Lady Lace

Big news!

2011-05-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

So, I've been keeping this one under wraps for awhile, until I was sure of how everything would work out. It's been hard for me to do, since I'm so excited about it. And it's also the reason I've been so absent from the social life lately, if the internet can be considered a social life.

The first part of the big news is that we [meaning my extremely rural, small-town community] now have an LYS! The shop is called Paper and Yarn, and has been a presence online for awhile with both a website [www.paperyarnwire.com], and an Etsy [www.etsy.com/shop/paperandyarn]. The owner is awesome, and the shop has a great open and welcoming feel to it. It's the kind of place that's nice to go visit and sit and craft for awhile. So if any of you reading this happen to be in this region of Ohio, the shop is located in Minster and you should definitely visit. And, she's carrying tatting supplies! SQUEE!

Along with this, comes the even bigger news. Kat, the owner of aforementioned shop, has asked me to be the official tatting instructor for the shop. So I'm now dedicated to teaching at least one class every couple of weeks, as well as selling goods in the shop. That's right, people. I'm actually selling tatting that I've made. This is a first for me, so we'll see how it goes.

Doctor, Doctor

2011-05-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

I was doing so good on keeping up with all my various projects. And then I caught a bug. A very nasty, persistent bug. It's had me up late at night, hunched over in frustration, cursing up a storm. That's right. I caught the Summer Sewing Bug!

It started out of necessity, when we were hit with a sudden bought of hot weather [which has since vanished, but that's besides the point.] and I realized that Rhy didn't have a single pair of shorts that would last him the summer. The leftovers from last summer he did have were barely squeezing by, literally. And then, inspiration. Am I or am I not a crafter? Who needs to go buy 20$ shorts that take less than a yard of material when I have a sewing machine?! So, I bought a few half yards of awesome material and got to sewing. And was immediately hooked.

I've made him two pairs already, and have enough material for two more. But I don't think I'll be able to stop there. They are positively the CUTEST SHORTS EVER. And, of course, as soon as I have something really awesome to share... I can't find my camera. So until the gnomes bring it back, you will just have to take my word for it. But trust me. They really are.

Now does anyone else need some handmade kids clothes? Cause I'm having a blast with these, and I'll take any excuse to keep this bug going. :)

About Celeste

2011-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

After getting some feedback from some people, it came to my attention that there were some issues with clarity on the Celeste pattern. I wrote in a way that made sense to me, not really thinking about the fact that I tat differently than most people I know. I do apologize for any confusion anyone had.

In the previous version of the pattern, I had labeled everything with two colors. These colors indicated which color of thread was being used to make the stitches, which I labeled simply "shuttle one, shuttle two." [Again, it made sense to me...]

My aunt was kind enough to revise the pattern for me, and rewrite in a way that would be easier to follow. [Thank you!!] Here is the revised edition:

Celeste

Weekend

2011-04-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent the entire weekend tatting, and have ended up with nothing but a pile of cut ends to show for it. Frustrating. The good news is that I have lots of ideas brewing, from all my experimentation. None of them are what I needed though. Still, the work goes on.

It has been decided that rather than work on my new book idea, we should finish the book we started almost four years ago. "We" being my great aunt and myself. Some of you probably know my aunt by her pen name, Rozella Linden. Needless to say, the book has lots of really cool stuff in it. Very excited that we'll actually be finishing it!

The rest of my weekend consisted of crazyness. Culminated by the house getting hit by lightning [again] and knocking out all our internet and cable service. I'm so thankful that none of our electronics got fried!

I also made a few sales over the weekend on my book. That makes me ridiculously happy. :D Thank you everyone!

That about sums up my weekend. How was yours?

.:Sparrow

Happy Early International Tatting Day!

2011-03-31T15:44:00.001-07:00

As promised, I have a pattern for you all. Consider it an early present for International Tatting Day, which is tomorrow. This pattern will also be shared with the online tatting class by Georgia Seitz, tomorrow at 3 pm and 8:30 pm ET.

