Tattyhead

Anne Orr Edgings - last one

2012-02-01T10:59:00.001Z

I found this one the most difficult to decipher! I have not altered the pattern (although the original had more than one mistake, good thing there was a picture to study!) I have simply re-written it in modern tatting language.

Anne Orr Edging Adaptations

2012-01-31T11:46:00.000Z

This is just an original Anne Orr edging that I have re-written

This is my first adaptation

And this is my second adaptation

Next Anne Orr Edging

2012-01-31T11:43:00.000Z

I haven't adapted this Anne Orr edging, just written out the pattern in modern tatting language.

Anne Orr Edging Adaptations 1

2012-01-22T18:28:00.001Z

We have been asked by Georgia Seitz of the On-line Tatting Class to adapt some of Anne Orr's tatted edgings and write out the patterns/diagrams in modern tatting language.

When there is enough to put into a booklet, it will be sold to raise funds for the Palmettos Tat Days sponsorship.

Here is my take on two of them so far. In the ecru one I have slightly adjusted the stitch count and made the centre picot a long one.

Ms Orr calls the pink and white one Pheasant's Eye and so I thought that beads would be perfect for this. Again I have made the centre picot longer.

Oval Doily in ecru now finished!

2012-01-21T16:51:00.000Z

The doily is now finished. I have also finished the written pattern, but I have offered it to Georgia Seitz, to help raise funds for Palmettos sponsorship. If it is that she is not in a position to sell it to fellow tatters, then I will post it on my blog for free as usual.

Oval Doily in Ecru 3

2012-01-18T18:58:00.001Z

Here is the doily, now a little bigger. I'm quite enjoying this pattern, it seems to be flowing naturally without having to re-do any rounds.

Oval Doily in Ecru - 2

2012-01-15T12:43:00.001Z

Here, as promised, is a photograph of the next few rows of this new doily. So far each row has worked in very well.....no retro-tatting! Mind you, as it gets bigger, this will probably change! LOL!

Oval Doily in Ecru

2012-01-14T15:44:00.001Z

Having finished all my projects and having nothing in particular to do I thought I would make an oval doily to put on my new television table, which itself is oval, and is in black glass.

This is the start. I have done a couple of more rounds and will post a picture when it is bigger still. I am writing the pattern out as I go, for a change. This makes life much easier.....trying to count stitches retrospectively is no joy. I am doing this one in an antique thread in size 40.

Double Fuchsia Pattern

2012-01-09T15:15:00.000Z

I have now completed the pattern for my double fuchsia, and here is the link to the PDF. It will also be available from the free patterns section of this blog.

Green Cowl

2011-12-26T13:03:00.000Z

Here, as promised are pictures of the green cowl now completed. As you can see, I only did the diamond pattern all round for this one. It made it quicker to make as I didn't have to keep referring to the pattern chart!

Knitted Cowl for Charlie

2011-12-17T11:59:00.000Z

Since joining in with the Tatting Pattern Central I have discovered Knitting Pattern Central and made the mistake of showing Charlie, my daughter-in-law, the site. She browsed through the patterns and all I could hear was Ooo's and Ahhh's and ended up with a request.

Here is the first one that she has chosen and this is the LINK to the pattern. I really enjoyed knitting this cowel. It is a lovely pattern and it made such a change from tatting. I like it so much that I am making another one in shades of green, but I am only doing the diamond pattern. I will post a pic when I have finished it.

Dearest Friend Card

2011-12-16T19:11:00.000Z

Today is my dearest friend's birthday. Janet has been my friend since 1983 and has been "there" for me through thick and thin. A true friend who never expects anything in return!

Coronet Doily Variation - Completed

2011-12-05T14:50:00.001Z

Here, as promised, are pictures of the finished Coronet Doily Variation.

It was made with Coates Aida size 20 and measures approximately 25inches across.

Huge project nearly done!

2011-12-04T19:35:00.001Z

At last I have almost finished the variation of my Star Attraction Doily. I have only two more little joining motifs to do and then I will press it ready for photographing tomorrow morning in the daylight. As soon as I have done this I will post a picture. I have not been tatting very much lately as my health is not permitting me.....very FRUSTRATING!!!!

Ruby Anniversary

2011-11-21T14:18:00.001Z

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 40th (Ruby) wedding anniversary. We went out for a meal in the evening with our son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Charlotte, and our best friends, Janet and Allen.

It was a beautiful meal, with plenty of reminiscing, laughing until we were crying, and of course, free flowing alcohol!

Picture Parade!

2011-11-09T19:28:00.000Z

The pictures of the arum lilies with leaves and the gladiolus have been sent to me from Christine Tse Yuet Ngor. She purchased my books some time ago and has now sent me pictures of what she has completed. She is really enjoying tatting my patterns and I think she has done a brilliant job!

