Thank Goodness for Technologies

Because my blog primarily identifies with the novice/intermediate tatter, I'm sharing a few insights and personal opinions about DVD's, and an IPOD Application that are helpful to new tatters, or tatters who are isolated and do not have the companionship of other tatters.

I well remember searching for just ONE person who tatted within a 50 mile radius of my home in northern California! I'd heard of a lady in her 80's (I was a young 60-ish at the time) but could never track her down! I was so frustrated; then of course, I happened upon Valorie Rice in Sacramento who had a couple of classes at the now extinct Fuzzy Penguin (a wonderful paradise of threads, patterns and supplies). I was ecstatic.

Alas, I moved to the boot heel of New Mexico and am separated by too many miles from other NM tatters and those in Arizona. That is when having a DVD of a technique or two with which I have struggled is a real boon! It is always easier if you can actually see a tatter execute a SCMR or a Split Chain Technique.

FIRST UP:

If you have an IPOD or IPHONE and don't wish to carry around your pattern written on a piece of folded paper, or binder this may be for you. I, personally, LOVE it and have Kersti A. to thank for turning me on to its availability. The PLUS is that it is a free Application named: Files Lite

FILES LITE has a helpful "how to" page, clear graphics and great photos of the diagrams of your patterns that you upload to the system. It allows you to file and store and view files on your IPOD Phone or Touch using wifi and is compatible with any MAC or PC. You can view or scan via the pinch method on your screen. I have four patterns on my IPOD that are at my finger tips when I travel and have access to wifi.

DVDS that TEACH tatting to beginners and novices is a technology that is a help to those new to teaching tatting, and those (like me) stuck in the wilds or concrete jungles. The two I am featuring are not the only DVDs available, but they are the two that I have experienced and can recommend to spend your $ upon! No one has money to waste during these tight economic times.

In 2009 Jeanette Baker came out with her How to Tat DVD. When she discovered an error in one of the patterns in the accompanying book, she sent out to individuals who had bought her DVD a corrected copy of the pattern. That must have been a momentous task but it shows her dedication to those who invested in the set.

I used this for two of my tatting students with good results. Because my friend was leaving our area, I gave her the DVD and Book, some thread and an Aero shuttle (she went to a real wilderness up at Yellowstone Park where her DH works) as she'd had only two hands on lessons.

The neat thing about Baker's DVD is it's ability to start at the different chapters, so you don't have to see a repeat of a lesson (however, I use the previous chapter as a review from the last lesson given with my student). Also, it moves at a slow enough pace that you can actually follow the progress from "how to hold the shuttle" right through the rest of the lessons. It is available from HH and most tatting book vendors. It is on sale at some of the sites but it is worth the $14.95 price.

Also, in 2009, Linda Davies (toptattyhead.blogspot.com) came out with her very concise series of DVDs which teach tatting and are available from her blog (click her blog on the right hand column under Bev's Favorite Blogs and Vendors) and are fairly priced. Linda's pleasant voice with her lovely accent adds to the learning pleasure.

The one I received is "Tatting Tuition for Beginners" This tutorial DVD

Includes: making rings, chains, picots, joins, split rings, split chains, rings off chains ~ in my mind, it is a good tutorial for not only beginners but those who want to learn SCMR and split chains (not covered in Baker's DVD).

This would make a welcomed Valentine's gift for the tatter that you love! (along with the chocolate) Seeing a SCMR and Split Chain actually tatted in front of you, is an adjunct to the great visuals available. Sometimes I can wrap my mind around the written instruction with a drawn visual; but, seeing it done helps immensely.

There are numbers of tutorials available on YouTube which are very good. It is worth it to google what you are looking for ~ never know when you will find a diamond! My newest favorite is by Iris Neibach.

Happy Valentine's Day & do not forget the cut off date for Ambittaterous Valentine Give away is February 8. (see earlier blog entry)

SNOW and a Wind Chill of 19 Degrees F

"I LOVE SNOW AND MY FRISBEE" "LET'S PLAY!"

