New shuttles

I guess some would say I have a problem. I think I have a passion. Yes, indeed, a passion for shuttles! These beauties arrived from Russia today.

I couldn't wait to put at least one of them to work!

Spa day

Two of my daughters and my oldest granddaughter had a spa day with me yesterday. My grandson opted out. I wonder why? We had great fun with foot baths, paraffin wax for our hands, and facials... all at home, of course!

I did have a little time for crafting yesterday, but not much. We had a fun filled day that started at 9 a.m. and went all the way to 7 p.m.

Today was another story. I had lots of time to myself.

My newest shuttle and picot hook from Grizzly Mountain Arts arrived on Friday. I put them to work right away! I actually started the Ice Drop Friday night and finished it Saturday night.

I worked on round 6 of Renulek's Wiosna 2018 today. I purchased the pattern from Etsy so that I could keep going when I was in the mood. I like that Renata releases her patterns in increments, but now that I'm retired, I like to tat when the mood strikes me.

Talking with Denise about triangular scarves and shawls got me in the mood to search the Internet. I found this Middle of the Road scarf by Sue Pinner and couldn't wait to get started. The yarn is Lion Brand Mandala and the color is Spirit. This pattern is done in v stitch, and is super simple.

I mad pretty good progress on the scarf/shawl pattern that Denise and I are working on. This is a heavier weight yarn that works up very nicely. I love the way the linen stitch pattern looks with the multiple colors!

Black Widow

I pulled out another of my beautiful Grizzly Mountain Arts shuttles today. I call this one the Black Widow, not because of the beautiful spider web on this side.

It's because of this side. I do love this shuttle! The Ice Drop isn't too bad, either. 😌

My friend Denise started a crocheted triangle shaw using the linen stitch. Hers was so pretty, I decided to crochet one also. The yarn is Impeccable from Loops & Threads, and the color is Folklore. This is a worsted weight yarn, so I had to move my crochet hook up from an H to a J to get some drape. Denise is doing hers in Lion Brand Mandala. I'm going to crochet one out of that, too. Denise is using a pink and gray combo. Mine will be... blue, of course!

Round 5

I subbed at the high school today, which meant I had a great deal of time for tatting. With the technology available in schools these days, it's so much easier for the classroom teachers to have projects that the students can work on. I did get to answer a few questions about research, but the students basically worked on their own, which meant that I was able to complete round 5 of Renulek's Wiosna 2018!

While watching the Olympics tonight, I attend another Ice Drop. I tried longer chains on the encasement round. I don't like them. I think they look sloppy. I think I'll stick with a maximum of 10 double stitches for my chains.

This shuttle is one of my favorites. It was custom made for me by Dave Stanbrough of Grizzly Mountain Arts after my dad passed away ten years ago.

The shuttle is beautifully made, and it is wonderfully smooth. My mom has been my inspiration for all fiber related crafts. She has tried so many things and has always done beautiful work. Dad was so supportive of her, buying or making her the tools she needed for her pursuits. When I showed interest in things that Mom was doing, Dad supported me as well. Luckily for me, Dave is also extremely supportive. How did Mom and I get so lucky?

Round 4

I finished round 4 of Renulek's Wiosna 2018 doily. I was a bit late getting started on this, but I'm hoping I can keep going at a steady pace. It just takes dedication, right?

And you knew that I just had to tat an Ice Drop today! 😉

Not in the mood

I just wasn't in the mood to blog yesterday. I had too much tatting I wanted to accomplish, and blogging would have taken up precious tatting time!

Before heading off to school, I started an Ice drop in two different colors, mainly because I was trying to us up thread on shuttles.

After school, I finished up the Ice Drop started in the morning and tatted another one with the colors switched. I like them both!

I started another Ice Drop before heading off to bed, and I managed to finish it before leaving for school this morning.

I do love tatting basic Ice Drops! I feel like I've really accomplished something, and it doesn't take a lot of time.

I'm booked for subbing the entire week. So much for retirement!

Waiting for spring

I know it's about a month before the official start of spring, but I really think the weather is taking a turn toward spring. Yes, we had snow yesterday afternoon... almost two inches... but it was warm enough today, that most of it melted. We're expecting rain for the next few days, so I figure we'll have no white stuff left by the end of the week.

It's going to be a busy week. I know I'm subbing Monday through Thursday, and on Friday daughter Alison is coming for a visit with her kids. I had to get my quality tatting time in today!

I decided it was time to get started with Renulek's 2018 tat-along. Round 1 is done in Lizbeth #115, Springtime. I used one of my new see through shuttles from Japan. This one is a pale lavender color. I like that I can easily see how much thread I have left, and I really like the super sharp tip! I found out about them from my friend Carol. They're available on eBay.

These shuttles are available three to a pack in small and large sizes, similar to Clover shuttles. I think I do prefer the Clovers because of the little grooves over the post. These do feel a little slick. Otherwise, there's not much difference between the two brands.

My day is not complete without an Ice Drop, and there was plenty of thread left on the shuttle. Doesn't this look cheerful?

Round 2 is in Lizbeth #680, Spring Green. The shuttle is from the same pack as the lavender, but as you can see, this one is clear.

Of course, another Ice Drop was needed!