Tribute to Gina

The tatting community was asked to post a tribute to Gina today, and I've been thinking about my post all day long.

I wanted to tat one of Gina's patterns... I couldn't follow a pattern without making mistakes.

I wanted to gather my gifts from Gina and take a picture... I couldn't keep on task long enough to finish.

I wanted to write something thoughtful... I couldn't think of anything to say.

I will think of Gina often, and I will smile when I imagine what she would say about another Spinning Wheel glass mat, trying a new technique, collecting another shuttle. I will do my best to share my love of tatting with others, because that's what I think Gina did for all of us.

My condolences go out to all of Gina's family and friends. I know she will be missed.

Memories of a Tatting Goddess

I was saddened to learn early today of the passing of my friend Gina Brummett, known for her blog Threads of a Tatting Goddess. Gina passed away last night.

I first learned of Gina's blog about five years ago from my friend Denise. We were so excited to read the entries of someone so talented! Gina was so kind and encouraging. She sent us information on the springtime Lace Event put on by her lace guild. It was only an hour and a half away, so we decided to go. Denise and I were such geeks! We knit lace shawls to wear to the event... just had to show off our love of lace!

Gina must have thought we were nuts... we just gushed over the fact that we were actually meeting THE TATTING GODDESS! (We also met the amazing Battatter that day!)

Denise and I met Gina again several times, both at the Lafayette Lace Event and at the Downers Grove Lace Event. I can't tell you how excited we were that Gina remembered us! Our lace shawls made an impression!

Over the past five years, Gina encouraged me to keep up with my tatting. When we'd meet at lace events, she'd patiently show me all that she'd been working on. Imagine being able to see in person what you'd previously seen posted on a blog! She always had kind words about the pieces I'd been working on. She told me once that she didn't quite understand my love of Mary Konior's Spinning Wheel glass mat, but that seeing me post a picture of a new one always made her smile. I'm glad that Gina saw the last Spinning Wheel I made. It's nice to think that I was able to bring a smile to her face once in a while.

I think I only actually met Gina five times, but she left such a positive impression on me that I felt as if I'd known her all my life! I will miss her emails, her blog posts, and most of all I will miss her.

Rest in peace, dear friend. I will forever remember the encouragement you gave to me, and you will always be The Tatting Goddess.

Addendum ~ I just looked up Gina's first blog post... February 13, 2003. Somehow, the date of her passing seems very appropriate.