I've been inspired to get back to some serious tatting! Yesterday I received my newest basket from Grizzly Mountain Arts, and it's the perfect size for holding a new tatting project!
I do have a confession to make... since joining facebook to keep in touch with high school classmates, I've been distracted by the farm games. Last week I timed myself to see how much time was being sucked up by these games, and I was shocked at how much valuable time was just slipping through my fingers! I need to break the addiction! My solution... tat one of my favorite patterns, "Beatrice" from Tatted Doilies by Iris Niebach, using my favorite thread in the world... HDT!
I tend to spend way too much time trying to decide which pattern, thread, and/or shuttle to use. Not this time! I went to my bookshelf and pulled off Iris's pattern book. Then I went to my thread stash... you wouldn't believe how much HDT I have just waiting for the perfect pattern... and grabbed the first skein of thread I saw. In this case, it's Tatskool's Raspberry Sorbet... probably a poor choice since my mouth will be watering the whole time I'm tatting! I'll try to control myself! But then, I had to choose a shuttle. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while have seen my shuttle collection... well, most of it. I decided to use two of my GMA flat shuttles as thread winders, and one of my GMA post shuttles for the actual tatting.
I am fascinated by the way Iris's pattern weaves in and out between the center and the edge, but I get easily confused. So, I enlarge the pattern and make one copy for each pattern repeat. I pencil in each chain and ring as I complete it. That way I make fewer mistakes. Notice I said fewer... I know I'll still make mistakes!
Now I'm set to tat! I probably won't go cold turkey giving up the farm games, but I know that by using some of my favorite tatting supplies I'll be more inspired to live up to my chosen name... Lace-lovin' Librarian!
First - congrats on the socks! You will enjoy them regardless of what toe you knitted! I cannot s=knit even socks anymore since beginning the tatting adventure.
ReplyDeleteSecond - that is compelling photo! I love Tatskool's HDT and your lovely new shuttles.
Third - I always blow up the pattern charts for crochet and knitted lacework. Why on earth have I not thought to do so for tatting? Thanks for the brilliant reminder!
Have fun tatting, Diane!
Fox : )
Hi Diane! Good for you for breaking the Farming habit on Facebook, LOL! I rarely go there anymore. I can't stand the time wasting, either! I waste enough time online, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of time I wish I had enough of it to tat along with you! I am involved in a couple of exchanges so I've got to get the tatting done for those and I promised a certain tatting designer that I would tat up a certain tatted guitar he designed and still haven't done it! UGH!
When I need something to tat and don't have a special project in mind I head straight for Iris Niebach's Tatted Doilies too! Right now, I've got Annalisa (the one pictured on the cover) on my shuttles in a purple Cebelia. This is my first time making this pattern so I wanted to be sure I could do it before using my fancy threads.
ReplyDeleteSo -- I'll tat along with you!
I've gotten so I hide the farm posts from FB members. Once hidden, they don't show up again. I rarely do any apps on there - for the simple reason of time. There are things I would far rather fritter my time away on, but I've never been intrigued by video games or computer games or any of that. Well...I did get sidetracked once in 1994 or so with that one game with the tumbling blocks...for about a month. Oh, Tetrix!
ReplyDeleteWe're so happy that you are enjoying your new basket, Diane! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see others are easily distracted by the various online games too! LOL Have you seen this site? http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/ It has some beautiful little games that have very relaxing music.
Jo :)
Grizzly Mountain Arts is where I have been pointing my husband to with regard to the shuttles he is attempting to make, for they make some terrific ones. BTW he is slowly getting there!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you can never decide what I want to tat next! There are so many patterns, and yes so many threads, don't have a problem with shuttles though, stick to my favourites.
As for the games on facebook, I don't understand them, and really don't want to waste my time trying too! Have a good weekend and thanks for visiting my blog.
Diane, great that you are going back to tatting! I'm picking up tatting after quite a long break... :P can't wait to see your new doily in that 'delicious' HDT.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I am addicted to as much as Tatting is reading. I HAVE audio books; it's not the same as holding that book in my hand, imagining the scenery and the voices. Priceless! I'd like to do Beatrice to and your idea about coloring in what you've done should help me out ~ getting lost in an involved pattern is easy for me!
ReplyDeletelove reading your blog; part of every evening is set aside to scan the blogs and see who has updated!
hugs, Bev
Hi!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are "STEPPING AWAY FROM THE GAMES" and slipping back into tatting, although I did enjoy seeing your sock progress and your CQ block. If you fall off the wagon, perhaps we can organize a blog intervention.
:) Ann
I'm so far behind in my list of tatting to-dos, but I would like to join you in tatting beatrice.
ReplyDeleteI don't have that pattern book. *pouty.lip* Ordering it online will take a bit of time, so at best I'd be getting a late start.
Until then, I will be riveted to your blog for progress updates!
Oh, I am an ashamed Farm addict too, and was just wondering if we could be friends to give me another much needed neighbour...but I won't push it if you are trying to wean yourself off it!
ReplyDelete(I am just a touch worried about my virtual animals while I am in Aus...) Beatrice is coming on well, and it inspires me to get a bit more done on Cornelia.