Patty Markley from the Shuttelbirds tatting guild has sent me this picture of my Rosette Doily that she has made and is now sitting prettily on her table! Beautifully tatted, Patty!

Long time!

2011-11-04T19:40:00.000Z

It's been quite a while since my last post! We have had some alterations at home and the extra work has really taken its toll on me, so much so, that I haven't tatted a stitch for two whole weeks! Now that isn't like me at all! I have an appointment to see a very special specialist about my back on 12th December and so I am keeping all my fingers (and toes!) crossed that he will be able to help me!
I have got as far as the 5th small doily around the coronet doily...I am very pleased with how it is looking and can't wait to get it finished, but the pain in my back will not let me lift my arms for long enough and with it being a complicated pattern I need to be able to concentrate. All I am doing at the moment are puzzles that I have downloaded off the internet onto my iPad!

Joining Motif for Coronet Doilies

2011-10-17T12:35:00.001+01:00

Following Judy Edwards adaptation of my Coronet Doilies (see previous post) I thought I would have a go at doing my own version.

This is how I would join the smaller outer coronet doily motifs together.

Only 5 more outer doilies and joining motifs to make! It will be quite large when it is completed (I am using size 20 Aida threads). I will post the overall size when I have finished.

Blue Ribbon Win!

2011-10-17T12:26:00.000+01:00

Judy Edwards entered her adaptation of my Coronet Doily into NC State Fair and won first prize in the lace section, which included all types of lace.

I think that this is a wonderful result and kudos for tatting!

Well done, Judy!

Double Fuchsia Flower

2011-10-06T17:30:00.000+01:00

While I have been waiting for my thread to arrive for my Coronet Doily I have been playing with designing a double fuchsia. I did a single one in my very first book Petals to Pearls but I was recently looking at one of my beautiful double flowers in my garden and thought what a gorgeous one it would be to be replicated!

Here is the end result. I will do some leaves to make a display and then produce the pattern for it!

Cornet Doily - next step

2011-10-06T17:20:00.001+01:00

Now that my new threads have arrived I can get on with this project! I'm pretty sure how I am going to join the outer motifs, but I think I will leave it as a surprise! LOL

Janet's Xmas Tree

2011-10-02T18:27:00.000+01:00

Here is Janet's trial run of my Xmas tree pattern, but using a needle instead of a shuttle. Didn't she do well?

Janet did not want to make the tree into 3D earrings - as in the pattern - but wanted it as a tree motif.

As she says in her message to me, the second side is not quite as even as the first, but she will get it much better with practice. Looking forward to seeing her improvement as time goes on!

Well done, Janet!

Coronet Doily Adaptation

2011-10-02T12:13:00.000+01:00

Over on InTatters one of the members had tatted my large coronet doily and then tatted and joined the smaller version around the outside. She then had to design a joining section. As you can see from this picture she did a pretty good job but I thought it would be fun to do my own version.

So far I have made the centre doily and done two of the smaller ones (pic not taken yet) but unfortunately I am running out of thread! I managed to get hold of Mary-Helen yesterday evening and very fortunately she has got the right thread and colours that I am using and is sending them to me. I will then crack on with the project.

In the meantime, I thought I would design a new fuschia flower. I have one in my book of summer flowers, but looking at a beautiful double one in my garden, I am going to see if I can do it justice!

Round/Square Doily

2011-09-15T17:10:00.000+01:00

I have finally finished my Round/Square Doily. The outside edge is a little crowded, but I think the shape makes a change from the usual round or square doilies.

My best friend, Janet, loves it and that's all that matters. I shall present it to her tomorrow on her 44th wedding anniversary. Her husband, Allan, will have to make do with a kiss! LOL!!!

Giovanna's Flowers

2011-09-09T10:22:00.004+01:00

Giovanna has been busy. Just take a look at these lovely flowers she has completed!

Round/Square Doily

2011-08-31T10:39:00.002+01:00

This is one of those patterns that I have picked up my shuttle to see where it would take me!

I started round, then went to square and now it would appear to be ending up as a rounded square! LOL.

My best friend loves it, so guess what? With an anniversary coming up it will be hers!

Another Celtic Knot Bookmark

2011-08-31T10:35:00.002+01:00

This is a variation on the Simple Celtic Knot Bookmark in my last post. I thought I would make it a little more interesting by weaving 3 rows of split rings.

Simple Celtic Knot Bookmark

2011-08-27T11:40:00.005+01:00

I have designed this simple bookmark. The twisted chains give it a Celtic Knot style and by using 4 shuttles in alternating colours, makes it look a little more interesting.

I have written the pattern out and published the PDF which you can get from here

or from the Free Patterns section of my blog.

Don't worry if you do not have 4 shuttles, it can be done with 2 shuttles and 2 ball threads, but it can twist up quite a bit this way. Much easier to keep the threads under control if you use 4 shuttles!