LEONIDAS is, of course, named for a character in "The 300". Leo is ½ Border Collie and ½ Lab. His personality is ALL Border Collie and he is very intelligent, well-behaved and a magnificent dog ~ and he isn't mine!

He lives with me and when his parents are gone, spends time. on the end of my bed. He also loved balls of tatting thread, but he has learned to not "touch;" the hard way. I used a method I once incorporated when training upland game dogs to have a 'soft' mouth. Leonidas is definitely not interested in the pins involved in this process; and, will almost sniff a ball of tatting thread; but, won't actually touch it any more! Whereas a hunting dog, craving to carry something in its mouth will merely keep picking the object up very gingerly, Leo has no such continual need. That solved the wet thread problem.

However, his Frisbees must be out-of-signt. We tried putting them on top of the dryer, but he 'stood up' and 'fetched' it back to us ~ "Let's play!" We sat it a number of places and he found all. He is frantically, crazed by a Frisbee. Can you spell Cat-nip? Now that there is SNOW every where he is bounding about and pouncing on snow drifts; with his frisbee.

It was reported that DH went out this morning to clear a path through the snow berm blocking the carport exit. I was a bit apprehensive about that since his aortic transplant; however, a man is going to do what a man is going to do. Leo decided that when Loyal tossed the shovel full of snow to clear a path for the car, that he (Leo) had to run and let the load fall on him. He thought it was like fetch…with shovel loads of snow Finally, tired of falling clumps of snow, he brought the frisbee as if to say, "Can we play another game?" (photo above).

I'm still struggling with day 8 of the TIAS; and day nine is out! I will fall behind at this point because I am totally and thoroughly flim-flamed by the last line of the instructions for day 8. My thread seems to be emerging from the wrong side of the pattern. I'll get back to you later about this little "problem". So far, out of my 3 "what's its" I've managed to destroy one (the brown one) and seem to be in the process of doing the same to the s/he one! I have yet to touch the fellow who is exhibit #1. (sigh)

November, still tatting!

A sweet design from my new little booklet with designs by Debbie Munoz. All of the designs have rose centers with various outer rounds that form snowflakes.

I wanted to practice rosettes, which for some reason have been an on-going challenge! And, I'm still working on my block tatting; consequently this pattern fit the bill. All of her snowflakes are easy to do and have the same center. After doing one the rest come quickly!

This was tatted in Lizbeth Snowy White in size 30.

Remember what I said about the design-tat class I was perusing? That little number in Chocolate Raspberry (Pamela Myers HDT) is my design. I'd love to see this tatted by someone else, as I was so distracted with writing the pattern, trying to learn a design program (I never conquered it); and just 'catch up' with the class. The 'lotus' on the four ends are too crowded and I don't like my rings that turn inward and my chains are sloppy; it was 'free tatted' and the first attempt. Guess I should tat it again! LOL I'm now in official 'lurk mode'. Many entered the race but fewer are finishing! It is a great class; but, be prepared to do a great deal of homework! I received the critique of my drawing (done with Paint) and lets just say it was less than stellar. I also tatted Pamela's design which I'll scan and share later.

Come August, can Learning be an Addiction?

