Merry Christmas to all

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I pray that you have a safe and wonderful holiday season. As you enjoy the festivities of the holiday, please remember Christ's birth is the Reason for the Season.

Trinka Angel Challenge

The Guild that I am a member of issued a challenge to decorate the skirt of Terry McGuffin's Trinka angel. Check out the results.

Top row left by Sherron Mosley--added a beaded snowflake. Center by Mary Ann Pugh--added a letter "L" for Love, Live, and Laughter. Right by Adair Baker--added a snowflake charm. Bottom row left by me--I added a nativity adapted from Becky Dempsey's "Nativity". Center two by Sharon Thomas--added battenburg lace to both. Right by Elizabeth Birmingham--added a blue bird with a branch.

We all enjoyed the project and look forward to doing another project in the new year.

Heart Bookmark

Here is Julie Patterson's heart bookmark made in HDT by Lady Shuttlemaker. The color is Sunset. My camera does not show the colors well--it really is pretty. The colors are actually darker than reflected in the picture.

Tammy's Doily

Here is Tammy's first doily and a heart she made. She is from the tatting class I taught this Summer. She is doing so well and she loves tatting. I am so proud of her.

Framed Round Robin Hearts

Here is the picture of the hearts from the 2008 Round Robin. I just framed them today--had all the stuff to frame them since the last post about them, but just did not have time to do it. You know how it is, put something on the table to come back shortly to complete the task--then time, days, months, pass by until you actually get back to it. I hate it when that happens. Since this is a holiday weekend, I am trying to complete several of those pesky unfinished projects. There are five remaining items on the list to complete before Tuesday and back to work.

I really like how these hearts turned out. A huge "THANK YOU" goes to Carol Amich, Laura Blanton, Ellen Dabbs, Brenda Hubler, and Cynthia Stevenson, for the beautiful hearts that you made for me during the RR. I am honored to have a piece of your precious tatting in my home.

Tatting Tea Tuesday

I can't believe it. I am actually posting on Tatting Tea Tuesday. I have high hopes of posting each Tuesday. However, since school started I have not had the time to tat, post, or read about tatting, posting, etc. Here are some socks trimmed with tatting I made a while back. I used variegated Flora size 20 and irridescent beads. The pattern was adapted from #30 in A New Twist on Tatting by Catherine Austin. I used round 1 from the pattern and then for round 2, I tatted a chain of 5d bead 5d. These were given to a very special friend--she loves them.

Great Nephew's Pillowcase

I have an adorable 17 month old great nephew. Here is a pillowcase I made him for daycare. It was the first pillowcase I had ever made. Boy, are they easy to make.

This is one of the things I have been working on since my last post. Of course this did not take that many days--work gets in the way sometimes.

Round Robin Heart

This was a replacement heart tatted for Carol Amich for the Round Robin that we participated in last year. Unfortunately, her package of hearts never returned back home to her. So I retatted the one from me. However, I changed the colors this time. The pattern is the "Antique Rose Heart" from Tats Amore by Martha Ess. I do hope Carol enjoys it. I love this pattern. If you don't have Martha's book, it's another great one for your library.

Tatting Class Update

The third tatting class was Thursday night. One student is making an edging for a hanky. She is really doing very well. Another student is practicing rings and chains and will hopefully have an edging at our next class meeting. She is doing good too. The other student is perfecting her rings. She missed the second class, so she is a little behind. She was able to make three rings before leaving class last night. She and I are going to meet at a later date to catch her up to the other two. She is too is doing well. The above picture is of the rings that each have been making. The white and purple is the hanky edging.

For homework, they are to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

The class was only supposed to be a three week class. However, as you know there is so much to learn. So we are going to continue to meet monthly. Our next class will be the end of August.

New Tatters Coming

I can't believe that I am teaching a tatting class at my church. The class began on Thursday, July 16, with three students. After a three hour class, all three went home with one completed ring. Tonight, I had two to return to the class for the second week. One had completed a very long strip of rings--some with and without picots. Tonight, she learned to do chains along with rings, and joining rings together to make a circular motif. She is doing very well. Her homework is to tat an edging for a hankerchief to bring next week.

The other student that returned, went out of town last weekend and did not pick up her shuttle again until Tuesday. She got frustrated and put it down until returning to class. She left class tonight with some rings. Her homework is to tat every day--practice--practice--practice. She is to return next week with yards and yards of rings.

The third student left on a business trip with her husband this morning. She called me this week and said that she had been practicing her stitches and making a few rings. She is to bring a strip of rings to class next week.

This is the first time that I have taught a tatting class and it is so much fun. It is very rewarding when you see them light up as they catch onto the flip. I will let you know how they are doing next week. I will try to post a picture of their homework.