Maria's version of Rosette Doily

2011-08-26T10:37:00.003+01:00

Maria sent me a picture of the Rosette Doily that she just completed and considering she is a new tatter I thought she did it very well indeed!

Here is a link to her blog for more pictures.

Nina's pics

2011-08-25T10:08:00.004+01:00

Nina was having difficulty with my Josephine Knot Bookmark as can be seen in the green version. She thought that she had to close the JK with a picot. When I explained how to do it properly, you can see the result in the red version.

Well done Nina!

Variagated Doily

2011-08-20T15:16:00.002+01:00

I had some of this thread left on my shuttles from the ~Rosette Doily~ and thought I would use it up. I basically designed one row and then just kept repeating it. Sometimes offset and sometimes straight on. Not bad, but I don't think it is the best of designs!

Rosette Doily - Test Tatted

2011-08-19T16:57:00.002+01:00

Here is a picture of the Rosette Doily - the pattern for which my friend, Stephanie, test tatted for me. Didn't she do a grand job? I love the way she has used the white to accentuate the rosette edging! It just shows how colour can affect the end result and colour combinations are endless!

Rosette Doily Link

2011-08-17T20:24:00.002+01:00

I have now put the link to the Rosette Doily in the Free Patterns section on my blog. You will find it on the right hand side.....just scroll down.

The site that I use for my PDF files is freepdfhosting.com and it is a wonderful site to use. I can highly recommend it if you have PDF files that you would like others to be able to download.

Rosette Doily

2011-08-15T11:19:00.002+01:00

Here is my latest doily now tatted in a variagated thread. It is Lizbeth size 40 col 124. I have written out the pattern and my good friend, Stephanie, is test tatting it for me. As soon as she is done I will post the link to the PDF.
Here is the link now available.

Round doily

2011-08-11T14:27:00.004+01:00

My dear daughter-in-law asked me to make her another doily in brown and cream, to match her decor, to go under a vase.

On the journey to visit my mum on Tuesday, I came up with this design and finished it last night.

I used split rings and split chains to climb out of the rounds to prevent tying and cutting, but this shows up as the wrong colour. I decided that it didn't matter as the centre would be under the ornament and not seen.

I eventually worked out how to do the split chain with just one colour, but I couldn't remember how to do a single shuttle split ring, which might have solved the two-colour problem in the rings!

I really enjoyed doing this simple pattern and I am going to do it again with a single variagated thread and write the pattern out at the same time. When it is done I will post it here on my blog.

Book Covers All Done

2011-08-10T19:55:00.003+01:00

At last, I have finished the book cover for the Book of Mormon for my friend, Eileene. It, and the Bible cover, are already winging their way across the pond by first class air mail!

I found it very difficult to get the finished lace to the exact measurements, but I think there is enough stretch in them to fit the books. Better to be a little tight than to fall off!

Some good news!

2011-08-01T18:07:00.002+01:00

I saw a new neurosurgeon on Saturday just gone, and he thinks that my pain is not coming from the loose screws in my number 10 thoracic vertebrae, but higher up and therefore, surgery is probably not the way to go!

Instead, he thinks I would be best served by trying a nerve block.....locating the nerve roots that are causing me the pain and injecting them with anaesthetic and steroids. If this proceedure relieves the pain, then it can be done as a permanent proceedure.

It will leave me with a permanent numb band around my chest, but that has to be a million times better than severe pain 24/7!

I'm just hoping that I don't have to wait too long for the treatment.

In the meantime I have slowed down on the tatting, as I find it hard to sit for any length of time at the moment. The book cover for Eileene is coming along, but much slower than I wanted!

Next book cover

2011-07-17T16:01:00.003+01:00

Here is the design of the cover for Eileene's Book of Mormon. It is the same format as the bible cover, but with a different motif.

I have to get a move on with this now, as I have heard that my next big spinal operation is looming. I see a new specialist on 24th July and then the op should be done within a couple of weeks after. It can't come soon enough for me. Perhaps then I can get my life back!

Bible cover completed

2011-06-30T12:18:00.003+01:00

Here, as promised, are pictures of the bible cover. This is how it will look on the bible

This is the cover spread out before the side sleeves are folded over

This is the cover with the side sleeves folded over and anchored with a small tatted edging at the top and bottom of each sleeve.

Bible cover- update

2011-06-29T18:14:00.002+01:00

The bible cover is almost completed and when it is I will post pictures of it.

For the other cover that Eileene wants for her Book of Mormon, I think I will try and find a different motif....just so that I don't get bored! I designed a pretty square motif last year, using SCMRs (self closing mock rings) and I think that I can adapt this little motif to do the job I want.

Daffodil

2011-06-27T19:40:00.003+01:00

Carla placed this picture and post on her blog of my daffodil pattern that she worked from my ebook Tatted Flowers From Bulbs.
Didn't she do a good job?

