Digital Alchemy

Just a quick "Hello"

2012-01-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

Been kind of scatter-brained since my last post, and while I do have some tatting to share, I'm holding off 'till it's been blocked and finished. Erm.. Somewhat finished, that is. Working on another (larger) doily, and am still working on the medallions that need to go around it.

Wanted to share what I have been doing, though. lol

See, I've been spring cleaning and I've ran across an enormous amount of white thread. What to do, what to do?

Also, my mom found some hankies at our local Dollar General that are 100% cotton for a rather decent price..

So of course I went out and bought a bunch to play with. There's both straight and scalloped edged hankies, and both have roses on them. Hmm.. I think I'll go get some more! lol

Which reminds me.. What color hanky do you prefer to tat around?

Neopolitan Finished!

2012-01-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

Although it lost ~~some~~ most of its shape during transit and needs to be blocked again....

Neopolitan Woes

2012-01-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Happy New Year! Hope everyone is having a wonderful post-Christmas time! ^^

I've been suffering from some computer woes lately, and in fact had to wipe my drive and re-instal my OS, but now my laptop is back up and running for a new year. Looks like spring cleaning came early for me lol.

I've been working on a new tatting project, one that I didn't put too much thought into the colors until after the second round. I've misplaced the nearly finished piece (all that was left was to hide two ends and block! ;-;), but I do have an in-progress shot to show:

Sorry for the exceptionally blurry picture.. It seems as if my phone's camera lens needs to be cleaned! I was working on this at work, so you can't really see all the colors right..

All done in size 20 Lizbeth thread, Dusty Rose Lt, Ecru, and a light brown that I've misplaced the color name.. Pattern by Nancy Tracy from Be-Stitched.com. Pattern here.

She's posted this in parts over a few months, and I'm debating whether to keep to these colors or use darker threads the further out I get. Hmm.. Thoughts anyone?

Being Techie-Crafty

2011-12-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

After going through one of my bookcases and getting rid of quite a few books that I will never read, I took a look at my craft books and decided to put them into a database that I can search. I've already moved my personal blog onto a thumb drive, and thought that another blog would be a good way to go.

Currently, I've only scanned in two of my three sets of quilling kits and a few tatting pages from 24 Snowflakes in Tatting, so I expect this to be a long-ish term project. Has anyone else done something similar? Even if it's just to scan in your books into a computer just to preserve them.. I mean, not long after Izzy came to live with my sister I got Easy Tatting by Ruth Perry, and this is what happened:

Teaches me to look away from the book while working on a project! >.<

I'll have a blue Christmas..

2011-12-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

With a slice of lemon cake and baked apple pie. Yum!

My mom needed to make something for her co-workers for Christmas, and after quite a few debates decided to make Christmas bath salts. Abby measured, I mixed, and she filled, and this is how they turned out -- aren't they pretty?

The pink ornaments smell like apple pie, and the blue smells like lemon cake. I tried out the blue ones, and they worked great!

I haven't been doing that much crafting at all the past few months (hence the silence since Halloween), but I'm hoping that I can get something done. I have some plans that I want to finish, but until Christmas, I don't know how much time I'll have for crafting.

I'm still here, still alive, and I'm kinda lurking and reading everyone's blogs that they've posted. Will post when I have more to show -- perhaps the snowflakes from 24 Snowflakes in Tatting? Hmm..

Giveaway Winners!

2011-10-31T22:27:00.001-04:00

So, I lasted the entire game without getting tagged. Wonder how that ended up happening? lol

The ones who got the closest to my not getting turned were Gemini and Bree. Please send me your information at katherinnemckay (at) gmail (dot) com, and I'll send out your prizes!

And, since my camera has gone awol, I can't upload the pictures I have taken to share. :/ I think I may have left it at work..

Thanks for playing the game with me! ^^

Happy Halloween, y'all! Here's a song that gets me in the mood for curling up with a bag of candy and read some Edgar Allen Poe.. Enjoy!

Humans vs. Zombies - Halloween Giveaway!

2011-10-24T11:16:00.000-04:00

My school has decided to take part in Humans vs. Zombies, and I thought what better way to host a giveaway than with this theme?

H1Z1 has appeared on my campus, and I don't know how long I'll remain human.The aim of the giveaway is to guess/bet how long I'll last, keeping these things in mind:

The game lasts until Thursday, however I'll only be on campus for approximately 20 hours.
I'm not very athletic, preferring the lift over the stairs. -_- lol
My favorite places to study have been designated safe zones, though I have long walks to and from my car and to class.
As of right now (and I'll update this as needed), the total count of humans is 81 between the three campuses. I don't know how they break it down for each, but I'll keep everyone posted.
I'm terribly shy, and generally try not to touch other people.

This game is two-fold. I have two prizes lined up, both tatting-related though I don't have pictures to go with this post at the moment. Two balls of Lizbeth thread per winner, and to win, here's what you do:

Guess how long I'll last. You can guess just hours, but also minutes. Please, no seconds as I'm terrible at math..
If I turn into a zombie, guess how many people I turn - i.e. taking them by the arm and saying "I have risen from the dead, now you're dead."

The winner(s) will be announced on Halloween and have until that Thursday to send me their information.

Happy guessing! ^^

Christmas Angel

2011-10-11T17:36:00.005-04:00

Thoughts?

I'd like to try and come up with tatted wings, as they'd be both prettier and easier to make. Hmm. Need to start designing!

I'm Still Alive

2011-10-05T13:08:00.000-04:00

Promise!

(taken with my webcam. Can you say awkward?)

This semester, I have taken on a bit more than I should have, so I haven't had time to take pictures and post them. I have been tatting and knitting, though..

My fall break is coming up soon, so hopefully I'll have some time to take pictures then!

Happy crafting!

Pattern: Jon's Merriment Doily, in Lizbeth Victorian Red sz. 10(! more about this later lol)

Still At It!

2011-08-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Just a really quick update to show that I am still here!

School has started, and right now I'm taking a quick break from my online class to do a row or two on mom's shawl. Looks like a blob, right?

I know it'll look better when it's blocked, but I just want it finished at this point! I'm only halfway through clue 4, and have had to add my third ball of yarn to it. Maybe I'll get it done sometime this year!

Hope everyone's having fun around Tat land. Hope I can come to visit again really soon! (Bookmarks, anyone? ;))

Gearing up for school!

2011-08-17T21:19:00.000-04:00

I start back school next week. Since I will be there all day long (from 9:30 am 'till around 8:00 pm) I've started trying to get up some meal plans so I can pack my lunch and a snack. Today, I made some rice and made some rice balls, where each ball is 1/3 of a serving.

.. Except this one..

They're in the freezer right now (except for the large one, hehe!) so all I'll have to do is put them in my box and go.

Will have some other crafty goodness sometime soon. Been trying to get ready and it's taking all my time!

Clue 3 down!

2011-08-13T23:53:00.001-04:00

It took me a few days to get to this point, but I believe it was totally worth it. I did not get it ready in time for Mom's birthday, but she says that it is fun just watching me work on it.

.. and work on it I did. I took it to work tonight and ended up making a mistake on the first row of clue 4. >.< I need to learn to keep count and not look around at all the boxes in the back!!

And yes, it's another phone pic, but I didn't take my camera to work today.. lol

Clue 2, complete!

2011-08-08T20:15:00.000-04:00

And I've already started on clue 3..

Had to rip back and start the clue again, but it's working out better this time (perhaps because I'm using markers? hmm..)

Sorry for the phone pic -- out of batteries at the moment! lol

Knit like the wind!!

2011-08-07T15:35:00.000-04:00

OK, so that's not really how it's going, however I find myself in the midst of a deadline and it's how I feel I should be knitting.

Mom's birthday is this Friday. FRIDAY!! I had let my time slip away, and as such have found myself woefully behind on what I need to be working on and what I actually work on. So, I found this pattern while on Ravelry and decided it would be a nice gift for Mom.

Vernal Equinox Shawl, by Lankakomero

Paton's Kroy Sockwight Yarn; Brown Rose Marl

As of right now, I'm on row 43/210; not too bad if I say so myself, though it is a half-circle and I have a LONG way to go..

I'm on clue #2 (it was a MKAL), so I think I've done pretty good for just two and a half hours work, right?

No new tatting to share right now, though I do have some new motifs that are ready to be blocked and photographed.

Happy Tatting, all! ^^

Quilling!!

2011-07-18T22:50:00.010-04:00

Hello, all!

I bought some kits a while back (ssh.. Don't tell anyone -- I've held on to them since before I started tatting!) for quilling Christmas ornaments and snowflakes. I managed to finish one snowflake and get started on a second, but then set it aside and misplaced my tools. I finally caved and bought a new quilling needle, which wasn't so bad as the price had dropped since I last was looking. Boy was that a good idea!

After rekindling this craft at home, I decided that I would look for and purchase some new papers. There's not too much to choose from at the craft stores I go to, and what is there has shrunk since I first got into this. So, I found a new webstore, and tried them out: Quilling Super Store. Well, I went a bit crazy..

Look at all those pretty papers!! ^^

Now that I have them, I don't know what all patterns that I'm going to be using. I know a bunch of snowflakes and ornaments, but other than that?

.. Anyone use quilling for scrapbooking?

Also pulled out some embroidery floss and started a rune bookmark for a friend. Hope she likes the colors; she's very earthy and I didn't have any green!

I have some tatting bits that will be ready to be started sometime this week. I have quite a bit of time off from work, so I'm trying to get up some patterns for earrings and whatnot to sell as well. I've also got a theme for next month, providing I can get the projects anywhere close to done. (hint- look at the side bar! ^^) We shall see! lol

Happy crafting, all!

Erm.. Hi?

2011-07-14T15:54:00.000-04:00

I can't tell y'all how many times I've started a blog, only to have to start over again. No, it's not Blogger related, it's been time..

I haven't been tatting much lately, mostly because I'm getting ready to go back to school for marketing and accounting. I've also been trying to do some repairs to my home, getting rid of a lot of things, and generally doing a through scrub down of this thing called life. I've also been blogging it, though on a personal and private blog, and it's helping me get to a better place.

No, I'm not depressed. .. exactly.. Though I've been feeling it coming on (I tend to get more depressed near the end of Summer and on through Christmas), so I'm doing what I can to be happy. So far, it's working! :)

No fears, though. I have some projects that are in the works, and some that are ready to be photographed but I've not taken the time to do so. I hope to have some more by the end of the weekend, but no promises yet.

Happy tatting, everyone!

For the Bride

2011-06-20T18:58:00.000-04:00

I have had this finished for awhile now, but wanted to share the end result.

Way back in April, when I got my first antique thread, I had been working on a secret project that was really close to being finished. Anyway, I'll let the pictures speak for me, instead of a long-winded ramble ;(

And, because I liked the bag..

Happy tatting! ^^

Of best laid plans..

2011-06-09T15:02:00.000-04:00

Tat tat tat...

Why hello, Izzy!

Tat tat KNOT!!

:(

Anyone else have this happen to them? I'm about halfway through the first round of the edging for my sundress, and lo and behold.. There be a knot that was tied in factory to splice the thread together.

I had loaded my shuttle so I wouldn't have any ends to hide, and even re-worked the pattern for it to be one shuttle with un-flipped stitches mock rings, and now this snag.

Oh, Lizbeth.. I love your colors, but I'm growing tired of these little grr moments..

Sun Dress

2011-06-06T17:23:00.004-04:00

I have been looking for some sun-dresses ever since we started getting them in at work. Let me tell you, some of the dresses we get in are totally adorable (though I have no hope of ever fitting in them.. Up to a size 12 in girls? lol), and shopping around I can't find any that are flattering as well as cute.

Cue last night, on a random pattern finding spree. I googled searched "how to make a sun dress" and got a bajillion results, but through surfing (using about.com, I believe..) I found this tutorial:

Dragon Dress

It's called the dragon dress because of the fabric she used. Wish I could get some of that fabric, but it's either too expensive or not around here, so after a trip to the local department store (need I name it? >.<) I came home with these fabrics:

Two colors instead of the one print.. Mostly because I want a solid strap and some lining to the bust. I love this fabric! ^^

While these are drying, I'm going to try to tat up a quick edge to go along the waist band. No promises, though if it'll be finished in time.

I'll post pictures of the final product and any tatting I may have been able to finish for it. Wish me luck!

Passing 100..

2011-06-06T17:02:00.001-04:00

And I had thought to combine several things in this one, but ended up not having quite enough to show.. -_-

I know it's been awhile since I've last posted, so I'm doing one big update. I've done quite a lot since I made the stitch markers, so here I go! ^^

Tatting

While I was in Mass with M and his family, I pulled out my white thread and got to work..

Several snowflakes were born! ^^

M's granny told me that one of her aunts tatted and she never got anything. These, as soon as they're dry are going in a box and being sent back to her as she was fascinated by them as I was tatting them!