Tatting Tea Tuesday

Here is a bookmark I tatted from Cathy Bryant's TATTING book using Lizbeth thread. I think the corner bookmark style is so neat. It was very easy. By the way, this book is out of print. But, if you find a copy--purchase it. It has lots of neat patterns. A great addition to your tatting library.

Heart Mystery - Resolved

After lots of research on the internet and responses from some very nice people, I finally broke down today and started going through all of my tatting books page by page...

Boy, did I find some beautiful patterns that I forgot all about. I only have 75 tatting books. I know that's too many...but I'm a tatting book addict and a thread addict and a shuttle addict and oh, let's not discuss my sewing room and fabric.

Anyway, the pattern....I found it in Cathy Bryant's TATTING book. The pattern name is "Heart". So, now that the mystery is solved, look for the picture of the framed hearts soon.

Looking for Heart Pattern Info

Would anyone happen to know the pattern name and designer of this heart. I received it in a Round Robin exchange and am in the process of framing the hearts with labels that identifies the pattern name and designer as well as the tatter that made it for me. I can't find the info for this particular heart after hours of searching. The person that made it for me was given the pattern by a friend with no info. Any info that you can give me will be most appreciated.

Heart of Summer

This is Karey Solomon's Tatted Heart of Summer pattern that uses her Spiral Tatting technique. The pattern appeared in one of the 2008 issues of the IOLI Bulletin. The left large spiral is a traditional spiral. The right large spiral uses the Solomon's Spiral Technique. This techique is tatting a spiral from the outside to the center instead of the traditional center to the outside. It really is very easy to do. I think the heart turned out pretty for my first try.

Adorable Annies

What a cool giveaway. I am such a Raggedy Ann fan.

My dear mother made me a dress and a doll to match. I even had the red and white striped socks. Boy, does that take me back in time....

Tatting Tea Tuesday...

I have been working on tatting related projects. No picture. I have to say I love tatting....I only like knitting.

Intarsia Knitting

For a non knitter, here is my first try at Intarsia knitting. This technique was demonstrated on Knit and Crochet Today a while back and I thought it was very interesting. The local yarn shop offered a class, so I had to take it. I am not sure that I will want to make anything else using this technique. The many strings dangling just about drove me crazy.

I think the Fair Isle technique will be more to my liking. I have not tried it, yet. But, it is supposed to be less messy while knitting.

The Great American Aran Afghan Progress

Here is my first finished square of the Great American Aran Afghan. It is called Dana Hurt. The project began in January with a new square each month. Since the yarn I chose was on backorder from Plymouth, I did not actually start my first square until April. The second square is in process. Remember, I do not claim to be a knitter. I am a TATTER!!!!

Mother's Day Gift

I'm trying to catch up on my posting. Here is the dishcloth that I knitted for my mother for Mother's Day. It is out of cotton/linen yarn. The dishcloth says "I 'heart' You Mom". She loved it. She said, "It's too pretty to use." I could not convince her to use it. I told her it was made for her to use.

Snowflake designed by Miranda Rensberger

Here is a better picture of the beautiful snowflake that Miranda Rensberger designed for me during the recent snowflake round robin. The previous picture did not do it justice.

HDT from Tatskool

I recently puchased these beautiful hand dyed threads from Tatskool. I can't wait to tat them up. There have been so many posts on other blogs about how wonderful this thread is--so I had to have some.

Round Robin Snowflake

Here is the snowflake that Miranda Rensberger designed for me for the Round Robin. Wow! Isn't it georgeous. She used Lizbeth thread colors jewels and black. Miranda did a wonderful job. I am so in awe of everyone who designs.

PIF Winner

The winner of the second drawing is...
Congratulation goes to.......Isdihara

Isdihara, please leave a comment to this post that includes your email address so I can contact you.

Pay If Forward

Would the Karen, who posted a comment on the Pay if Forward post, please contact me by leaving a comment on this post with your email address in it. Your email address will not be seen by anyone but me. You were the winner and I would like to mail your surprise.

If I have not heard from Karen by Monday, June 1st, I will select a new winner from everyone that posted a comment on the original post.

I hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.

Bearbits is hosting a new giveaway. It is a beautiful handmade bear and pincushion. Go check it out.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

RR Snowflake #4

Here is the fourth snowflake in the Round Robin. It was sent to Abby Carlson. The pattern is the "Pirouette" design from Tatted Snowflake Collection by Jon Yusoff. Of course, I used more Lizbeth thread. The color numbers are 115 and 661. It is so much fun to participate in the Round Robins. Each of the snowflakes that I received will be treasured.

Thank you to each one who exchanged with me. Also, thank you Sharon and Christine for all the work you did to keep us mailing in a timely manner.

Laura's Heart

This heart was a replacement heart tatted for Laura Blanton. Her round robin heart package never returned home to her. So I tatted hers again. The pattern is from Tatting Hearts by Teri Dusenbury.

