tatt3r's lacystuff

Wedding Garter - In Progress

2010-10-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

I'm hustling to finish a tatted garter for my future daughter in law. I tatted about 25 inches of the first row of the bookmark pattern in my previous post.

I'm almost finished with a row of rings-only ruffle attached to the edging. I think it's a bit narrow, and I'll have to add another row of chains, attached to the joins between the rings. Lots of chains, picots and stitches, but it shouldn't be too bad.

The safety pin is my "striver" pin, an idea borrowed from bobbin lacers. I calculated that I needed to join to 6 or 7 picots/day to get it done in time, and I'm almost there.

I bought round elastic earlier, and 3/8" ribbon today. In a moment of brain fade, I bought white, not blue. I was almost home when I remembered "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something BLUE!"

Grrr. Blue ribbon for a garter, of course!

I plan to run 2 rows of ribbon and elastic through the openings of the edging, and will leave enough ribbon so she can tie a bow. At least that's the current plan. She might not wear it, but it's still a keepsake for her.

Another Flower Finished

2010-05-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Finished, and not too bad. I liked it so much, I'm going to do it again. I've printed the pattern and sized it down a little.
I plan to switch the petals, and have 3 with single corded brussels and a vein, and I'm thinking about what stitch I want to put in the other 4.
I will drawn a line for my veins BEFORE I cover the paper. (grin) I will find that dratted compass and draw the circle so it's actually round, and I'll know where the center really is. I will also do the spider last, because I kept running into it while I filled my petals. I'll also redraw the stem, because it's really too big and clunky. Whew.
I am usually impulsive, and start a project without thinking things through. But needle lace is for thinkers, and I'm learning to plan ahead.

Details, Details! I used #80 tatting thread, the flower measures 4"H x 3 1/4"W. I used single corded brussels in 4 petals, and it was my first time making a vein. The other 3 petals are peas stitch variation, I still need work on that. I found a picture of "antique" lace in Lovesey's Creative Design in Needlepoint Lace, P. 97. I scanned the picture, traced the flower, and reduced the size.

Tatted Bookmark - Gertrude's Pattern

2010-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

This pattern is derived from a tiny picture my Grandmother snipped from a needle work magazine. She got Priscilla and some other magazines in the 1910s and 20s, and I inherited some of her clipped tatting patterns and pictures. The snipping that inspired this bookmark has 6 or 8 rings, and that's it. No instructions, no words, and the quality is not good enough to enlarge to count ds. Here I show the bookmark after 6 repeats of the pattern. The first ring is left, bottom.

To the left you see the bookmark is now half done. I've turned the corner and started the second side. I made 28 rings before I made the point and turned. You can see the split rings in two colors, and how to join the chains to the adjacent chains on the return row.

This pattern was on my Geocities website, now gone and largely forgotten. I needed a tatted bookmark, and remembered this pattern. I'm glad I tried it again, I forgot how well it works, and I'm amazed I actually figured all this out. Here's the pattern, as it originally appeared.

Gertrude's Tatted Bookmark

Size 30 Cebelia makes a bookmark 2" wide, by 6" long, plus the braided tail. Make all picots very small for nice joins. The first ring should be made with the color you want on the outside chains. Use two shuttles, two colors. When you begin, leave 12" ends on both threads for finishing the split rings at the end.

Ring: 6 p 6. RW.
Chain: 8 p 10 p 5 p 1. RW.
SS (switch shuttles) join to p of ring. 6 p 10 p 8. RW.
*Ring: 6 (join to 3rd p of prev ch) 6.
Ring: 6 p 6. RW.
Chain: 8 p 10 p 5 p 1. RW.
SS. join to free p of ring. 6 join to 2nd p of first chain, 10 p 8. RW.

Continue from * until you have finished the 24th ring.
Make a split ring 6/6. Regular ring of 6p6, another split ring 6/6, now start again with the first ring.
When you make your chain, join to adjacent picot on the opposing chain.

When you get to the end, make similar split ring, then use your thread ends to make another split ring, use all four threads to make the final ring, (join as necessary) and then attach more threads to make the tail.

If you can't do split rings, you could end off when you reach the length you wish for your bookmark and begin again, joining your chains as you go.

Hints: Make sure your chains are snug before you join or start a ring. The symmetry and consistency of the curve depends on a snug chain. Heads up! This one is challenging, even though it's only rings and chains. Make sure you join your rings to the right picot! I had two false starts because of that reason. The bookmark is also pretty in one color.

You're welcome to print and use one copy for yourself, please contact me if you wish to share with others. Thanks!

Starting another flower

2010-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

I want to work on my "open" stitches, double brussels, pea stitch and single brussels, and looked through my Lovesey books for inspiration. In "Creative Design in NL" (p97) I found a 7 petal flower that will give me an opportunity to practice. The flower is described as an "antique flower" set into fine muslin. It must be a very small flower enlarged to fill the entire page. I scanned, printed, traced and generally tweaked until I'm ready to start couching. There are 4 leaves with the flower, and I may do those later. Rochelle gave me instructions on how to do a spider in the center, and I'm eager to have something new to do!

My version of the flower is 3.5"(9cm) at its widest, and 4.25"(10.5cm) from tip to stem. I measured the flower (pattern 4) from GoNL Basic book, and tried to get close to that size. I plan to use #80 tatting thread, and probably white. Now I will have to study a bit and plan how to lay my trace.

Flower - Pattern 4

2010-05-03T06:56:00.001-07:00

I haven't been blogging, but I've been working on my needle lace. This is the 3rd time for this pattern, and I'd like to say it's the "charm". I still see room for improvement, but overall I'm happy with this one.

I used Finca 50, which is finer than tatting thread, but a bit heavier than the 30wt Blendables which was giving me problems. I think I will try to find some 3 ply cotton and see how that works.

I had trouble with Genoa stitch and pea stitch variation, and I think I will do another leaf so I can practice those stitches.

I've been busy on the needle lace talk forum on ning. (It's running slow today, so try again another day). Ning has decided to change their free forums, so we're looking for a new home. We are a small group of needle lacers, but there are experienced lacers helping us beginners, and it's exciting to have help when you get stuck. I'll post an update when we decide to make the change.

Details, details! Pattern 4 from the Guild of Needle Laces Basic Book, Finca 50 thread. Stitches used are corded double Brussels, Whipped Brussels, Alencon and Venetian bars, Pea Stitch Variation, and Genoa Stitch.