No Tatting to Show! Alas! However, a monkey, an owl, and a hatband are in progress and the pattern for a bit of lace for a wedding has been chosen and thread ordered. (Mary K.'s The Pattern Collection: "Beauty Spots" edging)
In between projects I decided to take a leap into Sharon Brigg's Design Class. We've done lesson 1 and I'm beginning Lesson 2 today.
When I first learned to tat (from a book) my goal was just to get something tatted. I did not think much about stitch count or shape of my rings; I was too intent on learning to follow a pattern. Well, that was a few years ago (I forget exactly when but it was late 90's). Since then I've finished a number of projects small and large, with mixed results. Some I've liked and some I haven't.
However, when I was fortunate enough to receive tatting as gifts and remembrances, I noticed that mine did not 'quite' look like the others. That was my introduction to directional, front side/back side tatting and thinking about tension. But still, I was moving forward, learning new techniques while participating in the on line tatting classes.
Health has caused me to cut back on my activities, but tatting is a large part of my daily schedule. Who's kidding who? My day is tatting, intersected by meals!
All things considered, the question might be asked, "Why, at this late date have you signed up for a 'design' class?" In all honesty, I don't really know. I have the time, the interest and mine is one of those minds that is 'inquiring.' This brings me to my banner question, Can learning be an addiction?
If so, it is a positive addiction. I love learning about everything...I am an insatiable reader and thinker. In spite of my years and a few gray hairs, I don't see this changing at all! At heart, I'm still 19!
I'll report back from time to time and let you know how I think I am doing with the class. I am not happy with my simple rings from Lesson One; I may even re do them! As compared to the other students they were lacking. I guess the best thing I can say about my first lesson is that it was well organized.
I've decided not to look at the discussion on our design list until after I've done my homework and posted it in the correct file; then, I'll participate in that portion.
I also decided to begin organizing, printing and putting the lessons in archival sheet protectors in a binder. If I don't do this from the first, I'll have a conglomerate of papers that serve no purpose. Organized, they become a record of the class, a terrific reference for posterity. I might even design something, doubtful; but, who knows?

May brought Bookmarks!

Looped beading needle ~ a new gadget

"InTatters"(aka E-Tatters) decided to have a bookmark exchange in May. I began making bookmarks and so far at least five have fallen from my shuttles. Not all of them are that good! I don't want to send anything but my best tatting, so I just kept making them!

One I made, in HDT silk, is beautiful in color; but, the chains and rings are not consistent in size; so did not pass my self-imposed quality. One is perfect, except for one join where I had to add thread and it has that familiar bulk at the join (although I only tatted two DS over the threads) ~ I haven't tried laying in loops as yet, just haven't gotten around to that technique. These, I have not posted on my blog nor are they being sent to anyone! I read, therefore I get these. LOL

Above are two of the 'possibles'; both designs are from Rosemarie Peel's, "Tatting: Basic Patterns" One was especially fun because it is an adaptation of Rosemarie Peel's Beaded Toggle. I just put beads on the top part (the part that would hang over the book. I did that one in Pamela Meyer's HDT ~ Rainbow Brite with turquoise beads and RB solid Aqua. I extended the Victorian sets to get the length I needed (it's about 7 1/2" long) and I didn't put beads on the bottom as it would be within the pages of the book. I can't name the beads as the pkg didn't identify but they came in my 'thank you' box at the time of Chinese New Year, from Aileen in S'pore. I wish I did have a name and color assignment as they are just beautiful! I felt ear rings coming on as I used them.

The bookmark on the right is actually an edging ~ in her book Rosemarie gave directions of the 'possibilities' in design by different arrangements of two of the same edging. This one is in size 80 HDT, lavender orchid (YarnPlayer) After I did this one, it occurred to me that if I made the joining picots longer...a ribbon could be woven within and between them. . worth thinking about next time. I love it that the specialty ribbon I found had little picots...gives a very dainty look.

There are 3 other bookmarks , but I have posted them in the In-tatters Album; so won't post them here. The biggest problem I still have is consistency in tension; although since I've been doing FS/BS tatting ~ the tension seems to be improving.

I was having a lot of trouble with the beads...my reverse beading tool, I had bought a few years ago, cracked and I had to throw it away. I often use the methods of loading beads as I work...but this time there were 38 beads...and found I couldn't thread the beading needle! I couldn't see the tiny hole well enough (Don't tell me about Big Eye needles; the eye isn't big). So, I used Nina Libin's method by soaking the end of my thread in clear nail polish...3 times, drying it in between "dips." Then I threaded the beads directly on the thread.