Bible cover

2011-06-17T13:30:00.004+01:00

I was asked by my dear friend, Eileene, from USA, to make covers for her Holy Bible and Book of Mormon. She gave me the measurements and this is what I have come up with so far. The motifs will cover the front and back of each book and the rows of tatting will go down the spines. I will also do rows of tatting at each end and fasten at the top and bottom to make sleeves to anchor the covers on the books. I am using DMC size 70 and so the work is really delicate. The one I am doing at the moment (the bible one) will be 12 1/2" by 7 1/2".

What do you think of it so far?

Josehpine Knot Bookmark Pattern

2011-06-05T12:26:00.003+01:00

I have now written out the pattern for my latest bookmark, that I have called Josephine Knot Bookmark. You will find the link here or there is also a link on the right side bar of this blog in the "My Free Patterns" section. Enjoy!

Bookmark

2011-06-02T19:24:00.002+01:00

This is the adaptation of the Starfish doily. By using just one "tentacle" and elongating it, it makes a great bookmark!

3 Pics!

2011-06-01T17:19:00.005+01:00

I was playing around with my cross bookmark pattern, which I thought I could make into a star shape and this is the result - 5 pointed like a starfish - I quite like it. Next I am going to make a "straight" bookmark with the same josephine knot edging.

My next door neighbour is very kind to me, always lending me great books to read and so I thought I would surprise her with one of my cross bookmarks.

Here is a picture of my recent oval doily now in it's final resting place. I often put my tatted doilies under glass as it protects them and the glass protects the top of the wooden furniture. This occassional table is was bought in 1985 and there isn't a scratch on it!

Box of delights!

2011-05-27T15:25:00.003+01:00

Just look what I received in the post yesterday. This gorgeous box from my dear friend Eileene all the way from the USA. It was made by Eileens's husband, Frank, and didn't he do a grand job? Eileene included a ball of thread, a shuttle and a couple of patterns. I was so made up that I sent her a little package today, but shhhhh don't tell her, it's a surprise! LOL!!!

Oval doily in progress - completed

2011-05-26T10:56:00.005+01:00

Here is my latest doily completed. I wanted an oval doily to go under glass on an oval occassional table that I have. The doily that is on it at the moment is an old one from a pattern book and I wanted to replace it with something that I had designed myself. I have used a very standard edging, with a few tweeks, that can be found on many old patterns.....but I think that it works well in this case.

I doubt if I will ever write out the pattern for this as I would have to rework it to make it absolutely perfect......maybe one day, when I am bored and looking for something challenging!

Oval doily in progress

2011-05-22T16:08:00.003+01:00

This is the project that I am working on at the moment. It is worked with DMC size 70 vintage thread in ecru with a white border. Another couple of days should see it finished. This is another pattern that I have simply made up as I went along. I have only had to remove one round that did not work! LOL!!!

Bad news!

2011-05-18T15:59:00.003+01:00

I saw my spinal specialist on Monday 16th May, only to be told that the operation I had last year has failed. The top two screws are loose and will have to be put right, so I am back on the surgical waiting list yet again!
He is hoping to be able to do a simple exchange of screws (bigger ones) and bone grafts with my own bone and also synthetic material, but if when he gets in there it cannot be done, then it will mean fixation all the way up to my neck!

Rachel's wedding cake

2011-05-18T15:54:00.004+01:00

Here is the last wedding cake I intend to make. I only agreed to do this one because I had already made the bride's sister's wedding cake two years ago.

Why the last one? Because with my health problem, I worry that I would not be able to deliver on time. The pressure is too stressful! I adore making them, but the strain is too much!

Wedding dress - Royal? Edging

2011-05-13T20:54:00.004+01:00

I have been requested to show a close-up of the edging of the wedding dress and veil. This is the best I can do as the photo is not digital.

Each extending ring has a pearl bead and so you can imagine how many hundreds I used!

The edging was worked directly onto the tulle, but I made yards of the edging for the dress and sewed it on by hand.

The dress and veil can be found in my book From Petals to Pearls.

3 years 5 months already!

2011-05-10T02:25:00.004+01:00

Remember Imogen Rose, born on 3rd December 2007.

Where does the time go?

Wedding dress - Royal?

2011-05-07T10:11:00.003+01:00

This is a picture of a wedding dress a friend made that I took 3 months to decorate with tatting. The same beaded edging is all the way around the dress skirt and train and all around the cathedral length veil. The bodice has appliqued tatted motifs all over it. The fabric of the dress was watermarked silk.

It was made in 1988, modelled by my (then) 16 year old niece, Paula.

Does it remind you, similarly, of a recent royal wedding dress?

The old designs never date do they?

Sorry about the quality of the picture, but there were no digitals in those days! LOL!!!

PDF for the fan

2011-04-16T21:13:00.004+01:00

You will find the link to the PDF pattern for the fan at the top of the section called My Free Tatting Patterns which is on the right hand side of this blog.
Also you can find it here.

