Christmas 2014

Presents given and received.  The first is called Unfolding Heart by Marilee Rockley - given to my daughter.  Silver beads were added for a little bling.  The second is Ars Colaris "My Wonderful Tree".  It was in the process of being stiffened.  The recipient (a family friend) will have to attached the pieces into a star.  The last are shuttles my wonderful husband made for me out of exotic wood he found at a local woodworking shop.  They need a finish and then I will put them to work.

Going to make a couple of quick smiley faces tonight.

Tomorrow will start the design process of a chocker/bracelet.  Palmetto Tatters Guild is now accepting applications for teachers.  Tat Days is September 3-6, 2015.  Deadline for applications is February 15, 2015. 

Lanyard was finished last night.  There is a magnetic clasp at the back attached by split rings.  The front has a larger split ring connecting both sides and a lobster clasp.  Hubby is happy!

Finished another ink pen insert.  This is a quick project using split rings.

Halfway done with Marilee Rockley's Unfolding Heart pattern.  I am using silver seed beads to add a little bling.  Hope to finish tonight or tomorrow.  It is size 10 thread that I dyed myself.

One more project for the holidays to complete.  Next major project will be to finish the TAT Proficiency Phase II course.  Then it will be onward with the Monster Doily.

Gifts for the Holidays

Smiley faces are from a pattern by Jane Eborall made from DMC floss.  They will be kept in my purse to give away to brighten someone's day, for kids at events we attend or anyone who might be interested in tatting. 

The doily is from Tatted Treasures by Jan Stawasz - Doily VI, rounds 1 thru 4.  Made with Lizbeth Root Beer Float size 20.  It is a present for my brother who is newly engaged.

There is one half of a Patti Duff's lanyard.  I started with one color of bead and it was decided to go with another.  I am using a technique from Tonya (SCMR using a ball and thread, SLT and adding the beads as I go).  Thanks Tonya.  The technique is working great.  I will use the short lanyard as a key ring.  The longer one will have a magnetic catch at one end and a clip at the other.  Made from Lizbeth size 20 Rainbow Splash.  The other half should be done this week. 

Only two more projects to complete for the holidays!

Monster Doily on Hold

Due to the upcoming Holidays, my monster Jan Stawasz doily is now being put on hold.  I will probably work here and there (maybe) but for the most part it will be put aside until after the new year. 

In the meantime, I have started Doily VI from Jan Stawasz's Tatted Treasures.  The thread is Lizbeth size 20 in Root Beer Float.  I will probably only go through Row 4.  Just wanted to make something quick and easy for an engagement gift.  The happy couple with be visiting in a couple of weeks.

I also have a lanyard to make my hubby (a request from Tat Days).  There is also a pendent on my to do list for my daughter from a couple of years ago.  Now is probably a nice time to get that item done as well.  I seem to be in a tatting gift mode.

Decoupaged Shuttle

Had to try my hands at decoupaging a shuttle.  I like Tinkerbell.  I found some stickers near greeting cards at a store.  The directions were ones that Lace-lovin' Librarian and Decoromana have on their blogs.  The first try resulted in a not so smooth top. Using very fine sandpaper, it was sanded down and restarted.  This is the result of the second try.  Much better but not perfect.  I only did one side.  I do have some fabric and two other shuttles to play with.  I see a possible shuttle for every holiday in the future!

Tat Bug and Paws

Here is another project I finished earlier this week.  It is a tatting bug from The Complete Book of Tatting by Rebecca Jones.  Will be making another as I still am not happy with the way it lays.  Need to add google eyes for a complete bug.  Thread was hand dyed by me, size 10.

The paws are from Tat Days 2013.  They are made with three strands of glow in the dark embroidery floss.  Will be making more.  Also going to make a 4 set using 6 strands.  I plan on putting these on acrylic sheets and attaching it to a tree.  Using a black light at Halloween, I hope they will look like paw prints climbing up a tree!

Taking a Break

I am taking a little break from the Monster Doily to tat a few little things on the bucket list. 

