Surprises from England! Pop a Bobbin, an English Aero, and very special earrings were in a packet from JaneEb.

The shuttle is from "im in the garage" (we Must give this wonderful woodworker a name); who is the DH of our Sally (of the Shuttle Sisters).

I spent Wednesday evening,, after Lenten services, playing with my new shuttle. I had a bit of #10 Celery (hdt) and decided to make a quick bookmark. It is only ½ completed as it needs the other side and the ends ~ This is about 6" so far.

I always have to use a shuttle for a little while to decide I am comfortable working some lace. Decided I do like this shuttle! I especially like the hook end, I found I can pick up the beads with larger center holes ~ just like my crochet hook! One of the reason I like Eng. Aeros is that it has a longer hook than the German. The POaB has that same sort of hook. If you use your hook to work your motif, you will like this one. I also like the balance and ease of filling the bobbin. After the first addition of thread, I found I could insert and remove the plug with my fingers. The tension is very even and it is absolutely silent, if that is important to you. It is a thumbs up for me and I plan on getting a second; after all of those on the waiting list get theirs!

Also in the packet were two gifts from Jane. First, an Engish Aero! I was truly excited and husband asked, "What did she send you? The Crown's jewels?" Jane knows these are my workhorse shuttles that I favor. (Photos later)

The third item was a pair of tatted "ear wigs" (as J-Eb calls them). They are done with black threads and dark jet beads, the largest bead is Carnival glass from beads that once belonged to Jane's Gram. I haven't taken them off since they came! Wait! That's not true as I took then off when I showered.

It occurred to me that some of my readers might mistake my sharing package contents as bragging or being ostentatious. That isn't it at all, so I hope no one thinks that when they read what a tatter has received in the mail. It is just that a good many of us are "lone tatters' and have made good friends through the internet; and, we like to exchange gifts as tokens of our affection for one another. So when you see pictures of package contents, and descriptions of items that have been given, it is because tatter's seem to have sharing hearts. Many are fortunate to meet their new friends in person; some do not have that privilege. I fall in that latter group since my health doesn't allow much extended travel.

Something to Think About

Just sitting here. . .

I have 91 entries on my blog. I appreciate those who follow my blog. I don't feature patterns; it is a journey of a person who is a regular tatter with a experienced beginner ability. I share my flops and success, sometimes feature books I think would help new tatters progress, a bit about family's activities, feature the tatting gifts that others have given me so I can share their talents, celebrate exchanges…nothing unique, really. So, the fact that I have followers always rather amazes!

Consequently, on my 100th entry, I will announce the winner of a Thank You gift box from Ridgetatter. If you aren't a tatter and follow my blog, you are more than likely a crafter or sewing person; and, I have things crafters, and needle workers would like in a surprise box. Nothing fabulous, mind you, just a thank you from Bev.

Still Tying up Loose Ends

I'm sure you were awaiting further developments! LOL ! These are not loose ends so much as appreciation for tatted treasures I've received in 2009! Some of you may understand how much these remembrances are appreciated. I just love the idea of having tatting, from those I consider friends who live in different countries ~ to me, it is a privilege to collect and be the keeper of these laces.

A White Christmas wasn't exactly in our dreams, since we were having 4,500 sq. feet of new roof put on our home on the ridge! But we received 8" twice! And the roof may be finished by 2010. This is a photo from the ridge, with Shadow Mountain Road below, and looking across a second ridge to the village of Silver City. BUT This was not to be the

ONLY snowflake coming to the ridge!

LALOU from the In Tatter's forum sent me this snowflake ~ I'm thinking,

"did this snowflake bring the snow?" This one is just the right size to use as a coaster which is on my bedside table and holds my glass of ice (yes, ice - has to do with the 'kidney' failure issue). I'm pretty sure this may be needle tatted as it is so soft. It is ecru with gold beads! Lovely.

JANE EBORALL (UK) Designer, shuttle tatter and all 'round fun-loving, e-mail and snail-mail, mate has sent me many treats; but, I've pictured those in the past year.

