Palmetto Tat Days 2025

 Well another year at the Palmetto Tatting Guild Tat Days is over.  Tired in a good way.  It was nice to catch up with fellow tatters and see many friends again.

Live auction was filled with nice items and several competitive bids.  It is always filled with laughter and comic relief.

Classes completed were the Celtic Owl, Pearl Tatted Earrings and Dragonfly wings made in Lizbeth Metallic.  The bracelet was a class I taught made with Superduo and seed beads.  I have one more project (a tatted Iris flower) but it will be a bit before completed as there are several parts that need to be tatted and assembled.  

Next year’s conference is scheduled for Sept 24-27, 2026 at Ridgecrest Conference Center just outside Asheville, NC.  If your able to plan and attend, you will be welcomed with open arms, have a great time, meet new/old friends and learn from fantastic teachers.

Test Tatting Part Two

Richard Embrey was my second tatter to test tat.  He is known for his Helix tatting.  

The candy cane earring was nicely written.  Hard to see in photo.  Small but tatted quickly.   Size 20 Lizbeth.

The Helix brooch was interesting.  Started with the chains, then Helix.  Thrown off chains with rings which joined later is a nice technique for dimension.  Size 20 HDT by me and Lizbeth for this creation.

Now for the Helix Sea Anemone. This was quite the challenge to get started.  Had never done floating chains before.  Took some time and messages to wrap my brain around this technique.  Once my brain decided to cooperate, it went well.    As you can see, lots of floating chains.  I do tat tight so tentacles curled.  Size 20 Lizbeth for this one also.

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Tat Days 2024 - Part One

       It was nice to see familiar faces that have not been for a few years.  Tat Days was held at Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina.  Rooms were convenient to classes, classes were very close to vending and the food was good.  Only drawback was signage to find everything.  Took a good day to really get the layout figured out between room/classes/dining.          

       Thursday evening was Arlene Medder’s Solar Flare - top right. Made with HDT I had in my stash and beads.  The middle is tatted over a jump ring or pen ring, then continuous chains around and climbing to next rounds.

       First class on Friday was Nina Libin's Grape Earrings taught by Bonnie Swank - upper left. This is a Beanile Lace pattern using metallic embroidery thread, beads and single shuttle rings.  These tatted up quickly.  Actually worn that day!

      Next was Randy Houtz Double Stitches on Picot Rings - middle.  These were samples of a few of the techniques.  They were made using scraps of size 10 thread I had.  The technique uses flip/unflip alternating threads (last one is a split ring).  Another fun class.  

      The card was a Bev Corder fun item using negative space.  It was made with a cardstock cutout (or tatting piece) and acrylic ink mixture.  I can see more of these in my future.  

     All of the above projects were completed.  Stayed tuned for day 2.

Angels

 

When waiting for doctor and test results for a family member,  you bring your tat bag.  Yesterday was butterflies.  Today is Angels to hand to nurses.  Two already handed out. Tomorrow maybe more Angels to get ready for grandson’s tonsil surgery next month.

Pattern is called Marie Smith’s Angel.  This was from Palmetto Tatters Tat Days many years ago.  Thread is Lizbeth White and Blue Ice.  Seed beads separate the rings in the middle.

Tat Days 2020

 Another Palmetto Tat Days has come and gone.  Different this year, but the classes were great and fun was had by all.  Want to thank the staff from the Palmetto Tatters Guild, volunteers, teachers and the Georgia Baptist Conference center for hosting this year.  There was plenty of hand sanitizer for all along with masks and face shields.  Classes were small (limited to 8) but social distancing was practiced in each class along with spacing in the great room.  I felt confortable and very safe.  

The conference started with dyeing thread and making Celtic shuttles out of popsicle sticks. Tie dye kits were used for the dye.  Eventhough I have dyed my own thread, I did learn a few tricks to practice.  Lots of laughter especially when we doned our speciality evening wear for dyeing (plastic trash can liners).  

The first picture are my completed projects and test tatting I did for Tat Days.  First year I completed all projects from classes I attended.  The only item not there is a bracelet I made for my granddaughter.  Not able to get a picture before I gave it to her.  There is Triangle Edging, Leaf Motif, Rainbow Pearl Snowflake, Rainbow key ring, the Celtic Shuttles, hand dyed thread and Dangle Earrings.  The shuttle is hand painted and was a teacher gift.  The pineapple is a fingerless glove along with wave bracelet and a tatted show which I had the opportunity to test for Erin Mosely.    The other photo are books I picked up for my growning library.

This year there was a virtual online auction.  It was interesting to guess who was bidding on the offered items.  Was also nice to see tatters from other contries log in and check out the items as well.  Georgia Seitz was on the phone before the live auction.  It was good to hear her voice.  Eventhough she was not there, she certainly was there in spirit and thought of by all. 

Shelter Down

Hope everyone is safe and staying sheltered.  DH and I have been working from home over a week.  For me, it has been very relaxing.  Actually been able to have a somewhat normal life with scheduled meals.

