Getting ready for the cold

It's supposed to get colder this week, so it's the perfect time to work on Ice Drops!

The little bag of Swarovski crystals I found in my stash are being put to good use! I have no idea what size they are.

Some of my Facebook friends have commented that they can't find the glass gems. A little fiddling with the stitch count can help make these fit coins or decorative discs.

This is a bit snug. I think I'll add one more stitch next time. I can always shrink the thread by soaking the finished Ice Drop in hot water for about 15 minutes, as suggested by Marie of West Pine Creations. I tried it, and it worked well!

Fabulous mail!

I took on a last minute sub job today, so I didn't accomplish everything I thought I would. That's okay. I had a great time with the kids, and everyone at school makes me feel like a rock star!

After school, daughter Carol needed help finishing up two more costumes. I was glad to help, but by the time I got home and fixed dinner, I was ready to sit down and do nothing!

However, I first needed to open my mail.

The first package I opened was from Marie McCurry of West Pine Creations. Look at all the goodies... a shuttle case, a black walnut tatting shuttle, and a gorgeous pendant. I am one happy girl!

I also received this fabulous art work from Sherry Pence, who is trying to raise money for hearing aids. The last I checked, she was more than halfway to her goal. I'm glad that I was able to help in a small way.

I arrived at school early this morning (old habits die hard), so I had time to get some tatting in while waiting for students. I also had some time to tat at lunch, so I was able to get pretty far today!

Sulky Blendables #4019 ~ Forest Floor

Oh, I do like this color! I think the name is perfect... shades of light brown mixed in with the green... all very subdued... I can almost feel the sunlight filtering through the trees!

I may have mentioned that I've been trying out a self-imposed austerity budget in preparation for retirement. I know it's four years away, but old habits die hard. Anyway, I've been very unsuccessful in my budgeting efforts. Point in case... I couldn't resist this beautiful silver shuttle inlaid with turquoise and malachite from West Pine Creations! I love the feel of it in my hands, and I feel so elegant tatting with it! Yes, there is a bit of adjustment when tatting with a shuttle like this. I've had to learn to turn the shuttle sideways so that the thread doesn't catch on the stones. This slows me down a bit, but I don't mind. I've never been a speed tatter, and I don't think I ever will be!

Although I purchased the shuttle, Marie kindly sent me two tatted teapots (Martha Ess's patterns), as well as a Tatting Essentials tool. They were a thank you for sending thread samples. I never expect anything in return for thread samples, but I am always thrilled with unexpected gifts! The teapots have been tatted with some of the Sulky thread that I sent to Marie, blended with metallic thread. They really shimmer in the sunlight! Thank you, Marie!

Stephanie Grace recently posted a picture of her motif in shades of red. I had written to her that red is my mom's favorite color, and she sent it to me to give to Mom! She also sent two other pieces and some thread samples. The generosity of tatters overwhelms me at times. Thank you, Stephanie Grace!

I try to stay away from eBay. There are way too many temptations there! As you can see, I succumbed and won this lovely little Bee Shuttle from Jitterbug62. It arrived in a pretty little organza bag decorated with tatting. What a thrill! Thank you, Carollyn!

Is there any help for me? I can't help myself... I LOVE tatting shuttles!