Long story short, I asked DH to buy me a needle threader that would work for beading needles. He and Bekah went to Hobby Lobby in Las Cruces and he brought back the plain old-fashioned kind (that use to come in needle cards ~ dating myself here). BUT, he also brought me something he thought, "looked really useful!." They are called Looped Needle Threaders (and from visual on the back are used in beading) for hand, machine and serger needles. They were a bit pricey at 8 dollars for four. I think they are going to prove to be very useful indeed!

I like the ribbon I found, that had its own picots, to weave between the open spaces of the bookmark on the right. This one looks particularly Lacy. DH found the small box of five styles of boutique ribbon; it is so nice to have a husband whose Mother taught her sons so much about fabric, ribbon and needles! She would be proud of her well-rounded, retired Equipment Operating son! I am truly blessed.

The third? Well, that's a secret I'll save for the next post...after my pardner receives which ever I send. . .

LEARN, PRACTICE AND GROW

An old dog learns a new (to her) technique

I recently purchased two books from The Shuttle Brothers. The new book has very detailed instructions for Frontside/Backside tatting. The medallion is my first effort. Also I added a piece of a Rosemarie Peel edging in fs/bs which has graduated rings, and clover corner. I added a second clover to enclose the piece.

The Shuttle Brothers newest book has lots of "how to" pages for the techniques used in the patterns. Instructions for the Self-closing Mock Ring are new and improved. There is a section on choosing and using Filiment Loops. I admit I have bought filiment loops, however I have not tried using them as yet. I can readily understand how their use could add to an impeccable look to our tatting projects. After all, if I'm going to spend hours working on a project (sometimes years!), why not take the time to make each piece ~ well.....impeccable.

Thread from Wally S ~ El Beide sizes 8 and 12 in lavender and brown

Finishing Up ~ Beginning Anew

"D. L." could mean Done at Last ~ but it's my friend's initials.


. . . and, A new, flat shuttle from Grizzlymountainarts & Dave!

Believe it or not! I have finished one of the bags with items tatted last year. No, not the denim bag yet; that is next. But I did finish the lighter colored bag that has a recycling emblem with Luther's Rose in the center...from OldLutheran.com. I found I had enough critters and bits and motif to adorn TWO bags...so my friend Donna will get this one...and the other one is for............not telling (right now) She reads the blog once in a whaile. I will take a photo of the completed bag and post it soon.

Added to my flat shuttle collection. I had bought two and was terribly disappointed with the primitive, pedestrian workmanship. BUT the new shuttle came from Dave at Grizzlymountainarts and it is his wonderful, professional craftsmanship. I love this as it's made from recycled wooden window blind. The soaring bird reminds me of freedom of spirit...and the birds that swoop outside my window up here on the ridge. I will miss the view when we move back to California, or possibly Arizona. Here it is then...the new flat shuttle.

Managed to get all four of my round robin bookmarks completed, put in envelopes and ready for DH to mail at the correct date~ The first one was well received ~ although it did have a mistake, Barb loved it! As soon as all four have been sent, I'll repost the Round Robin photos.

Butterfly Ascending is an Adaptation of Mary Konier's easy 'leaf' pattern and an edging by Rosemarie Peel from her new book (mentioned in an earlier post). The center was tatted with Tuffi Fruti silk, by Ladyshuttlemaker. The border was tatted with Yarnplayer's Lavender Orchid Medium (I love those colors). Thread size #30. When Marileee sent me a sample of Tutti Fruti, it really didn't turn me on as a color. But as one tats with this silk, it comes to life and shows off beautifully! Of course, I had to order a few skeins immediately, it's waiting patiently to be unwound. Barb, too, received enough of a sample to do a simple motif...silk thread is soooo lush, smooth and tats so beautifully.