Green Leaf is Finished

2010-03-11T08:42:00.001-08:00

This leaf is made with 30wt Blendables, Lime Sherbet color 433 4017. I still have tension problems, but I can see progress from section to section. My topstitching continues to improve. I used 2 strands of white #80 tatting thread, and I cannot see even tiny peek of white through my cordonnette.

This thread is similar to 16 pearl cotton. Can you see the twist in the stem? I could have flattened it out with a little blocking, but I took a picture as soon as it was off the base.

This pattern is The Guild of Needlelaces Challenge for 2010. This leaf is at 100%, almost 4" from the top to the end of the stem. I have another one started, this one at 75%, just to give me practice in filling smaller spaces. We'll see how it goes.

Practice! Practice!

2010-03-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

I've been working to master the tension of my needle lace, and can finally show some progress. This is my latest effort, a leaf made with 30 wt Blendables, color 4017, Lime Sherbet.

The first section is corded brussels, and is to the right of center. The tension isn't great, I had trouble with the corded row sagging, and my stitches are too far apart.

I corrected my spacing in the next section, to the left of center. It's closer, but not close enough. I eliminated the problem of the sagging cord by using whipped brussels stitch. It looks better, and I kept my diagonal rows in line through most of that section.

The final section is corded brussels again, and I finally got the stitches close enough on my foundation row. I'm really happy with that third section, and can't wait to finish the leaf. It's not perfect, but it's a great practice piece - I can look at it and see my progress!

This leaf is done in #80 ecru tatting thread, and you can see the trouble I had with tension and keeping my rows in line. The green leaf is the same pattern, but a little bigger, and I drew the direction of the lines before I covered it with contact paper.

My stitches are single brussels, whipped brussels and corded brussels.

I'm very pleased that I can see progress, and especially that I can work the 3o wt Sulky thread. I don't want to get stuck using tatting thread forever, and it's a good thing to expand your horizons when you're a beginner.

Needlelacetalk - new forum on ning

2010-02-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have been working on my needle lace, but there's nothing exciting to show. I finished the pink flower and found unintended holes and floppy stitches, so I took another step back. I worked on some samples, just plain squares, and I need to do even more practice stitches.

So there are no pictures here, but new things are happening on http://needlelacetalk.ning.com/ .
Lorelei Halley started this forum specifically for true needlelace. I'm quoting here from the main page: "true needle lace, punto in aria, aemilia ars, reticella, Nadelspitze, les dentelles a l'aiguille and the knotted needlelaces such as puncetto, oya/bebilla. Roumanian point and Battenberg type laces are specifically excluded, as are crochet, tatting and knitting."

There are 38 members so far, and a few discussions started. Interest in Aemilia Ars and puncetto, also showing up early on. There are beginners like me, others are wannabies who have not yet begun, and members who are experienced needle lacers. There's room for everyone who is interested in true needle lace. Stop by and check it out!

Progress on my Pink Flower, and Hearts Exchange

2010-02-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to start the cordonnette on the pink flower. My tension improved as I grew accustomed to working on the pillow, and now I'm comfortable with the change.
I thought I might need more weight to the pillow, but it works fine as is. I may take it apart and wrap a few layers of wool around the foam. I would like it a little thicker when I pin my pattern in place.
I did a better job of the Alencon and Venetian bars with this flower, but my leaf isn't as nice. I did a section with Trebel Brussels, and I am very pleased with it. I'll be able to continue with the bird after I finish this flower.

Here is a picture of all the items exchanged at our lace group meeting. I got the hanky with a tatted edging and a tatted heart on a card. You can see a jewelry bag with a tatted heart, a knit bookmark with hearts, a bookmark decorated with hearts and a lacy crocheted edging, and more heart motifs. All very pretty, and everyone had a lot of fun.

Lace Group Meeting Tonight!

2010-02-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight is our Lace Group's meeting, and I'm ready for the exchange. This time we had a theme of Hearts. I made two hearts, my blue needle lace heart and a tatted heart.

I put the blue heart on a needle book, and the red heart on a knitting needle case. Those are my dpns for sock knitting and lace knitting, for illustrative purposes only. I love my Susan Bates dpns, and would never give them away!
I needed a case for my own dpns, and made one from some sunflower fabric. I like the little flap at the top, it keeps the needles from falling out after you roll it up. I put in a second pocket, which can be used for crochet hooks, seam rippers, and other stuff.

I plan to take my camera and get a picture or two of what other members did for the exchange. I hope they had as much fun as I did on these little projects!

My pink flower is coming along nicely. I'm getting used to the pillow, and I think it's helping my tension. I just finished a section of Treble Brussels, and didn't make any mistakes. I'm going to bring my pillow to the meeting, just so they can see my flower in progress.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2010-02-06T11:05:00.001-08:00

I had some problems with the bird. I was happy with my work in the head and beak, but the body got all out of control.

I am working with too many new things, I guess. I am learning the differences between #80 tatting thread and 30wt Blendables, then I added the pillow.

Finally I got to Treble Brussels Stitch, and the area was bigger than I was used to. I had trouble finding the loops, they were hiding under the previous row. I could see my work was getting all crooked, and all I can do is cut it out and try again.

I decided to work Pattern 4 again to help me learn to handle the Blendables thread. I'll cut out the blue thread on the bird and rework the body when I am more comfortable with the pillow and thread.

I'm not at all discouraged, in fact I feel pretty good about redoing the flower. I view this as an opportunity to get more practice, and I really like the idea of a pink flower.

Needle Lace Pillow

2010-02-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Encouraged by my friends and by This post on Stitchety Grub's blog, I searched the house for a suitable container. J has lots of stuff in the basement, and I found a round plastic jug that held bungee cords at one time. It is thin plastic, but just the right size with a cap that twists on. I decided to give it a try.
I found a nice self sealing foam that had been a cushion for sleeping bags. I've used it for other projects, and had enough left to wrap around my jar. J glued it on with epoxy.

I had amore than 1/2 yard denim leftovers, and sewed a cover for the pillow. I gathered the bottom and covered that with 2 circles that had been stitched and turned.

I added a drawstring through a casing at the top. I can open the cap and carry things inside if I want to. I'm not sure how convenient that will be, but I have the option.