To join the free online tatting classes, send your name, email address, home town and country to AKTATTER@aol.com. The regular class meets on Mondays 3 and 8:30pm ET (New York time.) The beginners class meets on Thursdays 3 and 9 pm ET. The question and answer session and needle tatting is at 2:30 and 8PM ET (1/2 hour before the regular class.) There is also a Spanish speaking class on Saturdays with Wally Sosa.

You may recognize this star pattern from this post. Georgia asked me to make it available for her class, so as a bonus you all get it too. I simplified it a bit, specifically the way the colors work, so hopefully it's not too confusing for anyone.

Here's the pdf:

[link removed; see below]

I was a bit rushed with this one, so if anyone finds any mistakes or has problems please let me know.

.:Sparrow

[ETA: There was indeed some issues with this pattern. See post here for more info.]

Staying Behind

2011-03-31T04:22:00.001-07:00

Yet another year is going by, and I will be missing out on the Finger Lakes tatting convention. Were I going, this would be the day that I'd be leaving. Though I'm a little sad that I can't go, again, I wish all my friends (and family) who are going a wonderful time. I hope to be there next year, perhaps with more books to sell.

I do know that my great aunt, Ruth, will be taking along a few copies of my beginner's book to sell. So if anyone going wants a copy, but doesn't want to wait on shipping, she's the person to see.

And as a sort of consolation prize to myself, I suppose, I have a pattern to give you all later today. I'll wait until after my aunt stops through on her way to Hector before posting it though. She always inspires me, and I may have a multitude of other things to show you as well.

Until then I will have another cup of coffee [or two, or three] and try to wake up the rest of the way. *yawn*

Highest of Highs [no not that kind]

2011-03-27T05:24:00.001-07:00

There's been a lot of really high highs, and really low lows this week for me. One of the highs: My book is up on Amazon! [link to Knots In Thread on Amazon] And I've even had a few sales so far, which makes me ridiculously happy.

Other good things this week include finally writing up a pattern that I'll be putting up for free here [so keep an eye out], making headway on patterns for the new book, the birth of a bonus-nephew, new dice, and a very, very excellent cup of coffee this morning.

It's DONE!!!!

2011-03-18T18:49:00.001-07:00

I am so happy right now! I received my second proof three days earlier than expected. And it's perfect! (Okay, not quite, but I know it will never be truly perfect, so I'm calling it done.)

It will take about a week before it's available to purchase on Amazon. But if you can't wait, you can get it right now at my store on CreateSpace. :D

On it's way...

2011-03-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

The second proof copy of my book is on it's way! This could be IT! I am hopeful that this means I will be able to have it for sale by March 19th. Why that particular date? Because I've agreed to be one of the "experts" at a local DIY fair, hosted by the library and the Arts Place Collective. The Arts Place is a very cool local organization that is sort of a cross between an art gallery and an art school. They organize all kinds of really great art and craft events. I've worked with them before to teach various types of classes at their center.

I've been to events to demonstrate tatting before, but never as the singular expert. I've taught several classes, both locally and at the Finger Lakes Tatting convention [which I've been unable to attend for two years now, sadly.] But somehow this event has me more nervous than any of the others did. The idea is to simply sit at a table, do my tatting thing, and talk to people about the craft. I'm comfortable with all those things, so I'm not sure what I'm so nervous about. At least I don't have to have a huge display of tatted items, so that's a relief. Wish me luck though! I may need it. :)

Proof!

2011-03-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

I have the proof! The proof copy of my book that is. And I must say that it is really exciting to see all my hard work actually printed on the pages. Almost exciting enough to drown my frustration out. But not quite. Because I need to retake the photos. Again. Now, I'm no master photographer. And I'm working with a point-and-shoot camera and very little know-how. So there's been a lot of trail and error here. A lot. It's been a good learning experience, though. I feel confident that this time around will be it. Fifth or sixth time's the charm? At least for the next book I'll [hopefully] have figured it out enough to not make the same mistakes.