Marilee had sent me a sample of her Cobalt; and, I learned she actually hadn't done a great deal of the color ~ so next time she will, and I've ordered some in advance. She kindly sent me another 25 yards and it has become the fourth bookmark..from Big Book of Tatting, with white ribbon insert. I can't show it as yet, because it's not been mailed to the last person on my round robin list.....but watch the Round Robin Heading and it will show up! :>)

I, like others, am a bit shy about sending my work out or even posting photos. For one thing, sometimes you feel really good and the work just flows..and everything works just right. Other times, you try to be perfect and loose tension and the thread knots, and you retro tat...you know, one of those days? Well on the day of the first bookmark, I was hurrying and didn't read the note in the pattern which said, "this pattern tends to curve." So an inch in, I discovered it did indeed want to curve; and, I caught it and from then on made the connecting picots a bit longer. Then it was nice and straight. But I was too far into it to cut the offensive part off ~ I was using HD silkThread...didn't want to sacrifice that~ Well, look at it this way, Barb has a story to tell with her bookmark, and it was a learning curve for me (lets all groan together, now).

Have begun a round doily (my first doily, I know!). I decided on "Sheep May Safely Graze"; a design my Karey Solomon. Plan to have it mounted and framed. There is a quote from a Bach Cantata #208, which I will embroider on the bottom of the presentation. I'm using HDThreads and carefully choosing the colors I want to use. I'm not hurrying with this piece..because it is for a very special person. I may have it finished by the end of summer (I'm also working on the table runner, remember that one?).

This is how I've begun March ~ productively and proactively. I hope you are able to finish your goals, also. I know it 'sounds' like a lot...but remember all the pieces for the bags were already tatting within the last year...it did take me the better part of Tuesday to sew all the bit upon the bag! And had I realized I could make the bookmarks in plenty of time, I might have taken a bit longer with them. My daughter, Kristen, arrives March 11, so I know I'll be busy with her tatting lessons and a good visit after a year of being apart. The youngest daughter has mounted a campaign to get us relocated back to East Sacramento. We have a St. Patrick's Potluck coming at Church so the next few weeks may be, indeed, busy up on the ridge.

LEARN, PRACTICE AND GROW

Number Two on my TO DO list for 2009.

Another Day, another technique. The Two-stage Dimple Ring (nicknamed, Yorkie Dimple, by Sherry Pence) 2008. I spent 1/2 hour with size 20 Flora, medium pink varigated thread.

The first effort is the lighter color, followed by the second pinker heart. Then I decided to try adapting a pattern from a photo I'd seen; changing the stitch numbers. I decided I like the heart, chain, two rings, chain and another heart... and, I think it looks nice in the variations of pink. I have a white linen hankie and will begin the edging tomorrow. This is for my Secret Sister at Guild on Valentine's Day 2009.

Nothing goes smoothly the first time. I had a problem closing the Yorkie Dimple at first ; but caught on fairly quick. After doing the heart I had to decide where to add joining picots to my edging. After a few tries (above) I think I have it sorted out fairly close to how the final pattern will work. I did not care for the two hearts side-by-side.

I encourage you to try the technique as it isn't really hard; just a bit fiddly at first. You can find the instructions on Jane Eborall's Pattern site, under, "Two-Stage Dimple Ring, in the techniques section.

Addendum: It occured to me that many tatters learn new techniques daily; so some may ask, "What's the big deal?" Well, my blog is really about my journey in tatting and hopefully will encourage other new and relatively new tatters to keep on tatting and practicing. While our work may not look like the work of those who've been at this for years ~ the joy IS in the journey; and each new accomplishment is worth a little celebration. Not as a boast, but as a sigh that says, "I'm coming along, I'm beginning to be able to call myself a tatter." Besides, believe it or not; there are those friends who want to see how this "old git" is progressing (to paraphrase Jane Eborall) with her tatting projects.

LEARN TO TAT ~ Book and DVD

ALTHOUGH I do know 'how to tat," I bought Janette Baker's book, "Learn to Tat" which comes with an interactive DVD in a neat, attached envelope. If you have a friend that wants to learn, or you are isolated from other tatters, or it's over two hours drive for a lesson with someone ~ buy this book! It would make a great gift; here is why!

