chain to make it into a necklace.

"Unfolding Heart"

2011-01-17T09:40:00.000-06:00

My new original pattern!
It reminds me of the way plants unfold as they grow. I think the heart looks pretty with or without the outer framing round. The pattern is for sale as a pdf in my Etsy shop.

Tatting video - "Dream" pendant with beads

2011-01-11T17:32:00.001-06:00

This 6 minute video shows several ways of working with beads, while I am tatting my Dream pattern, as a pendant. The thread I'm using is size 10 Lizbeth which I hand dyed. The seed beads are size 8/0.

Note: the one-sided leaf bead is strung onto the thread shiny side down, in order to make the shiny side come up correctly in the finished pendant. That works for this pattern!! I don't know how to make those one-sided beads come right side up in all circumstances...sigh.

I hope you enjoy this video. Be sure to turn your speakers on, the tatting is accompanied by music from SmartSound.

Sue's Blues

2011-01-07T17:36:00.000-06:00

Brighter than blue jean blues. The colors and the name of this batch was inspired by a many-talented friend who beads, teaches, plays flute and violin, drives a car with standard (stick shift) transmission - and loves the color blue!

Tatting classes on the calendar

2011-01-04T17:45:00.000-06:00

Yes, I have tatting classes on the calendar at Discovery World! Actually, at the time of this writing, I just gave my approval for the flier that was prepared, so you may not see my classes listed on the Discovery World calendar yet. But, here is a link to the flier that will be distributed.

So, I have to get those student kits ready! Only 4 days into the futuristic-sounding New Year of 2011, and already I am scrambling to catch up. I know many are waiting for the next batch of hand dyed thread - it will be "Sue's Blues", that should be dyed, dryed, and listed in a few more days.

My tatting video

2010-12-30T07:51:00.001-06:00

This 4 minute video shows tatting a ring, picots, reverse work, tatting a chain, and joining 2 rings. The way I hold my shuttle is comfortable for me - each individual will tat in a slightly different way. (This video was made using an old camera, so the picture quality is poor, but might still be helpful for someone learning to tat.)

How to tat - the 1st half of the double stitch

2010-12-28T15:38:00.001-06:00

For the way that I tat, I like the shuttle wound counterclockwise, with thread coming out the side that is away from me.

If starting a ring, wrap thread all the way around left hand.

Thread is wrapped around left hand and pinched between thumb and forefinger (if tatting a ring). The right hand, holding the shuttle, lifts the shuttle thread up, out of the way...

...shuttle goes under both threads...

...under both threads ...

...under both threads - sliding the shuttle all the way under the thread that is on the left hand. Once it is past that thread...

...come back now, over the left hand thread. It's okay to let the thread from top of right hand slip off at this point, since you are still going under that right hand thread.

Almost done - now comes the flip...

Make the flip happen by relaxing the tension on your left hand (bring your fingers down, slightly closing left hand)...

...and pull the shuttle thread tight - to the right.

There is the 1st half! Bring your fingers back up on your left hand to tighten the tension. Keep the shuttle thread tight. See how the shuttle thread is the core over which the stitch slides.

These photos are just a rough attempt to show the classic method of shuttle tatting. In actuality, I hold my shuttle in a slightly different manner - but it forms the 1st half with the flip, all the same.
The 2nd half is shown on another post; to see the 2nd half, click here.

A pair in blue and gold

2010-12-21T15:45:00.000-06:00

An example of my free "Carnival" tatted earring pattern made in Lizbeth cotton size 20 color #656, Wedgewood Dark, with 6mm Swarovski crystals in Dark Indigo AB2X, and 4mm Turquoise AB2X, with size 10/0 24 karat gold Delica seed beads. These were my personal creative choices this time around - the pattern looks good in many, many different thread color and bead combos.

The Handmade Jewelry Club liked this pattern so well they featured it on their website! I'm happy that tatting is gathering more interest and sparking new ideas.

Layered Ring Christmas Tree

2010-12-15T12:08:00.000-06:00

I got the pattern done, and listed it for sale as a pdf file in my Etsy shop. Both the basic and the beaded versions are included in the pattern.

The basic concept of the tree is pretty simple, just one shuttle and ball of thread, but the pattern was a lot of work to finalize and write up. There is not a diagram with this pattern - it was just too hard to draw one that made sense with the 3 dimensional effect of this design.

I ran out of time to make more and better models of the tree, which in size 20 thread makes a nice size for earrings. Busy, busy with Christmas preparations - making cookies, wrapping gifts, practicing cello for the concert and Christmas Mass, and DH just volunteered me to bake 2 kinds of bars for his office potluck...but, it's all good fun!