I added another layer of fabric to attach my pattern, and pinned it snug with my "dowel" in place. It is a huge knitting needle from the 1970s, probably a 35 or something like that. I don't ever remember using it, and maybe I'll eventually settle on a smaller dowel.
I have worked on it a little, and there is a big difference in the way it works. I didn't have enough light, so I set it aside and will try again this afternoon.
I think it might be very nice, but it is very light weight and shifts a bit too much. I will give it a chance, and see if I can adjust. If not, I may get myself an anniversary present.

Pattern 5 - The Bird's the Word

2010-02-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

I started Pattern 5 from the Guild of Needle Lace Basic Instruction book this weekend. I'm using Sulky Blendables 30wt, and I've used Ocean Blue, Parchment, and Buttercream.

This thread is very different from tatting thread, and I have to concentrate to keep my stitches even. I probably should have worked a little sample piece before starting, but I was eager to get started.

I found a deal on Overstock.com, and couldn't resist. I bought 10 spools of 30wt Blendables. The colors were all appealing to me, and I had birthday money from my mom waiting to be spent.

The thread is 2 ply and much softer than the tatting thread, but I think I can live with it. I don't care for wildly colored variegated thread, but these colors change gracefully.

The head and face are Single Corded Brussels, the beak is Single Brussels and Whipped Single Brussels. Next I will do the body, which starts with Treble Brussels and changes to Corded Trebel Brussels along the dotted line.

I had thought of introducing a dark green for the belly, but have decided to keep it simple and use Parchment.

I've gotten feedback from internet lacers (hi F, and L!) who say a needle lace pillow is very nice to work on. I started making one of my own yesterday, from stuff I found around the house. I haven't taken a picture yet, but I'll post pictures and results another day.

Another Leaf - Done!

2010-01-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

I started and finished this leaf without any posts until now! The JoAnn Shop near my house closed, and I decided to stop by a different fabric store on my way home from M's house last Thursday. I didn't intend to buy anything, but found a pack of John James Petite Tapestry needles. I have only 1 petite needle and decided to create a small stash of petite needles. Just in case. You know the logic.
Then, of course, logic demands that I buy something to go along with the needles. Really, who can spend just $2.25 at a fabric store?

I am not a good shopper, I never buy unless it's on my list. But that day I broke my rule when I found Sulky Blendables thread. I know, you quilters, you've known about Blendables thread forever. But I didn't, and I am delighted to see such wonderful, subtle colors in thread.
This leaf is done in Sulky Blendables Forest Floor, 12 wt. I wasn't sure of the size, and 12 wt is heavier than #80 tatting thread. I got used to the thread pretty quickly, and I love the colors! It reminds me of pearl cotton, and when I took it off the pattern, there was a little twist to the leaf. I pinned it out and lightly sprayed it with starch, now it lays flat.
What did I learn from this leaf? I didn't pay attention when I was doing my topstitching, and the last two veins are upside down. I think they should face down, not up. I know what I did, and will remember to take some time to think things through more carefully. I don't care for the patterns I chose for the leaf, and I'll think about it and try again. It looks good, but I think it could be better.
On the plus side, my top stitching is looking better and better. I had fun with the new thread, and I'm going to use 30wt Blendables for my next project - Pattern #5 from the Guild of Needle Lace Basic Instruction Book.

My Heart is Blue

2010-01-22T06:12:00.001-08:00

Here's a blue heart, done with the same pattern as the white one. I plan to take this one to our lace group's Heart Exchange in February. I will sew it to the fabric, which is why I left my threads long.
What did I learn from this project? Well, I used the same pattern from the white heart. I had no problems couching the thread, I used the same holes and my pattern didn't fall apart. I had a problem when I did my topstitching, and didn't realize it until I was removing my couching threads.

In several places I put my thread through the pattern and into the base, and it was tricky to get them separated. My holes were enlarged because I had used the pattern a second time, and my needle dipped into the base fabric while I was diving under the cordonnet.

Now I know. If I want to use my paper pattern a second time, I should probably use heavier paper. Computer paper patterns are fine for one use, but not two. No sense being that frugal.
This heart is about 2" across, and I used #80 DMC tatting thread, color 798. I drew the little heart myself, and I'm really pleased with the way it worked out.
I have some new thread for my next project, and can't wait to show it off!

Little White Heart is Done!

2010-01-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

My little scissors will serve as a reality check for this project.

I also used my camera instead of the scanner, hoping to get a picture that is a bit more flattering. The light from the scanner can be harsh, and every little imperfection shows clearly.

This picture is from the scanner, before I removed my couching threads. Now I have to decide if I want to make another one in Gutermann thread or use this one in the exchange. I am very pleased with my topstitching in this project. I can see a few lumps, but I think I am making some progress.

Here are the details: #80 tatting cotton, fillings are Double Brussels and Single Corded Brussels. measures 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" (5x5cm)

Progress on the heart

2010-01-13T04:50:00.001-08:00

I filled the inside of the heart with Double Brussels, the outside frame was single corded Brussels. I started on the top stitching last night, and am about halfway around the outer heart.

I HEART Making Lace

2010-01-12T05:52:00.001-08:00

My local lace group is having an exchange in February, and the "rules" are to make something with your lace and include a heart. We can add a button or a bead, or make something in a heart shape, it doesn't have to be a lacy heart motif.

Here's my first attempt, a little heart waiting for the center to be filled. I plan to make a needle case and decorate it with this heart. I found a fat quarter that I like, and some Gutermann silk thread to harmonize, if not an exact match. This heart is made with #80 tatting thread. I'll make another in the silk once I see if it works for my project.

Sea Shell is Done!

2010-01-03T05:50:00.001-08:00

The sea shell is done, and looks pretty good to me. I like my 4 holes in the tan section, there is one hole in the section to the left, but it got lost.

I guess my tension isn't right, but those tiny spaces are still hard for me to fill properly.

My next project is going to be a quick one, I hope. I have an acquaintance who wants a tatted red hat to wear as a pin on her coat. I found several tatted red hats, but we didn't like them.
I tried to design a tatted one, but just can't make it work. I wanted clean, simple lines and tatted miles and miles of pearl tatting in #80 thread. I quit that project, it was driving me mad.
I would prefer to tat a little 3D hat, and even found a pattern, but she doesn't want that. So I've decided to make a small red hat in needle lace, and then I'll be done with red hats.

I looked at The Red Hat Society, I googled at red hat clip art images, and finally decided on these two hats in profile. I'll make a purple bow and attach that later, and I have pin backs that I can attach. I will have to add some wire to stiffen the edges, too.