Yes, I know they need to be cleaned and blocked.. I haven't found the time to do that yet, though I have a feeling I'll get it done later this week..

Spinning

I finally picked back up my drop spindles and finished this up from slimchicken:

I don't know the exact yardage, but this has been blocked and wound into a cake. I'm not sure what I'm going to make of this, as I didn't get the yardage that I wanted from it. It's a thick/thin, sport weight chain plied, and is 4oz of superwash. There was a bit of fiber that was a little tangled and wouldn't straighten out when I pre-drafted, but I thought it turned out lovely anyway!

I have so many things planned for the next few weeks that I don't know how I'm going to fit them all in! I should have some more crafty goodness soon, so check back!

A Look at Stitch Markers..

2011-05-09T22:51:00.004-04:00

Had an idea about a week ago, and had to try these out before they took over my every waking moment.

I bought the book Knitted Lace of Estonia this past Christmas with a gift card from a friend, and have been wanting to play with the patterns in it. I've mostly been to scared to tackle this style of lace, but I decided in the past month or so to give it a shot.

For those who have this really awesome book, I'm knitting Lace Edge Pattern 3 on page 147.

Anywho, I wanted to start it off right, so I made these little stitch markers as a trial. I've never worked with them before, and so they're not finished the way I would like (please ignore the fraying knots! When I make a full set I'll hide the ends, I promise!^^)

I have learned with this project that when one is working with knit-stitch markers, when slipping the markers on the right-side row (as if that wasn't confusing enough), hold the decoration to the FRONT of the work. This will keep you from having to slip them through the bars at the back. Likewise for the BACK of the work, slip them on with the decoration to the FRONT of the work (facing away from you).

Any knitters out there who would like to share in this, or have any suggestions for a n00b like me with markers?

I have a few projects in mind for when I go to Massachusetts later this week for some of the thread that I won, and I'll share when I get the chance. But I wanted to share this picture with everyone of one of my sister's flower vines:

One day.. This flower will be MINE!!

New Threads

2011-04-29T16:39:00.005-04:00

Hi all, I know it's been awhile, but you'll see why in my next post! Gotta finish up one component and block it all, then I can share! ^^

Recently I won my first Ebay auction on some treads. I couldn't resist -- all the colors were beautiful and were all threads that I haven't tatted with before!

All together, I got nearly 80 balls of size 70 thread, with a few size fives and threes mixed in. There were also some multiple balls of the same colors, so I'm offering them up on the thread exchange as soon as I can get them measured.

I couldn't resist sharing, as they're all so pretty!

Once I get them organized by color and the cards made, I'll repost with better pictures (I couldn't wait to share!)

Also included was two small crochet edging samples:

I really, really like these. Anyone know where I might can find the pattern? They're both the same.. All I know about these are that they were bought from an estate sale.

.. And to show that I have been tatting...

Sneak peak of what's to come! So many ends to hide...

Goodbye, Nana..

2011-04-15T22:40:00.002-04:00

Nana passed earlier this week with her daughter by her side. I'm still not fully over the shock of it all, but I know she is in a better place.

This came completely out of left field. She was doing great after surgery.. What happened? Why did it have to happen?

Nana and I had plans to go pick blueberries, and I was going to take her to pick strawberries. She wanted to make some jams and jellies, as did I. They'll both be in season soon, so I'm already planning on going to get some to make.

Goodbye, Nana. Have fun on your next adventure! (sniff sniff)

Prayer Request

2011-04-10T22:41:00.002-04:00

This past week has been a total roller coaster for everyone in M's household, and I'd like to request that anyone who does pray to pray for them.

Nana went in for a knee surgery this past Tuesday and made it through alright. She was up and taking her first tentative steps and was lucid.

Later in the evening on Wednesday, she suffered a heart attack and went without oxygen for eight minutes and lapsed into a coma.

As of right now, being 72 hours out of first slipping under, it's looking like she won't wake up.

Please keep M and his family in your prayers. I'm still hopeful she will pull through, but it's looking bleaker by the minute.

Thanks for reading, and I wish the brightest of blessings to all.

Taking a break..

2011-03-16T16:23:00.007-04:00

Had to take a break from the doily. Apparently I can't keep my mind on one project at the time, as I now have a few new earrings to share. Pattern from free-tatting.com:

Yes, that is my white board. What's funny is I left these on the board because I had to rush to work, and found a little note telling me that my roommate liked the ones with the beads! I'm working on matching bracelets, without beads right now, and it's almost finished (sorry! No picture!)

I've found that I've gotten bored with most of the crafts I've been into. Does this happen to anyone? I'm still tatting and spinning, but my knitted lace as well as crochet has taken a back-burner. Right now, I'm trying to get organized. My current work area is all over the house and I can never find what I'm looking for!

Hmm.. If it's pretty tomorrow, I may pull out my dye and paint something.. Lots to think about..

I'll lave you now with this picture. The peach trees are blooming, and my roommate spotted this one in our back yard and I had to get some shots of it.

Happy tatting! ^^

edit: Sorry if there are more than one of these in your blogrolls.. I couldn't get the peach image to work correctly - ie. no link to fuller image. I still can't, so it'll have to stay this way, but if you want to view on Picasa, click here.

Silver Heart

2011-02-28T16:18:00.004-05:00

I ordered some shuttles from Handy Hands a few weeks ago for an upcoming trial, and decided that I needed some gray thread. Our of all the threads, the only color I could find was silver Lizbeth, so I ordered some in size 20l.

Remember my post about Heart's Desire by Susan Fuller?

Finally got it right! ^^

Also this weekend I spent some time with M, and had a lot of free time..

I'm on the fourth row of eight (I think?), and this row is kicking my butt.. I've never been able to keep the spacing between even, and this isn't. Ans so long as I can ignore the tiny mistake.. I think I'll like this doily. It's from "A New Twist on Tatting," and is pattern #26 (I think...) and is in Lizbeth size 20 Caribbean.

Also, while we're waiting for th severe storms to appear..

Thought I'd share this night shot of my pansies. Will have to share a new pic later, since they've EXPLODED since this was taken!

Happy tatting! ^^

My Sepia-Tone Valentine

2011-02-15T17:09:00.005-05:00

I have been tatting, but with the loss of my camera (the brownie got it, I just know it!!), I haven't been able to share. I've borrowed my sister's camera for now..

I had the shot all nice and pretty, and then the camera decided to say no..

So I brought them all inside and took another picture, this time on white cardstock.

Sorry it's so blown out; I couldn't control the flash like I usually do..

Patterns are from left to right:
Teri Tatbit, Sadie's Heart
Jon, Mother's Day Heart

As for the Celtic one.. That's one that I'm working on. When I get the pattern sorted, I'll share.

Also made another pair of earrings..

The beads are blue, though you can barely tell. Love this pattern!

All of these are in size 20 thread, Lizbeth colors Ecru, Mocha Light, and Mocha (I think?)

I have a few more pieces to show, but those will come later (wanted to get some more to add to them, as they're all a theme..)

Happy tatting, all! ^^

Some Tatting

2011-02-06T14:58:00.003-05:00

After my last pair of earrings that I posted, I was contacted by a friend who wanted me to try these in some different colors. I still need to hide the last end, but this is where they are now:

Soon they will be flying off to live with her, but I had to share.

Have been having troubles with the internet lately, and hopefully they have been resolved. I have a whole host of things to do, so look out! lol

First of a few "announces"

2011-01-27T16:48:00.003-05:00

I have been planning this for a while, but I wanted to share a little bit of what I've been up to while not crafting.

This will be a sorta series, going through the first or so, but I had to share!

More on this as I finish, but look for more later. Thoughts?

.. And on a completely random note, Izzy just decided to bring me a battery. Wonder if she knew that my camera has eaten another pair?

Another pair!

2011-01-26T23:07:00.002-05:00

Had to try out another pair..

"Carnival" by Yarnplayer, in size 20 Lizbeth, and with size 10/0 seed beads and size 6 and 4 mm glass pearls.

Valentine Dream - Part Two

2011-01-25T20:29:00.000-05:00

Finally finished. Sorta.

All that's left is to block the pendant and to attach to a jump ring/chain.

Happy tatting, all! ^^

Valentine Dream - Part One

2011-01-25T01:15:00.001-05:00

Heading to bed in a few minutes, but I thought I'd share a small bit of tatting before I go.

First off - the bookmarks. These are blocked (I just need to clip off the ends from the Tardis):

Patterns are Flower Bookmark/Edging, but by Sabrina Carden-Madden, and Tardis Bookmark by Anne Bruvold (links in last post). I'm working on a second for my roommate, and possibly a third (and fourth) for my sister and a friend from school.

Also, I have only had enough time to complete one, but this is where the title for this morning's post comes from:

"Dream" by Yarnplayer. This is tatted in size 20 thread with both 11/0 and 8/0 (I think!) seed bead and glass teardrops. This isn't blocked (as you can see by the middle teardrop,) but I think it looks nice already!

The ear wires are a little on the tight side, but they're sterling. Made a special trip to Hobby Lobby for all but the thread, and I'm really pleased at how they are going to turn out!

I hope to have the second one finished before tonight (after work), and possibly a pendant to go with it. This is my "Valentine Dream" because I'm hoping that I'll be able to wear them when M and I (possibly) go out of town that week! (fingers crossed!!)

Oh, **nts: The top ring is R(8), not S/R (4-3/4-3). Just to remember! lol I mis-counted at the last minute!

Happy Tatting, everyone! ^^

More Tatting..

2011-01-20T18:13:00.004-05:00

And where I had to stop because of Willow! lol

Also, all of these aren't blocked yet -- I like to have a few to block together, instead of having only one. Which leads me to the question -- how do YOU prefer to block? Wet block? Steam block? No block? I'm a steamer -- Love my iron!

First off, this is the bookmark I should have complete soon:

I'm not 100% sold just yet, but I think it's getting better the further I go. One and a half repeats to go now, but Willow decided to demand my attention! Pattern is Flower Bookmark/Edging, but by Sabrina Carden-Madden. This will need some serious blocking when it's done -- its curling back on itself!

Also, since I got the split chain down, I made the Tardis bookmark:

Which my roommate has already said she wanted one. Pattern by Anne Bruvold, and was interesting to do!

Next up, I tried these earrings..

Only got on done. The first image is what I assume was supposed to be the back, while the bottom one is the front. It was awkward, and I plan on giving them another go soon. I think I may have missed something while tatting these.. Pattern by Iris Niebach. I remember a bunch of people doing a tat along with this pattern, but I was still working on learning how to work with beads at the time and didn't join..

Will share when these are blocked/re-tried. 'Till then, happy tatting!

A First..

2011-01-19T15:22:00.005-05:00

I have been watching the progress of this pattern for a bit, and was ecstatic to see it released. So I rushed home only to fall asleep! ^_^6 So, when I woke up this morning, I loaded two new Areo shuttles and started.

What makes this a first?

XD My first ever split chain where I didn't throw it across the room while screaming at it!

Thank-you, Fox, for such a cute (and fun!) pattern!

Pattern: Abigail by Fox at Tat-ology
Thread: Lizbeth Boysenberry Dk, size 20

In which Gandalf meets Balthazar

2011-01-19T00:13:00.005-05:00

I have a new project that I'm working on, but I thought I'd share from completed projects.

I was trolling through Ravelry the other night for some wash cloth patterns (a first for me), when I found this adorable knitted owl cloth. I started the full-size, but then decided to rip it out and make the baby size.

It's so cute and adorable! This picture doesn't do it justice, but I think I may have to outline it in some floss. My sister got the pattern right away, but since I have made her a set of fingerless mitts in the same pattern.

Also, my roommate has decided she needed a bookmark like I have made myself, but a little longer and in specific colors.

Quick poll: which comic book hero do these colors remind you of?

Jon's pattern, again. This time, I managed to get it right without any stitch mistakes! All that's left is a tassel (when I showed her the picture, she asked where it was). Any suggestions on what color to use?

And then, the reason for the post's title:

Free-tatting.com again. I started this while watching Lord of the Rings and finished while watching Sorcerer's Apprentice. After the first round, I had "They're taking the hobbits to Isengard" stuck in my head.

Happy tatting, all! ^^

The Importance of Blocking

2011-01-13T17:07:00.002-05:00

They aren't fully dry, but are close enough to show (plus I am impatient! lol)

First off, the ever-important 'before' shot:

All were kind of twisty and cupping in some way. I'm a very tight tatter; try as I may to not tatt so tight, it never works out for me. There's three different motives in here, so let's start with the rounds, shall we?

Tatted Motiff #12, from Free-Tatting.com. I was able to do both centers with thread left over from another project (I think it was the bookmark, but I'm not too sure), so I decided to do two of them. The fully solid one was by the pattern, with how the second round interlocks with the first -- two rings through the inner chains. The second is my own interpretation, which I think would look a little better with a different variegated thread so the deep purples don't intermingle with each other.

