Book nearly there

Ok, I know that many of you are anxiously waiting for the book to be done - it's nearly there!

I had not been aware of the many details in preparing a book until I tried to do my own. So I have gained a deeper appreciation for all the hard work done by the authors of books!

The photo is just a "slice" of one necklace that will be included. It is the same one that I was working on in the last post, and I have decided to call this necklace design "Duchess".

Patterns included in the book will be 2 necklaces, 1 pendant, 4 earrings, 1 bracelet, all of which use beads, with hints on working with beads as well. Also some patterns which don't use beads: 1 bookmark, 1 hair ribbon (which could also be a bookmark), and 1 snowflake. There are over 60 color photos! Oh, and the book will be entitled, "Boutique Tatting".

I will get back to hand dyeing thread when the book is put to rest. Next on the dye list, "Sugar Maple"!

Necklace design in progress

This is the first row of a necklace design that I am working on. The beads are pre-strung, and are visible on the shuttles. I am in the process of tatting a string of split rings, and after a few more of those, will turn the work to tat the next row of the necklace. The neck cord will be added after the main area of the necklace is finished.

Hopefully it will turn out nicely enough to include in the book. I am about done with 21 pages, and expect the finished book to be around 28 pages.

***VACATION***

I will be on vacation from Aug. 19 through Aug. 23.
Hard to believe that summer is almost over!

"Pizzazz" is back

Bright 'n cheery!

The tatting in the photo is the center started of my "Holly Snowflake" - anyone remember that one? I need to tat it again, because I gave away the original, and the pattern is going into the book!

Just a little tiny peek

It's going to be in the book! It will be a design that should work for three different projects...bracelet, bookmark, or even possibly a hair scrunchie type of thing.

I am truly sorry to have to keep you in suspense - no one wishes more than I do that this book was done already! Oh my, soooo much work! I was wishing it could have been done by now, but I have about 5 or 6 more patterns that I want to put in. The print shop has given a price quote that should result in a reasonably priced book with lots of color photos (I am taking my own photos), so now all that is left is to get done.

IOLI Convention!

Sooooo exciting!!! I got to tat with Georgia Seitz!!! Had lunch with Tat-man!!!

Met so many other wonderful lacemaking folks as well - such a full, delightful day!




I was impressed by the art glass work combined with tatting, and the electroformed enamel and copper tatting by Jennifer Halvorson.





Got to see - close up - loads and loads of beautiful handmade lace, both antique and contemporary. Many beautiful examples of lace artistry, including some works by Janice Blair.

Shopped at table after table of fabulous arrays of lacemaking goodies from outstanding artisans and sensational shops.

Watched gorgeous lace in the process of being made.



What a memorable experience! So glad that I was able to attend this major event, with the very pleasant company of the lovely ladies of the Lighthouse Lacers guild.

Many thanks and high praise for a job well done to the Land of Lincoln Lacemakers for hosting the 2008 Convention of the International Old Lacers, Inc.












Thanks also to Kate Henry, who graciously allowed me to take some photos of her beautiful collection of 18th century lace.