A new challenge

After reading Cindy's posts regarding chains, I decided it was time I learned a little about them myself. I am a voracious reader, but if I want to remember details, I need to go back and read over and over again. Even then, details don't always sink in!

I've read, or maybe I should say I've skimmed, Tatting Techniques by Elgiva Nicholls several times. There are some fascinating pieces in this book, and my favorite is a shuttle shaped design on page 97. I also adore the corner piece on the cover! However, reading/skimming and practicing the techniques presented are two different things, and this morning I decided that maybe I should do a little practicing.

As Glinda the Good Witch states in The Wizard of Oz, "It's always best to start at the beginning." And so I did...

I've never understood why anyone would start their tatting with a chain. However, right there on page 15, I found instructions for starting a chain on a continuous thread. I read; I tried; I conquered! (My apologies to Caesar and Michelle.)

This is very exciting for me! I now understand why there's a need to use a paper clip or striver (so you don't lose your picot at the beginning of the chain, if you want a picot). I also am beginning to see how I can accomplish tatting the beautiful piece on page 97!

I love when I start to understand something!

Just in time!

Yup! This beautiful bookmark arrived just in time for school! I always like to take special bookmarks to school. The kids get a big kick out of seeing what my bookmark of choice is, and thanks to several of my blogging buddies, I have a nice selection for the upcoming school year! This latest one is from Lily, and I know the kids will be fascinated with the beads. Who can resist a little glitter and glitz?

Thank you, Lily!

Queen size!

I just finished the quilt top for my queen size bed... literally, just finished... about 15 minutes ago! Daughter Joanne came down to visit again this week, and with her encouragement, I've been putting in time on my quilt top. That's Joanne behind the quilt. Isn't she adorable? ; )

I liked the fabric when I bought it, but now that the top is finished, I LOVE it! Since school is starting very soon (the 22nd), I know I won't have time to quilt it before winter. I'd have to give up tatting, and that just isn't going to happen. So, I'm going to take this to my local quilt shop (40 minutes away is about as local as I can get), and I'm going to have it machine quilted.

I wonder what colors I should use in my next quilt?

Shaded Sun by Bri

Isn't it pretty? Bri graciously allowed me to test tat her pattern, and I love it! I chose to follow her suggestions and tat the first one with two colors. It really does help me to see how the design flows. I used size 20 Lizbeth, color #621 and 103. It measures 5 3/4" from picot tip to picot tip. The best thing about this pattern... it's a diagram! I find diagrams so much easier to follow than written instructions. 

Thanks for the opportunity, Bri!

What color should I try it in next? Maybe blue! ; )

My blue heaven

Some of you may have guessed that blue is my favorite color. I know Bree figured it out! Look at the box of goodies that came my way. Thank you, Bree!

August shuttle winner

Blogger won't let me add the image, so you'll just have to trust me... again!

The August shuttle winner is... drum roll, please...

Carol Lawecki

Congratulations, Carol! Please send me your mailing info, and I'll get your shuttle off to you ASAP.

Thank you to everyone who entered. It's really a boost to my ego to see so many people interested in my little shuttle escapades!

August shuttle giveaway!

This little cutie is decorated with fabric left over from my Dorset bag/origami pouch. I don't have any pink shuttles left, so I used green. I think the green, chocolate brown, and cream look really spiffy together!

Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win. I'll be drawing the winner's name this weekend. Good luck!