Working on a new design

2010-12-10T07:05:00.000-06:00

While fooling around with tatting the other night, I think I stumbled onto a cool idea for a Christmas tree design. I'm working on preparing the pattern. The photo is just a sneak peek at the start!

When finished, I'll add the pattern to my Etsy shop.

Better the 2nd time

2010-12-08T08:35:00.000-06:00

"Fall Afternoon" - the Garden Afternoon colors dyed over ugly thread

Occasionally I do have a color experiment that turns out darn ugly - but, no problem, I can overdye :-)
I just can't repeat the unique colors that result, so that batch is OOAK (one of a kind).

Holiday Artisan Market at Discovery World

2010-12-04T19:28:00.000-06:00

Here's how my yarnplayer booth looked at the Holiday Artisan Market at Discovery World, on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Sales were a bit slow, but I made plans for teaching 2 new tatters, and my tatted atoms were enthusiastically approved for the Discovery World museum gift shop.

I tatted earrings while sitting at my booth, and someone bought the pair I'd been working on! Here's a photo of them taken while in progress. I was using my Carnival pattern in my hand dyed size 20 thread from the Stardate batch.

The event continues on Sunday, Dec. 5th.

The winner - and a free pattern for all

2010-12-03T12:21:00.002-06:00

The winner of the truckload giveaway is Hattalahutta!

And, everyone receives an early Christmas gift of a free pattern!

To download my new, original tatting pattern (in pdf format) for "2-Way Star" -- click here.

Hattalahutta, please send your mailing address information privately to my email yarnplayer(at)yahoo.com - replace (at) with @

Truckload Giveaway

2010-11-29T14:34:00.001-06:00

This giveaway package includes a 10 skein assortment of my hand dyed thread, a copy of my latest book Up and Tat 'Em, a new 2-pack of Clover plastic tatting shuttles, a new size 12 steel crochet hook, a new size 16 (0.4mm) steel crochet hook, and a brand new toy dump truck (in its box) suitable for ages 18 months and up.

Now what you have to do to have a chance to win this fantastic prize package, is to leave one comment on this post. You don't need to put your contact info if you are going to check back here on Friday, December 3rd to see if you've won. I'll choose a winner using a random number generator on Friday, December 3rd between 12 noon and 1 pm central standard time.

Hey now, if you already have a toy dump truck (or any of the other items in this giveaway), I betcha there is somebody near you who would love to have it (nice gift!)

International readers are welcome to enter this giveaway. If you win, the package will have a customs form marked "gift" and the contents as plastic toy, cotton thread, needlework tools, book.

Parchment

2010-11-26T11:45:00.000-06:00

Very subtle shades of beige to white, which I hand dyed with Pro MX Reactive Dye.

Actually, to some folks it may just look like "dirty thread", which to be perfectly honest was my own personal reaction to it as I watched it dry. Anyway, I started an earring with it (Grand Aura from my Up and Tat 'Em book) and I think it will work nicely for the antiqued look.

I will be tatting earrings this week, since my earring display rack has room for 40 pairs, and so far I only have 28 finished. I want a full display for my booth at the Holiday Artisan Market at Discovery World, which is coming up December 4 and 5. So, I will be busy getting ready for that this week.
BTW, the organizer specifically asked if I would be demonstrating tatting. She said, (and I quote)

"It’s always so much fun to watch you do your thing, so that would be great if you can."

"Evergreen" tatted necklace in hand dyed thread

2010-11-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

"Evergreen" seemed like a suitable title for this necklace. The hand dyed thread it is tatted from will indeed stay these greens and not fade.

Something I noticed is that the Lizbeth thread size 10 is thicker than the Anchor Artiste size 10 that I used to make the Newcastle necklace (the one with the bottle cap). So, this necklace is slightly larger.

This past week I also dyed some Pizazz thread in bright orange to red to burgundy. The color is so bright that the camera could barely capture it.

The green necklace in progress

2010-11-12T13:06:00.000-06:00

Using ideas from the previous necklace, but this one will be one-of-a-kind as well. I'm happiest when I'm just making it up as I go! The thread is size 10 from my hand dyed "Forest" batch. I'm thinking I may surround it with a lighter solid green, with maybe some silvery-color glass beads. (I've learned to avoid both silver plated and sterling silver metal beads - they tarnish, and I don't see any practical way of polishing them when they are all worked into cotton lace.)

Later, I'll get to dyeing a batch of "Pizazz" which is reds and oranges. The white thread is prepared and waiting!