First, I have been playing with embroidery floss and Jane's Emotitats.  I have noticed a difference in the brand of floss.  Both were made with three threads to give me a size 20 equivalent.  The small one is Hobby Lobby brand and the bigger one is DMC.  I have made another with the HL brand but I used 4 strands instead.  It came out much better. 

The green Kudzu bear was made with hand-dyed by me thread.  I have the link to the bear on a previous post.

I am keeping the bears (so far named Hucklebeary-Purple, Kudzu-Green, Bluebeary-Blue) as extras in by tatting bag.  These are great to give to kids where ever we are - who are interested in what I am doing.  I am going to be keeping some of the Emotitats as well.  I can give these to the bigger kids/adults.

I have completed another project, it is being stiffened and will be another post later this week.

Jan Stawasz Moje Robotki Doily Tat-Along

Sorry for the background of the photo.  It was the only bright spot I could find at the moment to take a pic.  Will be looking into making a light box for photos shortly.

I have just begun Row 6 of 18.  Had a few emergencies come up so it was put on back burner.  This is my evening project to work on when listening/watching the TV with hubby.  It will probably be next years fair entry.

This tat-along is over at InTatters if anyone is interested in looking at the progress of others in the group.

No. GA State Fair 2014 Results

Went to our local fair this evening.  Had a great time.  Chili cheese hot dog with Hawaiian Ice.  I digress a little. 

Before dinner, however, we went to the non-commercial building to look for our entries.  I received one of each ribbon.

The variegated doily is Renulek's Spring doily.  I am please with the result.  The earrings is a pattern from Anitra Stone Tat Days 2012 Chandelier Earrings.  The pink/purple ornament is from Tat Days 2014 (a pattern by Martha Ess).  I am a little disappointed my peacock did not win anything.  I really like the way I mounted it and it will find a place on the wall next week.

The knitted shawl in the upper right corner was made by my daughter and received a first.  Very happy for her.  The wooden shuttle was one my husband made for me.  He did not win a ribbon but he is definitely a winner with me!

Tat Days 2014

Well another session of the Palmetto Tat Days is over.  I had a great time.  Learned to do Baubles, Mignonette and perfected my split chain technique.  Met Karen Brovard, saw Ruth Perry and met up with fellow tatters from previous years and met new ones.  I am looking  forward to next year.

Here are pictures of two of the projects I finished. 

The Bauble will be forwarded to Jane Eborall for her "Exclusive Tatting Club" for Baubles.  Jane, I am fine as an Associate for now.  The mouse is on the list for full membership!  The bauble is made in size 10 hand-dyed by me.

The block tatted ornament was a first for tatting with a charm aka doodad.  Very easy.  Martha had great instructions.  This is size 20, Livi's Ballet Shoes is the variegated by Tatilicious, Hot Pink was hand-dyed by me.

I have submitted the ornament to our fair along with the Renulek Spring doily, chandelier earrings and my tatted peacock which I framed.  Will see next week if any receive ribbons.  If not, that is okay.  I have my free ticket for the fair!

I finished Linda Davies Star Attraction Doily.  I used Lizbeth size 10.  This was given to the Silent Auction at Tat Days.  The picture shows the doily along with the finished peacock.  A dime was used for size comparison.

North Georgia Fair - Marietta Georgia

For those who live in the Metro Atlanta Georgia area, the North Georgia Fair is this month.  Entries can be dropped off September 13 and 14.  I noticed several entries last year.  I am hoping that if entries increase substantially, that they may consider putting the tatting category back into the catalog.  Until then, I am creative with my entries so I can enter several pieces.

Jan Stawasz Doily Started

I have started the monster doily and working my way around row III.  I must say after working on size 10 and now using size 30, it seems like I am working on sewing thread!  I am using Jan's method which will yield a front side/back side effect.  To make it easier to follow the pattern, I am writing out the first repeat from the diagram.

Yes, that is a paper roll.  It works great as a thread holder! 

