Since it was kind of a gloomy day, I decided to have some fun with colors!
These are not normal color combinations for me, but they sure do look cute!
Friday, March 31, 2017
Having fun with color
Since it was kind of a gloomy day, I decided to have some fun with colors!
These are not normal color combinations for me, but they sure do look cute!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Rainy day
I usually get a lot of reading done on rainy days, but today was a tatting day!
I started the day with an Ice Drop, of course! My friend Denise and I went shopping yesterday, and we found some great beads on the clearance wall at Hobby Lobby. I especially liked the colorful little beads that I put on the outside edge of this Ice Drop. The thread is size 20 Flora #216.
The rest of the day was spent finishing round 7 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017. It's now 10 1/4" in diameter. I really am enjoying tatting this doily!
I started the day with an Ice Drop, of course! My friend Denise and I went shopping yesterday, and we found some great beads on the clearance wall at Hobby Lobby. I especially liked the colorful little beads that I put on the outside edge of this Ice Drop. The thread is size 20 Flora #216.
The rest of the day was spent finishing round 7 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017. It's now 10 1/4" in diameter. I really am enjoying tatting this doily!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Who would have thought that I'd still be tatting Ice Drops after so many months? Certainly not me!
I just can't seem to stop. There are so many color combinations that pop into my head, and seeing how each one turns out keeps me trying more.
I'm fascinated by the glass gems that allow the backside pattern to show through, but I also like the solid gems.
Sharing my pattern ideas with others has been so much fun. I really enjoy seeing how others interpret and adapt my designs, and it's so much fun to receive comments and emails from around the world!
Tatters are the best!
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Jane
When I was a little girl, I never knew anyone named Jane. We did have the reading series Fun with Dick and Jane at school, but that was different.
Then I started meeting people on the Internet, people who tat, and I'm surprised at how many women named Jane I've come to know over the past ten years.
My newest friend Jane is on the Ice Drop Addicts page on Facebook. Jane will be retiring soon and then she will be going on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
I am not brave or daring enough to participate in an activity such as Jane's, but I am brave and daring enough to ask for your help. You see, Jane has decided that she would like to take Ice Drops with her as gifts for the 300 patients she will meet. As of last night, Jane has 83 Ice Drops, not nearly enough. She needs them by the last week in April, and we all know how quickly time flies!
I've already sent some Ice Drops to Jane, but I'm making it my personal goal to tat a dozen more this week and mail them off to her.
Do you have extra Ice Drops you'd like to share? If so, please email me and I will send you Jane's mailing address. Let's share our love of tatting!
Monday, March 27, 2017
For Mary Lou
Mary Lou and I have been friends for 30+ years. Yes, I've lost count! Mary Lou is very creative, but she doesn't tat. However, she does encourage me in my knotty adventure!
This weekend, Mary Lou suggested a color combo for an Ice Drop.
She really liked my Spring Garden Ice Drop.
The glass gem in this one caught her eye. So, Mary Lou suggested this color glass gem with ecru or cream thread...
Isn't it funny how the same glass gem can look different depending on the time of day and the color of thread?
This weekend, Mary Lou suggested a color combo for an Ice Drop.
She really liked my Spring Garden Ice Drop.
The glass gem in this one caught her eye. So, Mary Lou suggested this color glass gem with ecru or cream thread...
Isn't it funny how the same glass gem can look different depending on the time of day and the color of thread?
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Spring Garden Ice Drop
While tatting my Blue Fudge pattern yesterday, I started thinking of another pattern...
I really like the way this one turned out! I tatted this one a little differently. I tatted the whole back side and tatted the round that holds the glass gem last.
Tatting these two rounds first allowed me to block the tatting with my steam iron before adding the glass gem. I think it worked pretty well!
If you'd like this pattern, email me and I will send you the PDF.
I really like the way this one turned out! I tatted this one a little differently. I tatted the whole back side and tatted the round that holds the glass gem last.
Tatting these two rounds first allowed me to block the tatting with my steam iron before adding the glass gem. I think it worked pretty well!
If you'd like this pattern, email me and I will send you the PDF.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Laundry day
I really enjoy laundry day! I set tatting goals between loads of laundry, and I always manage to accomplish quite a bit.
In the mood for something a little different, I chose my Blue Fudge Ice Drop pattern. The thread is size 20 Flora #216. The glass gem doesn't show up very well in the picture. The domed side has a silver mirror finish.
I actually like the color of the glass gem on the flat back better. It's blue!
My sister-in-law's runner is growing. It's now 6 1/2" x 10 1/2". So, it's about 1/4 finished. The pattern is Eightsome Reel from A Pattern Book of Tatting by Mary Konior. The thread is size 20 Lizbeth #693, Linen Med.