Maybe this project won't be a quick as I hope. I plan to make these two, offer one to my mother, and send the other off to my acquaintance. Mom gets first choice, she loves my lace and is an avid Red Hatter.

Needle Lace Sea Shell

2009-12-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

This one went quickly, and this is my first picture of Lesson 3 from the Guild of Needle Lace's Basic Booklet.

There are no new stitches, everything is corded single brussels, with a section of pea stitch variation.

I'm using DMC tatting thread, and found some colors in my stash. From left to right, I used #3773, #738, ecru and #353.

Next is the top stitching. I can use the practice, so I'll take it slow and easy and try to make it look good.

Top Stitching on the Blue Flower - Done!

2009-12-27T12:39:00.001-08:00

It's been snowing here, so J and I spent a quiet weekend at home, relaxing and indulging in our hobbies. J is building a new acoustic guitar, and I worked on my blue flower.

The top stitching on this flower was harder than I expected, but I managed to get it off the base intact. I'm glad it's done, and I've already which pattern I'll do next.

The flower was pattern 4, and I'm going to back track and do pattern 3. It's a sea shell, and there are no new stitches, but lots of top stitching at the end. I think I can benefit from that lesson.

The top stitching is done in this picture, and I haven't yet begun to remove the couching threads. I try to remember to throw it on the scanner at this point, just in case my scissors snip a bit more than I intend.

One last roundup of the details: the flower measures about 3" x 3", DMC #80, color 3325. Pattern 4 from the Guild of Needle Laces' Basic Instruction Book.

I learned Genoa Stitch and whipped single Brussels Stitch. I still need work on Venetian and Alencon bars, but pattern 5 will remedy that.

Ready to Top Stitch the Blue Flower

2009-12-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

I finished the stem with whipped Brussels stitch. The leaf started with whipped Brussels and changed to double Brussels. I could have done better with the leaf, I guess, but I'm ready to move forward!

My DH took my Christmas wish list to heart, and bought 3 Nenia Lovesey titles - Technique of, Creative Design in and Introduction to Needlepoint Lace. All from the 80s, very much out of print, and none of them priced for more than $15.

I saw them on Amazon in November, and emailed him with a note - Please, please, please buy me one or two of these for Christmas.

Since J is the best husband in the world - no, best in the Universe - he bought all 3 books. I raced through them yesterday before we left for Diametrag's house. Now I'm itching to start a new project. Haven't decided which one yet, but I am ready to trace a pattern and lay the cordonnet. I'll consider all my options while I topstitch the flower.

I am glad to have Christmas knitting done - I am assured that my loved ones are warmer than before. Next I'll be working in the evenings on baby hats for the hospital, but I'll save some daylight hours for needlelace.

I remembered my reality check. I really like this little flower, and maybe I can find a way to display it.

Blue Flower - last petal done

2009-12-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

The last petal is filled with Genoa Stitch. I hadn't tried that stitch before, so I did a trial section on my sampler. I'm glad I did, because Genoa Stitch was hard for me. It never became intuitive, I had to count the loops for each row to be sure I started in the right place.

I'm pleased with the results, and glad I took the time to be careful. I'm not sure how often I'll use Genoa Stitch, but this last petal looks pretty good to me.

I also couched the leaf, so all I have left is the stem and the leaf, and then I can begin my topstitching.

I realized I have not included a reality check in any of my earlier pictures, and I'll be sure to include a ruler next time. I can tell you that from the tip of the stem to the top of the middle petal is 3 1/2", and from side to side the flower is 3". I'm using #80 tatting thread, #3325 blue.

Blue Flower in Needle Lace - Progress

2009-12-14T04:12:00.000-08:00

One more petal left to fill. I did the second set of bars, with some trouble. I thought about cutting them out and doing them again, but I decided to leave them as they are. I know what I did wrong and how to fix it, and perhaps they will lay flat when I do my top stitching.

The last petal is filled with Genoa stitch, which I have not yet attempted. I will fill a spot on my sampler with the stitch, then fill the petal.

My next decision is if I want to do the leaf. I think I will, and I'll have to couch the cordonnet before I can fill the leaf.

I am making progress on Christmas knitting, I may get those black socks done after all. I've turned the heels, and finished the heel flap on the first sock. I hope to finish the second heel flap tonight. Then I have the endless stretch of k2p2 cuff (toe up socks) before I can finally bind off. I'd much rather do needle lace, but my son will appreciate wool socks much more than a blue flower.

Progress on My Blue Flower

2009-12-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

I finished the section with Alencon bars and moved on to a petal with Pea Stitch Variation.

I've done a few bars when I dabbled in Romanian Point Lace, but that was #20 or #30 thread. This is #80, and a bit of a challenge.

The bars are tilted and look a bit tipsy to me! But my plan is to straighten them up when I do my button hole stitches all around. I have another section of Venetian bars to do, but I skipped that for now and moved to the petal filled with Pea Stitch variation.

I haven't done much Pea Stitch variation, and had to carefully count each row to make sure I was spacing correctly. I think I did it properly, and it looks good to my eye.

We're getting a blizzard through here for the next 2 or 3 days. I've got beans soaking for ham and bean soup tonight. After I knit a few rounds on those socks, I'll be back at my needle lace. I may do the Venetian bars next.

Next Project is Underway

2009-12-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post today. I've started another needle lace project - a flower which is the fourth pattern from the Guild of Needle Laces Basic Instruction Book.

I'm using #80 DMC tatting thread, color 3325. It's a very pretty blue, and I'm enjoying the change from the autumn leaves I did earlier.

The center is filled with Corded Double Brussels, and the second section is Whipped Brussels. This picture is a few days old, and I've already done another section in Whipped Brussels and have started a section with Alencon Bars.

That stitch is new to me, and it's slow going. If you notice, there is also a leaf in this pattern, but I haven't couched it yet. I can't decide if I want the leaf to be green or blue. It depends on what I do when it's finished. I'm still thinking. There's no rush.

I should be knitting - the socks are up to the gussets, but not to the heels. I have started a sweater for the Sprout, but it looks too big and I've lost my enthusiasm. He would wear a hat to match his mittens, but I hate to put the sweater down.

Now that the Thanksgiving Holiday is done, I feel like the days are racing toward Christmas. Fortunately we're not buying lots of presents this year, but I still have a few things I need to get.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2009-11-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

My tree is done! With lots of helpful suggestions from Liz in OZ, I forged ahead, added beads to my cordonnet, and it's done! Here it's still attached to the working base. I always scan it before I remove it, just in case I get too enthusiastic with my seam ripper. (My reality check is metric this time.)

