I've finished the first round of the "Lucky Clover" doily from Tatting Patterns and Designs by Gun Blomqvist and Elwy Persson. I've had this book for years, but this is my first piece from it. I paid $4.95 for it at Borders. I think the Borders is long gone, and I'm pretty sure the book now sells for $9.95! I'm using Anchor color #131, size 40... very nice thread!
Yes, another "Stumpy" set (pattern by Kersti Anear). I "tidied up" my tatting area, and now I can't find the ball of thread, so I can't give you thread details. I was trying to put picots at each end to give it more of a shuttle shape, but I was busy talking while I was working on the second one, so it has no picots. I'm easily distracted!
This edging is reprinted from Tatting by Penelope in the Winter 2010 issue of the Helping Hands Newsletter from Handy Hands. The thread is Lizbeth #128, size 40.
I do love Anne Bruvold's "Dragon Wing Doily" pattern! This one's done in Flora color #209, size 20. I much prefer this piece tatted in multiple colors, but I wanted to see how it would look in this thread. It's pretty. It just doesn't have the wow factor I was looking for.
I've been reading a lot of posts regarding thread storage lately. I remember reading somewhere that plastic is not a good choice for thread, because it can become brittle. I'm sure that takes years, but since I have quite a stash of precious HDT, I decided to look into other possibilities. I was at Hobby Lobby today, and I found these archival, acid-free photo boxes on sale for only $2 each. What fun for me... I get to spend time going through my beautiful threads again!
I also read at InTatters that the beautiful new pastel Clover shuttles are now available at Handy Hands, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnn Fabrics. So, I went to Handy Hands web site... sold out, on backorder. I went to Hobby Lobby... only two packs of Clover shuttles, not pastel. I bought them so that they will re-stock. Am I the only one who does this? Next, on to JoAnn Fabrics... 8 packs of Clover shuttles, no pastels. I bought two packs so that they will re-stock. I know, it's a bit silly, but at least I know I'll always have any empty shuttle somewhere in the house!
Thanks for such an informative and photo-full post! I had never heard about not storing threads in plastic containers, so I am glad to have invested in scrapbook storage cubes (each has 3 drawers), which are made of particle board. Your archival boxes are very pretty!
ReplyDeleteOoh, pretty boxes! Did they come like that or have you decorated them yourself?
ReplyDeleteHmm, I think I want to give that dragonwing doily a try.. How much thread do you need? Say in size 40.. do you need to fill several shuttles? The biggest ones I've got are Sew Mates. You think I can do it?
Love your boxes and all of your new tatted pieces are really lovely. I also went on line to Handy Hands for the new shuttles but was also too late. So my question to myself is do I order now or wait?
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny buying out all the shuttles. I've been using my 40% off coupons at JoAnns to pick up shuttles - but I better start using them on the storage boxes and get my thread out of the plastic bins.
ReplyDeleteI like the dragon-wing doily in a solid color too - it's still pretty!
I know I've said this before, but I truly cannot keep up with you! It's like you're some kind of tatting machine!! :)
ReplyDeleteI laughed about your buying things to keep them in stock! I've done that many times, including at the grocery store, but it's sometimes a lost cause. I got upset recently when they stopped carrying a favorite cereal.
Sadly, our Jo-Ann's seems to have written off Lizbeth thread. I bought several 'extra' balls there, also hoping they would keep it in stock. It annoys me that they don't display the thread, shuttles and books in the same area! I have difficulty understanding marketing concepts.
Thanks for the tip about Blogger's new editor. Sounds like it has some bugs!
No, it seems that you are not the only one who buys all the shuttles. I thought I was the only one, until I read this blog entry. I am in good company!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, ask your Hobby Lobby if they will special order for you. You could acquire the pastel clovers by the next truck delivery!
My Hobby Lobby will special order shuttles and other tatting items, too: books, threads, hankies, et cetera.
Hobby Lobby is a Tatter's best friend. I love my Hobby Lobby. My Hobby Lobby loves Tatters!
(just a H-L fan speaking, no paid endorsement)
.
Ha! Tonight was the first time I've ever seen Clover shuttles at JoAnn Fabrics. Only the two packs and only the bright neons. Nope, I didn't buy them. I think they only put a few out at a time. Probably got a hundred in storage. LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh..did want to mention I do have my thread in plastic bins but I'm trying not to hang on to it!
ReplyDeleteMice are a problem for me. It's safer to keep my fibers where they can't get to them.
Diane- your work all looks wonderful! Love the pretty boxes, too!
ReplyDeleteI also have lots of "extra" Clover shuttles- seems like a good idea to pick up one or two whenever I stop in at Michael's. Looking forward to the pastel shuttles myself.
All that tatting look so great! :)
ReplyDeleteWow you really are fast.. I just can´t help but admire your works!! Wish you a great day!!!
ReplyDeleteYour tatting is always so beautiful. Thank you for sharing about the clover shuttles and where to find them. I have been looking for the open ended kind. Happy tatting...
ReplyDeleteLOL! I, too, thought I was the only one who did the "buy shuttles so they'll restock" thing. Oh, I'm so glad I'm in good company. Raymond and my mom think I'm crazy. Well, I am, but that's not why, apparently.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and informative as always, LLL!
Hugs!