I also worked on round 7 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017. Round 7 has not been posted on the blog yet, but I'm working off the pattern I purchased from her Etsy shop.
I decided to finish my day with another Blue Fudge Ice Drop. This one is in size 20 Lizbeth #124, Spring Garden. I think I see butterflies around a flower! 😄
In the mood for something a little different, I chose my Blue Fudge Ice Drop pattern. The thread is size 20 Flora #216. The glass gem doesn't show up very well in the picture. The domed side has a silver mirror finish.
I actually like the color of the glass gem on the flat back better. It's blue!
My sister-in-law's runner is growing. It's now 6 1/2" x 10 1/2". So, it's about 1/4 finished. The pattern is Eightsome Reel from A Pattern Book of Tatting by Mary Konior. The thread is size 20 Lizbeth #693, Linen Med.
I also worked on round 7 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017. Round 7 has not been posted on the blog yet, but I'm working off the pattern I purchased from her Etsy shop.
I decided to finish my day with another Blue Fudge Ice Drop. This one is in size 20 Lizbeth #124, Spring Garden. I think I see butterflies around a flower! 😄
Thursday, March 23, 2017
A chill wind
The wind was blowing from the east today, making the house very chilly... perfect weather for sitting under a blanket and tatting!
I finished round 6 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017. I'm ready for round 7!
I also took time to play with stitch counts for my thinner coin beads. Going back to size 20 Lizbeth, I changed the ring and chain count for the second round only. The chains are 7 ds, which is a little snug. I think I'll try alternating chain counts of 7 and 8. That should give a little extra space without making it too loose. I changed the ring count to 5-6-5. This does seem to be a better fit for these thinner coin beads. However, too much of the pretty bead is still hidden.
I also played with my idea of using a mock ring to show off the entire bead. That did not work well at all! The bead is just too large for it to work well. Still, I'm sure there must be a way to show off these pretty beads while surrounding them with tatting. I think I just don't have enough experience in designing to come up with a plan. Maybe I need to give in and try something with split rings, as Jane has suggested!
I finished round 6 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017. I'm ready for round 7!
I also took time to play with stitch counts for my thinner coin beads. Going back to size 20 Lizbeth, I changed the ring and chain count for the second round only. The chains are 7 ds, which is a little snug. I think I'll try alternating chain counts of 7 and 8. That should give a little extra space without making it too loose. I changed the ring count to 5-6-5. This does seem to be a better fit for these thinner coin beads. However, too much of the pretty bead is still hidden.
I also played with my idea of using a mock ring to show off the entire bead. That did not work well at all! The bead is just too large for it to work well. Still, I'm sure there must be a way to show off these pretty beads while surrounding them with tatting. I think I just don't have enough experience in designing to come up with a plan. Maybe I need to give in and try something with split rings, as Jane has suggested!
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
The occasional blogger
That's what I feel like! I get up in the morning and have good intentions for how my day will go, and somehow I get lost in details. The end result... I forget to blog!
Yesterday my new Celtic shuttles from Meng's Crafts came in the mail. I'm looking forward to trying these new beauties!
I did a little experimenting with size 40 thread. Some of the coin beads I purchased are much thinner than the glass gems I've been using. I changed the stitch count for the first round to 5-5-5-5 for the rings and 9-1--1-9 for the chains. For round 2 I changed the ring count to 7-7-7, and the chains to 10. It's a little snug, but I think it the size 40 works better for these thinner beads. The shuttle is one of my new ones from Rita Richmond of Shuttle by Design. Rita's shuttles seem to sell as fast as she posts them. The good news is, she takes orders!
I got a little further with Renulek's Wiosna 2017. Round 6 has now been posted!
Progress! Each square motif in my sister-in-law's runner means progress to me!
I don't see much tatting ahead today. I'm subbing for music, so I will be having fun singing and dancing with little kids! Luckily, they don't care that I'm off key when I sing or that I look goofy dancing. 😊
Yesterday my new Celtic shuttles from Meng's Crafts came in the mail. I'm looking forward to trying these new beauties!
I did a little experimenting with size 40 thread. Some of the coin beads I purchased are much thinner than the glass gems I've been using. I changed the stitch count for the first round to 5-5-5-5 for the rings and 9-1--1-9 for the chains. For round 2 I changed the ring count to 7-7-7, and the chains to 10. It's a little snug, but I think it the size 40 works better for these thinner beads. The shuttle is one of my new ones from Rita Richmond of Shuttle by Design. Rita's shuttles seem to sell as fast as she posts them. The good news is, she takes orders!