On a brighter note, Tat-a-Renda is sponsoring a tat-along through her Facebook page.  The pink/white doily is this WIP.

The big cube is another WIP.  It is from Karen Bovard Illusions of 3-D Split Ring Tatting.  Almost complete.  Six more pieces.  This has certainly tested my ability to keep tension consistent.  Will probably make another in the future.

Earrings and necklace is from Marilee Rockley’s Tatting with Beads Jewelry.  This has become an easy go to pattern if I need a quick gift.

The last is a few rows of a mat from Tatting a 4-Square Ring by Mary Maynard.  I like it so well that I decided to stop and make another using a variegated blue thread.

Lastly,  Karen Solomon is also hosting a Tat-along.  You may find it here:  gracefulartsfiberstudio.blogspot.com.

Beads, beads and more beads!

I needed some beads (specifically delica) for some earrings I wanted to make for a possible craft exhibit.  I had ordered from Fusion Beads before and checked their webside again.  Lo and behold, they had a clearance section.  So, I proceeded to select a bunch of colors for several projects.  Shipping was quick.  The Angel earrings were made with some of the beads.  Love this pattern.  It can be found on the 2019 Palmetto Tat Days CD.  Taught by Bonnie Swank. 

The black item is a necklace and earrings for a present.  Needs to be finished with findings.  Pattern from Marlie Rockley's book Tatting with Beads Jewelry.  It is a nice, quick pattern.

The bottom two photos are from Karen Brovard's book Illusions of 3-D in Split Ring Tatting.  It is a challenging pattern.  Thought I was doing ok but I really need to work on tension as illustrated by the arrows.  The green block with the middle arrow was the last section.  It is definately tight.  Soooooo, I decided to restart.  I have made a single ring to use as a marker to compare against rings as they are made.  Seems to be working much better.  Will post a pic with my next post. 

It is on hold right now as I am working on presents (althought I sneak a few rings now and then). 

Also, Lisa from Tatting Corner has put out a request.  The Lacey Ladies of Arizona is hosting the 2020 IOLI Convention in late July 2020.  They need 300+ bookmarks - all types welcome.  Bookmarks are to be 4 - 6 inches long.  She would like to make this a service project and flood the Lacey Ladies with bookmarks.  For more info/address to send bookmarks to, search Tatting Corner on Facebook or send her a message.

HDT and Jewelry

Been a little AWOL.  I have been busy test tatting and finishing up a project for the teachers for Palmetto Tat Days, along with housework and grandkid watching.

All of these projects were tatted using HDT.  The green is called Palmetto.  Pattern:  Newcastle Necklace.  The blue is actually a blue-green called 9K.  Pattern:  Darker is Keyed Up Earrings and the Ligher is Lacy Treasure Pendant.  All these patterns are by Marilee Rockley from her Tatted Jewelry book.  These pieces are for a possible craft show later this year.

The two butterflies are my current colorways just made this past week.  The larger is called AMM-1.  My grand-daughter pick the colors and I dyed the thread.  The little one is called "Spike".

I am planning on having a few of these colors with me at Tat Days this year. 

My How Time Goes By

I have been very busy with things and time has gotten away from me.  Time to recap the last two months.


First my Lucky Penny project is half way done.  77 of about 150 complete.  It is amazing how much size 20 thread I have accumulated.  I still have not used double colors yet!

Next, Palmetto Tatters Guild have uploaded class teaser pictures for Tat Days 2017.  Lovely projects as always.

The tatted cats are earrings and the tan, red, and blue are necklace/earrings - all not finished.  Had plans to submit these to the Palmetto Tatters Guild for their craft shows in April.  I misplaced the necklace/earring sets.  By the time I found them, it was to late to submit.  They will be finished and brought to Tat Days for their auction.

The snowflakes are my design.  The pattern was not accepted this year for Tat Days.  Muskaan has been kind enough to test and help with quite a few edits/suggestions on this pattern.  It is based on a snowflake I had seen on the Mickey Mouse Club (watching with Granddaughter).  It is made with square rings as the show was focusing on diamond shapes at that time.  Have one more review and then I will forwarding to Georgia Seitz for the online tatting class.  Will post to blog within the next month or so.  I originally used three shuttles; however, I decided to use only two and then a third thread for the diamonds only.  After making the final green one, I decided I had to make one with beads just to see what it looks like.

Lucky Pennies and Jewelry

Been working on my lucky penny collection. Twenty-nine are now complete (out of the 150ish I am planning on making).  As I finish, I place in plastic bags to keep them clean.  I will make labels for them when all are done.  I am using the bright pennies with the shield on the back.  If they are not quite as bright as I would like, I am using Brasso to brighten them up.

The tatted jewelry is from Marilee Rockley's Tatting with Beads Jewelry book.  Beads for the first piece, Beatrice, are from Fusion Beads (along with the findings when I finish them off later this week).  The second set, Beaded Path, I found beads in my stash.  Please with the way these turned out.

I am now designing a piece to submit for next years Tat Days.  Would like to finish this design along with another before the end of January 2017. This way I will be ready to submit when Palmetto Tatters Guild opens up applications.