Next up, we have the square:
This is going to be part of a larger project that will end up on my wall in the bedroom. This is Tatted Motiff #2 from the same site. More on this as I get them complete; I haven't fully decided on the layout just yet.

And finally, the earrings:

Tatted Earrings #4. These were a bit interesting to tatt in that they were done in three rounds without cutting between. I carried thread through the top most rings to add a bit of stability to them, so they are a bit thicker than the others. I have no idea where I would wear them, but I still thought they were interesting!

Going back to tatting now. I'm amazed at how much I've accomplished in such a short time!

Also, all these are in the same Lizbeth colors as I have been tatting with this week. Had them in my bag, so they were easy to get! lol

Happy tatting!

Poor Willow!

2011-01-13T14:04:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to show everyone what we're currently going through in regards to the snow. I do have some tatting, but they're not quite ready to be shared (they're blocking and need to finish drying), so hopefully soon I'll have another post ready.

Right now, we still have about three inches of snow on the ground with a quarter inch of ice on top of that. It's super slick, as Willow can tell you:

She really doesn't like the cold, especially after she broke her leg when she was a puppy. Last time it snowed, I had to keep her laying down that last day to keep a warm compress on the leg! She doesn't let it hinder her, as she's one of the fastest little dogs I have ever seen!

I also spent some time on Tuesday taking pictures around the farm.

This is the first time in memory that I can remember the ponds freezing over. They're no where near frozen enough to be safe enough to walk on, but it's still surprising!

Also, since this is now mostly ice, we have a lot of these hanging out.

And, just to show how it looks outside my door..

Everything is so glossy, it's making it hard to drive just from the glare!

Also, earlier this week, Izzy and Gwinnie styled their PJ's at Mom and Dad's:

Yes, Gwinnie is half-buried in the couch. She slid down there while sitting next to Ab and seemed to enjoy it! Rather than climb out, she decided to keep chewing on her bone!

Also, from Christmas night..
Willow had fun getting covered in snow.

Hope everyone is staying warm! Happy tatting!

Snow Day - Part Two

2011-01-10T22:39:00.004-05:00

I don't have any snow pictures to show, as it was way too cold for me to stay outside for long. I'll try to get some ice pictures on the way home from work tomorrow, if I'm even able to get out of the driveway!

I spent most of the day tatting, but had to put it away for a little bit because of getting a headache. I did manage to finish two projects, as seen below:

These are the Overlapping Chains Bookmark and the Featherline Snowflake, both by Jon. However, now that I see it on the computer, you can't really see the snowflake all that well..

That's better.

I made a few mistakes near the end and didn't notice until I had already steam blocked.See the top most arm? There is a missing ring up there...

And then the bookmark. I know it's small, but it was my first time doing the pattern(and I still managed to make a mistake around the time my dad got home), but it's not that noticeable, is it?

And the reason its so small?

Mass markets fit into my purse so much easier than the full versions!

Both were tatted in Lizbeth size 20, in Dusty Rose Lt, Spring Garden, Antique Violet, and Boysenberry Dk.

I have more on my "to tatt" list, so keep an eye out!

Happy tatting! ^^

Tatting and Snow

2011-01-09T21:54:00.003-05:00

Seeing as we are currently under a threat of sleet, snow, and ice, I couldn't resist (even while hacking up a lung)

This is Jon's Quantiesque snowflake, done in size 20 Lizbeth Vineyard Harvest and Boysenberry Dark. In order to get the colors to swap like they do in the last round required a SLT instead of the SS, as was written in the pattern.

I love this pattern! This is my second -completed- snowflake, and I love how the colors turned out!

I have some more ideas on what to do with what is left on the shuttles, but I need to sketch it out first before trying it out.

This year, my objective is to only have two projects going at once and, once finished, to actually finish in the ends and block as needed.

Have a few other plans, but those will be shared later. Happy Tatting, everyone! And be safe to those who have already gotten snow! (as of now, we haven't even had any rain! lol)

And, just because I wanted to share..

Taken Christmas night, after it started snowing.

Well..

2011-01-07T22:09:00.003-05:00

So much for surprises this past week!

I promise, I did have a few lined up in a teaser-style update, but unfortunately I came down with bronchitis and haven't had the energy to work on any of it. Sorry all! The surprises will have to wait until I have the energy to work on anything again.

However, I have managed a little bit of tatting, but that will have to wait until tomorrow as I've suddenly realized I've misplaced not only my phone but my camera as well.

o.o

I hate being sick. ;-;

I'll try to update tomorrow with pictures, but I can't make any promises. According to the weatherman, we can expect some more snow in Hotlanta and further North to my home. Gotta go and get groceries before we get snowed in!

Happy Newyear!!

2011-01-01T12:24:00.003-05:00

Though our New Year has officially decided to be gray, I wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year!

This also ends my attempt at a hiatus. ^_^ I couldn't stay away from the keyboard, and even though I did blog, I nearly got everything done!

I do have a new tatting pattern (or two) that I am currently trying to work out to show. Here's what they look like so far:

Wow. Didn't know my flash could turn purple into blue! Both are using daisy techniques, with dimpled rings for the hair piece. I'm really liking the hair piece; I just need to finish it, but couldn't wait to show!

Which reminds me.. Has anyone ever done a dimpled split ring before? It was interesting figuring out how to do them without going online and looking them up.

2011 is going to be a year of changes! Look for a surprise in the next week or so! ^^

Holiday Wishes

2010-12-25T20:09:00.004-05:00

Wishing all of you happy and joyous holiday season!

I'm still on hiatus, but I will be returning in the next few weeks with some new tatting, dying, and other craftyness!

Current Spinning Projects

2010-12-18T23:15:00.004-05:00

Found a local fiber store. Well, I say it's local, but it's really about an hour away on the other side of Athens from here. The store had a really nice selection of yarns and knitting needles, but had very little in the way of spinning fiber (which they told me they were so low because of Christmas). I'll see if I can get some pictures to share next time I go (and go I shall! lol).

I was able to get a few things, which I wanted to share with those who like to spin/knit/crochet. Sorry, no new tatting in this post, as I haven't gotten any pictures of my current works!

First up, I wanted to touch on the one that I -should- be finishing, but am finding it a bit hard to focus on. Remember the "Twilight" fiber I got?

Last I showed, I was just starting to ply. I've gotten the majority of the fiber spun, and only have about an ounce left to fully spin and ply.

I also learned a new technique with this -- Navajo Plying. I follow Monika's blog Smoking Hot Needles, and every week she has "Homespun Fridays." After reading about some of the beautiful fiber she's spun being plied using the Navajo technique, I had to give it a try and I think I have it down.

In the photo above, you can see what I have fully completed, as well as where I am in spinning. I have two small hanks of tri-ply yarn and one surprisingly thick hank of two-ply. Not sure of the full yard count just yet, and these haven't been blocked. I'll keep everyone updated!

One of the fibers I got at the fiber store was made by Ashland Bay, and is a merino/tussah silk combo, in their "Red" color, 4 ounces total.

I got this to make my sister something for next year, and depending on how much yarn I get out of this will tell me what I'm going to make with it! ^^ I couldn't wait to spin it, and while watching Sanctuary (I'm such a sci-fi geek!), I got started pre-drafting and spinning.

Here I have about half of the fiber spun:

As soon as I get the other half spun, I will be plying this in the Navajo method. I had been told this was a little harder to work with than the pure superwash that I am used to, but I'm finding it a joy to work with! I'm super glad that I got the other fiber to go with this, as I can't wait to work with it!

Also, I'm finding that I like spinning with a heavier drop spindle. Huh.. Never thought that would happen! This particular spindle was made by me, and is about sixteen inches long. I love the whorl of it! To see it, look at the second picture on this post. It's so pretty!

Happy Holidays to all!

25 Motif Challenge, Finished!

2010-12-02T22:36:00.007-05:00

A quick tribute to all of my tatting done this past year. I nearly didn't make it, but whew! To view the newest of the challenge, click here. (Thought that may make it easier for you, Sharon!) Links to the patterns will follow at the end of the post. This is a little latter than I promised, sorry!

My challenge started on December 19th, which I posted these four ornaments. I never got around to posting finished pictures of them.

Next came these..

Afterward, I went on a snowflake spree..

And then doilies..

How many times can one have #23 for the challenge? Aparently, three times.

And finally, the finished products..

The first picture was while I was working on the Hearts in a Snowflake, and is the only phone pic that I'm re-showing on this post. I can't find the Merry Christmas Snowflake, otherwise I'd have a better picture to share.

I suppose this is a bit of an anti-climax, but I'm glad I was able to complete this challenge! I will be joining again after the first of the year, only this next time I want to make all of my own patterns!

Thanks to everyone who has commented and supported me in this challenge!

And here's the breakdown of the patterns that I promised.

Victorian Ornament. (Cant find the link to the pattern. If anyone knows who the designer is, please tell me so I can add it here!)
Snowflake Book Clip, via the Online Tatting Class & Georgia Seitz
Dream by Yarn Player
Ruffled Heart, by Vicki Clarke
Merry Christmas Snowflake, by Sharon Briggs
Various Snowflakes, from the book Tatted Snowflakes by Vida Sunderman:
Ribbon Floss snowflake, Tiny Snowflake, Trefoil, and Flower Flake
The DMC Tatting Book, Medallion #17, from the Online Tatting Class (open domain)
Eight Inch Doily, from Easy Tatting, by Rozella F. Linden
Edging, from A New Twist on Tatting, Catherine Austin
Indian Summer Earrings, by Nina Libin (kit number BNL-102 is the necklace version that I'm getting the courage up to work on..)
Hearts in a Snowflake, by Jon Yuseff

Threads Used (mostly):

"Icicle" and "Shades of Gray" HDT size 20, Lady Shuttle Maker
Purple Omega size 20, Nylon
Lizbeth size 20, Black, Victorian Red, Leaf Green Light, Spring Garden, Falling Leaves, Denim Whisper, Antique Violet and White
Personal HDT's, Aunt Lydia size 20
Royal Size 10, "Bridal Blue"
DMC Cebela, size 1o White

Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday rush! I may not be posting much this month (getting ready for reunions that seem to come every weekend and work and lots of other things). I'll try to post, but no promises!

Happy Hols to everyone!

Homespun Results

2010-11-30T23:43:00.004-05:00

Happy (late) Thanksgiving to those in the US! Hope everyone has had a great time seeing family and friends!

Sorry for those looking for tatting.. I will be finishing up my 25 Motiff Challenge in my next post (just getting the images finalized).

Who remembers this little bit of homespun that I spun a few months ago?

I've finally worked up the courage to try it out, and so far I'm noticing how inconsistent my spinning has been. I am proud that I've made it, but realize just how much more I still need to practice to make it what I want it to be. Since all of my knitting needles are currently being used, I decided to try to cable crochet again.

I'm sharing my progress here. I'm nearly halfway through the skein and only about a quarter through the project. The picture isn't that great; the lighting tonight isn't wanting to work with me. Here's what I've gotten so far:

With the way the yarn is worked up, you can't really see the cable that well. Pattern is mine, and when I get a chance I'm going to write it up and post it on my pattern page. Will also be making this in cream or even dyed with Kool Aid, haven't decided.

Getting the rest of the pictures now. Happy tatting!

Christmas Origami

2010-11-20T14:47:00.003-05:00

First off, sorry I haven't posted in a while. I do have some tatting to share, but not on this post (sorry!!)

However! I do have a few things to share that I think others may be interested in.

Several years ago, I made a Christmas tree that was full of origami cranes, kimono, and other various items. I have since lost all those ornaments and am in need of some new ones. After this post, I have since gone on to try different papers to see what kind of results I could get.

The three lotus flowers shown below are folded an extra time before unfolding, and I think they look lovely:

These are three different kinds of paper, easily accessible to everyone (I hope!). The silver one is made out of a metallic tissue paper that I got from Hobby Lobby (99¢ for a pack of 12, currently!), the white next to it is a piece of tissue from Wal-Mart ($3 for 300 sheets), and the smaller one is a dinner napkin.

For size, here is the silver one:

I've found that I make these whenever I go out to eat with family and friends. This one was made today at Wendy's, which I left because I wanted to brighten someone's day:

Each of these took less than five minutes to prep and fold, and I think they look lovely! However there are a few things I have learned from this bit of crafty-ness..

The first time you use a different type of paper, you WILL tear it. Even if it tears, it's still pretty, and your family and friends will be impressed with them and not notice any tears.
Perfect squares are overrated. If you have a rectangle piece that when folded into a square with about half an inch of extra paper, tear it. The tears can add character to the flower!
Using regular origami, printer, and/or metallic foil papers will not fold a flower. The papers are too stiff to bend the petals forward, and the tears will be too great to miss.

I have more that I'm working on, but I thought I'd share a bit.

'Till next time, Happy Tatting!

Continuing on..

2010-11-04T16:22:00.004-04:00

Continuing on from my last post about blocking, I thought I'd share my progress with everyone.