It grew around a bottle cap

2010-11-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

Nearly a year ago, I bought a bottle cap pendant from the seller in the booth next to mine at the Discovery World Holiday Artisan Market. I told her at the time that I'd tat it into something.
Well, now I have!

I added some gears into the necklace by joining into them with normal joins while tatting.

By fiddling around with the ring, I discovered that the tatted ring could be easily maneuvered to lie under the gear, so the gear would be prominent on top of the tatting.

I decided to call this design Newcastle because that was written on the other side of the bottle cap.

Into the dark, mysterious "Forest"

2010-11-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

Apparently I haven't made this batch for a very long time, because when I looked it up in my dye "recipe" book, the amounts I had scribbled down for how much dye, water, etc. were very small. That was back in the day (2007) when a batch for me was maybe a dozen skeins total. In this batch I dyed a total of 58 skeins. That's pretty much the maximum amount I can work with at one time.

By the way, there is still some Snowflake left, too. At some point in the future I plan on dyeing a batch of Pizazz, which is sort of a bright red and orange. And, then more Sue's Blues! And, I have an idea for some neutrals, too.

So many colors, so little time!

Split ring jewelry finding

2010-11-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

The thread goes through the metal ring twice

For security, I like to attach a split ring finding instead of a standard jump ring to my tatted jewelry. The "split ring" I'm referring to here is the coiled jewelry finding (not a tatted split ring).

I recently acquired some black split rings that I really like, but I discovered that I can't use my special split ring pliers to open them because the force of using the tool scratches the black coating on this particular finding. So, I unwound my shuttle to string them onto the thread. Not a big deal, since at that point the tatting is nearly done, anyway.

So, before starting to tat the ring that I want the finding on, I unwound the shuttle, and strung the metal split ring onto that thread. Then, wrapped the thread around my left hand, and put the end of the thread through the metal split ring again. After doing that, the thread was wound back onto the shuttle. When tatting resumed, the metal ring dangled from the tatted ring.

A previous post about this subject is found at: http://yarnplayertats.blogspot.com/2008/04/adding-jump-ring.html

"Wondrous Window" pendant from "Up and Tat 'Em" book

Loominosity show

2010-10-30T20:34:00.000-05:00

Handmade jewelry by various artists

This years's Loominosity was a group exhibit and sales event covering 4 days, organized by two guilds: the Wisconsin Handweavers and the Loose Bead Society.

Some of my tatted jewelry was in the sale, and I demonstrated tatting on Saturday.

Later that afternoon I was surprised to meet Sue Anna of Sue Anna's blog! She is an absolutely wonderful lady! (Tatters are such nice people!) Not only did she make the trip to come see me at this event, she brought gifts! Thank you, Sue Anna!

Sue Anna's gifts - shuttle and tatted bookmark

Sue Anna and Marilee

Tatted necklaces, upcoming shows

2010-10-25T12:20:00.009-05:00

Two art/craft shows are coming up for me, so I'm trying to finish more things to display. "Celeste" is a new necklace design I came up with last week. It occurred to me that tatted connectors would be a fun thing to try. I joined the necklace parts with jump rings, short pieces of chain, and ribbon for an eclectic arrangement. The connector design seemed suitable for matching earrings.
The first show is Loominosity in New Berlin, Wisconsin. I'll be participating as a member of the Loose Bead Society, and I plan to be demonstrating tatting with beads on Saturday, October 30.

The other show is the Holiday Artisan Market at Discovery World, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 4 and 5. I'll have my own booth at that show, so I am working hard to complete enough unique tatted jewelry for a well stocked display.

Purple Glory

2010-10-13T18:02:00.004-05:00

I've learned that Morning Glory flowers come in several colors. And, I've learned that the purple variety is impossible to photograph in true color with my camera :(

The bottom photo is the closest I was able to get to capturing the flower in its true purple shade, using a borrowed camera.

What I'm trying to say is I was so inspired by the color (which you can't see!) that I dyed a batch of thread to capture the colors of that flower. The hand dyed thread does come pretty close to the bright deep pink and purples I see!

My photos of the thread are fairly good, but those darn flowers - I just had to put them in the photos, anyway. Then I added this rather lame statement to most of the listings, "Inspired by the bright pink to dark violet colors of a purple variety of Morning Glory flowers. (The flowers photographed showing blue, but there is no blue in this batch.)"

Confused yet??

Lighthouse Lacers all handmade lace tree

2010-10-09T22:36:00.011-05:00

My tatted atom got made up in white, and added to the Lighthouse Lacers Christmas tree project, which will be donated to a raffle. More info about the tree is on the Lighthouse Lacers web page.