Onion rings

No, not the sort I prefer (the ones you eat) but the ones you can make with tatting.  

NOT my favourite thing to do but since I've been in deep discussion with Judith Connors she's shown me a really neat way to get the bottom of the onion ring to sit so, so neatly.  In fact my onion rings will now have a neater bottom than ever before!!  I'm so, so grateful for Judith bringing this to my attention and then helping me get the drawings right.  Not easy when you're at opposite ends of the planet!!!

Meantime I must tell you about my woes with the pattern site.  I upgraded the IOS on my computer and then found that the SeaMonkey app (which I've used for many, many years) wouldn't work. Oh, such deep sorrow.  

I asked Sue Duckles if her hubby could help me and he very kindly did his best but the BC3 is allergic to learning html or anything new for that matter.  I did manage to insert some text and a link using a tutorial online but it really 'strained my brain'.  

When I'd almost given up hope but the following day I opened SeaMonkey to find they'd done an update.  Downloaded and installed it and it WORKS again.

So, here's the link to the onion ring that has a very neat bottom!!!

Rock and Roll

No, no, NO!!!  I mean Slope and Roll.  Sheesh - send for BC3 FAST!!!

Seriously now.  Today I'm putting a new page on my pattern pages to show the slope and roll join.

This join was originally shown by Deb Arnold but I can't find a link to her very clear diagram and page about it.   In fact I can't even find her shop anymore which is a shame.  The link from a google search took me to a blank page.

This join is particularly useful if you want/need the core shuttle thread to keep 'on the move' in the join and can replace the lock join to also give a smoother looking join.  

It's a great technique for an onion ring too.  Which reminds me on to tell you that over the weekend I'll be working on getting the onion ring page up on the web site too.  Yes, I've covered this before but that was before I got into a great discussion about onion rings with Judith Connors.  More next week.

Here's the link and a picture to 'liven up' the post!!!

56 motifs done!

Now this measures 10½” x 11½” and I'm trying to decide what to do with it still.

I've had this totally RIDICULOUS idea of making it into a poncho.  How STOOOOOOOOOOOOPID is that?  

I worked it out yesterday and this part is almost ¼ of the way to being a poncho but my new problem will soon be - how much thread will it now need?  I'm rapidly getting down my stock of odds and ends. 

I'm going to do another row and then take a careful stock check of what I've got.  If I'm not careful I'll be finding I've got none of some colours left!!!

The psychology of tatting

Well, maybe!!!

I was pondering about the whole psychology of this lace or any other craft, come to that.  

I read a lot of blogs and Facebook posts and sadly the main ‘aim’ it seems to me is quick gratification. By that, I mean, people mainly want something small and fast to make.  

This intrigues me as I’ve never felt that way about anything in life.  I’m happy to wait for gratification in all aspects of my life.  I’ll wait for anything.  If I order something online, or in a queue in a shop, waiting for a bus, etc, I don’t mind how long it takes - the anticipation is what makes my adrenaline flow.  I feel almost deflated when the item arrives or I get to the front of the queue.

I occasionally like to make something that only takes an evening but then I’m left with that feeling of ‘what’s next’?  So, to cope with my weird way of dealing with tatting projects is to have two projects (sometimes three) ‘on the go’.  One a short term one and the other a longer one - although I never commit totally to how long that long term one may be as at my age (77) you never know how long ‘long’ will take and if you’ll be around to finish.

So, I would say to the younger generation - make a commitment.  Both to what you’re making now and your life in general.  

Does that make sense and would you like a picture to liven this post up?

More bells

I’ve been busy doing a few more bells as well as the Fandango ‘whatever it is’ but I’ve hit the skids on what I was planning.

Somewhere I’ve got a dangle with bells and leaves but I’m darned if I can find them.  I’ve hunted high and low for the little box with them in but they’ve hidden themselves really well.  My heart really isn’t in making anymore until I find the missing ones.  This is what I’m looking for.

This is what I’ve got so far - sorry, not a good picture.

Oh, just looked at the date - it’s Friday 13th so maybe I’ll buck the trend and be lucky enough to find the missing bells.  Keep your fingers crossed, please.

Still plodding on

I've not a lot to show you again this week but hope to be back in full production 'mode' shortly!!!!  

This is the progress I've made on the Fandango project.  

It doesn't look a lot but I really must decide soon what it's going to be!!!  