Fan-tastic project! Completed

2011-04-15T11:50:00.005+01:00

Here, as promised, are pictures of the completed fan. It is a simple ring and chain design, but I think you will agree that it looks quite effective. It is a little fiddly to close, but I think this will improve when it has been in the folded position for a while.

And it works! Even though it is lacy, it still causes a nice, ladylike draught! LOL!!!

Fan-tastic project!

2011-04-11T17:02:00.008+01:00

It was Mother's Day here recently and my son and his lovely wife, Charlie (who is coming to the end of her breast cancer treatment, took me out for a meal. While we were eating, Charlie became very hot, as she often does, due to the side effects of the treatment and I thought that a lace fan would be perfect.

I found this old paper covered fan on Ebay for a very small amount of money and bought it.

When it arrived, I pulled the paper off and gave the plastic arms a good clean in warm soapy water.

It came up gleaming!

This is the design I have come up with so far and you can see it against the fan fingers in the next picture.

When I have tatted all the spines, I will then tat a fill-in design to join them all up.

I will post some pics when it is all done.

Flowers from Giovanna

2011-04-05T10:12:00.003+01:00

Giovanna sent me these beautiful pictures of the Stargazer Lily pattern from my book of exotic flowers. Aren't they gorgeous! And I love the spiky flowers she has done as part of the arrangement.......is this your own design, Giovanna?

Charlotte's Square

2011-04-02T19:43:00.004+01:00

Here is the finished doily, it measures approximately 12 inches across.

It is Mother's Day here in the UK tomorrow (3rd April) and Howard and Charlie are taking me out for a meal in the evening. I will take the doily with me and present it to Charlie. I know it should be the other way around, but so what! she's very special!

Work in progress!

2011-03-30T11:42:00.004+01:00

My new DIL, Charlotte, who is nearing completion of her breast cancer treatment, is feeling pretty rough at the moment and so I though I would cheer her up with a doily done in her favourite colours. She has a vase to sit on it that will compliment the colours perfectly.

I've got a couple of white rows to do and then I shall finish off with probably three rows of the dark purple. I am simply making it up as I go along and it seems to be flowing quite nicely....not much retro-tatting LOL!!!

The thread is Lizbeth size 40.

Handkerchief edging No 2

2011-03-23T13:52:00.004Z

This is handkerchief edging No.2 from Mary Konior's book A Pattern Book of Tatting, called Betsy's Downfall. Again it is sewn to an old, never used, handkerchief that I have had since childhood and the thread is an antique DMC size 70. The handky had a pale blue appliqued butterfly in one corner and so I made a corner of the pattern to sew onto each wing. I think you will agree that it looks quite effective.....so much so that my lovely DIL, Charlie, appropriated it to put in her "going out" hand bag! LOL!!!

Handkerchief edging No 1

2011-03-16T15:25:00.003Z

I recently bought a Mary Konior pattern book and this is an edging that I have done from it called Faith, Hope and Charity.

I decided to edge a handkerchief for myself to keep in my handbag. I have had the handky since I was a young girl back in the 1950/60's, but it has never been used....I'm amazed that is has stayed so beautifully white!.... and the thread is vintage Coates size 40 c...1960's

The pattern is just rings, but beautifully designed. There are no diagrams but it is well written and easy to follow.

Exotic arrangement

2011-03-14T10:22:00.003Z

Just look at this gorgeous arrangement that Maria Johanna Tjia has made using my book Exotic Range of Tatted Flowers!

Well done, Maria!

If any other tatters have done my patterns we would all love to see pictures of them!

Mary Konior Pattern Book

2011-03-13T11:46:00.003Z

Yippee!!!! I was the winning bidder for this fabulous Mary Konior book from Ebay!

Although I rarely use other designers' patterns I simply could not resist another book from this treasured designer!

Browsing through has already given me ideas that I want to put into practice.

Change of internet

2011-03-07T17:20:00.002Z

I changed my internet provider to get a better deal......oh boy! what a performance!!!!!
BT Internet should have been a doddle, but when I could not get my broadband up and running and many, many calls later, they sent out an engineer this morning. You'll never guess what the problem was! In the local exchange the original engineer had wired my broadband line to ITSELF! Durrr!!!

Video demo uploaded

2011-02-28T10:49:00.003Z

I was asked to demonstrate tatting the outer edging of my Coronet Doily as it was a little complicated and here is the end result.

Motif and Coronet Edging

2011-02-25T16:18:00.004Z

I have been asked to video myself working the outer edging on my Coronet Doily and so, of course, I had to make another one to achieve this. I used Lizbeth thread, size 40 in 120 colourway, but this thread was a real nightmare with the amount of twist in it!!! No matter how carefully I wound my shuttles, or let them dangle, there was always too much twist.....I had to be really careful how I closed my rings!
The software with my new computer is soooo different from my last one that it is going to take me sometime to work out how to edit my video. For YouTube it can only be 10 minutes or less and at the moment my clip is 30!

