A pretty good year

2 necklaces from the "Duchess" pattern in my "Boutique Tatting" book. The green is the original from 2008 in a size 10 thread of a brand I can no longer get. The black is Lizbeth size 10 tatted in 2024. I've learned the difference!

Bobbin lace Dragon designed by GaliciaBee. In 2024 I made progress in learning bobbin lace, which I had been curious about since the 1970s!

Peace symbol in tatting and wire wrapping. We always have hope! 

In 2024 I finally wrote up the pattern for this tatted belt, which I experimented with since 2014.

In 2024 I heard a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City! 

Someone asked for a Menorah tatting pattern, so I designed this one, inspired by the branched candlestick by Elgiva Nicholls.

My watermelon pattern came next, either a symbol of summer picnics or support for Palestine.

My largest project in 2024 is the "Leaves of Lace Garland". Currently in round 1 of the jurying process for an exhibition. I'm hoping it gets in!

Brought out my pattern for a "Dissent Collar" again. Yes, I'm a liberal, as most artists are.

I love this bobbin lace pattern by GaliciaBee for which I used thread purchased from her Etsy shop!

Wishing you all a very happy, safe, and creative 2025!

 

Okay, so now I also do bobbin lace

 

Pattern is by GaliciaBee

The pattern is by GaliciaBee and it's so pretty and good for beginners. She also does videos! 

My current work under the pins is from one of her beautiful thread kits. I added some Lizbeth metallic size 20 to it, and I'm loving the combination.

I still do tatting also! Currently I'm in the process of writing up my version of the "Victory" necklace. Eventually I hope to offer my version of the pattern in my Etsy shop.

"Lavender Orchid"

Deep intense pink, shading to light lavender. Colors inspired by the orchid in the photo to the left. The tatted leaf bookmark is a design I just made up as I went along, while playing with the new thread.

Victorian Rectangle

Basic edging becomes a bookmark
with no ends to hide!

For pdf file click here.

Basic Edging (written out in the traditional way)

Use ball and shuttle. R 3ds, p, 3ds, p, 3ds, p, 3ds, cl r. *RW. Ch 3ds, p, 3ds. RW. R 3ds, j to last p of prev r, 3ds, p, 3ds, p, 3ds, cl r. Rep from * for pattern.

Same pattern (written the modern shorthand way)

R 3-3-3-3. *RW. Ch 3-3. RW. R 3+3-3-3 (to last p of PR).* Rep *-*

Victorian Rectangle

A bookmark made from the basic edging pattern with corners added. Using two colors leave about 6 inch ends to start; these will become the tassel. (Tip: Do the first ring, then add the ball thread by just laying it in place when you start the first chain. Leave a tail out -- you don't need a knot, it will stay when you have done the first ds.)

R 3-3-3-3. RW. Ch 6-6. RW. R 3-3+3-3 (to center p of PR). RW.
Ch 3-3. RW. R 3+3-3-3 (to last p of PR). RW.

Ch 6-6. RW. R 3-3+3-3 (to center p of PR). RW.
Ch 6-6. RW. R 3-3+3-3 (to center p of PR). RW.
Ch 3-3. RW. R 3+3+3-3 (to last p of PR and center p of 1st r). RW.
Ch 6-6.

Finishing: Cut threads, leaving ends about 6 inches long. Tie the last 2 ends by taking the core thread (the one that matches the color of the ring) through the 1st ring, bringing the chain thread around to tie the 1st half of a square knot. Then gather all the ends together and tie one big overhand knot, snugging it up to the base of the bookmark. Trim ends as desired.

Abbreviations:
Ch (chain)
cl r (close ring)
ds (double stitch)
j (join )
p (picot)
prev (previous)
PR (previous ring)
- (picot)
+ (join)
rep (repeat)
R (ring)
RW (reverse work)
sep (separated)

Starting from the top

This is a peak at something that I hope to add to the little pattern book that I'm working on. I wanted the threads to come out of the top of the item. Starting with a chain simulates half of a ring in the photo. When I come around back to that area, I'll tat another chain coming out, to simulate the other half of a ring. That way, all the threads will end up at the same spot, and can be left out as a tassel or tail, for use as a bookmark. No ends to hide!

Progress on the book: 2 patterns finished and tested, 3 more started and partially typed. I hope to put at least 10 patterns in the book - so I am getting there!

Flowery cross

One more repeat at the bottom would make the proportion better. But this seems like a good design to me, and the flowery edge is an effective way to use a variegated thread, I think. The thread I used is size 20, white on shuttle 2 and my own hand dyed "Lola" on shuttle 1. The finished size measures about 3x4 inches (almost 8x10 cm) The written pattern is still in the works...I have quite a few in the "works".

Bag #4 has been started on the loom. I used a little of the "Spicy Hot" hand dyed pearl cotton in the border of the bright rusty orange oval motif on the right. As with the previous bags, a polymer clay button and tatted loop is planned for a closure.

Bookmarks and tatting over ends

The large one in the center makes use of the Catherine Wheel or Split Chain Join as explained by Sabina Carden-Madden. It's tricky, but makes for a smoother long curve in the center. The smaller ones are based on my easy flower bookmark pattern.

Experimented some more with this 2 shuttle design, adding more rings and chains to the outer edge, and a fancier base. It's starting to resemble either a carnation or fan - or a fancy rug beater!

I ran out of thread part way through, so had to refill my shuttles and deal with thread ends. The photos to left and below show the old ends being tatted over.

The thread used was my own "Peace" hand dyed, and the solid peach from that batch for one of the smaller bookmarks..

Selling original work

Being impressed by the people who manage to sell online, I have very timidly made a start. I have a couple of my tatted pieces on eBay as well as a used book.

Also trying out having an etsy shop. Maybe this will keep me on track for prolific work.

I still feel more comfortable selling through a "brick and mortar" shop or craft fair. Since I am already committed to participating in a craft fair later this summer, I really need to get more inventory done! What I've found works best so far is small, relatively quick items that can be sold for a lower cost and makes a cute gift. Also, people like something unique -- something that has enough variables so that even though it is a pattern, it would be hard to come up with an exact copy.