Well, well, well!!!!

As you ALL know - America is a BIG place.  I've been so lucky to visit many times over the years and have seen a few parts of the country but it amazes me that suddenly I find that Palmetto Tatters (the main reason for my visits) have moved their venue.  

After Tat Days in 2014 I was 'kidnapped' and taken to the mountains at Lake Junaluska for a few gloriously lazy tatting days.  Wonderful memories of very dear friends.  

Palmetto have had to move from Toccoa in Georgia (because the Baptist Centre there is being sold) and are now going to Lake Junaluska which is near Waynesville in North Carolina.

I've decided not to apply to teach next year as I'm still very wary of the Covid virus but I WILL be trying for a place in 2022!!!  Already got two patterns lined up!!

Well done my lovely Palmetto friends.  Here are a few photos I took when I was there in 2014.  

30 Fandango’s

.Chilling out with the shuttles and time to add a few more Fandango squares to the ‘whatever it is’.  

I really ought to make up my mind about what I’m making here.  The idea of a sleeveless top appeals to me.  Something like a jacket?  I’m not sure.  All I do know is that it’s making a very small dent in the very fine sewing threads that Sue gave me ages ago!!!!  

If anybody has any suggestions for the project I’d be very grateful.  At the moment it measures 9” by 7”.

One done and one to do

I’m afraid this blog maybe quiet for a week or two while BC3 adjusts his brain cells!!!

The first secret project is done and due to be handed over later today.  You’ve seen bits of it (the crochet posts) and I’m afraid that’s all I’m allowed to show.  

It was an interesting experience as I had to design a crochet piece to fit onto a template and then that was sewn onto another piece of crochet and another fabric.  

I wrote down the pattern as I went along which was another steep learning curve too.  All I want/need to do now is get back into doing something which doesn’t ‘strain the brain’.  

Bear with me while I adjust, please as I know you’re going to like what I’m working on next!!!

Oh, a picture of another part of the crochet project to cheer up this dull post!!!

I had to smile!!!

I scanned this part of the secret project before I realised what I was seeing!!!

Can you see an arm with a hand holding a gun?!?!?  Now is that a clue? 

Snowflower snowflake

I needed to test the pattern out for this snowflake from a few years ago so that meant a happy evening doing something I didn't have to think toooooo hard about!!!! 

If you want to see it here's the link.

Still time

To make a spider or two before Halloween!!!

A little bit about

One of my secret projects.  I can't tell you what it's for but I can show you some bits and pieces from this long project.  So far I think I've devoted three full weeks to it but I can now see a little light at the end of the tunnel!!!!

I do have an example to work from but it's testing my poor old BC3 - and my poor old hands too!!!!

It just HAD to happen!!!

Having received the favourite gold metallic thread from Estonia last week I felt a massive sense of relief and set off to make some bauble bells.

Here's the link to my post about the metallic thread but what I didn't tell you is how tough it is!!!  

When I make the bauble bells (pattern here - which is really only guidance as you can make them bigger) I really tug and tug on the ribs and on the core chain thread too and this never EVER breaks this metallic thread.  

I made a set which you can see here and they were sold magnificently in the silent auction last year at Palmetto Tat Days.  I'm thinking this time I might cover some large beads using this pattern instead of leaves in between!!  

Snowflake Butterfly

Sorry but this took a day longer than I thought.  Guess what happened?

Anyway, here's the link now and I hope one or two of you may make it and show it to me over the next few years!!!  

That's unless, of course, you get sidetracked too!!!!

Sally's version

Way back in January before the world went into chaos I designed a little butterfly which I showed you here.  This is a blog post that I had ready back then but it's been sitting in drafts ever since!!!

"I asked Sally if she had time to test this Butterfly Snowflake and she did but typical of sisters - she had ‘another good idea’ and I think it’s a stonking GREAT idea.

Can you see what she’s done? She’s added two further rings to the tip of the snowflake arms. I LOVE it and will add it to the pattern - when I get back to it.

Yes, you’ve guessed - I’ve been sidetracked yet again!!!"

Sidetracked is right.  Here I am now in October and I suddenly noticed that the above comment and Sally's snowflake were sitting here on my blog!!!  

Fortunately I've only got a bit of tidying up to do so should have this pattern ready for you tomorrow.  Of course, that depends on if I get sidetracked once again!!!

