Another attempt

With so many little things to accomplish today, playing with thread had to take a back seat. I did find time to get a little bit done!

I love reading, but I don't always grasp concepts when I read. Sometimes I need to read, try, read again, try again, and repeat. That seems to be the case with band weaving.

Today I tried using popsicle sticks to find the width I needed for my band. I also tried weaving a few rows to pull the threads in to the width I thought would work. This helped tremendously! I also went back to size 10 crochet cotton, which results in a narrower band. This one will be about 1/2" wide.

I chose red and black for the second go at this pattern. So far, so good. I'll be able to tell better if the change in thread makes much difference once I get the woven band off the loom.

Despite all the little chores and taking a much needed nap, I was able to tat an Ice Drop today. I feel the need to tat an Ice Drop a day, because Christmas isn't that far away!

The pattern or the weaver?

I finished my pink and black band tonight, and I can tell that I still have a lot to learn!

The top section shows the beginning of the band, which is very loose and untidy. The bottom part is tighter and almost looks puffy. Obviously, I don't have the tension part down yet!

Maybe I didn't follow the pattern correctly. The blue band had a definite pattern on the back, but this one does not. Did I do something wrong? I'll have to talk it over with Mom in the morning and see what she thinks.

I also tatted three more Ice Drops today. I'm getting close to the end of my ball of thread. It will be fun to see how many more I can tat from this ball of Spring Garden!

Spring has sprung!

Today was another sub day, and tomorrow will be also. Somehow, I managed to get back on my old school days schedule, and I accomplished a lot!

No, I did not tat all of these Ice Drops today. I tatted the one with the blue ribbon last night, and I started the one with the pink ribbon last night and finished it before I left for school this morning. The Ice Drop with the blue glass gem is one I really like. I started that one on the teacher's plan period and finished it when I got home, and the last one I tatted while waiting for Dave to get home. Whew!

I started weaving another band yesterday. I'm having a difficult time getting the width correct on this one, and I think it has to do with the thread I'm using. I wanted to try something thicker than size 10 crochet cotton, so I selected size 5 Artiste crochet thread from Hobby Lobby. This is a polyester thread rather than a cotton and it has a bit of texture to it.

When I finish this band, I think I'll try this pattern again in the size 10 crochet cotton and compare the two. I do like the black and pink together!

I like to walk on our porch, which wraps around two sides of our house.

The view of our garden is beautiful, and I was inspired to take a few pictures.

This is Dave's busy time of year, and our garden takes a back seat to his busy schedule until around Memorial Day.

Come Memorial Day weekend, Dave will start cleaning up the gardens and pulling out all the weeds that I enjoy, at least when they have pretty flowers on them! 

Determination!

I was determined not to blog until I finished weaving my band. I was a bit optimistic thinking that I would finish yesterday. I wove all day yesterday and I still was not finished by the time Dave arrived home from work, around 7:30 p.m.

This morning I started weaving around 5:30. I took a couple of 15 minute walking breaks, and I took time for breakfast. I finally finished close to 11:30 this morning.

The result... 84" of woven band with 3" of braid and fringe on each end for a total of 90". I am thrilled!

Yes, there are many little mistakes in my weaving. My left edge turned out really well, but I still have to figure out how to keep my right edge even, and there are places where the pattern threads aren't as defined as I would have liked them. I'd like to figure out a way to maintain tension while braiding the ends, so that I can avoid the little bumps that appeared. However, after all is said and done, I am very happy with my long, long band! I think I'll try a shorter one next time!

In case you were wondering, I did not forgo tatting an Ice Drop. I want a nice, big stash of them for Christmas!

Another sub day

I was lucky enough to sub in third grade again today. I do love third graders!

I only had time to finish one Ice Drop. Why?

...because I made a major mistake in my band and had to unweave almost two inches of weaving. The good news is, I was able to fix the mistake fairly easily, and I managed to re-weave all that I took out. If I don't sub tomorrow, I think I'll be able to finish this band in short order. I've enjoyed working on this one, but I'm eager to try some new patterns and colors!

Break time!

I took a break from all my fiber related activities yesterday. Instead, I spent time talking on the phone with family members and meeting daughter Carol for lunch. It was a nice change of pace!

I did take time to tat some Ice Drops today, but I also took some time for walking.

I realized that I had been sitting a lot more in the past few weeks, and I really need to make sure I get up and move around!

So, I tatted a little, walked a little, with each little bit adding up to a lot!

Playing with beads

It's been a while since I've tatted an Ice Drop with beads, so this morning I pulled out some beads, strung them, and started tatting.

I wasn't sure if I'd like the white ribbon, but once I took the picture, it seemed just right to me!

I also spent time weaving today. My band is growing!