Tat Days Scholarship Quilts

Tat Days is held in September.  It is a great two day conference being held in Toccoa, GA.  Teachers include Georgia Seitz, Jane Eborall, Martha Ess, Randy Holtz and several others.   Every year there is a fund raiser.  This year there are three quilts that they will raffle off.  They are gorgeous.  More info can be found here:  http://www.tatdaysscholarship.info/.

Please consider a donation of $5 towards our Tat Days Scholarship Fund. Online donations will close Monday, Sept 1, 2014. Drawing will be around 9:00 Friday evening at Tat Days 2014 in Georgia.

Please spread the word and share this post. 

Thread for Large Doily

Here are the colors I have dyed for the Jan Stawasz doily tat-along over at Intatters.  I only changed my mind 3-4 times.  In the end, I am pleased.  I am working in size 30 as I do not want it as large as the Renulek Spring 2014 doily.  I used GraceT's estimation of yardage per row and then dyed extra just because I could.  I will definitely have plenty of thread.  The thread is not variegated as indicated in the picture.  They are solid golden yellow, aquamarine, turquoise and gray.

I am using Jan's method of tatting.  This is the second time I have started on the middle.  Was almost done and noticed I did not do vsp for half of the rings.  The brain was not functioning when looking at the diagram and thinking that all the rings get attached to the next row, not half (diagram shows the whole middle but only half rows from there on so brain forgot to make the vsp all the way around).   I have now made red dots on all joins that need vsp's!

Tat Days 2015

Yes, I know this is more than a year away but I just had to post this.  I have been thinking of teaching a class or two at Tat Days next year.  I have one idea in my head to work on.  But last night I decided on a second one.  It is in a published book.  I wrote to the publisher asking for permission to use the pattern in a class and where the class would be.  I just opened my email this morning and saw a reply.  Excitedly, I opened the email and am now in cloud 9.  I have permission!  Now to tat it up, write the instructions in long hand (there is only a diagram) and wait for teaching application for next year to appear!

Jan Stawasz Large Doily Tat-along

I received my copy of a Polish publication called Mojo Robotki.  Date is 08 2007.  There is a large tatted doily by Jan Stawasz.  Intatters has a group that is doing this as a tat-along http://www.intatters.com/showthread.php?11824-Jan-Stawasz-Moje-Robotki-8-2007-Huge-Doily-tat-along&p=127274#post127274.  Will be using size 30 crochet cotton.  I need to finalize my colors today as I will need to dye the thread (a two day process) so I can start this weekend.  Needless to say, I was excited about starting this project and had trouble getting to sleep last night!

Tat Days 2014 Scholarship Quilts

Just checked the Palmetto Tatters Guild and noticed they have the information for the scholarship quilts (pictures included).  Online donations to win a quilt are being accepted through September 1.  Donations will also be accepted at Tat Days Sept 5-6.  The drawing is Friday evening Sept 5.  My four quilt squares were used on the Tea Time quilt!  So excited to see the quilts done and how lovely they look.

Presents

Here are a couple of presents that I have completed this past week. 

The ink pen insert is for a coworker that came last week to let me back into our work building that I accidently locked myself out of (did not realize until later that the neighbor business had a key for our door for when UPS comes to deliver and we are closed).  Anyway, the pattern is from last years Tat Days.  It consists of three rows of split rings joined together to make a tube.  Thread was hand dyed by me as an experiment.

The seahorse earrings were a request from a family member.  She saw me wear a pair earlier this year and I asked if she wanted a pair.  We decided on a color.  I found the hand dyed thread on Etsy.  Did not know what I was going to make with it at the time.  Well the time came and found these earrings.  Pattern was also from last years Tat Days.  They will be in the mail to the recipient tomorrow.

There is still time to register for this year's Tat Days.  It is September 5-6 in Toccoa, GA.

This makes 8 of my July-Dec motif challenge complete.