This picture shows the "removal" in progress. I removed the thread that basted the clear contact paper to the fabric, and peeled the pattern away from the base. I used my seam ripper between the pattern and the base, and never touched the needle lace.

For my previous projects, I worked between the needle lace and the pattern. I didn't stop to think that I was tugging on my lace and pulling it out of shape. This way is much nicer, and I never touched my lace until the very last. I had about 5 thread ends to remove from the back of my lace, and that's it!

I've probably read a million instructions how to remove your lace from the working base, it just never really clicked. That's why I'm posting the picture - now you can profit from my experience.

Here it is, all done and ready to hang! The beads messed with my scanner a bit, and my stitches seem a bit out of focus, but you can check out my earlier posts if you want to give me a report card on my stitches. (grin)

I'm so happy with this little tree, the stitches look good, my cordonnet is better than my last project, and I learned how to add beads!

I still need lots of work on my cordonnet, the piece up the middle is pretty sad. But, I am a beginner, and I feel like I'm making progress.

I'm bringing this to the Lace Group Exchange in December. It's time to start another project. I've got knitting waiting in my basket, but I'm feeling pretty icky today. The knitting can wait, and I'll post soon with my new project!

Ready to Top Stitch

2009-11-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

I decided to fill the last portion of the tree with corded double brussels stitch. I started it once, but took it out because it blended in with the corded treble brussels above. I tried again, and this time I left more space between my rows. This shows off the corded line, and doesn't look at dense as the stitch above.

I feel pretty good about that, I controlled the final appearance of my stitch by changing the spacing of the rows. Not a happy coincidence, but actual thought and planning.

The tree trunk is single corded brussels and single brussels. A little sloppy, but I was running out of thread and didn't want to refill my needle.

I took my tree to the lace group meeting, and someone suggested I put beads on the tree when I'm done. I hadn't thought of that, but I may be able to find some sparkly beads to sew along my cordonnet when I'm done.

My Tree Grows Quickly

2009-11-09T18:30:00.001-08:00

I set my knitting aside this weekend, and spent the sunny days working a little extra on my tree.

Starting at the top right, and going down, I used Double Brussels, Corded Single Brussels, Pea Stitch, and Treble Brussels. Back at the top left, I used Corded Single Brussels, Single Brussels, Corded Treble Brussels, and ToBeDetermined.

My notes say I wanted to use Corded Single Brussels with a hole. I'm not sure. I forgot to plan for the two sections of the trunk, and I think that will look best with Corded Single Brussels. Maybe I'll use Corded Double Brussels, haven't done that one yet. Haven't tried Pea Stitch Variation, either. Decisions, decisions.

Another Ornament Started

2009-11-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

I'm at it again!
Google Images is my friend, and I had fun looking at graphic Christmas Trees.
I decided to go with a simple tree, and have just finished the outline. I'm using tatting thread, #701 Christmas Green, and plan to dress it up with a variety of stitches.

One thing I've learned is that it never hurts to think awhile before you start laying your trace thread. Especially when you are working from your own drawing. It's like a logic puzzle, or drawing a maze. If you just dive in, you may end up with a corner you can't fill. I'm sure it is even more important with complex figures.

Another thing I've learned is that I can't be careless when I lay the cordonnet. If the stitches are too far apart, I can't get good tension on my first row of buttonhole stitches.

I like this tree, too. I think it looks as though there's a ribbon or garland wrapped around it. I don't know if I could do it justice, and am saving it for another time.

These drawings are fresh from my scanner, and are very large. I'm posting them on my blog in case of a computer disaster, but you are welcome to right click and save if you want to give them a try. I pull them into MS Word and change the size, usually around 3 inches gives me enough room to work.

Needle Lace Bell - Done!

2009-11-01T05:22:00.000-08:00

I took my time, and was very careful to keep my stitches even as I worked around the bells.

Here's a nice shot of the bell, all topstitched and ready to be removed from the base. I remembered to include my ruler, too.

After I removed the basting, I sewed up the side seams. I used the same tatting thread throughout the bell.

I found a sharp needle, and was able to stab through the loops of the button hole stitches. Just like hiding threads in tatting!

I included this view with my hand for another reality check.

The seams are a little thicker than I like, but I can live with that.

My pattern is a bit uneven, one side of the bell was longer than the other, and I had to fudge the last bit of the seam.

I should have remembered to start my seams at the bottom edge rather than the top.

I'm pretty pleased with my project, although I don't see myself doing lots and lots of bells. I think I'll stick with flat projects for awhile.

I like #80 tatting thread for my stitches. It can be twisty, but I let the thread untwist regularly.

I also discovered if I pulled my thread too fast as I made my stitch, it would always knot. I slowed down, developed a smooth rhythm, and had fewer tangles.

Starting to Topstitch the Bell

2009-10-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

I worked my way around all three bells, adding to my original trace threads. When I got to the bottom of the bells, I added a very fine wire. It's one strand of some wire J. gave me 2 years ago.

I asked him what it was, and he shrugged, "Automotive wire" was all he said. It's 12 strands, wrapped in blue, very fine.

I have some heavier electrical wire I tried when I made my candle. That felt good in my hand, but chunky when on the lace, so I'm trying a lighter weight.

I finished top stitching around one bell, and just had to show my progress. I was so careful with my stitches, I made sure each thread was in the right place before I made the next one. So far, so good, and I hope I can sit down this afternoon and work a little more. I get into a rhythm with the stitches, and it looks good. I just have to remember to be careful until I get into the swing of things.

Ready to Finish

2009-10-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

I chose Corded Triple Brussels for the center band on my little bell. I'm really happy with how it looks, my stitches look good and my tension is pretty even, too.

Now I have to think awhile and decide how I'm going to finish it. At first I thought I would use wire in my cordonnet. I have lots of different wire to choose from, my DH has electrical wire and automotive wire, and more I don't know about.

Then I looked at my finished leaves and compared them to my bell. The leaves are all firm and hold their shape very well without any wire. My bell will be about the same size, and I don't know that I need wire down each edge. I could use wire on the bottom edges, though. Then I could shape a rounded bottom edge, rather than a straight one.

I think of this as my practice pad, rather than a sampler. I can try out a stitch without thinking about shape, color or size. I just fill the square and see what it looks like.

