VISUAL, COLORFUL, AND AVAILABLE

Rosemarie Peel's new book from Lacet

I am always watching for a book that I can recommend to beginning tatters and intermediate tatters. Thanks to Jane Eborall this book was brought to my attention; and, to Ms Peel for getting it to me in a timely fashion.

Rosemarie's books are always a visual treat with patterns printed in three colors...making the visual patterns easier to understand and complete. The instructions are presented in a clear concise way; abbreviations are given, 16 different patterns are included. Plus, articles on corners, getting rid of ends, and adding beads to an edging, a bracelet, and more! I love the fact that she named each pattern after family members. Wouldn't it be fun to have a pattern named in one's honor? Well, if you had a lovely name from which to choose. LOL There is also a Free Learn Tatting Leaflet that is large enough to put up on Tag board for the beginning tatter to see the steps of the stitch very clearly.

Cover
Simple Projects

to Esoteric fan adornment!

There is a lot of information packed into this tatting treat published in 2009.

Another book that I've recently purchased is Judith Connor's, "Tatting Adventures with beads, shuttles and needle. This too, could be a good book choice for an intermediate or experienced beginner.

A Preface of basic history of tatting; choosing beads (with visuals and names of 'types' of beads); it is a fine combination of traditional and contemporary patterns. The techniques used are explained and then used in the patterns. There are useful tips, abbreviations, needle-and hook tatting techniques, and of course patterns.
Although I am a dedicated shuttle tatter, I found the origins of needle and hook tatting very interesting. There are beautiful color photos of each project. And the patterns are quite varied with two tatted, beaded bags (one a mignonette pattern) to an Angel Fish with iridescent sequins (I even HAVE some of those, thanks to Aileen). There is also a pattern for a large flat shuttle (works well for beading), a plaited braid, a free-tatted web design (remember each project has the techniques clearly explained to work the patterns). I was particularly interested in the techniques with a needle (such as a Tapestry, Wool, Bodkin, Sewing) that was used during a transitional period in tatting. This sort of tatting is wonderfully shown in To de Haan-van Beek (English Translation '94)
In Addition an elegant table topper, sequined headbands/hair combs (Alice Band) and ear rings. It is written in a relaxed, conversational style reminiscent of traditional tatting books. The publisher's notation states, "a selection of delightful new designs that allow tatters to explore their own creativity in a challenging and interesting way." This is why I recommend it for Intermediate or Experienced Beginners (myself included).