Just one...

Today was another sub day, so I only had time for one Ice Drop. Luckily, I had a pretty new shuttle to use!

Snow day!

School was cancelled for today because of predicted nasty weather. We didn't really get much snow last night, but it's been snowing steadily all day long. My mail lady said the main roads were okay, but the side roads are pretty bad. I was happy to stay home all day!

I was able to catch up on some housework and laundry, and then I sat down to tat this beautiful Posy Ice Drop by Nicola Bowersox. Nicola provided anther version of this pattern that includes another round, which I think I'll try soon.

If you're a member of the Ice Drops Addicts page on Facebook, you'll find the pattern for free under Files.

Today's mail included my newest shuttle, Painted Metal Tatting Shuttle - Marbled from The Knotted Vine. I love collecting new and unusual shuttles. I bet you didn't know that! ;-)

Yesterday, I received my newest fish shuttle from Handy Hands. My friend Denise ordered the same shuttle, and we both think that we were meant to own these shuttles. Denise's has pink eyes (pink is her favorite color), and mine has blue eyes (blue is my favorite color). I think it was serendipitous that we each received the shuttle that was perfect for us!

I opened the mail

...and what did I see? A pretty new fish shuttle winking at me!

Isn't she adorable? She's hand-painted and decorated by Anika. I also received a skein of gorgeous HDT named "Easter in August." I see another Spinning Wheel glass mat in my future!

Oops... looks like that little fishy is swimming upside down!

Sulky Blendables #4004 ~ Golden Flame

I am really enjoying tatting with my Sulky Blendables thread collection! I haven't really done any research into this thread, but I'm assuming that because of its name, it is meant to be used with another thread as an accent. I've been tatting with a single strand, and yes, it is very fine. Honestly, I've been uninspired by some of the threads when looking at them on the spool. However, once I start tatting with them, they seem to come to life!

For me, the Stumpy motif by Kersti Anear is the perfect way to try out all of the different colors. Each motif takes me about an hour to tat. I've been tatting two of each color to send to Chris Hinton at The Shuttle Shop to be made into Tatted Shuttles. I get the joy of tatting with a purpose, and Chris has motifs to practice with so that he can perfect his shuttles... win/win! No, I am not selling these motifs. I am just having fun helping out a very talented shuttle maker. If you are interested in ordering one of Chris's shuttles, all you have to do is go to The Tatting Forums and contact his wife Erin. She can provide you with information on shuttle styles and prices.

Now that I've finished my samples of #4004, I'm really looking forward to trying another color! Yes, I do have TWO fish shuttles from my very talented friend Jenny. Aren't I a lucky girl?

Sulky Blendables #4008 ~ Peach Parfait

I am really enjoying tatting with this wonderful thread! Besides, I've been inspired to tat each color thread with a different shuttle... great way to share my collection! ; )

P.S. ~ the shuttle was decorated by my friend Jenny!