25 and counting

Well, hopefully I've counted properly this time!!  Only one person picked up on my inability to count!!!

My last post here was not 13 plus or minus anything!!!  I think it's time I went back to school!!!

This time I think I've used all my fingers and toes to count but had to add one hand again!!!  I know this is 25!!

An update on my two secret projects.  One is almost ready for the 'real deal'.  The thing I've been asked to do is a wavy shaped piece of crochet to fit a very specific shape/place.  Fortunately I've had a practice item to work with but even that has not been easy.  The lady made me a template as this is all 3D too and that has helped loads.  Shortly the 'real deals' will arrive and hopefully I'll be able to settle down to those.  

Once I've got them done then it'll be back to the other secret project!!!!

My FAVOURITE metallic thread

Un flipping believable.

For two years now I've been waiting for a supplier of thread here in the UK to get a certain metallic thread back in her shop.  I'm afraid I have nagged a bit too and I apologise for that!!!

It’s the only metallic thread I’ve ever really rated on all scores - Nakis Simi.  I simply LOVE it.  I bought some off her a year or more ago but it was purple and I really wanted gold as I have very little left.  I like the Lizbeth range of metallics but found it works up a little too 'fat' for me.  I guess that maybe it's because I'm getting a little too 'fat' myself!!!

I actually had time the other day to ask Mr Google about it and he found me some in Estonia.  

Now that’s a long way to go to find thread but needs must.  I ordered two spools.

It cost me £10.50 which was mainly for postage.  Each spool costs under a pound so it was a lot for postage. BUT considering it arrived in ten days and that if I’d ordered within the UK it may have cost me two pounds or more in postage alone then it’s amazing value.  

AND I know I love it and each spool will last forever - there's soooo much on each one (100 metres).  I ordered two spools.  This is the link to the shop if you want to browse and this is the link to my all time favourite metallic thread. 

I use it a lot for making bells using the bauble method and do have a pattern for that on my web site here.  The pictures show bells I made with the Nakis Simi too.

Amazing company and I'm now thinking I really, really need some more silver!!!

Monday Moan - just a simple question

When somebody accuses you of an action, in public, that you know nothing about and had no part in then why can't they say 'sorry' when they know they're wrong?

To cheer you up - a photo from one of my recent walks.

13 minus one plus one!!!

Why the title to this post?  Well, read on!!!

I bet you can't spot why I cut one of the squares out?  I didn't 'see' the problem until I'd scanned the top picture and then it was glaringly obvious!!!!  Well, to me.  I could've probably 'got away with it' by carrying on but that's just NOT my way of working!!!  

So, look at the top right of the top picture and can you see the problem?  That motif is 'bulging' outwards.  So I cut it out and pared down the thread thickness and did the replacement.

This is the joy and frustration of HWT.  The joy is in the variety of colours you can mix yourself but you have to have a good BC3 to keep it under control.  My BC3 obviously took the day off when I started that square.  

The thing about HWT and using sewing weight thread is that the exact match of thickness isn't really too critical but if you're not careful you can choose one thread that is slightly too much thicker than you need.  I can't understand why I carried on with that square as it was obvious before I'd got halfway that it wasn't going to work!!!  I guess I was feeling lazy and didn't want to put things right at the time!!!

A quiet time ahead

Well quiet for the blog although a little tatting will be shown and not 'just' Fandango squares!!

The reason is because I've got two secret projects on the go at the moment.  The one you will eventually get to hear about but the other - probably not.

I will tell you a little bit about the 'probably not' one, though.  It involves crochet with a size 1mm hook and size 20 thread and is waaaaay out there as being totally original.  It's for a lady who makes really cool 'stuff' and wants somebody to replicate something already made for her in the past.  It's all custom made to each purchaser's requirements too.  

This is going to keep me busy for a month or so but as it's going to be hard on my hands I'm going to be taking regular breaks with the shuttles.

A new mouse!

Another mouse has entered the Exclusive Tatting Club.

This one is from Mary Anne in Ohio who had it in the Spokane Interstate Fair.  She got a blue ribbon too.  Here's the link to it in the club. 

Time passes

Another few are added!!!

The Fandango is growing.  The top  picture of six measures 3" by 4½" which makes each one around 1½" square - just in case anybody wants to know!!!

This is such a nice thing to work as I can easily get a square (and a fair bit more) done in an evening - unlike gloves!!!  

