Monday, November 24, 2008

Thankful for Gifts, Part 3


These date back to the Palmetto convention in early September, and I apologize to the givers for not showing them off earlier. This is a butterfly given to me by Sherry Townsend. The pattern is from Tatted Animals by Inga Madsen, but Sherry has worked some of her special magic, experimenting with some two thread techniques. The scan doesn't do justice to the beads, which are very delicate and sparkly.





The Palmetto guild treat their teachers like royalty. Lori Dunlap made bags for all the teachers with a heart motif, and heart edging all around. I was amazed with all the work she did. The bag is like a handkerchief bag, but larger. Pictured alongside are just a couple of the many other gifts.

Update: this pattern is Regal Heart from Tatting Hearts by Teri Dusenbury. I didn't recognize it at first, but I should have. Both of the pattern books mentioned here are excellent. How many times have you bought a book for just one pattern? I have worked quite a few patterns from both of these, making them well worth having.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Thankful for Gifts, Part 2




Here are two lovely Romanian Point Lace teapots from Gina Brummett. This form of lace combines needle lace and a crocheted braid. Though her nickname is the "Tatting Goddess", she is a lady of many talents and also makes other forms of lace, crochets, sews, paints, etc.




Some more goodies.



I actually tatted something that wasn't ugly this week, but Shh!! it's a secret.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Thankful for gifts, Part 1



I don't have any new tatting to show, since lately all I have are really ugly rough drafts, so I thought I would share some of the beautiful things I have been fortunate enough to receive.

These are two turtles by Tatbit Teri Dusenbury. This is exquisite, meticulous work with all these tiny beads placed so perfectly. Please visit her blog, here.

She is planning a new e-book of heart patterns, which I am very excited about. Her book, Tatting Hearts, from Dover Books was very influential for me, since I think it was my first "modern" pattern book, as compared to the reprints of earlier works which were all I had before. This book also introduced me to the split ring, which was a huge,revolutionary concept for me.