This is the snowflake in question. It hasn't even been wet blocked before this picture was taken, so it looks a little strange.

And blocking..

I cut some Elmer's washable school glue with a good helping of water (in a ratio that is somewhere along the lines of 20/80, with more water than glue), and it is now drying. Haven't steamed this, and I don't think I will. Also, yes, that is some unfinished thread. I'm going to be using it to cover a ring to hang it on the tree.
Also, it has been cold, wet, and drizzly here the past few days. While we had about an hour of nice sunshine, I snapped some pictures. This is completely un-edited, so you can't see all the detail.

Isn't it pretty? My sister planted these flowers five years ago, and they randomly bloom. So pretty!

Also, a sneak peak..

It's really hard to get pictures in focus when the object you want to capture is tiny!

Happy Tatting, y'all! ^^

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T13:47:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween, everyone! Hope everyone has a safe time trick or treating with the little ones!

Now that this holiday is here, I'm finding it crunch time for crafty gifts for Christmas. After some thoughts (and tatting while at M's house), I think I'm going to try to make snowflakes and cards for everyone out of state that I know, and finish up the knitted projects that I have going. Oh, and making snowflakes and ornaments to go on my own tree, as well.

I've changed the colors of my tree from Technicolor to black, purple, and silver. M thinks it will look gothic, but I don't think it will.

I've started making the snowflakes, using glass beads to add sparkle. Here's my first two:

The purple is Sharons Merry Christmas Snowflake, and the white is Jon's Hearts in a Snowflake. Both are now finished, but the white needs blocking and stiffening.

Will add both to the 25 motif challenge when I get some better pictures. I don't have an SD card, so I can't take pics with anything but my camera!

And a question. How should one go about stiffening lace? I want to keep the white flake as white as I can for years, but I don't know how.. Should I use glue mixed with water? Starch? Or should I use a spray sealant?

Tatting Supplies

2010-10-30T17:17:00.003-04:00

Hmm.. Wonder what these are going to be used for?

Size 20 and 80 threads, beading needles, and three beads in black, clear, and purple, all 11/0.

More tomorrow...

Plying Yarn

2010-10-27T00:53:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to share where I've gotten with the fiber I got back at the beginning of the month. I haven't been spending much time on these, mostly because I've had other things going on.

I have half of the fiber spun, and only about half that plied. This picture was taken before supper, so I'm a good bit further than what you see. I've also made several new drop spindles (as you can see in the foreground as well as where I'm plying), and I have three more drying. After I get finished with this project, I have some more sanding to do since the one I'm plying with isn't too smooth! After that, they're getting a clear coat for protection.

I'm getting as bad with spindles as I am with shuttles. Funny, no? Already I'm up to nine spindles, which is closing in on my 15 shuttles!

I have been doing some tatting, and have a few finished pieces to show off, but need to do some work on them before posting. My edging is (nearly) complete, just need to do a final hiding of the ends, wash, and block before sewing it to the hat, and then it'll be done! I also have a small doily I've made for my mother, and will be starting on some snowflakes later on this week.

Productive week, but little to show. Need to get the camera out!

What do you get..

2010-10-19T15:54:00.005-04:00

When you have two buckets of dirt, one bag of potting soil, and several pieces of wood?

Answer: This!

I had bought a few mums and violets for a fall garden this year, and didn't have enough planter boxes for them. So, my grandparents and I made two and planted the flowers in them!

Also spent some time out of town yesterday with Kelly and Mack. We went to Helen to Anna Ruby Falls (love love LOVE that place!!) to look at the leaves and take pictures.

Took awhile to get the settings right; the sun was in the worst place to take time lapse pictures.

No tatting or crafty things to say today. Just taking some time to share! ^^

(edit - realized I posted the blurry picture of the falls, so I put in a better one! Sorry! ^^)

Tatting Update..

2010-10-12T15:51:00.004-04:00

I've almost reached the end of the edging for the hat, and now I'm not sure if I want to do the second row. Sorry for the phone pics; my batteries are dead in the camera! x.x

This is the edging singled, in approximately where I'm going to be putting it, and this:

is the edging doubled. I'm using a size 10 thread, so I'm not sure if I should leave it singled row or double it!

Also, I have another project brewing using lace weight yarn. I've never used that size before, so this could get interesting!

Hmm.. Wonder what it could be?

Better pictures will come in the next day or two. Going to the State Fair tomorrow!

Just passing time.

2010-10-07T16:50:00.003-04:00

Went with sis today while she took an exam, and kept working on the edging.

Sorry again for the blurry pic - it's another phone image.

This is going to be used as the band around my bucket hat, last seen here, and is only partway finished. I'm not sure if I'm going to double it (like it is in the book..), but we shall see. This pattern is #50 (I think) from "A New Twist on Tatting," and after the second repeat I have it down! I did have to retro tat two stitches today -- I forgot a join, but it was before I closed the ring so it's all good!

Happy Tatting! ^^

New Years Revisited And Birthday Gifts!

2010-10-06T14:46:00.004-04:00

Several items to touch on in this post, and most of them are text-only (sorry!). First off, I wanted to show these off:

Yes, more fiber from SlimChicken. I treated myself to these because the colors were so pretty in the pictures on the listings, and they did not disappoint! I had four different colors in mind, and ended up with these two. Both are four ounces of superwash, the same as my others, but these are super soft!

This is Twilight, and it really does remind me of how it looks around here when the sun goes down. The blues are so vivid in this! Can't wait to spin it and see how it turns out!

And this one is Victorian Rose. It's a bit more pink than this picture shows. Normaly I don't like pinks, but I do like the softness of them. I think this will become a Valentine shawl at some point; it's being put away while I work on some other projects.

I don't have much to show in the crafting world at the moment. Been at work for most of the last few weeks or getting ready for Christmas. I -finally- decided on the color scheme I want for my tree, and hope to have some pictures of it when I get my ornaments made. I'm hoping to make at least ten different snowflakes and some other tatted ornaments. Getting started on those in the next week, but got to find the patterns I like first.

What patterns do y'all like to make this time of year? I'm still new to this; last year I was still learning how to tat..

So, now on to the fun part of the post..

How many people do New Year's Resolutions? I made some this year for crafting, and I thought I'd share my progress.

Just to recap, these were them:

Learn to crochet
Make everyone a scarf, and have them done by September
Learn how to:
Cluny Tat
Split Chains
Get my dye supplies organized
Finish writing out the pattens to my motifs
Design at least one motif a month
Finish the 25 Motif Challenge

Taking it from the top, I finally learned how to crochet. Thank heavens for youtube! When my mom and roommate weren't around or couldn't figure out the pattern I was trying, I was able to find the tutorial on there!

The scarves, on the other hand.. Well, I have several started, but none finished. I'm hoping to get at least a few done in time for Christmas, but it looks like everyone's getting store bought gifts this year!

Tatting-wise, I still need to learn split chains. I've tried them a few times, but all I manage to do is make a twisted knot that I can't undo! This may be an ongoing project for me into next year, but I will get it! I have managed to get the basics of Clunys down, but don't have anything to show for it. Will post some later, when I get my ornaments done!

I'm also this close to finishing the 25 Motif Challenge. I have an edging that I'm working on at the moment to add, then they'll only be one more to finish, and that'll be complete!

I haven't finished the patterns, nor have I designed every month. I can and will finish the patterns, but for designing, I may be able to make some later on.

How's everyone doing on their resolutions?

Also went to the Botanical Gardens last week, and snapped a few pictures, so I'll leave you with my (and everyone else's!) favorite.

Happy Fall, everyone! ^^

Flapper-Style Hat

2010-09-27T21:46:00.004-04:00

Need ideas.

I found the pattern for this hat on Ravelry, and really love it. I love the 20's style hats, but have yet to find one that fits me, so this pattern was perfect! It's felted, so I was able to shrink it to fit my head.

This is what it looked like pre-felting, and this..

is what it looks like while blocking. Lucky for me -- I had a giant ball of fuzzy yarn that I got for Christmas that I wound into a cake and found a Styrofoam ball the correct size for my head!

Now, I find myself wanting to add some embellishment to it. I have some lovely cream ribbon that is just begging to be tatted, and it matches the colors in the hat! My only problem I currently have is I don't know what pattern to do.. Should I make a simple snowflake, or make a few rosettes, or even some medallions?

Any suggestions?

Pattern: Beacon Street Cloche
Hook: Size J/6.00 MM
Yarn: Lions Brand Fishermen's Wool
Total Time Spent: appx 6 hours

Tatting in Public

2010-09-23T00:52:00.003-04:00

Oh no! She's got a drill! Y'all run!

Seriously though, several things in this post. First of which is some tatting that I've been working on for a bit..

How many remember the bracelet from a few weeks ago that I was having problems with? I finally finished a full prototype (and, consequently, figured out that I need to re-work the pattern again..). Here it is:

Sorry for the awkwardness of the images. I took these by myself while my sister watched Betty White on Lenno tonight. This has been blocked, but I've learned a few things about this:

Perhaps one less repeat of the ring/chains would be in order. It's a little (ok, A LOT) loose, even on me.
Start at a different point. The last few joins are a bit fiddly.
Hiding ends as you go is way easier when you have a better-quality bead needle than those you can purchase at your local Wal*Mart.

I'm thinking on trying this with smaller beads and a size 20 thread. This was made using 4mm glass pearls and size 10 Cebelia. The middle bead I have no idea about the size -- it came from an up-cycled bracelet that I destroyed. This is motif #23 for the challenge. I'm hoping to make some earrings to match, and possibly a necklace. I may be offering this pattern up for free, but haven't decided if I should..

Next up is a bit from when I was at the doctor's office with some family.

I had some size 10 thread left on my new shuttles, so I tried to do a rings-only bit of edging. For not having some picot gauges, I think I did pretty well! Spacing is my biggest problem, if you couldn't tell.. The motif on top is in size 40 Lizbeth and is a doodle.

The entire time I was in the office I was self-conscious about tatting. Mainly the clicks that can be heard from winding/unwinding the shuttle. Anyone else feel the same? There weren't many people in the waiting room, mostly people that worked in the office and a family who spoke more Spanish than English. They kept staring at me, but never said a word to me!

Also finished up a pair of the Owl Mitts, but I still need to embroider on them to show the outlines of the owls and add buttons for the eyes.

My sister is modeling these, and really wants them for work and before Christmas. I'm working on a pair for myself, but in a lighter heather gray than the last post I did on them.

I also had an unexpected trip to the Gwinnett Arena this past weekend. I got to hang out with Mack and Kelly (which I don't get to do as much as I would like..) at the annual Japan Fest. Sorry, not many pictures were taken, although I did manage to take this one of some Ikibana:

It looked prettier in real life. I have never been able to fully grasp the idea behind it, so I enjoy what others have done! If I can find the pictures from last year, I'll post them on my Flikr.

Another good (splurge) thing to come out of the trip was some washi paper that I can use for my cards. That is, if I can find the will to cut the paper! I'll share later, once I figure out what I want to do with them.

As for the drill..

Need I say more?

New Technique - Cables!

2010-09-16T10:45:00.005-04:00

Well, it's not fully a new technique for me, but as this is for crochet it is a new experience!

My sister LOVES owls, and loves to wear fingerless gloves. I have found many free patterns on Ravelry for knitted gloves with cabled owls, but I have never worked in the round with double points. Since I already know the basics of crochet, I'm trying them out!

This pattern is called "Owl Mitts" and is by Erika Ward. Link is to Ravelry, again. It's free, and if you're a knitter/crochet.. er..(?) then check it out!

I apologize in advance for the large file size. I've recently had to restore my laptop and can't resize images without major loss of detail.

This is as far as I've gotten, and I've found that I'm doing one too many owl cables.

Hmm.. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'll be making my next glove in a lighter shade rather than Heather Gray, while trying to take some pictures of the actual technique. Hmm.. Perhaps I'll be able to do this today?

I do have some tatting pieces that are nearly finished, so pictures of those will come later. 'Till then!

New Family!

2010-09-07T21:44:00.006-04:00

Well, new plants.. Remember this one?

I posted this picture way back nearly a year ago (wow has it been that long??), and this orchid has since lost all of its blooms and went dormant. I thought I had nearly killed it, but it's started growing some new roots and leaves.

I have since added to my collection, and wanted to show them off a little before they all go into hibernation. These first two are my largest, with two and five flower stalks on them. The deeper purple one I got as an early birthday present from my sister, and has the most flowers on them. The second one is the inspiration for my dyed thread "Orchid Blossom," and is a lot deeper in real life.

The next two are TINY. Their blossoms are about the size of quarters, and are so quirky!

I have since bought another of the small ones but it only has a single blossom on it. I'll take a picture before it falls, but it's coloring is a mix between the two larger blossoms up top.