You've seen the first square - Corded Single Brussels on the top, Corded Double Brussels on the bottom, both with Coats Metallic sewing thread used as the cord.

The second square is Pea Stitch. I wanted to switch to Pea Stitch Variation for the second half, but the spacing just didn't work out. I finished it, but didn't like doing the stitch at all. I kept losing the loop, and had to be very particular where I put my needle.

The third square is Corded Triple Brussles, I added the metallic sewing thread for the second half. You can see a lot of the cord that way, I think it might give you the most sparkle, but I liked the top half better.

Progress Again - With Bells On

2009-10-24T12:38:00.001-07:00

I filled in the bottom half with corded double Brussels, and I'm really happy with how it looks. Since I'm going to join the bell at the edges, I want the stitches to look alike. I'm learning there are lots of ways to vary the same stitch. It's not like knitting, where if I use the same yarn and same size needle, I'll usually get something similar enough to call a pair.
I can inadvertantly vary stitch spacing, depth of rows, or number of rows, and the area looks as though it's been filled with a different stitch. One of the beautiful, intriguing things about needle lace, but not something I wanted to explore this time.
So I was careful and started each section with the same number of paired stitches, and tried my best to make it look the same.

I'm not sure how I'm going to fill the middle section, I have plenty of options rolling around in my head. I thought I should do something different, and actually sample some stitches before I started this last filling.

I got the idea for this sampler from Lorelei Halley's website. In the middle of this page, she shows a sampler, and I thought that was a good idea, and set out to make one for myself.
Four hours later, I'm still couching the trace thread! I quit last night when my eyes were watering so bad I swallowed tears when I yawned, and yawned and yawned.

I have a few squares outlined, that's enough for now. I tried a technique described by Elizabeth Ligeti in the Fall 2009 IOLI Bulletin. She gives patterns for 3 Christmas ornaments, and uses metallic thread. In two of them she doubles the metallic thread with the cotton, but in the candle, she uses a "two needle" method. Basically, you make your buttonhole stitches with the cotton, and the metallic for the cord.

This is a pretty good close up of my little sample. I started with single corded Brussels, then switched to double corded Brussels for comparison.

I'm still not sure if I'll be able to see any sparkle on my little bell, and I may sample another stitch or two before I decide which stitch I want to use.

The graph paper was originally 8 squares to the inch, but Open Office crunched it down to 9 squares per inch. That's the reality check for this post.

Progress on the Bell and a Reality Check

2009-10-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

I am excited to see how the bell turns out, and spent a lot of time on this project yesterday.

I am keeping to the KISS principle, and used single corded Brussels on the tops, and double corded Brussels on the bottom. I'm especially pleased with the last bit, it looks very well spaced, even with my Mag Eyes.

I plan to fill in the middle with a Pea Stitch, or maybe Treble Brussels. I really like the way the different stitches create texture and interest in your work, without changing color. The yellow leaf below shows that very well.

Not much to say here, except my good friend reminded that I had not shown my leaves with a reality check - a ruler to give you the proper perspective. The spines of the oak leaf and the yellow leaf measure at least 3" (8 cm). The little leaves are only 1 1/2" (4 cm).

My first needle lace projects were worked with pearl cotton, first #8 then #12. If I were starting again, I'd do one leaf with #8, then move right to #80 tatting thread, or even the Gutterman 100/3 silk, if you have a selection of that handy.

Since I'm a tatt3r, I have an embarrassment of tatting thread, and I will keep using #80 while I learn my stitches. (Similar to a murder of crows, or a school of fish, I'm sure the proper term is an embarrassment of thread.)

I'd like to do a few more leaves, reds and oranges. It would make a pretty display, and show my progress as a sampler would.

Beginning a New Project

2009-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a Christmas ornament in needle lace. If you look back through my blog, you'll see I've started a needle lace ornament at least twice. I always thought my ornaments were not good enough, and traded tatted ornaments instead. I'm giving it another try this year, starting with enough time to tat something when this one doesn't work.

I'm trying a 3D bell my DH drew for me. He did all sorts of calcuations with Pi and Radius and such, and drew something he says is 1/3 of a bell. I copied the bell onto a grid at 60 degree angles, and it should be interesting to see what works.

I have some wire to buttonhole over, and now I've started my fillings. I started with single corded Brussels, and thought I would take a scan to show my beginning.

I found a small notebook with pastel pages - I thought it would help me see the white stitches more clearly. I got tired of working on the heavy blue paper I use for bobbin lace prickings. For now I like the flexibility of paper, contact paper, and muslin fabric. It rolls nicely in my hand, so I can get the stitches a little neater.

I've included my drawing, the original size was about 3 1/2 x 4 inches, which should give a bell about 1 1/2 inches long.

Finished a Yellow Leaf

2009-10-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

I used #80 tatting cotton, color 744. It's a bright yellow, and it was hard to see my stitches because I used white paper for my pattern. I should have known better.

I used the basic stitches, single and double Brussels, corded and uncorded. I need to practice these stitches until they are perfect every time. From what I can see, these are the bread and butter of needle lace, like stockinette and garter in knitting.

I took my time with the outline at the end, and it looks better to my eye. Still not perfect, but better.

I'm thinking about another leaf, but I've started Christmas knitting, and I need to start an ornament for the lace group.

Oak Leaf in Needle lace - Done!

2009-10-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

I love the colors, but I can see it takes more skill than I have. I can see the "warts" but I'm still happy with my leaf.

I need to make many more leaves before I advance to a more difficult pattern.

It's the perfect time of year to collect leaves, and I picked 3 yesterday on my walk with J and the dog. We're getting lots of rain, which knocks the leaves down if they've turned color.

I'm deciding which one to do next. I know I will use one color of tatting cotton, since I didn't get to the JoAnn shop for Guttermann silk thread. I can practice with tatting thread, and save the silk for a more skilled hand.

Oak Leaf in Needle lace

2009-10-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Last night I found the oak leaf I started in June, and finished the fillings. I kept it simple, and practiced Corded Single Brussels Stitch.

My leaf is ready for more cordonnet and the outline. I used #80 tatting thread, a brown variegated from M, and tan from my stash. I am thinking about what I want to do for the top stitching. I'm not sure which color I want to use.

J. bought a magnifier similar to MagEyes for his guitar building, and I have been using it for needle lace. It makes all the difference, my stitches have improved tremendously. There's still room for improvement, I know.