THIS year, I was the surprised recipient of a bookmark I had admired on her blog (sneaky GIT) and a lovely beaded heart that was suspended in a bangle; but, the bangle didn't make the journey across the pond in one piece! I think it had to do with it's coming to Silver City; as I've received 3 other bangles from Jane which arrived just fine! Released, this one has become a 'wild heart' and free to roam at will! I like that idea ~ A Free Heart.

Tatskool A similar heart was shown on Tatskool's blog; and it's made with her own hand-dyed thread from the Choco-Mint family with blue beads. This treat hid in the parcel containing my order of skeins of HDT and confusion reigned. Pam waiting to find out how I liked the thread and the gift ~ and I searching through the wrappings and finally finding my little green heart. I think it has to do with Leprechauns and Ireland! Donnacha smiled knowingly when I asked him! I think the little fella hid it from me as he always plays in the threads from Ireland. I think he is smelling shamrocks and thinking of his relatives bad home.

Krystledawne (WA state) is another young tatter who has, happily, come into my life. She made the mistake of actually putting a 'wish list' on her blog; and, I just can't resist wish lists! I know how I've felt when others have responded in my family with items from such lists! Ecstatic! The thing is, I never have expectations of a gift when I do something for someone ~ "just because." My joy is in the giving!

Imagine my surprise when an envelope arrived that contained these lovely earrings. This was just before G'daughter's wedding, so that is where I wore them; and, received many questions about tatting and compliments. They are tatted around a cabone ring and on silver findings. Thank you, dear!

INDIA is a distant country from New Mexico. Madhur is a lawyer in India who tats faster than anyone I've ever seen! She also does her own designs! We became friends through the In Tatter's forum. I've just learned she was in a car accident on a trip and her car was totaled. At this time she is in a great deal of pain, and isn't able to tat for a while. I wish her a speedy recovery and she is in my prayers. If you are a member of the InTatters 'family', please express our tatter's wishes for her recovery.

Isn't this a beautiful doily? She also sent a book mark, but it is marking a place in my Bible! (along with Jane's and one from Pamela M.) This combination of colors is pleasing; a soft green with pink. This resides upon my glass-topped table at my bedside with my little cloisonné rabbit perched on top! It is my very first tatted doily!
Singapore is a place I could only 'dream' to visit in my lifetime. I first became acquainted with WickedTats, Aileen, through Threads of a Tatting Goddess. I was a Secret Santa for her a few years back; she reciprocated with a Chinese New Year Box with amazing content! We have become, I think, good friends and I admire her creativity and generous nature. So imagine my surprise when a packet arrives the day after Christmas. A tiny lavender box, with a lavender bow and INSIDE? This amazing, dainty, angel (which is now hanging on my miniature tree) The tatted wings are so delicate and this is so tiny that I don't know how she was able to put it together. Amazing dexterity and creativity!
I am very thankful to each of you for remembering me and sharing your time, considerable creativity and tatting talents. Looking towards a New Year here on the ridge; I hope yours is full of good health, good spirits, good friends and one dollar more than you need!

Beautiful Tatting Gifts, Exchanges

This bit of Sunshine brightened my day in a "Thinking of You" envelope. It is like holding the sun; from Steph Wilson.
I have the perfect 4", cobalt hourglass vase with fluted edge (circa 1940's) to sit upon a spot of sunshine!

Thank
you
my dear
tatting friends!

Butterfly design by Martha Ess

A Beautifully tatted Butterfly awaited my homecoming! DH was blown away by it's lacy, fragile beauty. It was Tatted by a new friend, and sister in Christ, Diane L. in Michigan. I've written and asked what thread size, colors. It is her exchange to me; and, I sent her a butterfly in her favorite colors! Green and lavender. I thought it was ironic that we BOTH chose to make the bodies of our butterflies in lavender. Hers in dark lavender and mine in light lavender.