I've also expanded into Miniature Roses and African Violets, but only have this picture to share:

Yes, it's a phone pic, but it's all I was able to get of my violet before the blooms faded!

No new tatting for now; been trying to get better organized. I have way too many crafts and hobbies now!

Hand Spun - Glowing Embers

2010-09-05T14:44:00.004-04:00

This will be my last bit of hand spun yarn for a bit, at least until around Halloween.

This is the Glowing Embers colorway by Slim Chicken. I spent a little extra time with this one, splitting it into eights instead of fourths like my last one. It's approximately 100 yards, and is still lumpy. I'm getting better, but still not consistent.

This is destined to become a set of wrist warmers later on this year. I used my new spindle first, which took a bit of getting used to, then used my fist spindle. After spinning, I plied it into a 2-cord yarn, then blocked using dish soap, vinegar, and water.

I really enjoyed this colorway, and will be getting more of it in the future!

Stats:

Fiber: Superwash Longwol

Color: Glowing Embers by Slim Chicken

Weight: 2oz

Time to produce: 3 hours spinning, 24 hours blocking.

Single Shuttle Split Rings

2010-09-01T13:28:00.003-04:00

So, I was trolling through some webpages the other day after hearing mention of SSSR's at tat days and (re)found a pattern that I really, really loved. It's the Ringtrim dragon, by Anne Bruvold, and is absolutely cute!

So, I followed the link to the technique and learned how to create them, and then did a few in sequence.

It took me a few times to fully grasp the concept, but I think I got it eventually. These are rings of 3-3/3-3, in a size 10 thread. I then switched to a size 40 (because I got some while at Tat Days), and my new shuttles.

The colors are Lizbeth "Antique Violet Light" and "Purple Splendor". I think I jumped the gun on this a little too quickly; I had only used this size thread for one other (unfinished) project, and so wasn't fully used to it's size.

All in all, I think he turned out pretty cute! I have loads of thread still on my shuttles, so I will be making more of him later today as practice. He's also not going to be counted for my 25 motifs since I'm still learning this.

Will be dying later on this week. Gotta skein some thread first! ^^

Tat Days!

2010-08-30T20:53:00.003-04:00

I was able to go to Tat Days this year, but only on Saturday. My mother came with me, and we both took classes, she taking level 1 and I level 2. We missed the first classes that morning, but I was able to join in Nina Libin's class for her Indian Summer necklace and earring set.

I admit, I didn't take too many pictures while there as I was more interested in meeting people than looking through the view finder. However, I was able to snap this shot at lunch:

It was absolutely beautiful, and it wasn't a bad drive. It was about an hour up the road from here, with only getting on the interstate for about six miles. I got some new shuttles, crochet hooks, and thread, while my mother got some new Aeros and some bobbins. I don't have many pictures of the goodies I got (my battery died before I was able to take many), so here's a bit of eye-candy:

This was the pattern that I was working on. I had to retro tat the second chain I know five times before I got it right! I had also never worked with this type of thread. It was a wonderful challenge!
And after nearly three hours, I was able to get the first one finished.

I finished the second yesterday before work. My only "problem" with these are the ear wires. I'm allergic to most metals but sterling silver and 14 kt gold, and these are neither. I need to find some to finish these off, but I don't know if I'll be able to get the color I need.

This is #23 of my 25 motif challenge. I hope to have the necklace finished soon!

The Post Lady..

2010-08-30T20:31:00.003-04:00

She must be getting tired of packages. Between my sister and I, we have had too many packages to count arrive at our doorsteps in the past two weeks!

I apologize in advance. This post was going to be HUGE, if I didn't split it up like I have. Thought this would be easier, to!

Since I've jumped in head first to spinning, I bought my first drop spindle. The one I've been using has a lot of tape to hold it together, and it ends up snagging on the fibers as I spin them. So, after a troll through Etsy, I stumbled upon Tinas Angoras and picked up this little up-cycled knitting needle with the zodiac around it:

It's super cute and super small! I also got some fiber with it, but it isn't carded and I can't prep it before using it.

I also found some gossamer yarn that can be used as-is or also spun with some other fibers.

The shop closed soon after I bought this, so I can't buy from them again. This was hand dyed by Spin Girl, and is almost a size 20 thread. It's a little fuzzy for tatting (and I haven't tried it for anything just yet), but I have 600 yards of this. Time to wind into a ball! ^^

Also, my Rosewood yarn is fished. This has the spin set (I hope!) and is ready to be wound into a ball and knitted. It's a bit bumpy, but for my second skein of hand-spun, I think I like it!

Again, this color way is by Slim Chicken, and was super easy to work with! I have some of the Glowing Embers fiber to spin, but that will come later.

Next up is tatting! ^^

Continued..

2010-08-22T22:56:00.005-04:00

Forgive the blurries; my camera is currently with my mom and is suffering a severe case of dead batteries..

First off, I really want to ge this picture out of the way..

I have been working on this doily for it seems forever, but it's only three rounds. I had to cut off the outer round when I was nearly done because of an error on my part. It's looking really good right now, just need to add a little bit more thread to the orange shuttle and block then it'll be on it's way to it's home at my grandmother's.

The next is the bracelet that I was working on that prompted the question about the threads yesterday.

This has been blocked, even though at the moment it doesn't look like it. It's been passed around so much that it has lost its shape. It's the first time I've done a SCMR with a bead in the center, and started as a doodle. I really loved the way it was turning out until the last join and how it felt like it wasn't going to hold it's shape. While I was blocking, I was careful about the pin placement while making sure I didn't pierce the thread, but with the picots it didn't matter. They started to split and are low a little limp. This is tatted in Royal size 10 thread, in Bridal Blue.

After my rant last night, I made this..

Made out of DMC Cebelia, size 10. I tired to maintain a slightly looser tension than in the last as I've been a tight tatter since I started shuttling. After finishing what I loaded on the shuttles, I tried again..

And this one is in the same thread, but with different stitch counts. The one up top is bigger than the blue bracelet, so I think the thread is larger..

This thread is a little stiffer than the Royal threads, and the picots are holding up better as well as holding its shape. I had to pose the first one, while the second and third were just set on my laptop.

My mom likes the third the best, because of the stitch count being so different. Any thoughts? The bracelets are going to have beads like the first one when I get the pattern situated.. (I'm also going to try this in a size 20 thread and finer just to see how it would look..)

A Question..

2010-08-22T00:58:00.004-04:00

I've been tatting with my size 10 Royal thread, and it's a lot softer than I remember. Maybe it's just because it's been handled (and drug by a puppy) so much, but I'm not liking the way all my picots and chains are looking.

I would have some tatting, if I didn't have to block what I have so aggressively, but ces't la vie, right?

My question is this: Of the size 10 threads, which do you like the best? I haven't tried the Lizbeth size 10 just yet, and the Aunt Lydia threads I have in that size are too soft as well.

Thoughts, everyone? I have a bracelet design that I'm hoping will look better with a stiffer thread..

I'll post a picture of what I mean when the piece dries.

Spin, spin, spin...

2010-08-20T00:43:00.004-04:00

I bought some fiber in the last two weeks with the thought that I'd give spinning a try.

I didn't buy a drop spindle. I had read online how to make your own using two CD's and some other things around the house, and found I only needed to spend about $4 for what I didn't have. Being a geek really came in handy, as I have far too many scratched CD's hanging around with the hopes I'll be able to get the data off of them!

So, I pulled them out and started playing around. After several YouTube videos, I managed to get a small skein spun.

There's nt much in this hank. It's two ounces of Merino Superwash by the Etsy seller slimchicken. The color is "Nightgreens," and is very dark. The picture here doesn't capture the color that well, since I had to use the flash.

Next up is the Fruit Wood fiber. I'm spinning this one a little thinner, so hopefully I'll get some better yardage!

Tatting will come tomorrow, as well as an update on some of my other projects I've been working on!

Quick Links (and lists)

2010-08-16T23:56:00.007-04:00

Just so I can keep up with everything for Christmas this year!

Sending up North:

Asling Cable Scarf (35% done, Caron Country, Silver Service)
Dancing Crane Stole (Caron Country, Light Green, but making a scarf instead of a stole)
Column of Leaves Scarf (Caron Country, Deep Purple)
His Scarf (x 2.. not sure on the colors)
Her Scarf (color suggestions, anyone?)

Home (friends):

His Scarf (again.. Caron Country, Heather Gray)
Mega Cabled Scarf (green Lions Brand Chunky Yarn)

Family patterns are still under consideration.. Not 100% sure about those yet!

More to come -- I have my hands full!

Edit: Some more links to

Swatches

2010-08-11T20:07:00.004-04:00

Am I one of the few who does this?

I can NEVER choose colors for projects that end up looking good together, so I end up using some of my materials to make swatches. Knitted, tatted.. You name it, and I swatch it first.

As before, I'm continuing with learning how to crochet. The past few weeks have been a bit stressful for me and I tend to learn new things during stress better. Hence, all the crochet so far!

These are both blocks created by Priscilla Hewitt (linking to Ravelry), and I'm not sure which to make first! These are both for afghans, and I'm wanting to make a few for every season to put on my bed. Here's the first one I've completed:

Circle of Friends

I'm using Caron Simply Soft for both, mainly because if I run out I can run to my local Wal*Mart and get more. Plus, no dye lots!

This one is done with Blackberry and Bone, and crocheted with hook size H. Not too bad for my fist ever block, no?

And the second one, is this beauty:

Nordic Star

Done in Country Blue and Heather Gray. My only problem with this pattern is that row 8 is a little fiddly, but I figured out how to make it work! Gotta remember to change my pattern in my book, though..

I have done two blocks of each (the other Circle was done in reverse colors and the Star was done in Blackberry/Bone, like the others).

No new tatting today.. However I hope to have some tomorrow.

And now..

2010-08-05T00:20:00.003-04:00

for something completely different..

I rest my case. ;)

First Finished Project?

2010-07-29T00:00:00.004-04:00

In a non-tatting moment, I tried to find some granny squares to try. I've been wanting to learn crochet for a while now -- I can remember my mom making doilies and peacocks while my sis and I were outside playing! I had started a scarf pattern from Lion's Brand Yarn, but was distracted and now can't remember the stitch counts. However, after several hours of cramped hands and lots of curses, I now have a bookmark that I'm relatively proud of:

It's another bury phone pic, but you can see what it (sorta) looks like. Never again ('till I get better, at least) will I try crocheting with size 20 thread!

Stats:
Pattern: Flower Granny Square by Drenka
Threads: Lizbeth sz 20 "Victorian Red" and "Falling Leaves"
Hook: Size 3/2.10MM (I know it's the wrong hook, but it's what I had with me at the time..)

Hope to start a scarf soon - with a nice, soft yarn. 'Till then!

(cries)

2010-07-27T19:49:00.004-04:00

Before I explain the title, take a look at these pictures.. Sorry for the low-quality, my phone doesn't take the best pictures up close..

The good news is that I am now doing the pattern correctly, but haven't gotten very far on the final round. I'm still crying over it, but I've got to learn to follow the patterns FIRST before changing them, right? It's a little bit sad, but this will be the first third-row item that I've tatted that isn't a snowflake.

Weird, that..

M had to get some new glasses earlier this week, not too long after I had to cut the last round off. It had been two years since he's been, and this time he managed to get a pair that is memory metal. He's a bit rough on his glasses.. The pair he wore when we first got together literally popped the lenses out at me when we were at Monster Jam back in '08 (and on his birthday, no less!) The glasses he got after those fought the good fight before having the springs break and lenses falling out. It's still a little weird seeing him in square-ish frames, but they suit him better than the oldies!

Tried out my phone for landscapes while waiting on his new glasses..

Looks better than the macros! It's a little under exposed, but for not being able to play with the settings, I love it!

When we got back to LC, we were a bit early so they sat us at one of the waiting tables in front of the lab, where I snapped this shot:

That was how much I was able to accomplish before we left.

I've worked on it some more, but not as much as I should. That's what happens when you work retail!

Happy Tatting, everyone!

Progress..

2010-07-17T15:38:00.006-04:00

So, my grandmother's birthday has come and gone, and I'm still working on her present. -_-6 I decided to save the clover doily for another time, and instead decided to use a pattern from "A New Twist on Tatting." I'm about to start the third round, but I thought I'd share what I have as a quick little blog.

Also, seeing as how I don't have a quilters block (if that's what they're called) and was in need of a 12-point diagram for blocking, I made my own and am sharing with all. Nothing fancy, just a few rings and lines that I hope others can use.

(click for larger photo, then right-click to save then print)

Doing a bit of wet-blocking before the next round to help it lay flat. It's still drying, so I'll share what it looks like when it is ready.

It's Done! It's Done!!

2010-07-09T20:06:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the phone picture - I don't have my camera with me.

More pics to come as this isn't blocked. It still needs to be painted, but the hard part is over now! :D Gotta skein some thread before I dye this, though!

Tatting and Results!