I got a little further with Renulek's Wiosna 2017. Round 6 has now been posted!
Progress! Each square motif in my sister-in-law's runner means progress to me!
I don't see much tatting ahead today. I'm subbing for music, so I will be having fun singing and dancing with little kids! Luckily, they don't care that I'm off key when I sing or that I look goofy dancing. 😊
Monday, March 20, 2017
Keepin' busy
I've had so much fun the past few days, I forgot to post yesterday!
I've ordered so purchased so many glass gems and coin beads, I can't remember where they came from! I believe this pretty bead was on eBay.
Yesterday, I finished round 5 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017.
You know my fascination with blue! The thread is size 20 Lizbeth #603, Ecru. I'm not normally a fan of ecru, but I do like the Lizbeth shade.
This morning I started round 6 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017! Round 6 has not been posted on the web site yet. The complete pattern is available in Renulek's Etsy shop. I purchased the pattern when it first became available, because I wanted to be able to keep it in a more condensed version than it would have been if I printed out each individual round. Plus, I like supporting designers!
I know I said I was only going to post pictures of my sister-in-law's runner as I finished rows, but I found that I wasn't taking the time to work on it. So, I think I'll post my progress whenever the mood strikes! 😉
I haven't done any weaving in a while. I was kind of stuck, because I was trying to come up with a neat project. My mom is always coming up with great ideas, and I strive to be just like her! Yesterday afternoon I got to thinking about weaving, and it dawned on me that I really enjoy weaving scarves. I have loads of yarn that I purchased specifically for making scarves. What was I waiting for?
Isn't this a pretty yarn? It's from Hobby Lobby, and I love the way it works up. I'm sure I'll have lots of scarves on hand, and I'm guessing that my family will not be interested in all that I make. So, I'll have to find a home for them. I'm sure I'll find some takers!
I've ordered so purchased so many glass gems and coin beads, I can't remember where they came from! I believe this pretty bead was on eBay.
You know my fascination with blue! The thread is size 20 Lizbeth #603, Ecru. I'm not normally a fan of ecru, but I do like the Lizbeth shade.
This morning I started round 6 of Renulek's Wiosna 2017! Round 6 has not been posted on the web site yet. The complete pattern is available in Renulek's Etsy shop. I purchased the pattern when it first became available, because I wanted to be able to keep it in a more condensed version than it would have been if I printed out each individual round. Plus, I like supporting designers!
I know I said I was only going to post pictures of my sister-in-law's runner as I finished rows, but I found that I wasn't taking the time to work on it. So, I think I'll post my progress whenever the mood strikes! 😉
I haven't done any weaving in a while. I was kind of stuck, because I was trying to come up with a neat project. My mom is always coming up with great ideas, and I strive to be just like her! Yesterday afternoon I got to thinking about weaving, and it dawned on me that I really enjoy weaving scarves. I have loads of yarn that I purchased specifically for making scarves. What was I waiting for?
Isn't this a pretty yarn? It's from Hobby Lobby, and I love the way it works up. I'm sure I'll have lots of scarves on hand, and I'm guessing that my family will not be interested in all that I make. So, I'll have to find a home for them. I'm sure I'll find some takers!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
The best day ever!
Tollway Tatters met today, and we had a wonderful time!
I'm not great at taking selfies, but I did try! Here I am with Sue Anna.
This is the very talented Marilee Rockley.
Here's my friend and partner in crime, Denise.
This is my fabulous shuttle making friend, Rita Richmond! I'd like to say she drove all the way from New Jersey just to join us, but the reality is that a fortunate turn of events brought her to the midwest for the weekend and she was able to join our little group for a few hours.
Rita hand delivered this very special shuttle, one of Rita's hand-made shuttles with gorgeous painted pansies. This shuttle is a gift from my college roommate Eileen. We've been friends since our senior year in high school. I was maid of honor in Eileen's wedding, and she was matron of honor in mine. We can go months, even years without talking and pick up where we left off. Guess what? Eileen loves my Ice Drops! 😍
Julie popped in from Iowa! Again, it was just a happy accident that brought her back to the Chicago area the weekend that we were meeting. Julie was able to meet with us once before, and we were all very glad to meet up with her again!
Before Rita started her journey back to New Jersey, her husband was kind enough to take a picture of us.
Shortly after Rita left, Elaine joined us! Unfortunately, I totally forgot to take a picture of Elaine. I'll get her next time! Elaine is a needle tatter, and learned about us through Facebook. I guess it pays to advertise!
Rita brought along thread samples of Lizbeth. I chose Royal Blue!
