Another doily adventure.

Now do you remember the doily I did recently from the Penelope book - here?  Well I enjoyed re-visiting my childhood so decided to then do another of my favourite doilies - remember I'm NOT a doily person!!!!  

This is one I really took to many years ago as soon as I saw it.  I originally made it in a size 20 thread and a sort of 'dirty ecru' too.  It's called 'Lucky Clover and is on page 80/81 in the book called 'Tatting Patterns and Designs' by Gun Blomqvist and Elwy Persson (English version).  I bought the hardback edition of this book back in 1967 or thereabouts when it first came out in Swedish (well, I'm not sure what language it's in!) and remember being able to easily work this and many other designs in the book even though I didn't understand the words!!  Obviously I've got the paperback edition too - in English - an old git can't have too many books!!!

The reason it appealed to me was it's lack of picots in the days when everything had so many.  I can remember so well looking at it and seeing the clear lines of the design.  

I'm working this in a variegated Perfect Quilter 30 weight!  Well, at the moment but things may change.  Watch this space!!!!

It's OK

It's OK to wash it is the name on the bottle.  This post today is mainly for Sally and Joanie who were with me when I bought a bottle of this fabric 'glue'.

It's taken me ages to pluck up the courage to use it for some reason.  I finally found a tshirt that I didn't mind 'risking', made a heart and took the plunge off the diving board!!

It does look a bit naff on the top picture but I can assure you that it ain't that bad!!!  I'll be a bit more careful next time I use it - yes there WILL be a next time, I assure you.  Since these pictures the shirt has been through the washing machine a few times and it does look better.  I can promise you one thing - that heart will be on there until the shirt dies a decent death.  It's not going anywhere else, I assure you!!!  

So, I'm pleased with this product and wish I'd had it when I put these letters  (below) onto Nick's jumper a few years ago.  Before  you throw up your hands in dismay - he ASKED me to make them and add them to the jumper!!!  The picture is him modelling it!

Day 5 now available

OK, this is roughly the halfway point and it's now time for Day 5 which is here.

Some pictures to keep you going and to see some of the guesses too!!!

Now, why WOULD you?

Use boring needles and needle tat when you can use something like this?

I first spotted this on ebay just before Christmas and had it on my 'watch' list for the whole time it was listed.  I meant to leave a bid but at the last minute did what I'm good at - wandered off and forgot.  

Well, that was the end of it as far as I was concerned but a week or two later I saw this post on Diane's blog.  Well I turned green (not blue which is Diane's favourite colour) and not an ordinary green either but a BRIGHT one - with envy!!!  

I spoke to Diane about the shuttle and she gave me the email address of the lady who makes them.  I wrote to her and she made a penguin shuttle for MEEEE.  Isn't it lovely?  It just reminded me of all the penguin patterns I've done over the years!!!

Julie Patterson

Now, does that name ring a bell?  It should do.  I nearly fell off my perch when I saw Julie's name in my inbox and taking part in this year's TIAS.

For those who haven't been in Tat Land very long I'll explain.  Julie is a designer from Australia who has been megga busy for the past seven years and hasn't had time to do much tatting.  BUT the good news is that she's coming back home (that's here in Tat Land) to live.  

To give you a mere inkling of what she's done in the past please visit this link.  Oh, and this one, this one and - well, just google her!!!  

Julie now does pdf copies of her books and you can order them from her.  Her email address is clickable here.  She charges AUD$12/book or AUD$30 for all three bundled so if you want any or all please drop her a line.  She's sent me pictures and here are the covers of her 3 books to whet your appetite!!

Can't tell you how excited I am that she's back with us - well, almost!!!!

Heart for a hanky

Today it's time for day 4 of the Tat It And See.  Here's the link.  You will notice that we're all back together again - cautious and intrepid tatters alike!!!!  This will remain the 'status quo' for the rest of the game.  All together now, TAT!!!!

Oh, I forgot to show you the little heart I added to the hanky.  It's here if you want to take a look at it.  Obviously I didn't add beads to this one as - well, who wants to wipe their nose on some scrunchy, hard beads, eh?

Quick announcement!

Just a quick announcement to let  you know that Day 4 of the Tat It And See will be out tomorrow.  Links just above for days 1 - 3 and introduction.  Remember - you can start and finish at any time as there are no 'rules' really!!!!

TIAS blog is here.