2010-07-08T16:10:00.004-04:00

Last night, I blogged about my attempts at dying with tea. I didn't go into much detail because I was in a rush to share, but now I can go into greater detail about it (as well as the after pictures - silly me didn't take a before!)

I used three different types of tea, all from my stash so it didn't cost any extra to do. No prep went into these, except for a little bit of research to learn about timing and everything. The three teas I used were:

Peachberry (green)
Chai (green)
Asian Plum (white)

All three are yummy in their own right, but the Chai and Asian Plum have been in my stash for nearly two years and nearly forgotten. As such, they had lost a lot of their flavor and weren't my favorites. Put to use, the three made these beautiful skeins:

The Peachberry gave a light pink, the Chai a light tan, and the Asian Plum gave the darkest color out of the three. All were dyed using the immersion technique - I didn't paint these (even the variegated!) as you can see from my last post. The ball below the skeins is there for a psudo-before image, because all of these are dyed with this base. Beautiful, and they all smell good! :D

I've also been buying up some ribbon for use in some snowflakes later on. These three colors were partially picked by my mom, only the purple was my choice:

I asked what colors she thought would look good together, and this was her choice. They all look like a grape vine to me, which are gorgeous to look at! Which reminds me, I think I need to take a trip out to Chateu Elan (the local wine and grape producer) and take some pictures to share.

Has anyone ever tatted with these before? I've tried a few - don't have pictures because it's at my grandmother's house at the moment.. I'm so scatter brained! >.<

I have been tatting..

This will become a necklace/bracelet/earring set when I get them complete. I'm working on the necklace now. This pattern is from "A New Twist on Tatting" and is my first ever attempt at an edging. Funny story, that.. My sister told me she had never seen me make edgings, and that she would make those if she were to tat. She likes the look of them on hankies, she says.. And all I've ever done has been in the round!

I showed her! lol She even said that I made these to show her wrong! Good times by all!

As I haven't finished them, these won't be part of my 25 motif challenge yet. When they are done, I'm hoping they will be #23. Shouldn't take too much for me to finish them (I hope!!).

As for the new skeins of dyed thread? Those are part of the present for my grandmother. I'm hoping I can get through this pretty quick. I know I won't be able to finish it by her birthday (which is he 11th), mostly because I have work. Fingers crossed! I'll keep everyone posted!

Happy tatting!

A Cup of Tea

2010-07-07T22:41:00.005-04:00

No words to say, really. I do have some tatting to add here, but I haven't gotten the pictures for them yet.

No, instead I had to try something tonight that has been in the back of my mind for a while. When I was first researching the dying process, I came across some tutorials on how to dye with tea. Seeing as I had a basket full of tea I have had for over two years, I finally caved.

They are drying right now, so I'll post pictures tomorrow. For now, enjoy the yumminess!

.. And while I'm thinking of it, who would like to tat with thread dyed in the natural way? This I'm not sharing - yet (these were made for a gift for my grandmother's birthday, which is really, really soon! >.<), and I didn't fix the cotton to keep the colors! :O

Also, the shawl is nearly complete. I should have it completed by tomorrow night at the latest, and then be ready to paint it in the next week or so. I need to get some more dye for it, as I don't think I have enough!

Happy tatting!

Antique Lace

2010-06-29T16:13:00.006-04:00

Warning: Image heavy! Click for larger pictures.

I knew, from nearly the beginning of my tatting experience, that my great-grandmother was a tatter herself. My mother has her tatting shuttle put away to keep it protected on the off chance that it may get broken (and with a semi-new puppy, that is quite likely). Imagine my surprise when she took me into her bedroom one day and showed me some of the lace items that she had collected that had been made by family members.

Some of these are quite old; I can't even date most of them. They all could do with a gentle cleaning and pressing, but I don't know how to do this and keep them intact. Some of them are falling apart (and, if I knew how to crochet that tiny, tiny thread) I would fix them. There's more crochet than tatting, and what tatting there is.. Well, I'm amazed at them.

So, I'm sharing with all today what lay hidden in my mother's closet. If anyone knows the patterns and where I can find them, I would love to know!

Enjoy!

And here are the tatting pieces. All are edgings for handkerchiefs, but they are still lovely!

Both done in what feels like cotton size 70 thread. They're both variegated in pinks and whites.

Both of these are done in heavier thread. The whiter of the two is a little bit lighter than the other. I thin they are both size 20 thread, but the lighter feels almost synthetic.

Oh, to have this much patience. Sometimes I wish I wasn't born between the Nintendo generation and the Hacker generation. (sigh)

It's my hope that I'll be able to re-make some of these pieces in the future, but for now they're eye candy. I'm working on crochet, but am afraid to try anything smaller than a flower motif with yarn.

If anyone wants, I can show the two quilts that my Grandma Evans made that I inherited, as well as some of the afgans she was known to crochet near the end of her time here. For now, I share these.

Happy tatting, all!

Swatching

2010-06-13T14:20:00.006-04:00

Wow, can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last posted, and this is the reason:

I have so many projects going that I'm trying to finish them one at a time and then, hopefully, I can keep my mind on one topic. However, I keep finding some knit lace patterns that I really would like to try, so I've been swatching them as I go, trying out different yarn and all that whatnot. I've also been trying out some new techniques, and these are the fruits of my labors!

Here is a cuff pattern from the latest Piecework issue. It's the first time I've tried nubs, and I managed to get them wrong. I didn't have internet at the time, and as such couldn't watch a video on how to do the nub stitch and, consequently, got it wrong. It's done in 100% cotton that I got at Michael's, but I don't have any idea what type it is (I'm not at the house and can't look at the label).

Next up is two swatches of the Mesilune from the antiCraft. Both were knitted with the same needle, but one is bamboo and the other acrylic. The acrylic (top) looks much more dainty, while the bamboo (bottom) is very thick and heavy. I think this yarn would be better suited to heaver knit projects rather than the lace. On another note, the bamboo doesn't have a full repeat while the acrylic has more rows and a repeat.

And, for the secret project..

I've been trying to get the full shawl finished, and I'm nearly there..

This is for a birthday present, and will be dyed in reds and black. Her birthday is still in summer, but she will need it before Christmas, hence why I'm working so hard on it. It will be my first fully knit lace project as I've put aside the Goddess Shawl for working on this (also because I made a mistake with the arms and will have to rip out quite a few rows to fix it..).

I'm also skeining some thread for when I dye this beauty. Might as well do it in one go, right?

I have more that I've been up to, but these were the only items I could carry without dropping them. More to come! ^^

Knit, Knit, Knit..

2010-05-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

Been working on several items at once, so I thought I'd share. Sorry in advance for the blurry photos. I used my phone for them all.

The first is a pattern that I am trying to add to. It's loosely based on Ruth Perry's Eight Inch Doily that I've made while I was at the doctor with M. I couldn't remember the stitch count and didn't have the book with me, and let my fingers go. I'm adding on to it, and the second round isn't quite finished (it's rosetts, which are proving difficult):

And next are two knit projects, one is for my aunt on my mother's side:

She bought me that yarn years ago, and now I'm making her a scarf for Christmas. It's extremely soft, and if you've seen the movie Monster's INC, it looks like Sully's coloring! I'm a little further on this than the picture. When it's done, it'll be a zig-zag pattern, hence why it' leaning to the left.

And finally, a personal item to work on my knitted lacework:

This is the Gorgeous Goddess Shawl, from the Anti-Craft. I'm about half-way through if you only count from the rows. It's easy and is almost a no-brainer pattern. I love the background stitch!

I'm also swatching some more knitting for a secret project, which I'll share at a later date. 'Till then!

Earrings and Strawberries!

2010-05-10T14:05:00.007-04:00

I have been working on these off and on for a while now.. Made the first prototype a while ago and then tried it with beads, and now I need some help!

This was the first one, done in Lizbeth Country Turquoise:

And the second, done in Lizbeth Antique Violet:

The second one has beads on them as well as an extra join, and I don't know which I like best! Maybe a combination of the two, perhaps? I like the placement of the beads, but not the extra join because it sort of warps the bottom two chains. Any thoughts?

And just to have a clearer picture, here they are side-by-side:

Because I don't feel these are "finished," they are not going to be counted in my 25 Motif Challenge. I have some more tatting to share, but can't get any pictures at the moment. I'll try to have them posted tonight!

Also, I'm going to offer this pattern, but I need to write it up. It's simple and based entirely on the number 3!

And now, on a lighter note.. ^^

It's the end of the strawberry season, and I'm lucky enough to have a start-up strawberry farm nearby. Nothing beats buying local, as the jams, jellies, preserves, what have you, have that extra taste of home that store-bought produce just can't replicate. I know it must sound crazy, but I prefer to get what I can local while staying away from the grocery stores.

So, about a week ago, my grandparents and I went and picked some berries. It was a beautiful day!

Unfortunately, there weren't many berries left as they had a huge crowd before we got there! I did manage to get some a few nice shots..

All the berries are washed and frozen, and hopefully I'll have some jams and jellies soon!

I can't wait for it to be blueberry season.. The ones we got last year were excellent! ^^

ALSO!! Nearly forgot..

I wanted to do a give-away at the end of last month, but then quite a few of the blogs I followed offered up some goodies! I decided to push it back for two weeks, and will be posting about it in the coming days.

'Till next time!

Tatting and Origami

2010-04-18T23:26:00.005-04:00

I've always been one who is a lover of many crafts. I've finally gotten the hang of this one origami pattern, and I absolutely love the fold.

This is a lotus flower. It represents rebirth, purity, and enlightenment. When I was getting ready to graduate and enter my new life as a designer, I chose this symbol as my logo and haven't looked back.

I've absolutely loved this flower and those that look like them, but have never been able to fully replicate them in any way. I haven't had the courage to try growing even a modest water lily, mostly because living in the South one always has to be wry of mosquitoes growing in still waters. Ah well, ces't la vie.

This is the same pattern as before, the Eight-Inch Doily from "Easy Tatting" by Ruth Perry. It was tatted using Lizbeth 20 "Black" and LadyShuttleMaker's "Shades of Gray." I like this color combination better than the one before, as it has a bit more contrast. I'm also not one to pay attention where the colors start on variegated, however next time I try this one, I may try it!

Also, the edge of this doily is so versatile! It's also used in a mat as well as a snowflake. I've tried to start the place mat, just to see if I could finish it, and ended up with a happy mistake. My roommate thinks it's cool like this!

Colors used are Lizbeth Black, Denim Whisper, and Country Turquoise.

I haven't got any recent tatting to share.. These were the ones I misplaced a bit ago and found again. Finals are on the horizon, and I'm in the middle of revisions! (blech)

So, I leave you now with these little gems. If I have my counts correct, these bring my 25 motif challenge count to 22. I'm getting close! :D

And, before I leave, I give you a bit of a "LOL GRR!" moment, courtesy of a first attempt at the lotus with foil paper:

(sigh) I can't get it right on the first try, EVER! ;)

Changing Layout!

2010-04-14T14:17:00.001-04:00

Sorry to those who are following me, but I am currently making a layout for this blog as well as re-organizing.

If you get a bunch of notifications that I have updated, sorry!

Will post some tatting and knitting later!

Cabled Scarf WIP

2010-04-06T20:06:00.004-04:00

A while back, I posted this blog entry, and wanted to share how it looks as well as how far I've gotten. I haven't forgotten the Bamboo Scarf pattern; it's at home in a little box and will be finished when I get this one done. I'm well over halfway through with the fist skein of yarn, and will probably need another two to make this of any decent length.

Sorry for the blurry picture; I didn't have my big camera and this was taken with my phone.

I've been working on this one off and on for the past few weeks, since I posted the pattern. I think it's going really well! I've had to make some slight changes (mostly in the needle I was using to hold the cable stitches.. I can't cable without one!), but otherwise it looks good!

Found the tatting I complained about earlier, so I will post more when I get home!

I feel like I should have more to show..

2010-04-02T15:17:00.009-04:00

First off, I'm missing some of the tatting I've done since the last time I've blogged.

Why? Let me show you why..

Meet Izzie, my sister's newest addition to her family. She's the tiny one.. The larger one is my darling, Willow, who is nearly four years old. Izzy isn't even four months yet, so we're still in the chewing stage! (At last count, I have lost three single flip-flops and nearly a pair of sandals)

This lovable little demon likes to carry off things. Either I've put the tatting I've done in the last week down somewhere, or she has stolen it. I'm betting I've just placed it where it really needs to be stored, but I couldn't resist sharing a picture of her and my puppy! ^^

However, I do have a few things to show..

Here's the bulk of the items I've worked on. If I could find the other snowflake and doily, I'd show everything! From the top..

This medallion is from an antique pattern that I found on the Online Tatting Class website, but I can't remember which book it was in, but that it was simply called "Tatted Medallion."