Laura, I am so glad that you are doing better. I hope this heart brightened your day when you felt so bad. I also hope it will go with all the beautiful tatting in your bedroom.

The Karen that responded to my first post, please contact me. You are the PIF winner. Please leave a comment with your email address--it will not be posted.

PIF Giveaway

Okay, I know requiring 10 commenters was bit adventurous for the PIF giveaway. So, since there were only 9 comments made, I will do a drawing for the winner. Of course, Gina's rules still apply and they are:

Here are the rules: You must "Pay it Forward" and keep it going, by displaying the PIF graphic and offer a give away. The handmade gift you make is of your choice. You can state it at the time of your post or not; it's up to you.

Drum roll please.......and the winner is.......Karen. Congratulations!!!!

Karen, please leave a comment with your blog info and a way for me to contact you.

Secret Valentine package

Here is the Secret Valentine package that I received in the mail from Kathy Bailey. It was so exciting to open up the wonderful treasures. She did not know that I collect cups and saucers. The dish towel looks wonderful displayed in my kitchen. And of course, the chocolate is yummmy. Thank you Kathy.

Tea is for Tatting

This is a wonderful book. I can't wait to start making teapots. If you have not purchased it yet, you need to rush over to Martha's site and order it.

I have completed my last snowflake for the Round Robin and will post once Abby Carlson receives it.

Happy Easter

He is Risen. Christ is Alive!

Happy Easter.

Graci's Easter Picture

Today, Graci had her picture taken with the Easter bunny. She is a Yorkie and my sweet fur baby. Here is the picture. Don't you agree she is just precious?

Knitting Stitch Markers

I am participating in the Great American Aran Afghan project with my local yarn shop. I must clarify--I am not a knitter. I am a tatter. I took knitting lessons several years ago. Have made a felted purse, dog sweater, and a scarf. That is the extent of my knitting. Knitting STRESSES me out--scared to death of those dropped stitches that with my luck cannot be fixed. I decided after doing this project I will either love to knit or I will not want to do it ever again.

Each square uses several charts so check out my stitch markers that I made. I had never wrapped wire before. I think they turned out pretty good for my first try. They work great.

RR Snowflake #3

This snowflake is #19 from "Christmas Ornament Collection" by JoAnn Stearns and tatted in Lizbeth thread variegated #112 and solid #684. I really like how it turned out so I will make another one for my tree. This snowflake goes to Bob Shotton.

The next comment on the PIF post will be the winner....Good luck.

RR Snowflake #2

Here's the second snowflake for the RR. I made two because I made a mistake in the first one. See if you can find it.

The one without a mistake was sent to Christine Rival. The pattern is snowflake #6 from "Snowflake Roses" by Denise Munoz. The variegated red center is Lizbeth #147 with Manuela dark green. I like the way it turned out--like a rose out of a rose garden.

Gina's PIF Giveaway

Gina was so generous with her 1000th post giveaway. She sent me this nice tatted bookmark that she made out of hand-dyed thread and the precious butterfly sachet. Thanks again, Gina for the wonderful gifts.

Don't forget I am hosting the next PIF giveaway.

RR Snowflake to me from Abby Carlson

This is the beautiful RR snowflake that Abby Carlson sent me. The picture does not reflect the colors well. It looks like a Spring flower. Thanks Abby for a lovely snowflake.

New "old" Book

Yesterday I received "Tatting" by Cathy Bryant in the mail. I was so excited that it was in mint condition even though it was supposedly a used book. There are some great patterns in it. I am thrilled to add this book to my library.

Snowflake RR picture

Here is the snowflake/coaster that I tatted for Miranda Rensberger. The pattern is adapted from the "Japanese Tatting Book". Lizbeth variegated thread #122 was used for the chains and Flora #217 was used for the rings. The picture does not reflect the colors accurately.

Snowflake Round Robin

I am now participating in the snowflake/coaster round robin. The first snowflake was mailed yesterday. A picture will be posted soon.

Participation in the Heart Round Robin

These are the hearts that for the Round Robin I participated in last year. I am adding them so I will have some tatting posted on my new blog.


This was the first heart tatted for the Round Robin.



This is the second heart which was made for Laura Blanton.



This was the third, made for Cynthia Stevenson. Variegated peach was used.



The fourth heart tatted for Brenda Hubler.



The fifth heart tatted for Carol Amich.



The sixth and last heart for the round robin. This heart was made for Ellen Dabbs.

Gina's Giveaway

I won Gina's 1,000th post giveaway. The rules are to "Pay it Forward". I am thrilled to be a part of such a great concept.

So I will pay it forward with the 10th commenter of this post.

Here are the rules: The 10th commenter offering advice on my new blog will be the winner. However, you too must "Pay it Forward" and keep it going, by displaying the PIF graphic and offer a give away. The handmade gift you make is of your choice. You can state it at the time of your post or not; it's up to you.