Tatted Angels

My husband has been tatting angels since he taught himself last September. He is selling them with 75% of the profits going to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Children's Hospital of Atlanta, and UCLA cardiac unit. The first listing can be found here http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Tatted-Angel-with-bead-Lizbeth-Size-3-Thread-Rainbow-Splash-/291185551050?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43cc02e6ca. These are in memory of our son who had surgeries at all thee of the hospitals and our granddaughter who has had one. 

 

His goal is to sell 100 of them.   We did a church yard sale with limited success.  I have posted on facebook as well. 

I am trying to help him by sharing his link and this wonderful opportunity of sharing tatting for a good cause with as many people as I can so he can achieve his goal.  Feel free to pass this along to other members of communities you know.

World Cup Tatting

Felt I needed something to do while watching World Cup Soccer the past several weeks.  Here are my results.  Just something easy and not to complicated.

The paperclip birds are from the Palmetto Tatters free patterns page.  It is called Bird on a Wire.  The Snowflake on a Paper Clip is a pattern by Ellen Lai.  It was a class project for the online tatting class.

 The motif is from free-tatting.com.  It is under motifs (Tatted motives 2).

The Hucklebear is a pattern by Gina Butler.  The Hucklebear is in purple/periwinkle size 10.  Kudzu is in size 20 green/yellow green.  I decided to do a Bluebear in turquoise/sky blue in size 20.  I just added a few extra stitches to the size 20 to make it a little bigger.  I also found for me it was easier to do the eyes and snout first then the head and ears.  These tat up quickly.  Will be sending these to someone who uses these types of items for treasures in teaching 2nd to 4th graders to tat.  The bears I am going to keep making and carry with me as give aways to children who see me tat and are interested.  All thread used for the bears were hand dyed by me.

I have finished my 25-motif challenge.  From January to June, my projects numbered about 31.  Can't believe I have tatted this much this year.  I have decided to start another one for July through December.  So these are my first ones for my new challenge!

ShuttleTag and Earring-Pendant Set

Finished a couple new items that were on the bucket list before going back to unfinished items.

The shuttle tag has been on my list for a while.  I finally dyed some thread based on a couple of monsters I have seen.  Modified the pattern as written a little as I did not like the way the clovers were after I tatted the first set.  I think the next time I dye this thread it will be a little less of the yellow-green and a little bit more blue.

The earring-pendant set is from a pattern by Elaine P Gan (Facebook.com/tatting box) called Heart 2 Heart.  I used iridescent embroidery floss, 3 strands for the pendant and 2 for the earrings.  Just need to add findings.  I will be donating this set to the Palmetto Tat Days in September for their silent auction (hint hint for anyone attending!).

Two Sets of Earrings

Finished a couple of half done projects. 

The berry earrings are from Tat Days 2012.  They are called Fancy Chandelier by Anitra Stone.  Thread was hand dyed by me.  Just rings, chains and adding beads from threads.

The black ones are from Tat Days 2013.  It was the early morning tat session open to everyone.  They are called Nowhere Maze by Victoria Clarke.  Thread is Lizbeth black.  This was a fun project as is required only chains and adding beads to picots (holding with paperclips).

Both these patterns are on a CD and can be purchased here. 

Tatted Samples Complete

Georgia Seitz's Monday online tatting class have been working on a vintage book "Forty Original Designs in Tatting" by Nellie Hall Youngburg.  All motifs have been accepted by various tatters.  The summer goal is to tat the sample motif, write up the pattern in modern terms, diagram if possible and have ready for next years classes.  Well my four volunteered samples are complete!  These are motifs 3, 22, 29 and 10 from left to right.  One motif and three edgings.  Now for the fun part of writing up the patter and diagramming!

Surprise

We came home Saturday only to find a delivery notice from the post office.  A package had come; however, since I was not home to sign for it, they could not deliver.  Soooooo, Tuesday morning first thing I went to the post office to pick up the package. 

My tatting friend from Spain, Aurora, had sent me a surprise package.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  The thread is shiny and smooth.  The beads will go nicely with the thread.  I have plans for the motif.  I will obtain a nice bead for the center and then make/add a couple of tatted leaves.  A pin back will be added to make a nice brooch.   Will post when complete.