This is a little motif that I doodled with a couple of nights ago. I just wanted to tat something while I was watching television and this is what I came up with.
I used split rings, split chains and thrown off rings to achieve the look.
The thread is Altin Basak 50, although it tats up more like a 20 size!

Bandwidth exceeded again!

2011-02-21T15:08:00.002Z

With uploading my lastest book, and it being so popular, I have exceeded my bandwidth on my web site.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience for anyone wanting to purchase any of my books. The web site will be back on line on 1st March 2011.
This only happens when I actually upload a new book.......and this latest book is quite a big file!

Hexagon doily

2011-02-14T15:39:00.002Z

I played around with the square motif I did last year using mock rings and made it into a 6-sided hexagon shape.

It is a very basic pattern that I am sure many other tatters have come up with.

I simply joined each motif so that the whole shape was a hexagon and then finished it off with a border.

Tatted Tiaras and Bridal Pieces

2011-02-05T14:25:00.004Z

The new book "Tatted Tiaras and Bridal Pieces" is now available and uploaded onto my web site, Here is the direct link to the appropriate page.

I decided to get a move on with this publication so that fellow tatters had plenty of time for tatting for spring brides and weddings.

The pictures show just a few of the 24 pages.

I hope you all enjoy having a go!

New book nearly done!

2011-01-31T19:08:00.002Z

This bridesmaid's headdress completes my new book. All I have to do now is to check through it for mistakes and to add an abreviations/instructions page.

Yippee!!!!!

What on earth am I going to do now? Any ideas? Mind you, the last time I asked that question I was landed with designing this latest book! LOL

Finished arrangements

2011-01-30T19:10:00.003Z

This is just to show how different the same motifs can look, simply by assembling them in different ways!

Designing all done!

2011-01-29T21:51:00.006Z

Here are a few more motifs that I have done for the new book.

I have done enough patterns now and my next job is to show how I assemble the motifs into arrangements.

2011-01-21T16:21:00.002Z

Here are a couple of motifs that I am going to use in my new book "Tiaras and Headdresses".

My idea is to show that the same motifs can be put together in different ways to achieve a different look.
In these pictures, the motifs are simply placed together for the camera. I will eventually wire them and then tape them together, probably with some little fill-in daisies as well.

Headdress motifs

2011-01-18T15:10:00.003Z

Here are a few motifs I have come up with for the latest book of patterns. I shall show how to assemble them into both a hair slide and a corsage, showing that the same motif can be used in more ways than one.

Tatting time again

2011-01-16T13:19:00.002Z

At last I can get back to my tatting. Boy have I missed it.....but I suppose that it will be all the more pleasurable after the break.

Now, do I continue with the tatting tiaras or have a go at Jane's TIAS (tat if and see)? Hmmmm, I'm spoilt for choice!

Still knitting!

2010-12-18T14:04:00.002Z

Just to let everyone know that I am still alive and kicking and still knitting!

I have now finished my second aran cardigan and at last I have started an aran jumper for myself. I was hoping to have it finished in time for Christmas, but unfortunately, life got in the way LOL, like appointments of one kind and another and decorating two Christmas cakes!

When I have finished with the knitting I will get back to tatted tiaras and headdresses etc..

Tiaras assembled

2010-11-25T13:55:00.004Z

While I'm waiting for my new wool to arrive I thought I would finish off a couple of tiaras.

I have attached the tatting to the headband using fine jewellery wire. The left one I added pearl beads at the same time. This could also be done for the one on the right and I think it would benefit from it....what do you think?

After I had assembled the tiaras I felt that they were not stiff enough - I had used "Fraycheck" - and so I dipped the tatting in full strength PVA glue, wiped off the excess with a damp cloth and reshaped the tatting by moulding them against curmpled alluminium foil. The stiffness is now perfect!

Christmas knitting

2010-11-23T11:51:00.002Z

My tatting is on hold at the moment as I am now concentrating on knitting presents for Christmas.

The cardigan shown is one I have just done (it took me 10 days to complete....it would have been less, but I had to wait for the zip) and did not have pockets in the pattern so I made up my own. What use is a jacket without pockets! This cardy is acutally a birthday present for our best friend, Allan's, 65th, which is only 4 days before Christmas!

I won't be able to start my next garment until Thursday.....that is when my next lot of wool will arrive. I use 4 ply cone wool and put two strands together to make double knitting weight and three strands together for Aran weight. I find this much better than buying wool of the actual weight, especially if it is acrylic. It produces a much tighter knit and keeps its shape wash after wash. I also use smaller needles and adjust the stitch count for the tension. With the cardy just done it was three strands of different colours, dark brown, camel and beige, which made an interesting tweed look.

