pampered cats

Nikki
Snoozing on two of Tori's pillows

Honey Bunny
Fell asleep watching me cut out
thread bobbins
(from card stock)

Tatting: Rings & Picot

My DS, Nick, gave me this
plastic storage container
for my tatting 'gear'

As I was out running errands
during the week,
I picked up crochet cottons
in size 3, 10, & 20

I had some size 80 --- not sure where they came from!

These are some rings I kept
(size 3)

This afternoon, I want to try using
size 10


Oh, the picot
Mine are odd & uneven
Still need practice
Two on top, size 3
Other ring, size 10

I will continue practicing
Harder for me to control my hands
when making the rings

Still isn't quite comfortable

As for books/instructions, I'm using
and
Learn to Tat by Janette Baker

Neither are as good as sitting next to
somebody who knows how to Tat!!

But, they have been helpful while I struggle at home : )

Tatting --- Lesson One

As I mentioned in previous blog posts, I've wanted to learn how to Tat for YEARS One afternoon, while visiting House of Stitches in LaPorte, Indiana I looked on a lower shelf --- I saw a basket of tatting shuttles & instruction books & pattern books Imagine my surprise! I never noticed them before & had been to the shop a number of times over 10+ years Then, was told the Owner, Linda, tats! Imagine my double surprise! And, she offered to show my GF Mel & I WOOT!!! Had my first instructions last Thursday and haven't been able to do anything else We got the basics of the chain, ring, & picot All my spare time has been spent perfecting my technique for chains --- trying different shuttles different crochet cotton fiber sizes (size 3 & size 10) And -- trying to get those knots more even!!! So far, I've used a variety of tatting shuttles They are so beautiful & comfortable to hold We learned the technique with the Tatsy (largest) shuttle Since then, I picked up a couple different styles to try I like the red Boye shuttle --The clover ones with tips are ok, too The silver one is a reproduction of a popular premium shuttle distributed by Nedlecraft Magazine publishers (Lacis) It is very comfortable to use! (IMO) At House of Stitches there were some smaller, plastic shuttles w/o points from Lacis I'm looking forward to trying them, too!! When I was looking around on-line I see a variety of styles & they are made out of bone, plastic, horn, silver, filigree, wood, etc. What fun! Next, I'm going to try & perfect my rings and rings with picot

Pink Artists

I am happy to accept these faces
from the Pink Artists Prize Wheel

Imagine my delight
being chosen among many entries for
Prize #2: Clay Face Cabochons by Linsart Creations in Clay

The detail and craftsmanship
are just awesome!

And, did you notice the
beautiful hand dyed ribbons?


They are a selection from
Pat Winter's
fantastic silk ribbons

If you haven't checked them out
Hurry over to her blog & etsy
for stash enhancing!!!

Punchneedle

Witch Hat
Lizzie Kate for Punch Needle
Halloween Hang-Ups

I've enjoyed punching
Maybe will get this finished into something before Saturday?

At the beginning of this year
I had a list of things I wanted to
learn or try

Punch Needle, Tatting, Doll Making, Ribbon Embroidery, Crazy Quilting

I've enjoyed spending time researching & learning new things!

I am grateful for friends
who have helped me with supplies
lessons, hints, tips
& encouragement