And speaking of the next book, I already have plans. See all that pretty new thread? Most of it was bought in preparation for my next adventure. I don't want to say too much, since I haven't actually started working on it, beyond what's in my head. But I will tell you that it's actually going to have patterns in it. So for those of you thinking "well, that beginner's book is nice and all, but I already know how to tat"... this ones for you!

It's not tatting, but I did something...

2011-02-16T17:58:00.001-08:00

I got my new thread in the mail! I'm always impressed by how quick Handy Hands is with their shipping. I'm also impressed with their customer service. The ball of Lizbeth in Autumn Spice that I got had white spots in it. I emailed them, and within the hour they got back to me and offered to send a new ball. This is why I prefer to buy directly from them, rather than through a retailer.

Alas, I have no tatting to show with this new thread though. I spend most of my weekend and the week sewing. It's something I'm still very novice at, but I enjoy doing it. Here's what I made:

This is my bf, showing off his jedi skills in the new costume I made him. He's been waiting two years for me to [start] finish this, so I surprised him with it on Valentine's Day. And yes, we are total gamer geeks. And we dress up in costumes. And like it.

Then today I made this:

front

back

It's my first attempt at sewing a stuffed toy. I made this for my son, who needed something to snuggle with. He really, really likes balls. A lot. The ears give him something to hold onto.

Messing Around

2011-02-11T11:16:00.001-08:00

When two hobbies combine (in this case tatting and vector art), you get stuff like this.

This is just a little doodle I did in Adobe Illustrator, the same program I used to do the illustrations for the basic book. Vectors are fun. :)

Now Comes the Waiting

2011-02-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it's on it's way! The proof copy for my first book, that is! I've been going through the process of uploading, reviewing, and re-uploading all week, and I finally got to the proof ordering stage. After all the hard work that's gone into it, it hardly seems real. I probably won't actually believe it until I'm holding the proof in my hands. Still, my excitement is barely contained!

And of course, I'm already plotting my next book. This one will be a pattern book, and I put in an order to Handy Hands for thread yesterday. Cause, you know, I needed the right colors. And if I happened to order a few... extra, so what? You can never have to much thread, right? I can't wait to get it so I can get started.

Seems like that's all I'm doing this week. Waiting. Impatiently. Maybe I'll go make up a little pattern just to keep my mind busy.

Sneak Peak

2011-02-07T04:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick look at the tentative cover of the book I'm writing. Actually the writing part is done. Now I'm (impatiently) waiting for a friend to review it before I begin the process of getting it ready for publishing. So close to finishing!

This is not a pattern book but rather a guide for the absolute beginner. It started as a collection of notes I would hand out while teaching classes. But it just kept growing, and now it's going to be a fully fledged book, with ISBN number and all! Very excited!

And In Other News

2011-02-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

You'll notice that I changed the layout of this blog yet again. I had been trying to keep this blog mostly centered around my adventures in tatting, but it's become clear that sticking so strictly to one topic really isn't working for me. I am a multi-crafter. It is what I do. Why I ever thought I could convince anyone otherwise, I will never know.

So from now on you, dear reader, will be subject to an onslaught of all my follies and frolicking. Hang on tight, because it's sure to get messy. Somewhere amidst all the string and glue my life, and the very essence of who I am, is inextricably tangled.

And one of the things I like to do is graphic design work. Hence the new look. What else am I supposed to do at eight o'clock in the evening, when both my boys are asleep? Craft? *snort*... oh... wait...

Because Someone Said I Couldn't...

2011-02-05T10:21:00.001-08:00

Well, they didn't exactly say it wasn't possible. Only that it would be difficult and undesirable. So of course, I had to prove them wrong. And here's my proof. It is entirely possible to tat with 100% wool yarn!

I find the results of this little experiment quite pleasing. One of the key factors in felting wool is agitation. Now making all those little knots causes a bit of agitation on it's own, and so the yarn becomes ever so slightly felted while working with it. That, coupled with the fuzziness of the wool, means that stitch definition is somewhat lost. However, rather than seeing this as a negative occurrence, I rather like it. Now, instead of seeing all that texture and individual rings and chains, the eye sees rather a solid (well, not solid, as it's lace, but you get my point) piece of fabric.