I had a great deal of fun with DH taking photos of my Leprechaun, Donnacha. DH accidentally made a video with "Dom" and I...it is hilarious. But very few will EVER see or hear it! LOL
It was very hot driving across the Mojave and through Arizona. The top temperature was 115 degrees Fahrenheit when we stopped at a stand of Saguaro Cacti. You can read about some of Dom's adventures in the Leprechaun's Blog. DH received some mighty odd looks as he posed the small Leprechaun in various positions and places. However, since DH likes to take photos; he wasn't in the least fazed by their stares.
We had a very nice visit with old friends at our home church's service on Father's Day Sunday. Visited with daughter Kristen and went out for an ice cream treat.
Since SILove and daughter, BB, had fed us so royally on my natal; I took the "boys" out for a Father's Day dinner. We also were able to visit with each of our grandsons, individually. My, how they have grown...My Prince Christopher is now well over 6 feet! And Nate is just as handsome as ever. Tay came and we congratulated him on being accepted in the Architecture program at Cal Bear's home....Speaking of Bears...
Husband bought a carved Amber rose with sterling stem, leaves and r/w/blue dangly ear rings for the fourth, made of S. crystals; but, he also brought home a 21" tall carved, wooden (smiling) Bear for Donnacha to 'play' with and who will stand outside and guard our door/or welcome friends. Each time we've gone to Big Bear, Loyal buys me a bear and it ahs become a tradition. Usually they are small and carved in ironwood...We also went to an Arts and Crafts fair. My cousin gave me a beautiful reed constructed print of ginko leaves and koi fish. We sat and enjoyed barbcue and a live country western band while sitting in the shade. All in all it was a splendid vacation. We also 'scoped' out potential home site areas in Sacramento. Who knows? There may be a move in our future. We both felt better at sea level and I didn't have to take my oxygen into restuarants! I was free as a bird. . .

What a Way to Begin the Month!

I'm so excited....more than usual! A card from Denmark arrived today with a lovely postcard and note from Susanne, aka Dantatter. We were exchange partners at InTatters.

This is the beautiful bookmark I received! Happy Dance. Especially since it is from a tatter who lives in my Grandfather's homeland. Thank you so much, Susanne! You made my day!

My Secret Valentine ~ my Beary Valentine

The Secret Valentine was mailed and received. My Secret Valentine is no longer a secret and is (Tah Dahhh) Karey S. We were to tat a motif and apply it upon a Tea Towel...I had a hard time finding a towel, let alone sewing down an applique; however, Karey had no such difficulties ~ amidst her busy schedule she managed to send a friend for "Dom." (Pamela Meyer's creation)

Dom, the leprechaun is clutching his Christmas angel (still) and he loves the angel hanging around Karey Bear's neck! Also, he was eying the M&M's; but Bev got first dibs on those. A lovely jacquard towel in a soft green with lavender heart with button, a border of forget-me-knots and tatted blocks, and a sweet tatted border. Karey bear is sitting on a nice hot pad that Karey made. Thank you Karey, it arrived on a day when I was not able to make it out of bed ~ what can be more fun than having a big box to open? Sure did brighten my Valentine's Day.

Treasure!

Baskets of Posies for WickedTats

Adapted from a design by Karey Solomon from her book, Make Many Merrily; which was sent to me by Aileen of WickedTats. Presented here as a visual, tatted thank you from Bev to Aileen!

We've all had "those" days; you know, the kind where all the bad things happen in a 24 hour period and there's no Jack Bauer to take care of business. Well, mine was Thursday. It isn't important for the reader to know what the problems were ~ they came, as scripture says, "to pass."

Upon arriving home I had one of those blinding headaches at the back of my head. The kind I use to get every time I walked into a college math class! Especially during finals week. The difference is that I now TAT (having given up smoking years ago). BUT before I could tat I just had to actually open up the box that DH had removed the tape from just before we left to tilt at windmills. The box has printed on the side, Singapore Size 2. I had not wanted to leave the box unexamined in the first place! I was nearly expiring with curiosity that had built as I had oiled the wheels of communication between my spouse and a lovely woman at the bank.

It is a Chinese New Year thank you gift from Aileen (WickedTats). Should I attempt to list everything in the box (a puzzle to me how she packed so tidily); I would not know where to begin nor end. I sat here on my bed, back in my Jammie's...nursing the headache and waiting for the Tylenol to kick in. . .my smile just grew, grew, grew.grew, and grew.

