Feelin' the heat

It's been hot and humid here the past few days. It's been a lot worse, but I'm a wimp when it comes to the heat. I know I'd never make it in the deep south!

Today I worked on Tamie Alliss's Beaded Bloom in size 20, with beads this time! It's okay, but with this pattern I think I really prefer the size 10 thread. I asked Tamie for some guidance, and she said she uses an 11 mm bead with size 20 thread. This is a 20 mm bead, so maybe that's why I'm not happy with the result.

There's one less ring on the beaded version. I really like this pattern, so I know I'll do more experimenting.

Raspberry Pink Lt was the perfect cool color to use on a hot day!

I added another Masquerade motif to my doily. By tatting one motif a day, this doily will be complete in a few weeks.

It's hard to believe that my needle lace class with Victoria Ong was a week ago. This is the best flower center I've made so far, and I could actually see where my needle needs to go for the next round!

My leaves are getting better. I just need to practice!

Been There, Done Tat ~ Part 2

Friday and Saturday were fun-filled days! I taught two basic Ice Drop classes on Friday, and three Tat Days Ice Drop classes on Saturday. Yes, I will provide pictures and the pattern for the Tat Days Ice Drop soon. I have to find where I filed them on my computer!

Since I had an open time slot on Friday, I chose to take a basket weaving class with Jennifer Titus. She is an excellent teacher, but I had a difficult time counting over 2 under 1. I had to rip out what I had done four times. By the time class was over, I only had half the basket finished. Jennifer was kind enough to finish it for me. I have a new appreciation for basket makers, and I will gladly pay their prices when I see a basket I like!

Friday night we went to Hoosier Park for their prime rib buffet. I'd never been to a race track before. It was interesting, but not something I'm likely to do again unless Lisa plans dinner there again next year. The food was fabulous!

Thursday afternoon I had the thrill of meeting the very talented Carolyn Craig! I knew I loved her oval brooches, but once I saw them in person, I knew I just had to make some.

Carolyn was kind enough to pass out these little angel kits. Now I just have to decide what materials to use! Thank you, Carolyn!

Lisa had told me ahead of time that she was going to have some adorable wearable needle minders in the shop. I couldn't resist!

I also knew that Lisa was going to have some tatting themed sterling silver jewelry. I really love this necklace!

I also met Sarah Wood from Texas on Thursday. I had seen some of her decorated shuttles at Palmetto Tat Days last year, and I was happy to see that Lisa had a good stock to choose from.

I was really excited when I saw Sarah tatting with the same shuttle! I guess I have good taste! ;-)

Shawna Wachs, another teacher and my personal chauffeur for the weekend, had these adorable tiles with the stand. It looks great on my window sill!

I also purchased one of Shawna's decals for my favorite water cup!

The most exciting moment of the weekend was when I met Carollyn Brown! I have followed Carollyn's blog for a long time, and when I saw that she was going to have her shuttles available, I knew I was going to be shopping with her! I met Carollyn and her husband Richard on Friday, and I bought one of their adorable bunny shuttles right away. Don't tell anyone, but Richard chose his favorite bunny just for me! :-)

The two fish shuttles and basket were part of the silent auction, and I won! Can you tell that I'm excited about that?

I'm slowly getting back into my routine. Remember the bags I cut out a while back? I sewed another one today. I think I'm going to sell at our town's Oktoberfest in September, so I really need to get cracking on these bags.

I tatted another Masquerade motif from Mary Konior's Tatting with Visual Patterns. I have an idea for a doily using the Lizbeth Sweet Tarts pack. Luckily, if it doesn't suit me, I know one of my granddaughters will want it!

Today's Ice Drop is in Lizbeth #623, Raspberry Pink Lt.

Yes, I ordered a second Tatting Shuttle Addicts commemorative shuttle. I guess I'm hopeless!