For anyone who is considering trying this themselves, I've used 100% wool laceweight yarn. And yes, it's shuttle tatted. The biggest key in working with this yarn was tension. Working with regular tatting thread (which is more of a cord, really) you get used to being able to pull your tension very tightly. Yarn is so much loftier than thread (or cord), so pulling your tension too tightly makes it very difficult to close rings. Not to mention it puts even more stress and agitation on the yarn, which will cause more felting.

So there, more proof that you really can tat with anything even resembling thread! Now I'm thinking up all sorts of other oddball materials that could be tatted with...

Other Obsessions

2011-02-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

There's about a million reasons I could give for being so absent here. The holidays, winter, the baby (who is now a toddler), bouts with illness, etc. But the truth is... I've been neglecting my shuttles. It's shameful, I know. But I haven't picked up my shuttles since last November. Eek! I haven't entirely abandoned my crafty ways, though. I've been seriously attached to my knitting needles all winter.

I managed to complete my first sweater, immediately followed by my second (which fits much better than the first.) Though I haven't managed to get decent pictures of it yet. Here are a few things I can show you though. First up, I subject you to random cuteness, wearing a hat I knit him of course.

Next up, a truly awful picture of an awesome sweater.

And finally, a cute little cozy for my new toy! (Have I mentioned how absolutely wonderfully awesome my bf is for getting me a Kindle?)

The pattern for this cozy is available on Ravelry. It's my first knitting pattern up there, and I'm very excited about it! Quick Knit Kindle Cozy on Ravelry

I'm sure I'll get back to tatting soon. In the meantime, these meager offerings will have to satiate your craft curiosity. :)

For Ivy

2010-09-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I disappeared again. Sorry. I'm back now. :)

Anyways, here's a necklace I designed for a friend. I'm in love with this pattern.

It's done in Opera, one of my favorite threads ever. Which, of course, means it's discontinued. The beads are from Wal-Mart. I intend to write up the pattern using a more readily found thread. But I'm just not sure if it will be the same in any other thread. Sad.

Oh well. So what do you think?

Zombie Computer! And other announcements ...

2010-07-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's back up and running! They keys are still wonky, I have no delete button and my space bar is very sensitive. But everything else seems to be working fine! So relieved. I'm still going to need to raise some money for a replacement keyboard and an external hard drive, so that I won't have this kind of scare again. Which brings me to my other news.

I will be reopening my Etsy shop! With tatting and other pieces this time. Today will be dedicated to making some pieces to put in it, so hopefully it will be up and running by Monday. I'll also be selling some of my patterns that I've got saved up. But don't worry, I'll still be posting free ones from time to time.

I'd really appreciate some feedback on what kinds of things you would like to see in the shop. I'm planning on starting out with some small things, stitch markers, jewelry, etc., to begin with.

Tradgedy

2010-07-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

I killed my computer. *sobbing* All my patterns, my pictures, my files for the books I'm working on, everything. All through a simple act of momentary stupidity, when I set my just-made cup of coffee next to my laptop, and watched in horror as it spilled all across the keyboard. Thankfully my brother, who is a computer guy, was there, and knew to immediately remove the power cord and battery. He opened it up for me, and cleaned out the joe. [What a waste of a perfectly good cup of coffee, too.] He says it should survive. If it doesn't, it's going to take me a long while to save up the $1,500 for a new one. *sigh* I love my mac's, but I hate the price. Especially as a stay-at-home mom with no job. I guess this means I'll be reopening my Etsy shop. And I'll be borrowing time on my dh's pc until we find out for sure.

Beginner's Knitting Class

2010-07-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Lady Lace Gets a Makeover

2010-07-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, I gave the blog a makeover to go with my all new logo. Lady Lace School of Crafts is now open, with new classes to start soon. More than just tatting will be offered, and I wanted the blog to reflect that.

Stay tuned for updates about classes coming very soon!

Something Old, Something New

2010-07-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a few things I tatted awhile back.

This one is the first row of the Midnight Violets pattern, that was published in the AntiCraft, only done in the round. The only changes I made were to where I joined.