I do have a new project in mind so the blog posts may get fewer and fewer for a while!!  It's a pattern which I found on my computer and which was finished in 2004 but has never made it onto my web site.  I've no idea why either.  BUT I think I can now improve on it so you'll have to bear with me (or be thankful that I've gone quiet).  Plenty around me would relish me being quiet!!!

The daytime job!!!

Now Sandra sent me this link to a really snazzy bag idea.

Well I HAD to make one (or maybe two)!!!!  

I realised that if you're going to make a folding up bag to go in your pocket (or, in my case, my dedicated Covid bag) then it's got to be made of thin strong fabric.  I've used a thin cotton for this one but feel I should've used something like shower curtain fabric.  Due to the darn virus going shopping in Birmingham for the right fabric is currently impossible.  Also I'd have to look for small prints of plain on something this size.  

Still it was fun to make and simple too once BC3 got it into his brain!!!!  Off to make another now as I've got a plan for it!!!

If you want to see how simple it is do visit the link above and watch how easy it is to fold back up.

Moaning Monday!

This Monday (I’ve had a break from moaning for a week or two) I’m moaning about time!!!!  

I’m nearly 77 and it just seems to fly.  Whatever I do it just ‘goes’.  

I’m working on a new design for a special reason (to be announced soon, I hope) and then along comes another ‘little’ job.

In this day and age it never fails to amaze me how people ‘find’ people even if they haven’t seen or heard from them for many years.  

A friend found me through a google search - she lives about twelve miles away.  Thanks to her finding my pattern site and contacting me I may have something really different to show you soon too.  I will have to ask her permission about sharing when we’ve worked out exactly what she needs.

I’m also very tempted to continue with the Fandango too but trying to keep it for when I’m burnt out on the other projects.  Meanwhile I’m going to add a picture - just to make something different for you to look at.  Another part of my life - walks around my area.

Finally the final!!!

Well, final for now!!! 

This is the yarn I bought two weeks ago.  There's just enough for another pair of gloves but I like the yarn so much I know I'll be able to knit them another time when I've 'in the mood'.

I'm just so thrilled with the new way of knitting them - fingers to cuff that I know I'll want to play again sometime!!!

A bit more Fandango ing!!

I pick this up from time to time in between knitting gloves.  

It always amazes me when I try things like this out how the colours 'go' together.  I take ages trying to decide which goes with which but find that in the end it's best to let instinct take over!!!  

This is the result of the third instinct.  

Here's the last post on this adventure.  

Now they're a pair!

The green glove now has a friend!!!  

I'm going to make one more pair with my new yarn and then it'll be onto something else.  Not quite sure what yet but I've a few days to make up my mind as gloves take a few days to make.  That's being pretty full on with them too.

Yvonne's cupcakes

Yvonne wrote one day last week  to show me what she'd done with this cupcake pattern.  

Isn't this a clever idea?  I wondered how she'd put them together so she sent me the picture at the bottom.  I'd never have thought of that.  It's a dear little charm bracelet now and I bet her grandkids are loving them.

Here's what she said.

"Hi Jane, I used your cupcake earring pattern to make bracelets for my grandchildren. I thought you would like to know."

By the way, there's a larger cupcake here if you ever want one.  No calories involved either.

One green glove!!!

Well I got to the end of the glove.  Of course I've got to do another now!!!

Another plus mark for this pattern is that the thumb isn't just 'stuck on the side' but placed slightly in towards the palm which is where thumbs are on the hand!!  So many patterns do just stick the thumb on the side and, personally, I find those sort uncomfortable to wear.  

I'm not happy with this glove particularly but I'll find somebody who'll want it, I hope!!!  

Meantime I feel the 'need' to knit another pair - perhaps I'll treat myself to some new yarn!!  Having knitted with stash yarn since the beginning of last winter I feel I now need a 'treat'!!!  

The fingers to cuff glove progress

Wow this is a steep learning curve but I LOVE IT.  

The pattern (which can be found here)  uses an i-cord technique for the fingers but I quickly decided that I'd use my double pointed needles (which Terry in Canada helped me buy and which I love).  

You saw the fingers separately two days ago but then I had to find a second circular needle the same size as the one that Joanie had given me.  Eureka - I'd got one so no waiting for Amazon to send me one!!!  I'd NEVER seen this way of knitting with circular needles before - it's epic.