Finished Spring Napkin

It took a while but Renulek's 2014 Spring Napkin is finished.  It measures about 22 inches in size 20.  Needs a really good pressing.  Also, need to work on consistency with my chains.  Look forward to next years.  Got to finish other projects before taking on another large one like this.

Turtle Beads

Stopped at a thrift store during our outing today and look what I found.  Turtle beads.  For $0.25, I could not pass them by.  Now, to find a project for them!

Playing with Dyes & Misc

Now that the weather is nicer, I have started playing with hand painted thread again.  I have the directions for solid colors pretty well down.  However, I still have problems with the variegated (hand painted) threads wanting to bleed color out when rinsing.  I have come up with a couple of ideas that I will be trying over the next few weeks.  I would love to start selling some of the thread but want to make sure I can produce the variegated colors consistently and the vibrance I want before that time. 

If anyone has any ideas, I am open and willing to try anything.  Just email or make a comment to me.  Will be playing tomorrow with one of the ideas.

The variegated is one based on a certain monster out there.  The red-violet was the color that bleed the most.  It is okay but not initially want I was going for.  The two greens are a mix of the blue and yellow-green.  The darker one stayed in the dye longer.  The red-violet and yellow-green singles are great.  The last was the yellow-green with a little red-violet sprinkled on and worked in for the color.

I am on my last round of the 2014 Spring Napkin by Renulek.  Excited to get this finished.  Will post when complete.

There is another tat-along just started today by Donald Oliver on the Tatting Facebook page.  It is a chess set.  The board is the first item started.  I need to finish my napkin, pick my threads and get started on this project.

Oh, there was a church garage sale last week that we were a participant.  My husband tatted 100+ angels and is trying to sell them with all proceeds going to the Children's Hospitals our son and granddaughter had heart surgery at.  One lady stopped by and as we chatted, I showed her my napkin and peacock I am working on.  She has a friend that loves peacock and wanted to know if I would be interested in making one for her.  I was flattered and intrigued.  Need to figure a price and get back with her.  She is in no hurry.  Actually better start tatting faster.  Projects are added to bucket list faster than I can get them done! 

Tat Days 2014 Quilt Blocks

My four quilt blocks are now complete, pressed will be put in an envelope and mailed tomorrow.  Husband contributed with his Angel (pattern care of Marie Smith of the Palmetto Tatting Guild).  Will have to wait for September to see the quilt(s) complete with all blocks from the many tatters participating.  These quilts will be auctioned off and the proceeds used for the Palmettos Tatting Guild Tat Days scholarships.  For information go to http://www.palmettotatters.org/events/TatDays2014/TatDays2014.shtml. 

Vacation Projects

After taking a week for a family trip, here are the projects that kept me busy:

These are different hair clips.  They were easy to do  and did not have to take much concentration.  Half are going to my granddaughter (thread selected by mom) and the other four will be sold at an upcoming church yard sale.  The thread I used is either size 10 or 20 and is hand dyed by me or Lizbeth or Jess's (Tatalicious).   Patterns are from youtube.com (Leco Sedellaanto), Ewa Dochniak (koronkowomi.blogspot.com - March 28, 2014) and Joelle Paulson.  Just realized I did not put any beads in the middle of the flowers.  Just thrilled I was able to finish them.

The peacock was my airplane project.  I also worked on it when I needed a break from the hair clips.  It is from the book OCCHI Schiffchenspitze Frivolite by Leopold Stocker Verlag.  Since the book is in German, Google translate helped in deciphering some of the words.  Thread is size 20 Lisbeth in Fern Green Med. and Blue River Glades.  I noticed that the written pattern varies from the diagram and the photo.  I have modified stitch counts to accommodate my tatting so the piece lays flatter.  I will probably frame this piece and enter in the fair in September.