Bridesmaid - first design

2010-11-10T12:24:00.003Z

Here is the first little headdress completed. I think that I will design a certain amount of 3D flowers and then show how they can be arranged in different ways.

How does this sound?

Project "Tiara" started!

2010-11-09T15:13:00.003Z

Following the request to make a Tiara pattern book, I have made a start on the designs.

The creamier colour is a size 20 thread and 4mm pearl beads and the one in the top left of the picture is done with a perle size 12 and tiny beads with a silver centre.

I have now soaked the pieces of tatting in a stiffening solution and when they are dry I will attach them each to a headband.

The new book will also contain headdresses/fascinators and corsages. The first one is almost ready to assemble. I will post a pic when it is done.

Another Doodle

2010-10-29T15:21:00.003+01:00

Here is another doodle. This is a combination of the recent doily and the last motif.

This has been done in Coates size 70 thread and measures 5.5 inches (14cm)

Tiaras and Headdresses?

2010-10-28T16:10:00.002+01:00

Lily, a fellow tatter, sent me an email today asking me if I would consider doing a book on tiaras and the like. What do you think? Would any of you tatters, out in cyberland, be interested in this type of pattern book?
If I get a good response I would certainly like to do this. I could also accompany the book with a CD on how to assemble the 3D flowers into fascinators and corsages.
I await your response in aniticipation!

Motif doodle

2010-10-27T15:55:00.003+01:00

Have shuttle will travel!

This is the result of just picking up my shuttle and starting to tat, with no particular idea of where it was going to take me.

I quite like this one and think it will look well on my Christmas tree. I think I will do it in sparkly threads and beads next.

Bandwidth exceeded!

2010-10-27T10:55:00.002+01:00

Well! After all the cafuffle of getting my web site up and working, I have now exceeded my bandwidth for this month!

This does not normally happen to me, but because I kept trying, on several occassions, to upload my edited web site files, it was all registering as traffic.

I think everything will go back to normal in November, but if anyone would like to purchase any of my books before then, please contact me by email.

Web Site Up and Running!

2010-10-25T19:34:00.003+01:00

At last my web site is back to normal. A close family friend sorted it all out for me, in seconds, after I had been trying for days! You wouldn't believe that just one click could make such a difference!

My new book Tatted Flowers From Bulbs is now listed on my web site and there is a link on the right side bar in the Items For Sale.

I have inlcuded a picture of our friend's little girl, Imogen Rose, who is nearly three years old. Old friends of my blog will remember me blogging about her birth and her Christening
She is fearlessly lying on the observation glass at the top of Blackpool Tower. Blackpool Tower is a smaller version of the Eifel Tower in Paris.

Coronet Doily - Small Version

2010-10-23T15:00:00.003+01:00

I have been playing with the Coronet Doily pattern and have come up with a smaller version. (It will look better when I have pressed it, but I wanted to get it posted on my blog!) It can be made in conjunction with the full sized one, like a dressing table set, or just on its own as a coaster or ornament mat. I will write out the pattern as soon as I get a moment.
Clyde is hoping to finish test-tatting the large doily by this weekend. As soon as he gives me the go ahead, I will publish the pattern.
Here is the link now for the pattern.

Tatted Flowers From Bulbs

2010-10-22T17:18:00.004+01:00

Although my web site is still not up and running again yet, I thought you might like to see a little of the new book.

Kirsty Anear, from Intatters, has very kindly offered to help me sort out my web site. I don't know what I would do without her, she is an absolute treasure!

In the meantime, if you would like to purchase this ebook (PDF format) £6, just email me here for details.

Web Site down!

2010-10-21T17:10:00.002+01:00

Just to let everyone know that my web site is down at the moment!

Since I broke my old laptop and bought a new one with the latest version of Microsoft Publisher, I have discovered that the new program does not have the web site publishing feature any more! It will allow me to edit old files, but the way it saves HTML codes is different from before and I am finding it impossible to upload my edited version (which includes my lates book "Tatted Flowers From Bulbs") to the internet.

If anyone wants to purchase my new book, or any of my other books, until it is all sorted out, please contact me at lindasusandavies@hotmail.co.uk

Coronet Doily - Finished!

2010-10-15T18:55:00.003+01:00

Well the tatting is finished, just the pattern to write out! It won't be long though, I've only got the last round to complete and then I can send it to Clyde to test tat. (What a star he is!)

As soon as Clyde has checked the pattern, I shall put a link to the PDF, here on my blog.

Here we go, the link is now here.

Coronet Doily - Nearly there!

2010-10-13T15:43:00.004+01:00

Nearly done!

The new stitch count is working out very well as can be seen from the picture.

I am getting on well with the written instructions as well. Just the last round that is complicated to write out. Although I will include good digital close-ups I think it will also need a diagram to get my explanation across!

Each point of the coronet starts in a backwards direction and may be consfusing to tat just by looking at the picture.