**Edit: I found the book while looking for another pattern. The book is "The DMC Library Tatting Book," and the medallion number (there's several on the same page..) is #17. Now that I've found it again, I better print it! ^^

This is the 8-Inch Doily from "Easy Tatting" by Rozella F. Linden. I had another tatted just like this, but in black and in LadyShuttleMaker's Shades of Gray, but it's one of the ones I have misplaced..

And finaly, the "Flower Snowflake," from the same book as before. It didn't want to lay flat again, but some time with the iron really made a difference!

Also, since I haven't posted the pictures of the others, I'm not counting them yet. So, this brings my total up to 18!

I've also made a few more cards. More later, since I'm making the kimono as we speak..

HDT - The Stash

2010-03-19T00:09:00.004-04:00

First of all, let me say that those who I sent the threads out to have received their cards. Congrats to all! Sorry if my comments on the posts didn't go through -- we've been having problems with our internet for the past two weeks and I'm lucky to even get my e-mail to load! Hopefully the problem is fixed this time. Oh the joys of living in the middle of nowhere! ^^

Anyway, I thought I'd share some pictures of "Hearts Desire," as tatted by Beelizabeth:

Isn't it beautiful? This was tatted in Lizbeth that I had dyed and had a whoopsie moment. I think it turned out really well! Unfortunately, every time I have tried to do this pattern I always mess up on one of the first two chains. Either there aren't enough picots or too many! Thank-you, Beelizabeth, for letting me post this on my blog. Again, it is beautiful!

I've also managed to make a new card in the past few days:

This time I've used stickers that I caught on sell at Michaels. Aren't they lovely?

Also, Isdahara, I am planning on selling these. Not sure what the pricing is going to be just yet, or if they will be sold individually or in packs of 5. It's still in the works, and I'll keep everyone posted! ^^

I was trolling around Hobby Lobby yesterday, when I stumbled upon a happy find. I have been looking for a plastic container to put all my HDT in that had been wound onto floss holders. I finally found one that had many compartments. It also has enough room to house my floss winder!

As you can see, I've almost got it packed full. Not all of these are my own HDTs.. The bottom row of threads are all Lizbeth colors except for the two in the lower right. Those are from the thread exchange from this past Christmas! (I've still got two more to wind, and all will be well!) Also, the three above the exchange threads are what's left of the HDT I bought from LadyShuttleMaker. The colors there are Shades of Gray (20), Icicle (20), and Autumn Medley (80). I really need to get to using these soon!

A few months ago, I asked how everyone kept their beads. After weighing the choices and seeing the stora
These aren't all of my beads -- I have salvaged some from some cheap jewlery that I bought from a clearance store. After finding these, I found a better container, but that will be shared at a later time.

I have some tatting to share, but that will come tomorrow. I want them to finish blocking before I post! ^^

Cards

2010-03-05T16:35:00.004-05:00

I had been putting off making these for awhile, and then decided in the last few days to work on them again.

Remember her? Or how about..

Well, I made some more for the give away (so yes, lades.. You each got one of the following)

Winter

Spring

Fall

The Twins

There was only one that I didn't get a picture of, and to tell who got it could ruin the surprise. And yes, they all have anime blue hair! I mispaced my paper for the black hair, and used my blue instead. I think they look cuter with blue, but anyway..

Hope each of you love your new threads!

Thread Giveaway

2010-03-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

Since I had more people interested in my threads than I thought, I decided to do a drawing for them. I have four skeins of Lizbeth tread that I'm giving away, and then decided to give away a few more from what I have ready. The four that were chosen will get one each of my Lizbeth, everyone else will get some from my DMC or Aunt Lydia blends.

So, those who are receiving Lizbeth are:

Jane Eborall
Sharon D.
Beelizabeth
Tryana

I'm e-mailing everyone who commented, and will be sending out the threads by Wednesday, weather permitting. They're calling for snow again, and at the first sign of a flake the entire city shuts down!

If your e-mail isn't on your profile pages, please send me an e-mail (with your address) to: katherinnemckay@gmail.com

If you missed out this time, don't fret! I am planning a larger give away in April, so more to come on that!

Happy Tatting! ^^

Snowflakes (+ a thread give away)

2010-02-27T11:13:00.004-05:00

This has been a busy time for me in the past few weeks, and I'm glad to say that while my spring cleaning isn't completed yet, I did have time to tat!

I recently bought this book at a semi-local used book store (who could special order books with ISBNs), and thought I'd share a few of the results.
Here's everything that I'm sharing today. All of the snowflakes that I have done so far require a center ring that is tied and cut and then a second round following. I didn't follow this step since I'm working on my split rings and have made the start of the second round by climbing out. I think they've turned out lovely!

These were both tatted in size 20 Lizbeth thread in the color "Victorian Red". I love this color; it's deep and has a bit of a purple-ly sheen to it. The top flake is the "Ribbon-Floss Snowflake" and the bottom one is the "Tiny Snowflake".

Went to Michael's a few days ago, wanting to get some DMC thread in Ecru, but they were out. So, I came home with some more Royal crochet thread, this time in "Bridal Blue". The size is a size 10, but tats up bigger than the other size 10s that I have used in the past. These snowflakes are "Trefoil" and "Ribbon-Floss" again. The next one I'm having problems with..

This one is the "Flower Snowflake" and it isn't wanting to lie flat. It's only rings/chains, nothing fancy, but I'm not sure how this is turning out. The pattern uses only one shuttle and the ball thread, but it calls for size 20, and this is 10. Maybe that's why the flake isn't flat. I'll have to re-tat with smaller thread..

I've also tatted the star pattern out of this book, but have put them away before I could take any pictures. They were the last items I tatted before starting to clean, and there's no telling where they ended up.

I've also got about half of the thread that I've skeined dyed and rinsed! These are the early results:

DMC Size 10 Baroque

Aunt Lydia Size 10

Lizbeth Size 20

The Lizbeth thread held the colors the best, but I'm not 100% on the results. On the one I call "Orchid Blossom," some purple ended up in the middle of the white section, causing a bit of a blemish.

I'm offering these up for anyone who may want them, free of charge. They're all 50 yard skeins (plus a bit more, due to the way that I wound them). If anyone wants, comment here.

Tea Set and HDT

2010-02-23T16:04:00.004-05:00

This is, by far, my favorite tea set. I bought it not long after I graduated from high school, and have had it packed away ever since. Not long after this picture was taken, I broke one of the handles off of a cup. Luckily, I can fix it with some super glue, but I'm still slightly upset about it.

As far as I can tell, it was made pre-WWII, but after WWI. I have found a few sites about this type of pottery as well as the company, but can't find the pattern.

It's beautiful, and this is the reason that I bought the set:

You may need to click on the picture to see all the detail, but it is a gorgeous silhouette of a geisha. You can see the petals in her hair as well as her graceful facial features. Also, you can't see this from the other side, only from looking above.

I've also been getting ready to dye some more thread. I'm thnking about hosting a give-away, mainly because I have so many that I have made and that I'm wanting to sell them. More details later as I decide what I'm going to do.

Until then, I'll leave you with these pictures. No tatting today (even though it is Tatting Tea Tuesday. Thinking about joining in on that as well!), but I have been working on some things since I've gotten closer to getting everything clean.

Knitted Fishnet Pattern

2010-02-12T15:40:00.003-05:00

This pattern was NOT created by me. I first saw it on the TV show Knitty Gritty, which has since gone off the air (as far as I know), for an 80's day, and is a very simple pattern. It's reversible, so there is no front side/back side!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the pictures for the tutorial last night. Sorry!

Abbreviations:
CO (cast-on)
R (row)
YO (yarn over)
K# (knit the number of stitches)
K2tog (knit two stitches together)

CO any ODD number of stitches.
R: K1, YO, K2tog (YO, K2tog) to end of row, ending with K2tog.

Repeat R to desired length.

This pattern was used to create a pull-over shirt that was really loose fitting.

It's snowing here, so it's time for an emergency trip to the grocery store for bread and milk. More later!

Knitting

2010-02-11T17:57:00.006-05:00

Hi all! I've been knitting a lot recently, so I don't have that much tatting to show. All my tatting supplies have been packed away while I try to get my spring cleaning done early!

All my pictures for what I have been working on are currently on my computer at home, so I'll try to post them when I get done here at school. For now, I'm posting these patterns for myself so I can remember them (since I seem to forget where I put my doodle book!). Both are scarves, and one is a cable scarf.

Later on tonight, I will be posting a really easy pattern for a fishnet lace stitch, possibly with a picture tutorial. It's all depending on if I can get my roommate to take the pictures as I knit!

Also, for those who are knitters, let me know if these are easy to follow? This is the first time I've tried to write out knitted patterns..

Bamboo Scarf
Odd rows are right-side.

Abbreviations:
R# (row number)
K# (knit the stitch)
YO (yarn-over)
K2tog (knit 2 together)

R1: CO any odd amt of stitches.
R2: Knit across.
R3 (eyelet row): K1, *YO, K2tog (repeat from * across)
R4: Purl across
R5: Knit across
R6: Purl across.

*begin repeat pattern
R1-4: Knit all rows.
R5: Knit across
R6: Purl across
R7: Knit across
R8: Purl across
R9: Knit across
R10: Purl across

Repeat from * to desired length, then
R1-4: Knit across
R5: Knit across
R6: Purl across
R7 (eyelet row): K1. *YO, K2tog (repeat from * to end of row)
R8: Knit
R9: Bind-off

**The eyelets in this scarf are meant for creating a tasseled fringe. If you don't like having fringes on your scarvs, omit the ends and substitute with 4 rows of knitted stitches.

Cabled Scarf
**The moss stitch that I use in this is different from what I've found online. Instead of being four rows repeated, it's only two.
**Even sides are right side.

Abbreviations:
R# (row number)
K# (knit the stitch count)
P# (purl the stitch count)
MS (moss stitch of K1, P1)
Cbl (cable)
st (stitch)
sl (slip stitch to cable needle)
cbl ndl (cable needle)

R1: CO 37 stitches
R2: MS (k1, p1 to end of row)
R3: MS (k1, p1 to end of row)
R4: MS (k1, p1 to end of row)
R5: MS (k1, p1 to end of row)

*R6: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), P2, K4, P3, K9, P3, K4, P2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
R7: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), K2, P4, K3, P9, K3, P4, K2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat from * for a total of six rows, then
R12: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), P2, Cbl (sl 2 st to cbl ndl hold to front, K2, K2 from cbl ndl), P3, Cbl (sl 3 st to cbl ndl hold to front, K3, K3 from cbl ndl), K3, P3, Cbl (sl 2 st to cbl ndl hold to back, K2, K2 from cbl ndl), P2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

*R13: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), K2, P4, K3, P9, K3, P4, K2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
R14: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), P2, K4, P3, K9, P3, K4, P2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat from * for a total of six rows, then
R18: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), P2, Cbl (sl 2 st to cbl ndl hold to front, K2, K2 from cbl ndl), P3, Cbl (sl 3 st to cbl ndl hold to front, K3, K3 from cbl ndl), K3, P3, Cbl (sl 2 st to cbl ndl hold to back, K2, K2 from cbl ndl), P2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat from R7 to 18 for desired length, then

R1: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), K2, P4, K3, P9, K3, P4, K2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
R2: MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1), P2, K4, P3, K9, P3, K4, P2, MS (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
R3-6: MS (K1, P1 across)
R7: Bind-off

If you try out these patterns, let me know! I'd also like any feedback on how I've written them out..

As soon as I get the pictures up (and learn how to make knit diagrams), I'll change this post to make new posts for the patterns. o.O I confuse myself sometimes..

Until later, happy tatting (or in this case, knitting! ^^)

The Evolution of a Pattern

2010-01-17T18:33:00.002-05:00

Sorry all! I've been having some internet problems lately, and this isn't a guarantee that I'll stay on for very long. Oh the life of using another's internet.. Aah well. Also, sorry for those who don't have Japanese characters on their system. There's a part in this post that is written in hirigana..

Seeing as how I go through several different patterns/designs, I thought I’d share how I make my patterns in Illustrator. I’m working on a snowflake of my own design, which I’ve got called the “Sakura Flake,”　ふれっくのさくら (fure-ku no sakura, or Cherry Blossom Snowflake. That is, if my translation is correct..) It uses one shuttle and a ball, a first for me. I’m so used to using two that it’s a bit unnatural to not have that second shuttle to dance with! Here’s the first part of it, as I originally wrote it:

Abbreviations:
R- ring
Ch- Chain
Cl – close
P – mock picot
RW – Reverse work
+ - join
LJ – lock join

Round 1
R (5-4-4-5) Cl. RW
P, Ch (6-6) RW
R (3-3-3-3) Cl. RW
Ch (6-6) RW
*R (5+4-4-5) Cl. RW
Ch (6-6) RW
R (3-3-3-3) Cl. RW
Ch (6-6) RW *
**Repeat four times, making five rings, then
R (5-4-4-5) Cl. RW
Ch (6-6) RW
R (3-3-3-3) Cl. RW
Ch (6-6) LJ to p before 1st chain. Cut, tie, and hide ends.