What I really, REALLY love about this pattern is the way the fingers are put together.  As those who knit gloves the 'right way round' (cuff to fingers) know it's always a struggle to avoid the gaping at the base of the fingers but NOT in this method.  It's just so darn clever as there's an ingenious way of criss crossing stitches to avoid it.

I'm hoping that with fair weather and the wind in my sails I'll have the first completed glove finished by tomorrow.  The second one should follow pretty quickly.

Let's go back to the Fandango

I did this before I started on the green 'back to front' glove so while I'm playing with the first of the green gloves I'll show you the next Fandango.

I'm using what Sue sent me and sometimes she'd already wound 3 or 4 threads together but I'm using two together.  That makes for some cussing  as I re-sort them to two but I actually enjoy that part of the tatting process.  

They look a bit 'wonky' but that's the way they are when I haven't bothered to plonk an iron on them!!!!

A puzzle for you all!!!

Can you guess what this is?

I'm sure  you've been able to read BC3's little brain by now so I'm not going to keep you in suspenders (whoops, suspense) for long.

They're fingers.  YES THEY ARE.  It's thanks to a very nice lady (thank you, Mary) who left a comment on my Facebook tatting page telling me that you can knit gloves from the fingers to the cuff.  

What a splendid idea when you're using up 'odds and ends' like I was in the last two pairs of gloves.  This would mean that you could make all the fingers the same and then play with the hand  and cuff with whatever you liked.  

So, off I went on another adventure.  More on Thursday when I've got a bit further.  If I'm managing OK I'll give you the link too.  Remember - knitting isn't my 'thing' really but I do enjoy a challenge.

Finished the second glove!

Well there you go!!!  Two different balls of yarn in a pair of gloves with just a little leftover at the end!!!  IF I'd had more of the lower yarn I would've divided it so that I started in the same place but having knitted socks with it I knew that the colour repeats were so long that I probably would've run out of it a lot sooner and wouldn't have been able to complete the pair.

BUT - you'll have to come back tomorrow to read the next part of the story as it doesn't end here!!!  

Oooooh, I do make myself laugh!!!

Let's go back to the Fandango square.

When I came up with this little Fandango square back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth I didn't realise how many patterns would come from it - or how many uses it would have.

I need a little something or other for my 'go to' when I'm tired tat.  Something I can just pick  up and 'do'.  So I decided it would have  to be the Fandango - BUT.  

Me being me I couldn't leave it alone - I had to fiddle with it as I wanted a ring in the middle.

Also I wanted to play with HWT - hand wound threads.  I am afraid I'm not into variegated threads unless they have subtle colour changes.  So I like to make my own. 

I year or two or whatever back I had a whole lot of odds and ends given to me by Sue so I've got them out of the cupboard to play again.  The biggest fun with this project is that no decisions have to be made until you want to start a new square!!!  This is my start!!!

Hanky finished

Finally it's done.  I made it up as I went along which makes for interesting (and frustrating) times!!!

I no longer have this as I’ve given it to a neighbour.  The colours just reminded me of Judy and I’m determined NOT to keep any more tatting as the pieces I’ve already done are cluttering up the house.  Boxes full of tatting which I really need to give away too.

Grace - endless hearts

I’ve been playing with Grace’s lovely little hearts braid and corner.  The reason I stopped where I did was because I decided I didn’t like the colour combo!!!!  That is typical of me.  

I’ve used a size 40 thread and I extended the long chains too as I like the space above them.  When I get back to it again (and I will) I will use size 40 once more.  I wasn’t happy with parts of it and I’m afraid I abandoned the EPJ join in favour of a regular lock join with a vsp over it.  Just one join was a bit of a pain without the EPJ but a ‘poke your hook into the base’ proved easier than I thought!!!  

This is a delightful little pattern and it’s so kind of Grace to give it away for free too.  Thanks, Grace.

Another glove!!!

The odd scraps of yarn I've got left from two other pairs of socks have been weighed and found to be enough (easily) for another pair of gloves.  Can you see where the colours change just above where the thumb starts?

Well I made sure I divided that second ball into two balls before I started.  The ball which made the lower part was one which Terry in Canada kindly gave me.  It was already divided into two balls by Terry.  I've now got two pairs of socks which will match one pair of gloves - well, sort of!!!! 

That's, of course, when I've completed the second glove!!!!