Clyde has very kindly agreed to test tat the pattern for me, and I shall definitely be taking him up on this. I hope he will still be by friend afterwards! LOL!!!

Second version of Coronet Doily

2010-10-11T13:43:00.003+01:00

Here, as promised, is a picture of the edited version (so far) of my new doily. It is lying flat much better already. You wouldn't think that just reducing each ring and chain by 2 stitches would make such a difference, but I suppose, when there are 96 rings and 32 chains in the round, it is definitely going to make an impact!

I have decided to call it Coronet Doily.

I knew when I purchased this Finca thread that the pink colour was my best friend's favourite and so Janet will be the recipient of the doily when it is finished.

First version finished

2010-10-08T09:48:00.004+01:00

Here is the finished result of the first attempt.

Now that it is done I can see where there are too many stitches to allow it to lie flat. Even with wetting, blocking and pressing it does not sit well.

I am really looking forward to getting it right as I think it will then be a pretty doily.

I have used split chains and split rings to climb out of each row and therefore there is only one cut and hide ends at the very end!

Thank you to all who have suggested a name for this doily.

Not quite right yet!

2010-10-01T11:38:00.003+01:00

I like the design, but the stitch count is not right yet. I will complete this one as it is and then do another edited version.

I have no idea how I am going to write this pattern out, as I have made the outside row really complicated. I shall have to ask Clyde to test tat it for me and give me his opinion on how to simplify it!

I also need some suggestions on a name for it?

Break from new book designing

2010-09-27T16:22:00.003+01:00

I have decided to take a break from working on my latest book, Tatted Flowers From Bulbs. I had not picked up a tatting shuttle since before Howard and Charlie's wedding on 4th September, until last Saturday.

I loaded two shuttles, had no idea where they were going to take me, but this is the result so far!

I will post more pictures as it grows!

Cake assembly

2010-09-27T16:20:00.003+01:00

This is how Howard and Charlie's wedding cake was supposed to be assembled!

Wonderful Wedding

2010-09-09T15:51:00.005+01:00

I can't believe that our big day has come and gone in a flash! It was 18 months in the planning and one day in the performance! Never-the-less it was the most beautiful day (including the weather!), everything went according to plan with no major disasters, and a great time was had by all.

I think you will agree that Charlie (short for Charlotte) was a beautiful bride. Her tatted headdress showed up fantastically against her dark hair. Those of you who have followed my blog will know that Charlie has battled breast cancer and the pictures show how much her hair has grown in a short space of time! I think you will also agree that she looks a picture of health now, thanks to modern medicine, and her own inimitable determination to be recovered in time for her wedding day. Her only disappointment was that she could not wear her wedding veil that I had made with the beaded tatted edge, her hair was too short and too fine to hold it in place. I edged it with hens and chicks design, which I had also done on the tiers of the wedding cake to match it.

The caterers had assembled the cake by the time we arrived at the reception. The tiers were supposed to be sitting directly one on top of the other, but as it looked so nice the way they had done it, we left it as it was!

Starting again

2010-08-25T20:51:00.002+01:00

I have my new laptop and I have made a start on re-doing my book Tatted Flowers From Bulbs. Fortunately Jeff Hamilton kindly sent me 3 of my patterns on PDF that he had test tatted for me and so I have been able to just copy and paste these three....only about another 6 to go....but of course this time I have to type out the whole patterns and re-do the pictures!

Not long now to the big day! I tried on my whole ensemble the other day, but I did not like it! I have decided to wear something completely different, the prerogative of the mother of the groom to change her mind! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! LOL

AND I have had my hair cut short....it was down as far as my shoulder blades! I've gone for a whole new look!

Laptop Distaster!

2010-08-17T14:02:00.002+01:00

Sunday evening I DROPPED MY LAPTOP onto the patio and it is completely kaput! When we took the hard drives out to recover my files, one was OK, but the one with all my important files on was completely unsalvageable!

I have all my books on back-up disks, but not my latest book, Flowers From Bulbs. It was very nearly finished and now I will have to start all over again! It's a salutary lesson. In future I will back-up much more frequently.

All my new video files are gone, that is something else that I will have to start again!

Many of my latest tatting pictures are gone, but I can recover several of them from my free pattern PDF files, as they are hosted on the internet.

So, my dear friends, learn from my mistakes, and make sure you back-up your important files regularly!

Amaryllis -New Stem

2010-08-05T10:02:00.002+01:00

Following advice from the comments on my previous post of my Amaryllis, I have put three thick wires together and encapsulated them with tatting. I hope the finished item meets with my critics' approval LOL!

Leaves for the bulb flowers

2010-08-05T09:55:00.002+01:00

No flower is complete without it's leaves and so I have done a set of leaves for my new flowers. they are all variations on a theme, as I find most leaves for the bulb flowers tend to be thin with varying lengths. The tulip and amaryllis are not as thin, but still very similar in design.