Just started round 12 of the 2014 Spring Napkin.  This will be my greatest accomplishment when finished.  Hopefully 1 week more and then I guess I will get back with Georgia's Mystery Doily.

Mini Tardis

Received a request to remake a Tardis.  This is Anne Bruvold's pattern.    I was told that the telephone book has only two holes, so I modified the pattern a little to reflect two holes.  This Tardis is made with size 80 Lizbeth thread hand dyed by me.  I thought the original was size 80 although after tatting this I am not sure.  Will block and stiffen tomorrow.  

Edited:  Note to self - when using size 80 thread, split chain needs full concentration!

Renulek's 2014 Napkin Tat-Along

Row 8 of the 2014 Napkin Tat-A
long is complete.  There are 3 more rows posted and two more yet to come.  Mine is measuring 15 inches across at the moment.  This is the biggest piece I have ever tatted! 

Prostate Awareness Ribbons and TIAS 2014

Been relatively busy this past week due to Snow/Ice 2014 Part 2.  I was able to dye some thread to tat a couple of Prostate Awareness Ribbons for a friend. This particular ribbon color is light blue (sky blue).  The pattern is from Lenore English. 

I started a new project.  I am working on a napkin mat from Renulek.  Her site is in Polish but Google does a pretty good job at translating.  Rounds 1 and 2 are complete and am now working on round 3.  Will have a picture on next post.


Finally, Jane Eborall's TIAS 2014 is complete.  I knew we were to change colors; however, I forgot where.  Anyway, my sailboat is camouflaged for sailing the high seas.  The thread is from Yarnplayer (Marilee Rockley).  It is size 20 in Peaches 'n Onions.

Teapots

These are three of my four squares that I have finished for the Tat Days 2014 Quilt.  The theme is Tatting, Tea, and Toffee.  The purple square one needs pressing.  I have one more to go.  The last square is not a teapot but a piece of candy.  Will post when complete.  The first teapot is from Intatters.  The two motifs are from Patti Duff's Minitats book.  The thread is hand-dyed by me.  The other two teapots are Marth Ess's patterns.  The green edging is a variation of Daisy Chain pattern from Big Book of Tatting.  The thread on these are Lizbeth Spring Flower (101), Leafy Greens (138), Latte Foam (168) and a brown (691).

We are iced in for a few days, so I will be able to get caught up on a few tatting projects. 

Earrings and Motif

The earrings are from Marilee Rockley's (Yarnplayer) new book called  Beaded Tatting Finery.  They are called Boomerang.  I did not tat the extra cord that goes across the boomerang.  I love them just the way they are.  The thread is hand dyed by me. 

The book is available in an ebook version as well as hard copy.

The February challenge is to design a heart.  Well the Owl was suppose to be that heart.  It looked good on paper but when tatted up it turned out different.  Got another design on paper and will give it another try.

Marilee's Beaded Tatting Finery

Just thought I would pass this along.  Marilee Rockley's newest book is available as a pdf ebook.  It is on her Etsy site here.  I have already purchased it and will be working on a pattern this afternoon while watching football.

Newt Invasion

I have been testing split rings and single shuttle split rings (along with learning how to do loop tatted rings.  The pattern is from Anne Bruvoid called Netty the Newt.  I have always wanted to do this pattern, so now was a wonderful opportunity.  So I am now being invaded by newts as I test these elements.  The thread is all hand dyed (either Lizbeth, Tatilicious, Yarnplayer or my own).

I have also decided to participate in the 25 Motif Challenge this year.  The two at the bottom of the picture are the two I have done this month.  January is now complete for this challenge!

2014 TIAS - Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of you out in Tatland.  Wishing everyone a joyous and happy year.

Jane Eborall has posted information on the 2014 TIAS (Tat It And See).  This will be my third year.  For those of you who have not tried one, every few days Jane posts snippets of the pattern to tat.  You may make guesses along the way and post your tatting.  It is fun to see the guesses and what thread everyone is using.  The TIAS starts this Monday, January 6.  Will be getting my shuttles ready today!