The thread is an HDT from Marilee Rockley, aka Yarnplayer. I believe this batch was called Summer Trail. Isn't it gorgeous?!

This is a new pattern that I have yet to write up. I intend to also work it out to be a five point star. I did this one as a Star of David for my bonus-sister, as per her request.

Hello, blog; we meet again...

2010-07-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's been months since I posted something. Sorry, sorry. Life got kinda busy... it does that around here.

But. We moved! Into a house! Yay space! We have two bedrooms, two lovely porches, a room just for games (and classes!), and (get this) my very own craft room! Of course, in the frantic jumble of moving things got tossed around, lost, found, lost again, and generally thrown into chaos. So, in short, I have no idea where my shuttles are. Oops.

In the meantime, here's a little something to distract. Also my second reason for chaos.

Tatting On the AntiCraft!

2010-04-08T10:01:00.001-07:00

For those of you who haven't checked out The AntiCraft yet, you really should. It's a online 'zine that caters to more alternative crafts. If there's any place online you'll be able to find me it's the forums there.

Anyways this issue is the first ever to include tatting, a pattern written by yours truly. The pattern is called Midnight Violets. It's a beginners edging pattern, but don't let that stop you if you're a more experienced tatter. There's a lot to be done with it. I look forward to seeing what other people can do with it! Have fun!

And the winner is....

2010-04-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

The winner of the give away is Steph's (tat) Stuff! Congratulations! Please email me your address at LadyLaceTatting@gmail.com, and I will get your winnings in the mail to you shortly.

Thank you to everyone else who entered, and hopefully I can do something like this again. :)

Happy [belated] International Tatting Day!

2010-04-02T08:40:00.001-07:00

So I totally intended to post this yesterday, but life got a little bit busy. Oh well.

So yesterday was International Tatting Day! Not like we need a special day to tat, but any excuse to celebrate, right? So, I'm having my first ever blog give-away!

Just leave a comment on this post to put your name into the hat. I'll randomly select the winner tomorrow night. The winner will get everything pictured here: some glass beads, a ball of Valdani pearl cotton in olive greens, some beaded flowers for springtime, and a tatted amulet bag.

Good luck to everyone!

Preparations

2010-03-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Aside from making an abysmal mess of string I haven't felt very productive lately as far as actual tatting goes. So today I spent some time just tatting up some little things to sell when I get my Etsy back up and running. It was good to just mindlessly tat for once. But as usual my overactive imagination took over, and now my head is bursting full of ideas. More ideas than I have time to try. Oh well. Look for more new things in the future I guess. It's better to over-inspired than under.

Dreams of Insanity

2010-03-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have proof that I must be going crazy. I had a dream that I was tatting a wedding dress. And now I'm actually considering attempting it. Not a dress embellished with tatting. Oh no. That would be to easy. A dress made entirely of tatted lace.

I actually spent most of my work day thinking over what sort of thread I would use, what shape and stye of dress, what kind of pattern I would need for the tatting, whether to bead or not, etc. If I were to start this project it would probably take me a number of years to complete. YEARS. And we all now how horrible I am with time management. What am I thinking?

Ideally, I'd like the overall look to be something like this dress by Claire Pettibone.

It would require a kind of ingenuity I've never before attempted. A real challenge. I think that's the reason the whole idea has such an attraction for me. It would definitely take tatting to a whole new level.

Yup. I must be crazy. I think I'll try it.

Moving forward

2010-03-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Amazingly, now that I have less time I am getting more done. Or at least it seems that way. The good news is that I think I have solved the issue I was having with the images for the Beginner's Handbook. If all goes well I will have these ready for purchase [both hard copies and download] by next month.

Along with the completion of the Beginner's Handbook, I will begin offering beginner's kits for shuttle tatting that will contain everything a beginner needs to get started, including the Handbook. And along the same lines, I will soon be selling patterns, lessons, and bits of tatting in my soon-to-be-revamped Etsy shop.