For one thing, Eeyore (DH nickname for obvious reasons) observed, with his most dour, hopeless tone; "Well, something broke in transit." Such an optimist, that man! Ignoring him (53 years of experience), I removed the layer of bubble wrap. Neatly stacked in every nick and cranny were all sorts of items, many of which were in these delightful little red envelopes! Since I'd just come from a bank and crunching numbers ~ it was ironic to say the least. The 'broken" sound was actually 2 fairly large 1 1/2'" bells tinkling merrily! I'm definitely tatting a strip and having these hung on the entry door at the back/side of the house which leads into the utility room and is the door the family uses. I allowed a triumphant smile to emerge and refrained from telling Eeyore he was wrong (I'm rather pleased at my constraint).

Where to begin. First, this was a lesson for me in how to pack and label items that one sends in exchanges. I am the first to appreciate organization and the worst at actually doing it; when it comes to gifts and boxes. I tend to 'stuff' stuff....

If I list 'highlights,' I'll leave something important out. For instance, I've wanted some of those neat shaped pieces that one winds thread upon for ages; and, there are a number of different sizes in snowflake shapes. There's a lovely postcard from S'pore with a tatted butterfly as a stamp. Right on top was a pink bag that held decorations for Chinese New Year. A wonderful silk OX holding a fish (for the Year of the Ox) that hangs from a tassel. Another tassel with knotted red and gold silk with tiny bells. And a paper decoration with a friendly looking dragon. I've long wanted Chinese tassels for the hanging lamps in my master bath...yippee!

Aileen also sent an Inox shuttle (German) in a faux tortis pattern. I've already made two items with that! (the basket of posies) There is thread, beads and more beads, all sorts of findings, metal charms, ribbons, squares of colorful paper and larger squares of patterned papers (I already have ideas for the larger pieces, and the red head begged for the smaller squares ~ I relented). Cute little Chinese items like: coin purses, key chains. . .Cloisonne pill box, Precious Moments trinket box (with a redhead on the lid ~ pointed out by the g'daughter who happens to BE a redhead ~ (hint, hint, Oma? I just played like I didn't hear her). A plastic container/box holding holographic discs, tiny flowers, stars, to add to tatting. A deck of playing cards featuring S'pore Airlines (handy when DH and I are traveling!). Packet after packet, each with a card describing what the packet held! I really am not able to list everything because I am speechless!

Oh, I must tell you of the crochet hook that lights up (you know, in case in the middle of the night you get an urge to crochet a scarf or afghan. . . .) Did I tell you that I LOVE gadgets???

Well, I am a total sap for gadgets. So much so that when I married my Father's only advice to the new groom was, "The only thing about Beverly is, she likes gadgets . . ." (he, the one who would have ordered every info mercial article ever made ~ if there had been such during my childhood!). Of course I had no idea of how to crochet, not even the first stitch...(please note that is past tense). So the box led to another evening ~ learning to use the crochet hook! :>)

Granddaughter is a whiz at crochet, so she began teaching me about what she called "A Pretzel," on Friday night. NOW, that may have worked when her Mom taught her ~ but I could not relate to a pretzel; at least, not without a good German beer in my hand! I will say she showed a huge amount of patience (more than I would have suspected that she possessed). We quit at 11:30 PM because, well - Eeoyre was falling asleep in his chair! I awoke early Saturday and by the time 'sleeping beauty' awakened Oma had conquered that pretzel thingy (I cheated by going on line and finding photos of instructions) and had a string of stitches. They passed her 'test' and she proclaimed I knew the chain stitch. Which is really all I wanted because I wanted to be able to stitch over bare tatting threads. I even learned double crochet and a slip stitch! It is really all I need for the bookmark in the Learn to Tat book....(wicked grin here).

