Happy Holidays

No tatting to show for my holiday break, but I do have this:

Happy Holidays, everyone! I promise I'll get back to tatting soon. :D

Excuses

So it looks like I won't get much of anything done for awhile now, including tatting. Excuses, excuses, right? Well this time, I think it's pretty valid.

Click here to see a picture of my excuse.

[I would just post the picture here, but Photobucket is not liking to upload my pictures lately.]

Tatting Tea Tuesday

So, I've seen a lot of other tatters blogging about "Tatting Tea Tuesday." Today was a particularly good day for tea, as it has officially turned blustery and cold. So I figured I'd join in.

I started this motif while waiting in the doctor's office this afternoon. It's mostly rounds of chains, as I've become fascinated with the bridge stitch/split chain. I think this technique is fun, but rarely have had a chance to use it since I learned it years ago. I think I'll do a couple of different motifs in patterns like this as Christmas ornaments.

Of course, it's tatted in the new Lizbeth thread, size 20, that I am absolutely in love with. It's got such a nice sheen to it, with lovely colors and outstanding quality. It's by far one of my favorite threads. :)

.:Sparrow

Actual Tatting!

Yes, it's true! I do actually tat things occasionally! And sometimes I even finish them. What's that? You need proof? Ok.

Oh, look, a feather!

A pretty motif. Now what to do with it?

I know! How about a cute little amulet bag?

I might just write up the patterns for these. They both turned out much better than expected. The feather is tatted in size 20 Lizbeth, and the motif in size 50 Flora.

The motif was what came out of my shuttles while I was "doodling" with tatting. Isn't it nice when patterns work themselves out like that?

The feather was a "I wonder..." moment. I did a little searching and couldn't find anyone else having attempted anything like it, so of course I just had to give it a try. I'm very pleased with the results, though I have ideas to refine it more. And just what does one do with tatted feathers? Stay tuned... ;)

.:Sparrow

Coming Soon!

The first Lady Lace publication will be coming soon! The Basic Tatting Handbook will be available from Handy Hands sometime in the near future!

This simple booklet contains notes about the most basic parts of learning shuttle tatting, including holding the thread and shuttle, the double stitch, the flip, and rings and chains. All illustrated with color photos. It also has four very easy patterns for beginners to practice with. It is based off of the curriculum for my tatting classes, and works well as a companion to a class.

.:Sparrow

Success!

The Tea Party at Yarnique on Saturday was a huge success! We had a great time, and enough people have signed up for a class to start! We'll be starting on Saturday, Oct. 3, if all goes well. Look for more events to take place at Yarnique in the future!

Also, I just received copies of Rozella Linden's two newest books, Things That Go "Tat" In the Night and Celtic Tatted Leaves and Flowers. Definitely a treat worth checking out!

.:Sparrow

Lady Lace @ Yarnique!

Yarnique, in Fairborn, Ohio, will be hosting a Mad Tatter's Tea Party on September 26th, from 1:00 to 3:00!

Come enjoy refreshments and crafting fun! I will be there to demonstrate tatting, and help anyone with questions about the craft. Sign up for classes or just enjoy the company! You will also be able to purchase supplies for tatting, not to mention all the wonderful yummy yarns and fibers Yarnique has to offer! Bring your friends too!

.:Sparrow

September Tatting Class: Register Now!!!

Here we go again! Anyone interested in learning the wonderful art of tatted lace is welcome!

September Beginner's Tatting Class

Starts Tuesday, Sept. 7, ends Thursday, Sept. 24

Classes will take place Tuesday and Thursday nights, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Class fee is $40, this includes a kit with everything you will need

To register or get more information, email me at starstrucklace@gmail.com!

.:Sparrow

Playing with Patterns

I've been haphazardly working up the purple and teal square doily from ds9designs free patterns page. It occurred to me that the center of the doily would look exceptionally nice with beads. Here's the result:

FREE PATTERN: Square Motif

This pattern was originally given away at the 2009 Finger Lakes Tatting convention, under the name "Tea Party Coaster". I'm posting it here for everyone to enjoy.

Square Motif:

Ra: 4 - 2 - 2 -2

Ch: 3 - 4

Rb: 4 + 3

Rv. Ch: 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 [3 picots]

Rc: 3 - 4

Ch: 4 + 3

Rd: 2 +2 - 2 - 4

Ch: 3 - 3 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 3 [5 picots]

*Ra: 4 + 2 + 2 -2

Ch: 3 - 4

Rb: 4 + 3

Rv. Ch: 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 [3 picots]

Rc: 3 - 4

Ch: 4 + 3

Rd: 2 +2 - 2 - 4

Ch: 3 + 3 + 2 - 2 - 3 - 3 [5 picots] *

Repeat from * to * once

R: 4 + 2 + 2 -2

Ch: 3 - 4

Rb: 4 + 3

Rv. Ch: 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 [3 picots]

Rc: 3 - 4

Ch: 4 + 3

Rd: 2 +2 + 2 + 4

Ch: 3 + 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 + 3 [5 picots]

A Note On Reverse Chains:

A reverse chain is a chain that curves in the opposite direction of a “normal” chain. There are two simple ways to do this. The first is to use a reverse double stitch, as is used in a split ring. The second is to make a half knot, or Shoe Lace Trick, at the beginning and end of the chain, which switches the position of the shuttle and ball threads.

© 2009 Sarah Kelley

The first tatting class is scheduled to start Tuesday, August 11th!!!

The first Beginner's Tatting class will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm beginning on the 11th and ending on the 27th.  Due to space, class size is limited to 4 people, so register now!  

.:Classes will be held at my apartment, in St. Marys, Oh.  

.:Class price is 40$, and this includes a kit with everything you will need. 

.:To register, email me at starstrucklace@gmail.com by August 1st.  

Private lessons are also available upon request.  Email me for more information.

Tatting School to open soon!

Tatting is fun.  Tatting is NOT lost.  More people should learn it.  So instead of complaining about how few people do it, I teach it.  Hence the idea behind Lady Lace Tatting School, scheduled to open sometime this fall.

My name is Sarah, aka Sparrow, and I've been tatting for more than 10 years.  Three years ago, I started to teach tatting at my local library.  I enjoy doing it so much, I want to do it more often.  It's means a lot to me to be able to share my love for this craft with others, and to prove that it's not just an 'old person' craft after all!

Hopefully we'll have a house very soon, where I can teach tatting (and possibly other crafts) out of our home.  As the house search is still ongoing, there's no set date for classes to begin.  But as soon as we get the word, I'll be making plans!  So if you're interested in lessons, feel free to email me at starstrucklace@gmail.com for more information.  :)

I'll use this blog to keep you updated with class information and fun stuff, so be sure to check back often!  Until then,

.:Sparrow; Headmistress