Exciting stuff! Hopefully this productivity will continue. :D

Flutterflakes

2010-03-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

Butterflies and snow flakes; winter and spring. That's what the weather here is like, so this edging pattern is appropriate.

Flutter Flake

R: 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 [5 picots]

*Ch: 4 - 2

R: 4 + 2 - 4

Ch: 3 - 2

R: 3 + 4 - 4 - 3

Ch: 4

R: 3 + 6 - 6 - 3

Ch: 3

R [shuttle 2]: 4 + 3 - 3 - 4

Ch: 3

R: 3 + 6 - 6 - 3

Ch: 4

R: 3 + 4 - 4 - 3

Ch: 2 + 3

R: 4 + 2 - 4

Ch: 4 - 2

R: 4 + 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 [4 picots]

Ch: 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 [4 picots] + 4

R: 4 + 4 - 2

R: 3 + 4 - 4 - 4 - 3

R: 4 + 4 - 2

Ch: 4

R: 4 + 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 [4 picots]

Ch: 4 + 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 [3 picots]

Repeat from *

Progress

2010-02-03T09:53:00.001-08:00

Dissatisfied

2010-01-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

I've decided that I don't like how the piece for Wrath is turning out. The contrast between the black and the red isn't quite what I was looking for. But instead of scraping the piece, I'm going to complete it. I can use it to complete one of my other projects on my list, a gothic cross for my sister.

I made her one before [you can see it here], but it got lost. I think I'll make the same cross motif as before, but put it on this piece instead. It'll be a little more elaborate than the last one, but that's ok.

As for the wrath piece... well, I guess this just gives me an excuse to buy more thread! :D

Resurrecting old projects

2010-01-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

Last year at some point I started a major tatting project, a series of collar style necklaces based after the seven deadly sins. I finished two of them, and then the project got lost. Now I'm resurrecting it. I'm still excited about the project, even if it's not necessarily something truly innovative. I've enjoyed being able to experiment with these designs.

So the first one I completed, that started the whole idea, is Envy.

The second is Vanity, also known as pride.

And the third that I'm now working on is Wrath.

Resolutions

2010-01-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

So, I know it's a little late to be talking about New Year's resolutions. I don't usually go for that sort of thing. But this year, I think I will. My resolution? To FINISH things! I am notoriously horrible at finishing projects. I start something, get distracted or bored and it ends up languishing in a drawer or closet or at the bottom of a tub for a few years. No more!

So here's my list of projects to finish this year:

Tatting:

Seven Deadly sins collection

Beginner's Handbook- instructional manual

The King and the Dragon - tatting pattern book [started almost THREE years ago!]

Gothic cross necklace - to replace one lost- for my sister

Write up the pattern for tatted feathers

Knitting/crochet [my Ravelry page] :

Change purse for m-i-l

Dragon face balaclava for bonus-nephew

Baby blanket for Rhydian

Los Pequeños Relojos de la Arena socks [I have one done...]

2010 yarn block swap [4 blocks/month]

Winter arm warmers

Dragon plushie

Other crafts:

Sewn cloak for brother

Chain maille dice bag for friend R

And I'm sure there's a few things I'm forgetting. Oh my, what a list! I'd better get started...

Free Pattern: As seen on RogueKnits

2010-01-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

I recently got a request for a pattern of a tatted motif that my sister posted pictures of in her blog, RogueKnits. So here it is; the small square motif.

R: 6 - 6 - 3

R: 3 + 6 - 6 - 3

R: 3 + 6 - 6

Ch: 10

[R: 6 + 6 - 3

R: 3 + 6 - 6 - 3

R: 3 + 6 - 6

Ch: 10] X 2

R: 6 + 6 - 3

R: 3 + 6 - 6 - 3

R: 3 + 6 + 6

Ch:10

This motif is very simple. Have fun and play around; you'd be surprised how many other designs can be made from variations of this motif.

Back to the shuttles

2010-01-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Look, I actually got some tatting done! Granted, I started this piece in October. But hey, something is better than nothing.

Coming soon, a requested pattern.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T11:35:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-09-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-08-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-07-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

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