This is a little out of order, but I finished this Ice Drop before leaving for Tollway Tatters this morning.
I tatted this Ice Drop while we were chatting today. I don't know if you can tell, but the color is Lizbeth Blue Ice.
When I got home, I finished a second Ice Drop out of Rita's sample.
Rita asked if I would see how many Ice Drops I could tat from one 10 yard sample. In the process, we managed to figure out that it takes about 5 yards for an Ice Drop, 3 on the shuttle, 2 on the ball. I had 60" of thread left when I was finished... all interesting tidbits!
I had contacted Rita before Christmas and asked if she could create a shuttle based on the Russian nesting dolls I purchased. This is the result! Isn't it beautiful?
We asked Rita if she brought any shuttles along that we could purchase. It just so happened she did!
I really didn't need any more shuttles, because these arrived in the mail yesterday! Can you tell I'm a happy camper?
I'm not great at taking selfies, but I did try! Here I am with Sue Anna.
This is the very talented Marilee Rockley.
Here's my friend and partner in crime, Denise.
This is my fabulous shuttle making friend, Rita Richmond! I'd like to say she drove all the way from New Jersey just to join us, but the reality is that a fortunate turn of events brought her to the midwest for the weekend and she was able to join our little group for a few hours.
Rita hand delivered this very special shuttle, one of Rita's hand-made shuttles with gorgeous painted pansies. This shuttle is a gift from my college roommate Eileen. We've been friends since our senior year in high school. I was maid of honor in Eileen's wedding, and she was matron of honor in mine. We can go months, even years without talking and pick up where we left off. Guess what? Eileen loves my Ice Drops! 😍
Julie popped in from Iowa! Again, it was just a happy accident that brought her back to the Chicago area the weekend that we were meeting. Julie was able to meet with us once before, and we were all very glad to meet up with her again!
Before Rita started her journey back to New Jersey, her husband was kind enough to take a picture of us.
Shortly after Rita left, Elaine joined us! Unfortunately, I totally forgot to take a picture of Elaine. I'll get her next time! Elaine is a needle tatter, and learned about us through Facebook. I guess it pays to advertise!
Rita brought along thread samples of Lizbeth. I chose Royal Blue!
This is a little out of order, but I finished this Ice Drop before leaving for Tollway Tatters this morning.
I tatted this Ice Drop while we were chatting today. I don't know if you can tell, but the color is Lizbeth Blue Ice.
When I got home, I finished a second Ice Drop out of Rita's sample.
Rita asked if I would see how many Ice Drops I could tat from one 10 yard sample. In the process, we managed to figure out that it takes about 5 yards for an Ice Drop, 3 on the shuttle, 2 on the ball. I had 60" of thread left when I was finished... all interesting tidbits!
I had contacted Rita before Christmas and asked if she could create a shuttle based on the Russian nesting dolls I purchased. This is the result! Isn't it beautiful?
We asked Rita if she brought any shuttles along that we could purchase. It just so happened she did!
I really didn't need any more shuttles, because these arrived in the mail yesterday! Can you tell I'm a happy camper?
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Just one...
Today was errand day. I went for a haircut, did the grocery shopping, bought new numbers for the mailbox, visited my daughter at school during her lunch break, and...
I tatted one Ice Drop! The thread is size 20 Lizbeth #658, Ocean Turquoise Lt. The gem is a faceted agate that I found on Etsy. I love the contrast of colors!
Tollway Tatters
Just a reminder...
Tollway Tatters will be meeting this Saturday, March 18, at the Hinsdale Oasis on 294 at 10 a.m. We usually stay until around 3 p.m.
If you're in the Chicago area, we sure would love to have you join us!
Tollway Tatters will be meeting this Saturday, March 18, at the Hinsdale Oasis on 294 at 10 a.m. We usually stay until around 3 p.m.
If you're in the Chicago area, we sure would love to have you join us!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Today...
I worked on Renulek's Wiosna 2017.
After round 4, it is now 6 1/2".
Although I enjoy seeing colorful doilies, there's something about white doilies that I find really attractive!
After round 4, it is now 6 1/2".
Although I enjoy seeing colorful doilies, there's something about white doilies that I find really attractive!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
More peacock options
I finished tatting around my last two peacock coin beads!
This one is in size 20 Lizbeth #699, Harvest Gold.
I'm not sure which I prefer any more... white or colored thread. There's something about white that makes me feel like I've tatted something special!
So, here are the six I've tatted. From left to right: Ocean Turquoise Lt, Wedgewood DK, Herbal Garden, Gold, Harvest Gold, and White. Which one is your favorite?
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