I'm using tatting thread for both cordonnet and fillings. My booklet from The Guild of Needlelaces uses tatting thread for cordonnet and silk for fillings. I know Guttermann silk would work, but I don't have a nice stash on hand. I notice the tatting thread twists, and think I'll try the silk in the hope it would not twist. I will stop at the local JoAnn shop and see if they have some autumn colors for my next leaf.

Maybe I Should Leaf It Alone

2009-06-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

This is what I get when I try to design patterns before I completely understand the craft. This leaf is the pattern I have couched down, and as I think about the stitches I want to use, I suspect the lower left section is going to be difficult to fill.

I put in that pretty little point with a sweet curve, and now I realize it's going to give me trouble. I'm sure someone is laughing at me now. Well, I'm going to try, anyway.

If I start on the vein that goes to the edge of the leaf, I might be able to space it out so I can negotiate the curve and the point.

This is the sketch I started with. When I got it scanned, I thought the upper triangles were too small for my skill set. Now that I look at it, I like the way the veins lay in the lower part. If I try another oak leaf, I will use the lower half of this one.

This is a little mulberry leaf I picked up on a dog walk one afternoon. I like the shape, and it is a good size, not huge. If I want to use this for needle lace, I'll have to do away with the serrated edges. But what about the little lobes on the bottom?

I'm afraid my skills are not up to filling this shape properly. I'll keep looking for more leaves, something more interesting than those bland ovals. I have a grape vine that grows on my fence, and maybe some weeds would yield an interesting shape if I look around with the proper perspective.

By the way, feel free to copy, paste and use these leaves if you want to give it a go. Of course, you'll need to resize them to get them to a manageable size. I'd love to see your efforts!

Sampling Some Leaves

2009-06-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I didn't get started on a Milanese sampler, but have made good progress on other projects. I finished the baby sweater set, and the tatted project is ready to go out the door Monday morning.

I found my instruction books from The Guild of Needle Laces, and decided to give needle lace another try.

My first leaf is the yellow one - it has an odd wiggle in the cordonnet and looks lumpy. Don't know why that happened, so I made another one in the darker gold. I'm happier with the Corded Single Brussels, and the opposite side is Double Brussels, rather than Pea Stitch used in the first leaf.

The second project in the Basic book is a larger leaf, with veins and more fillings. I found a small oak leaf in my garden, traced it out and decided to give it a try. I'm using #80 tatting cotton, and the oak leaf will be some nice variegated brown M. gave me last week.

I have gone through periods where I start new projects, but instead of expanding, I'm contracting now. I am finishing up, but not rushing to start something new. Right now I'm enjoying the needle lace, it's more portable than the bobbin lace, and a nice change from all the knitting I've been doing.

County Fair Entry

2009-06-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

I finished the knitted doily I made for the county fair. I used a pattern called Knitted Lace Luncheon Mats, #20 Cebelia and #00 needles.

After I finished, I was browsing Ravelry, and discovered it is nearly identical to The Hemlock Ring Doily.

I am antsy to get started on a bobbin lace project for the summer. First I must finish a baby sweater, hat and booties, then there's a tatted project that needs only some final touches. Soon I can indulge myself and begin again with Milanese lace. I made a little sampler in 2006, and am ready to give it another try.

Torchon Bookmark - Done!

2009-05-05T11:55:00.001-07:00

My little bookmark is off the pillow. I can see some room for improvement, but overall I'm pleased. I am especially happy with the thick tail at the end. I've never done that before, and I think it's worth the extra effort.

Just trying to be artistic.

Bookmark - Almost Done

2009-05-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

I decided to end the bookmark a little early. The original pattern had 4 repeats, I lengthened it to 6. Yesterday I decided to throw in the towel after 5 repeats.
My thread is DMC tatting thread #80, color #3747. It looks pale pink in the first picture, but is actually periwinkle, or pale lavender-blue-gray. Not the prettiest crayon in the box, but it is pale enough to show off the stitches.
The shadow on the right must be from my camera, the thread is clean, honest. I'm going to try to finish this off with a thick tail. New to me, I've always just tied the ends and left a messy fringe. I'm using the diagrams on p.82 of Stott's Bobbin Lace Manual. I'll sit down later this afternoon and give it a try while the light is still good.

I just had to show my bobbins. I got a new one from the IOLI, and you can see my other favorites. I love the cherry bobbins (next to the IOLI bobbin) and wish I had enough money to buy 3 dozen or so. The little square ones are okay, they really don't roll and it does make a difference. The little hedgehog is from the Great Lakes Lace Group 2007 Spring Fling.
I learned with continental bobbins, and now I prefer them. I'm not a fan of beads, don't even tat with beads, so the continentals suit me just fine.

Torchon Bookmark with Trails

2009-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

I did a bookmark with trails when I had some beginner's lessons, and haven't done another since then. I took the pricking from the class, reduced to fit #80 tatting thread, and added 3 repeats to the length.

I also added a passive pair at each edge and changed the center from ground stitches to a small spider.

It was tough getting started, but I think I'm doing okay now.

I can see I need to be a little more careful when I set the center pin on my next spider. Ahem.

I've been doing bookmarks from the same book, and now I see it's time to expand my skill set.

Bobbin Lace - First trials and tribulations

2009-03-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

I wound my bobbins over three evenings, taking my time because it made my left wrist ache a bit.

I started with the fan, and carefully laid out my pins and made the first two rows. I got to the third row, and realized I was 1 pair short. So I un-laced my little bit, and started again. That's not too bad, I thought, and managed to finish the fan and moved on to the trail.

I worked the trail to a stopping point, and looked at the bobbins. I had 6 pairs left, and my pricking said I only needed 4. So I un-laced again, and worked to the next stopping point.

Now I was ready to start the edge, but I had 5 pairs left, and only needed 4. I didn't want to un-lace a third time, and took a second to think things through. Finally I counted my pairs, and realized I had wound 16 pairs instead of 15. Whew. I'm glad I didn't decide to just stick it in somewhere.

I have just barely finished one repeat of this pattern, and I must admit my enthusiasm is flagging. I wound a yard on each bobbin because I wanted to do a small sample before I committed to the project. I think I will do another repeat or two and hope it gets easier. Right now I spend a lot of time looking at the book and it's very slow work.

I have found a different lace edging that might work. I've re-sized it for thicker thread, but will have to draw my own corners for the frame. I thought I was starting with enough time for this year's fair, but now I think I could have started sooner!

