Queen-sized Clover vs. SewMate

Melissa asked about the new Clover compared to the SewMate. So...

As you can see, they are basically the same size.

They hold about the same amount of thread, although I think I may be able to wind a few more yards on the Clover.

Do you think there's a difference between plastics? I do, and I prefer the feel of the Clover shuttle. Why is the pick tip on the SewMate so much more lethal than the Clover? I think it may be that the plastic is harder, but I'd be interested in reading the views of others.

I'm beginning to think that my collection of shuttles is very worthwhile! ;-)

Tatting Indulgence

I've done it again... I've been way to nice to me! And I don't even have a birthday or new job to celebrate! Yesterday I received a shipment of the new Lizbeth threads from Handy Hands. No, I didn't need another ball of thread. I have more shuttles than I can possibly use, and I need another tatting book like a hole in the head, but I did indulge!

On the lower right you can see that I started Design 7 from Christel Wiedmann's book last night in Lizbeth color #680. I love the colors available in this thread! It's a bit twisty, so I had to drop my shuttle several times when winding it and while tatting, but that's a sacrifice I can make in order to use the colors I want.

I love the new Sew-Mate shuttle colors, and of course I had to try the ones without the pic tips! I've been wanting Ben Fikkert's book for quite a while... the other two I bought on a whim.

Years ago I had a country style wooden pig on a block that I kept in my kitchen. It was supposed to remind me that I had a Problem with Instant Gratification... P.I.G. The idea was that I'd stay on the straight and narrow and eat healthy food at appropriate times to maintain a healthy weight. It didn't work in the kitchen. I wonder if it would work if I put that little pig near my computer or my tatting supplies? Naah!

Personal tatting challenge no. 3

I've completed my third personal tatting challenge! This is "Beatrice" from Tatted Doilies by Iris Niebach. I am fascinated by Iris's designs. I love that a complex piece can be completed in one round. Even if I do reach a level of expertise where I feel like I can design, I doubt that I would be able to envision patterns the way Iris does! The thread is Altin Basak #3004, size 50. I used a SewMate shuttle, which I really like. However, when it comes to plastic shuttles, the Clovers are still my favorite.

Oh, dear! I just thought of something... now I'll have to choose a new project!