Aileen should have been a fly on the wall to see what her box wrought. I learned a new skill (sort of ~ at least as much as I need for tatting purposes) and am still oohing and ahhhing over the things in my box....oh and, just look at that cute litttle pin cushion. A plump little circular pillow of silk, encircled by little Chinese children holding hands around its sides....SEE there really is no end to my Chinese New Year box.. My inner child is clapping her hands, dancing and laughing all at the same time! What a perfect end to an otherwise unperfect day! A foretaste of great beginnings in the Year of the OX? hummmmmm Thank you Aileen ~ you are a treasure!

LOOSE ENDS

Leaving August with this almost 'mystical' doorway in the New Mexico sky. It leads towards Arizona and my friend Hope Green who believes she moved to 'paradise' near Tucson. Perhaps she did! :>)

How do you feel about 'loose ends'? I don't like them in tatting or in life. Today, I had to go to the chemo department for a blood draw and a port flush (but no transfusion ~ yeah!). Since I was up and dressed, carting the oxygen around; the minute I came in the door, I began gathering up all those treasures that required photos. I even took a shot of the naked denim bag! I managed to set up shots utilizing a box under blue felt, and below are the results. Enjoy!

Jane Eborall's custom-made, Roly-Poly Bags are a real treat and very functional. I own three. Each consists of the bag, a poke-proof pouch for shuttles (2 of my English Aeros), and little envelopes that hold 2 bobbins (I can squeeze in four!). My Favorite is, primarily blue & pink paisley, in a bright polished cotton. Jane made the wrist strap larger on two; so they fit over my hand. I keep a mini-crochet hook, on the paisley since it's carried in a little, yellow purse.

Jane also gifted me with 2 rolls of Altin Basak thread; a green (334) and a lovely rose-red (358). Also 6 bangles (3 gold, 3 silver) which I can use for sun catchers. The roly poly holds threads, shuttles, beads, gauges, scissors and my photo copied pattern in the works. I especially like it because it will lay on my lap and not slip away. Thank you Jane! ETSY shop for Roly Poly bags, tatted pieces, is: JaneEborall Check it out!

Christmas in July brought the box from Ashtabula, OH. TaTNThreadz (Trina Hall) was my anonymous 'gift er'. (I know; isn't a word) Her box arrived on a perfect day for a surprise ~ Monday! She was very generous as you can see from the photo below. Not pictured is hand cream (granddaughter wheedled that; and, Special M&M Dark Triple Chocolate candy ~ yes! DH took that, he said "It is my 10% 'carrying charge" but he did share).

Lovely tatted pieces: Snowflake, Heart, and an Autumn Leaf. My immediate favorite became the mini crochet hook which I affixed to the strap from my Jane bag, as it hangs on my wrist perfectly~ The small plastic box has separate areas for just the right amount of beads and opens from two sides, so there is really twice the capacity. That required some thinking, what favorite beads were to be added to those than Trina sent? Included in the box were pieces of what is called, "mermaid's tears" from Lake Erie! Mermaids tears are irregular shapes of various colored glass (mine are aqua green and milky white) tumbled and smoothed by the action of the lake. I am a huge mermaid fan; and, must learn some way to incorporate those into my tatting! Altin Bashak and Oren Bayan Dantel in a variety of colors; and, Oren Bayan metallic in silver and gold! There is also an AB thread in a peachy tan that has gold threads in it, just gorgeous! Color Number: 2329. And tucked inside was a lavender candle made in a local shop ~ which I'm using as a potpourri in my yellow bag. Oh yes, the yellow bag holds my roly-poly, extra threads, patterns, and has a lining that seems to resist dampness while it is a bright Quilted- cotton on the outside . Up in the Left hand corner is pinned a little badge that says, "I'm Just Tatting." The best part is that I can purchase these threads through FrogHollowFarm, Tattnthreadz, on ETSY and so can you!

I wish I Knew who made this Angel Box (below) ; but sadly, I do not. This was part of the Angel Gram box. I apologize for the late posting; but, getting things together and setting up a digital photo shoot is not something I can get done on a regular basis. Especially if it can't be scanned at bedside! LOL

But you know if you made it, and I thank you from a grateful heart.

That takes care of August's loose ends, which were important and needed to be added to the blog.