The book is well written, with clear instructions and good visuals. Each part is a class; and it covers from learning the ds to doing split chains and using over crochet with tatting for a finished look on a bookmark pattern. Each class covers at least two subjects and the back part of the book is composed of a variety of patterns from Beginner to Intermediate. The patterns utilized what has been learned from the book and the DVD. I've already finished one pattern; but, shhhhhh ~ it's a surprise for someone ~ so not telling! :>)

The DVD follows the book's format and classes in the book. The visuals are very clear, the tatting is done slowly enough that you can see what is happening, and the DVD can be paused, reversed or watched one section at a time; or sections can be skipped. It is in color with good lighting.

I skipped right to the split chain; and, actually seeing someone do it is a great help. I'm keen to get this technique firmly conquered and added to my list!

The first Class covers parts of a post shuttle and winding the clover post shuttle (which is used throughout). There is also a tatting overview, reference guide, pattern styles; and, abbreviations used in the classes and patterns are given.

This is available from Be-Stitched, Georgia Seitz, Handy Hands; and, Janette's site. (see vendor list at right). $14.95 + shipping. I heartily recommend this book and video combination published by the American School of Needlework. Boy, do I wish I'd had this back in the day when I was sitting at the ranch, learning from a book without pictures! Wow!

Also, on the same subject ~ new books ~ Check out Rosemarie Peel's new book. I've viewed a few pages and it would be a good one to have along with Baker's Book/DVD. A variety of useful and charming patterns that are easy to tat! Published by Lacis; and, available from Rosmarie Peel at rose.peel@ntlworld.com. I can see it as an adjunct to provide more patterns for practice. Keep an eye out, it's lovely. Plus my preview and recommendation was from the tatters friend, Jane Eborall. 'Nuff said!

The Saga of Split Chains, or how I spent 3 hours Monday Night!

IT IS ONLY FAIR to share the saga of the split chains. Especially after I've been going on about them all week in my blog, in on line classes, and those e-mails flying back and forth across land and oceans.

FIRST UP is"OH NO,I did it wrong!":>( This is an example of how NOT to tat a split chain...I forgot the first 6 regular DS, and totally forgot the second step of the split chain. BUT isn't the thread happy and lovely...(rainbowbright Pamela M.)

SECOND TRY: :>)

Well it is better and I did it correctly. Except now I have to work on making the split chain size be consistent with the other chains with picots.

I had the same problem that I've read about. The space left, which is tatted over by the core thread, does tend to become larger. I expect that is something that will be corrected with practice.

A huge thank you to: Marie who stuck with me through the journey and sent photos, talked on Chatzy, and sent follow-up e-mails. Thank you JON of Jon's Thread Escapade, whose link provided further photos/text in support of what I already had in hand. AND Jane Eborall whose pattern site provided both her own visual and Marie Smith's visual of how to do a split chain; not to forget the e-mails of encouragement!

Learning to tat and do techniques from written instructions and visuals
is quite different than sitting in a workshop, class or beside a friend and learning to tat and do special techniques. One can't ask an instant question, there is no one near to see that you are inserting the shuttle in the wrong place, holding the thread wrong, picking up the wrong thread ~ all of the things that a person beside you would see as you were learning. HOWEVER, from this journey the reader can see that, while it's a luxury to have the teacher with you, it isn't impossible to learn these things by yourself with lots of encouragement and help.

NOW ON to the class assignment, which is a fan made with split chains. This assignment won't be 'due' until 2 weeks, so should be able to finish that in time. Advanced class assignment is 'free tatting' of a corsage, card or ornamentation using the 'free tatting' technique. We have an assignment sheet and general instructions; in addition, I have a copy of Helen Siepman's Tatting: Artistry in Thread" from Lacis. Although I only have 1 week for this (and it may not be done on time) I want to do a good job so that I can give it as a gift. I'm hoping for a floral spray in autum/winter colors that a friend can pin upon her suit or dress. Consequently, I want to take particular care with this assignment. MEANWHILE I'm still working on the Christmas tatting and "the table runner". Where is the time? Will I get it done? The clock is ticking!