With the completion of these items, this now completes my third 25-motif challenge.  I am going to take the next year off from this challenge as I want to submit my application for Phase III (final phase) of the Tatters Across Time Proficiency Course.  I will be turning all my attention to this phase once it is received.

Earrings, Baubles and Edging

Numbers 5, 6 and 7 of my motif challenge.  The Earrings are from Tat Days 2015 by Nina Libin.  Had made them for a formal event a couple of weeks ago.  Alas, ended up wearing something different.

Jane Eborall inspired me to practice baubles which I learned at Tat Days 2014 (a class by Randy Houtz).  Granted these are just standard run of the mill baubles, nothing fancy.  But it was good to get out the shuttles and practice.  First to round, second almost to my liking.

I was looking for an edging for a project so I got out Mary Konior's Tatting with Visual Patterns.  The piece is called Chain Reaction.  Isn't quite what I was looking for.  Back to the drawing board.

I have been doing quite a bit of tat testing.  Nothing I can show right now.  I do like to be able to help others when I am able.

Fair Results

Went yesterday on opening day to our local fair.  After going through the barn, we wondered into the craft area to look and see what we did.

I was thinking the lanyard (needlework-misc) and red/white star (Christmas- ornament) would win also.  It just was not meant to be this year.

There were three entries in the tatting category.  My husband received a third for a tatted owl.  Some one else received the first for a white doily.  My brown doily was the second.

The purple necklace was entered in the jewelry category.

Overall, I am pleased.  Now to plan for next year. 

2015 Fair Entries

Here is this years fair entries:

1) Coffee/brown Grab 'n Go tote bag (pattern by In Color modified to have pockets on the inside)

2) Mock Cluny star with beads (Karey Solomon's pattern from this years Tat Days)

3) A decoupage shuttle using glitter Modge Podge and Olaf stickers

4) A purple beaded necklace (hand dyed thread by me - see previous post on this one)

5 & 6) A purple beaded lanyard - Patti Duff pattern - and a brown doily.  The doily is from the book Tatting with Friends which I won at this years Tat Days auction.  The thread is Perle cotton which was given to me at one of my classes by A.J. (thank you so much).  These two items will have new homes after the fair (more on this with another post later).

With the lanyard and doily, that makes 23 and 24 of my 25 motif challenge.

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.

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.

Earring and Pendant Set

 This set is made from Marilee Rockley's book Tatted Jewelry.  The pattern is called Keyed Up.  The earrings are done in size 20 and the pendant in size 10.  This is HDT in purple.  The dangle is mother-of-pearl.  The set is made as a gift for someone who has been very kind to our daughter.

Halfway through with a glass mat.  After seeing so many posts, I decided it was time to tat my own.  Should be done sometime in the next week or two.  Will post when complete.

Have a couple of Tardis bookmarks to complete after that.

Must admit, idle hands are nonproductive!

Pacifier Keeper

Finished a pacifier keeper for our grand daughter.   Modified Jane Eborall's janeeborall.freeservers.com/funnyface.pdf  bookmark pattern and a lock chain.  Used Yarnplayer's HDT size 20 in peaches n' onions and olde rose. Clips were purchased through Ebay. I will definately be making more of these.

Tatted Name

Here is my Christmas gift to our new granddaughter.  The alphabet is from "Tatting ABC's & 123's by Houstine Cooper and Handy Hands Inc."  Her name was tatted in size 20, the pink in DMC Cebelia and the salmon in Lizabeth.  It has been blocked.  It is ready to be framed and put up on her wall.

My Tat Days Experience

Well, Tat Days is over.  This was my first and am planning on returning in the future.  My goal this year was to attend and take classes of techniques I had not tried (some of which were on the bucket tatting list).  Mission accomplished.

I had finished my beaded earrings at the conference. Very easy (at 6:30 in the morning we all needed something easy after being up late the night before!).

The brooch is made of onion rings and encapsulated tendrils (neither I have tried in the past).  Need to put pin back on it and it will be ready for my Mother-in-law.

I will post other pictures as the projects get done.  This was the sad part of the whole weekend - unfinished projects.  The bright side is when I am working to finish them, I will be taken back to the great weekend I had.

Since getting back into tatting last year, I have been introduced to a world I never knew existed (via the internet).  It started with my daughter introducing me to Marilee Rockley (Yarnplayer).  I had an opportunity to meet and talk with her.  She has been my first inspiration to get back into tatting on a regular basis.

The next opportunity was searching tatting.  That is where I found Georgia Seitz online tatting class.  She is a wealth of information (and very knowledgeable) regarding tatting from history to current trends.

From there it was Jane Eborall's blog/techniques & pattern page. I keep going back to her site for the techniques.  Her explanations and diagrams are well done and easy to follow.

Through the above sites, I have met so many others that to list them would be a shame because I might miss someone.  It was certainly a pleasure to meet and take classes from them as well as meet other tatters from around the world.

From my weekend experience, tatters are a caring, helpful and funny group of people. I am certainly glad to be a part of this wonderful group!