Presents from Poland

Last fall, my son-in-law Jan's father visited from Slovakia. Jan Sr. is a chemistry professor, and for part of his visit he wanted to see the Chicago area. So, down they drove from Minnesota for the weekend!

Jan Sr. showed an interest in my tatting shuttles. One can never tell if there is true interest, or if the visitor is just being polite. This time, I think there was true interest! Jan Sr. traveled to Poland, and he found tatting shuttles for me! Joanne drove down yesterday to help me get the house ready for my birthday party on Saturday, and she gave me the shuttles last night. Thank you Jan Sr.! I'm thrilled that you have added to my collection!

I have never seen Pony or Prym shuttles in a store around here. I do have some, but I ordered them online. This is my first tortoise-colored Prym! I would love to bling two of these Pony shuttles, but I have no idea of how to begin with a bobbin style shuttle. Maybe if I travel to the UK La Cossette would give me a lesson or two! ; )

Sulky Blendables #4015 ~ Cool Waters

Isn't this a pretty color? I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying working with these threads! I feel like a real tatter! ; )

The shuttle was a gift from Fox. I had tried it before with some size 20 Lizbeth, and it just didn't work well for me. You may remember that for a while I didn't enjoy using the bobbin shuttles with the fine thread. Size 40 seemed to be the best fit for me. However, now that I've been using the 30 wt Sulky Blendables with the bobbin shuttles for a while, I'm finding that I really like the bobbin shuttles.

I think this is one of the Pony shuttles, and except for the protrusion at the end, I really like it. I love the ratcheting sound when I unwind thread from the bobbin. Maybe I should have a Pony shuttle in every color... or two!