The problem with this flake is that the smaller rings didn’t quite give me the look I was going for, so I tried for something a little bit different, just by changing the stitch count and adding a join. Here’s the chart, as everything is the same except for the chains.

I still had the same problem, and decided for yet another variation:

This chart doesn’t show the correct scale.

And finally, the cart that I’m currently working on, and is a bit closer to what I want to achieve:

Still not fully happy with them, but oh well.

I’m planning on doing a better job at the chart once I get the pattern all figured out, so keep an eye out. I thought I’d share this little progression, and I’ll have full pictures later. My batteries are dead! (sigh)

Until then, happy tatting!

Bead Tatting?

2010-01-09T13:00:00.002-05:00

A few months ago when I first started tatting I recieved three tubes of glass seed beads. To keep them organized, I bought a holder for them that has little boxes that look like they would hold tick tacks.

Well, turns out that was a bad idea.

So far, I have five of them filled with beads and trinkets and only one hasn't opened at the wrong moment.

What does everyone else use for their beads? I'm at a total loss for storage, as I am horrible at organization..

Anywho, I have some more tatting that I would like to share, but I don't have access to my camera at the moment! Look a little later for some new motifs!

New Years Resolutions and Tatting

2010-01-07T11:04:00.004-05:00

This past year has been an interesting one! Between school and RL, I'm surprised I was able to get anything done!

That said, I have some tiny tatts to share. All were made (with the exception of four motifs) because I needed to clear out my shuttles after making snowflakes, earrings, etc.

First up is "Dream" by YarnPlayer, in black Lizbeth size 20 with some copper seed beads. I love the way it turned out! This was my first project with beads, and I'm glad it went over so well. The small butterfly next to it was what was left on the shuttle. I was having fun with the beads this time! The purple butterflies were tatted with Omega size 20, but this was a nylon cord. It was a little difficult to work with, but once I got it I was off!

The next set includes a few snowflakes, all done in my own HDT's. I saw the snowflake at the 25 Motif Challenge page, tatted by Kathy. The pattern is by Sharon, and is called the Merry Christmas Snowflake. The colors from top left are Black Friday, Arctic Slushie, and Choco Strawberry Swirl. I also made a heart that I have misplaced the pattern to. It was my first attempt at a rose; I had three false starts before I got this one going! At the top is a motif where I ran out of thread while making a star, so I turned it into a square, tatted in Grape Vine.

Everything else around these are tiny tatts, again, including daisies, butterflies, and a cherry blossom, which is the beginning of a much larger project.

Nothing has been blocked or starched yet, so everything looks a bit wonky.

So far, these will bring my count up to nine. I need to put a gadget on my side bar for this so I can keep track.

I also have made another card. This time I was playing with the dye that I have and some stamps to see how it would look. Also found some nail art stickers for $1 and added them for a bit of texture.

It's blank inside as with the other two.

Also, I found this on my big computer, and thought I would share:

This is the first motif that I designed, which I haven't posted a picture of. I made this when I was still needle tatting, and had to hide a lot of ends. I'm writing the pattern out and it will be posted, as well as my Clover Square, in the coming month. I've had to tweak the square because it was buckling while I made the center, and I want to get a few more tries out with it.

My New Years resolutions tis year aren't as bad as with other years. Craft-wise, this is my list:

Learn to crochet
Make everyone a scarf, and have them done by September
Learn how to:
Cluny Tat
Split Chains
Get my dye supplies organized
Finish writing out the pattens to my motifs
Design at least one motif a month
Finish the 25 Motif Challenge

.. And I think that is all for now. Any more goals will be added later.

New Year and Post-Christmas Crafts?

2010-01-02T16:11:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone is having a safe New Year, and that their holidays were filled with laughter and family!

After Christmas, it is a family tradition (mostly) to go out and shop. This year, I had some money that I wasn't expecting and spent it on ornaments. This was my second year in my own home, and as such I didn't have many ornaments to begin with.

I also got some to craft on, but that is another post.

Here are some of the ornaments that I scored at Dollar General:

One of the things I hate most about glittered ornaments is the fact that they seem to shed their glitter all over everything! My childhood is filled with memories of this glitter covering the floor and sticking to my hands and hair for weeks after the holiday was over. This time, I got a little smart and decided to seal it on and, with some help from Krista (thank-you!) I decided to do it outside on my clothesline., and thought I would share with others.

It would otherwise be unused this time of year, since it is too cold to do my laundry outside.

I've got another day before I can touch them to bring them back inside, but I think it will be worth the wait!

I also got a kit to make Japanese paper dolls, as well as a whole stack of origami paper. I've made three dolls, and two of them have been turned into cards:

My mom loved them so much she's keeping them and taking them to work!

Christmas Gifts, Crafts, and Cookies!!

2009-12-19T16:43:00.008-05:00

These are my latest in the world of tatting. There's four of each, and I will be joining them together with jump rings when they are fully starched and blocked:

I joined the 25 Motif Challenge this last week, so I will say that these are four different motifs. They're not fully finished, but they will be the first in my go at the challenge!

These were all tatted in a size 20 of HDT from Lady Shuttlemaker, "Icicle." I used two different patterns, one was the December pattern from Georgia Seitz site for beginner tatters, located here. The next one up was the same pattern, just doubled and taking out a ring/chain and joining to one picot in the center. The third was a crochet pattern that was translated into tatting, however I've lost the pattern. I'll see if I can find it before my next post..

Since I have gotten confirmation on some of my threads getting through the mail, I feel its alright for me to post what the cards looked like before being put in the envelope:

I had the origami paper sitting around from about three Christmases ago when I made a tree that was completely decorated with nothing but origami cranes. Wow, that was a while back.. I was still in school at ITT..

The envelope is made the same way that Katie did over at Katie's Tatting Khronicles, though I think I may have made mine before she did, except she made them way better than mine!

It may not seem like much of a Christmas craft, however I am working on M's Christmas present at the moment:

He's getting a nice journal; parchment, 200 total write-able pages (or 50 sheets folded in half) and bound with some thread that I need to dye tonight so it will be ready in the morning. I'm using tea for this one, which will be a new experience for me. It's going to be bound in a Japanese stab-binding style, mostly because I like the stitch and it's easier than some of the other styles. I'll try to post some pictures of the entire process -- this is a really good way for re-binding books that are loosing their spine or have been passed down.

I also got bored when I was taking the pictures of the parchment, and decided to share with everyone one of my orchids before the blooms fall off:

This is my newest addition to the growing plant life of my home. I'm surprised that the blooms have lasted this long.. Maybe it's because I'm keeping the temperature the same constant 73 degrees?

Thread Exchange

2009-12-14T16:33:00.003-05:00

I sent out my thread earlier today and it should be in everyone's hands by end of week. I've been procrastinating cleaning house, and today I have cause to put it off:

At top left, from Marcella, is a collection of thread that includes a DMC Perle Cotton in size 12, and a vintage thread from Clark's Boilfast, size 50. Next is from Marji, Lizabeth size 20 Springtime. Thanks to both!

Now that I have them, I don't know what to do with them! Perhaps some pretty ornaments?

I'll post pictures of the cards I sent out later, once they've reached their destination!

Holiday Thread Exchange, and other Holiday things!

2009-12-12T15:30:00.007-05:00

As promised, here are some pictures of my latest thread dying exploits. The yarn took around three rinsing before they were fully dye-free, and the thread twice (but only for the darker colors. I didn't realize it took so much to get the brown out!!)

Size 10 Bamboo
Colors:
Orchid Blossom
Grape Vine
Orchid Blush
Chocolate-Strawberry Swirl
Black Friday

Size 10
Colors:
Grape Vine
Chocolate-Strawberry Swirl
Arctic Slushie
Flames
Orchid Blossom
Peach
Rose-Pink
Black Friday
Size 20
Colors:
Flames
Chocolate-Strawberry Swirl
Black Friday
Grape Vine
Peach

Size 30
Colors:
Black Friday
Orchid Blush
Arctic Slushie
Chocolate-Strawberry Swirl
Rose-Pink
Grape Vine
Orchid Blossom

I now have more thread than I know what to do with.. But that's alright. :) If anyone wants to try some of this out, send me a comment and I'll respond.

There's a Holiday Shop in my local strip mall. They come every year, but the best thing about them this year is that I found two books for tatting!

Anyone know where to find a "crochet tatting hook"? This book calls for one, but I have no idea where to find one! I think I can re-work the patterns to use a shuttle, but I'm not too sure... Crochet is not my forte, it's more of my mothers. and she seems interested in this book (I asked her if she could figure it out and teach me.. It's a good trade -- I teach her needle tatting and she teaches me this!). All I need is to do is get some hooks and I'm set!

Also, Kelly gave me a nice $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble. Yay! Now I can go crazy again! I've found a few books/pamphlets that I really want to get, but will need to see if I can have them shipped to the store. I'm not too fond of waiting for anything to come to my mailbox, especially since it's a tiny thing! lol I guess I need to figure out which books I want!

I'll be sending out my parts in a thread exchange tomorrow. It's kind of funny -- I didn't realize that two of my partners are from my home state! And one is in an area that I go to frequently! Weird..

Also, another note on the Christmas shopping woes.. I managed to get my sister a gift that I know she will like (since I don't have the time to get hers made..), only to bungle it up and have her see the box it was in! This wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the fact that it was from one of the stores that she loves.. And that the smell of the tea she wanted me to get her is currently filling my house with it's candy sweetness!

Dye Again!

2009-12-10T15:30:00.003-05:00

I'll try to post pics when I get home, but I've finally took the time to dye more thread (and also some yarn!) the way I wanted. All that's left is to rinse everything (and in some cases, again!!) and let them dry. I've came up with some new color combinations, and did away with some of my others.

Now, I just need to build my skeining machine and I'll be off to the races! ^^

I am seriously thinking about sending some of these out to be test-tatted, since I won't have time to make something out of every color combination. Any takers?

.. Well, I guess that would have to wait until I get the pictures posted, yeah? lol

Finals, Yarn, Thread, and Dye

2009-12-04T20:09:00.003-05:00

Finals are next week, and I only have to go for three days, and two aren't for tests! ^^

Anywho, I'm gearing up for another round of dying. I didn't get the chance a week ago to dye, mostly because it was Black Friday and I had to work the early shift (whew! so glad that is over!!) This time, I'm making a Christmas gift for a friend who crochets (making a skein of HDT.. erm.. hand-dyed yarn?) that is purple and black. She chose the colors! I'm also going to be dying some thread, so I've got to choose my colors soon!

I'm trying to get everything skeined, so keep a look out! I will also be adding some more tatting, as well as a full pattern to my Clover Square. I've only got to finish the final corner and type up the pattern and I will be done! ^^

Pics will be up (save those for the thread exchange.. I'll add those when my partners get their thread! lol) sometime later, after it's all said and done. Happy tatting everyone! ^^

So much to do, so little time!

2009-11-19T10:58:00.004-05:00

This entire semester has gone by very quickly, and I've found myself in the revision stage of studying for finals. No new tatting at the moment, but I may have some in my next post.

I have a list of things that is insanely long of things I need to complete. I've found that tatting, while it's relaxing to me, is something that I will need to put on the back-burner for a few weeks until I get through with classes. Luckly my classes end the second week of December, but there's so much to do!!

However, I did find some tins for the presents I am sending up to M's family. They are too cute!! I'm one that usually likes the traditional style of tins, but these are a little bit more modern than what I usually go for.

So, my Christmas To-Do List is as follows:
Knitting:

Finish Kelly's Scarf
Lace for Mom/Nannie/Grannie?

Tatting:

Snowflakes
Some Edgings (for the jellies)

Preserves/Candies:

Apple Jelly (if I have time.. It depends on how Thanksgiving goes..)
Candied Almonds (really, they're easier to make than some people think!!)
Cookies!!

As of right now, I have four different family dinners to go to this week. I am going to make some cookies for them, since I can make the dough in about ten minutes and then get out of my sis and mother's way. What will take the longest is how many cookies I am going to be cooking.. Looks like I'm going to be baking for several hours tomorrow!

Also, next Friday I will be dying again. I joined a thread exchange for this Christmas and want to send more than the 30 yards that I dyed before. Not sure which colors I am going to be dying, though, since I have so many that I like. I think I'm going to enlist help this time, though.. The skeining alone can take several days for as many as I dye at a time!

No pictures today, I haven't had time to do anything since Sunday. If I have time, I'll try to post some things later on this week.

I hope everyone has a happy (and safe!!) Thanksgiving!

List of Patterns

2009-11-15T20:50:00.002-05:00

These are the (current) patterns that I have came up with. Each are (or will) be linked to the pattern entries as they are blogged.

This list will grow with time. I just wanted to have a quick list for later.

Moroccan Sun
Medallion 1
Clover Square

Happy Tatting!