". . .paved with good intentions"

. . . I seem to be journeying along that road, at least in tatting!

                                                   

The rosary; still, in progress.  Since I did not begin with a  preconceived pattern, except for the basic split ring rosary provided by J. Lugart, I've been tatting a variety of crosses, and medallion-like pieces.  I've decided on the threads to use; namely,  Yarnplayer's Morning Glory and OB gold metallic in size 40.  I worked up the cobalt in size 10 for a medallion and just could not stand the bulk and lumpiness of what now seems like rope!  At one time, I wondered why my work didn't look 'lacy' and why it looked like rough crochet or knitting or needle tatted!  In the beginning my tension was too loose and then there was that size 10 thread; and, that answered my query!
The Cross pictured is by a Danish designer: Inger K
The "medallion" is an adaptation of Judith Conner's asymmetrical motif that is meant for a lovely mat or asymmetrical doily. A practice piece; it has a bad error in one ring ~ you can see it where the blue and gold meet (don't know why the gold metallic looks pink!)  Also, the convex rings on the cross are a bit rough; but, as stated, it was a quick practice piece.   I'm promising myself to make the asymmetrical doily one day from my book:  in HDT: Chocolate Sauce and a blue from the Rainbow Bright solids.

The past 3 years, I've been slowly reducing the size of my threads; and, now size 40 seems very easy and even 80 seems possible!  The moral of this sharing is that if you are a beginner and wish your work looked lace-like, don't give up…just keep practicing and moving towards finer threads and toward shuttle tatting!

Sigh!  I missed Lucy's birthday for completion of this project; but, it is meant to be an heirloom and something very special for this lovely lady ~ so late is better than common.
However, she did not go gift-less as I sent her a hankie trimmed in tatting.

treasure

DESIGNER:  JANE EBORALL
BADER AND CELTIC CROSS

The Celtic Cross is the top contender for my design on the rosary.  IF I continue making SCMR's successfully; which Jane has neatly taught me in 3-easy sentences!  If only I had ever thought of this technique as "merely a chain".  Suddenly, that concept just "clicked" and became as easy as my split rings became after the 'light bulb' went off in my mind!  I had understood the visuals and other instructions I'd perused; but, they just didn't translate from my brain to my fingers and shuttle work.  Jane comes to my rescue more than I'd like to admit; but, admit it I must!  Everyone should have at least one person who will help them out when they get stuck and I have two such ladies!  Jane and Zena Herbert consistently lead me along as my mentors.  And I know there are others (and you know who you are) who have only to receive an "SOS" from bj; and, you will respond.  You have my undying appreciation!  Of course, Jane is available to assist anyone; they have only to ask and she will do everything she can to assist.  Jane is the Treasure! The Badger:  Jane sent me this some months ago as she was sharing her adventures with
said beastie.  I'd determined that 'her' badgers in the UK were very different than those
we deal with here in the USA!  Ours are ferocious and only our raccoon would come for nibbles at ones doorstep here in the colony, in my experience.  US badgers behave more 
as a wolverine!
ANYWAY;  I was sitting in church prior to services and reading the scriptures for the day.  My place was marked by this badger and I began looking closely at the tiny stitches marching down the center of the bookmark.  I wondered at her ability to make these tiny little rings that closed so perfectly.  Each stitch in the whole thing is perfectly tensioned.  If I had another 50 years (the time Jane has been tatting);  would my stitches look that consistent?  Sat there in awe before worship that we are as "fearfully and wonderfully" made as the handwork of my friend, Jane.  It is just awesome!


NEW BOOK ARRIVING
I bought a book and it's all Georgia Seitz' fault! (Thank you Georgia) Amid the e-mails from the online class digest came a link which called my attention to a vintage, German tatting book.  I contacted the seller and (gasp) bought it!  I DO have a friend who speaks and reads German; she lives just down the mountain.  I plan to pick her brain after this arrives.
I'll, also, tell you more about this book when it arrives.  Which led me to think further upon the question which has arisen in my mind the past year or so.  Not from morbid thought; more from practicality ~ which is my wont. 

With Whom do I leave my treasured books and shuttles when I leave for a better place in eternity? Think about it!  We make wills (or we should) and we make sure our young children have someone upon whom to count (at least Loyal and I did ~ friends Barbara and Allen King); we take care of the business of death.
I've been pondering upon the one which will have my most valuable books and shuttles, to be lovingly handled and cared for,  as I have done.  I haven't decided as yet, but hese are the factors I'm considering.  A sincere, regular tatter, young enough to enjoy them for years and who would see that they would be passed on and on with guardians who would also love and protect them.  Of course nothing in life is that cut and dried.  I mean, none of us knows what we'll be able to actually carry out.  It is something to consider if you, like I, have made a major investment in collectable books, shuttles and HDT.
**this is not to say that my granddaughter won't fall heir to the lot of my tatting stash; but, I don't know if she will have an interest in the 'collectables.'  Then, the thought has occurred that she could make some profit from these books that would go towards her own art form ~ Photography.  Seems like as good a way as any to acquire that new lens for a camera.
Have any of you made such plans; and if so, what is your criteria?
Awaiting two new items:  The vintage German tatting book and a new cocobolo Pop-a-bobbin shuttle; and eventually a third,  the larger model of the winder shuttle from Chris Hinton at the ShuttleShop. First he is making those without a point, then those with a hook and, then the larger model.   Hopefully, the first two will arrive before we leave on our trek to California.


Cutting up in California

I will be a little 'cut up' in California; as I plan to have the port removed which was put in my chest for chemotherapy.  Since I haven't had to have a transfusion for almost two years now; decided it is time for it to go ~ it has been nested in there since 2003 ~ hidden from sight and serves no purpose at this time.  The upside of all this?  I get to visit with my favorite, handsome surgeon, Dr. Schwartz and find out all about his little son, who must be at least three by now! 


Vexed!


I was playing around, this Sunday afternoon, with a small ball of brown Valdini, making Jane's Kiwi.  Well, now I know why I no longer use 3-ply, soft cotton thread. I'd just gotten to the bit where I was to tat 4 ds and close the SCMR and the thread broke!  AGHHHH  It was just a practice piece, but still!  Wound some HDT Chocolate Sauce on my shuttles and will give it another go,
 soon as my blood pressure goes down!  LOL