Ready to Wind Bobbins

2009-03-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to wind some bobbins for my next project. I finished the bookmark of grounds, and won't show a picture of that one. I had trouble with the edge stitches, and since I included a contrasting passive pair, you can easily see the sides weave in and out like a drunken sailor.

A new site posted on the Arachne lace list caught my eye and gave me an idea. I loved the section with picture frames, and I was inspired to do one of my own for the County Fair. Whew. It's turned out to be more head-scratching than I expected.

I chose a photo of my grandson, it's 3.5x5" which is a nice, small size. Then I chose a lace hanky from G. Stott's book (Amanda p. 86). I spent some time with the scanner, a pair of scissors, and lots of resizing in MSWord. I finally came up with a picture frame with the interior size of 3.25 x 5" and the pinhole sizing should fit Finca thread I have on hand. I can't get it any closer because of the pattern repeats, and I don't want to choose a different pattern because I think this one is simple enough I can do it well. I hope I'll be able to stretch it a little when I block it, or maybe I'll just give my husband an Exacto knife and tell him to lose 1/4" from the picture.

I printed my frame out on blue paper twice, and I plan to do a sample in my chosen thread. The original hanky has half stitch trails, and I think I prefer a more substantial cloth stitch trail. I'll try several options and decide.

The County Fair is in mid-July, so it's time to get started. I'm not sure if this will work, and I may have to try something else.

Love in a Mist - Bookmark Done

2009-02-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

I finished the bookmark yesterday afternoon; as I took out the pins I found two or three errors, but overall, it's not bad. It's been awhile since I did any bobbin lace, and it took a few repeats of the ground to get moving with confidence. I still don't make really nice fans. Sometimes the threads curve, other times they are just straight.

Finished size is about 1 x 5", dmc #80 thread., 16 pairs. It didn't take long at all, and I have already decided which bookmark I want to try next. It's all diagonal grounds separated by narrow bands of cloth stitch. I reduced the pattern to fit #80 tatting thread, and have only 12 pairs of bobbins to wind. I thought about using variegated thread, but decided to use the same solid lavender as this one. There's no sense in trying different grounds only to have the colors of the variegated thread obscure the patterns.

Bookmark in Progress

2009-02-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

I finished most of my knitting projects, and finally started a small bobbin lace project. My pillow has been empty for quite awhile, and it's a nice change to sit near my window and make a little bobbin lace.

Our lace group has a bookmark exchange in March, and I am making one of my favorites, "Love in a Mist" p. 52 of "The Bobbin Lace Manual" by Geraldine Stott. I discovered #80 tatting thread works in her bookmark patterns, and I rarely make any others.

There is a section of Brabant Ground in the center, and I used light lavender thread on those bobbins. The workers and 2 pairs on each side are dark purple, and I'm very happy with the colors.

I have been thinking about entering the County Fair again, and thinking about what projects I want to do. Last year I entered small doilies of tatting, bobbin lace and knit. I would like to enter larger projects this year, but I'll have to make up my mind and get started soon.

Romanian Point Lace Snowflake

2008-12-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

I sat down this afternoon and finished it up. I managed to remove it from the pattern intact! After I put it on the scanner, I could see it needs a good washing and I need to snip a few more threads. I'm glad it's done, and I can exchange it at our Lace Group meeting in January. I will start working on more braid, and consider what my next project will be.

Aftermath

2008-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

This is all that's left of my latest project. I finished the tatted edging and attached it to a hanky for my mom.

I was in such a rush to get it in the mailbox before the mailman came by, that I never took a picture. I had just slapped tape on the back of the envelope, when it struck me - I don't have a picture! It was rather lovely, all variegated blue and just a bit of a ruffle.

The most important thing is it's in the mail, and now it's up to the US Postal system to get it to Texas before Christmas. I doubt that will happen, but since I originally planned to give it to Mom this summer, I'll be happy if she gets it before the New Year.

Not much lace this week

2008-12-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't been making much lace these days. I discovered I could knit without too much pain, and I've been working on warm stuff for my family. The slippers are the hardest on my hands. I use 2 strands of Red Heart acrylic and #8 dpns, and can make a slipper sock in 2 or 3 days. I can knit about 10 rounds and then my hands get tired, so I've been doing little things in between knitting my 10 rounds. It's actually fairly productive - I'm getting a start on cleaning for Christmas dinner with my family.

Then I found this personality test, and who can resist that? I'm not sure how accurate it is. I wouldn't call myself goofy, and honestly, "brilliant" is a huge overstatement.

Your Personality is Very Rare (INTP)

Your personality type is goofy, imaginative, relaxed, and brilliant.

Only about 4% of all people have your personality, including 2% of all women and 6% of all men

You are Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

RPL Snowflake #2 - progress

2008-11-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have couched down all my braid, and completed all the inside joins.
I have yet to join the round braid the to scalloped braid. I should have finished my scalloped braid before doing the joins, but it must have been a senior moment.
No matter, I will finish the joins when I do the bars, and avoid hiding so many ends.
Now I have finished knitting for the Bean, I plan to pay more attention to my lace. I have a simple tatted edging I'd like to attach to a hanky and send to my Mom in Texas. I have only 4 or 5" to go, and I should be able to surprise her with a tatted hanky.

Romanian Point Lace Snowflake #2

2008-11-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Instead of repairing my first RPL snowflake, I redid my design and started another. I was talking to a gal at our lace group meeting, and I realized I could make my petals bigger if I shifted them to the points. Making something new is always more fun than repeating myself, so I drew out my design and started couching it down last night.

Looking at my drawing on the computer, I realize it is a bit crooked. If I decide to make another, I will have to redraw the central flower. When I was done couching the center, I looked closely and decided to try again. I thought I was careless, but it seems my drawing is the culprit. I was pleased enough with my second effort to leave it alone, but if you try to make this snowflake, forewarned is forearmed.

I only needed 36" of round cord, and I will need about 14" of the scalloped braid to go around the outside. I put my cord on my scanner, with my crochet hook for reference. The little cord is pretty, but flat so you can't hide your thread in the center.

I'm using Cebelia #20 for the cord and #30 for the fillings. I've been using the same ball of Cebelia for all my RPL braid, and it's almost half gone, while the #30 is barely touched.

Snowflakes in the air

2008-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize I hadn't uploaded a scan of my pattern for the snowflake ornament. Here it is for anyone who wants to try their hand at a simple RPL snowflake. Feel free to snatch a copy.

I inserted the picture in MSWord and resized it to 3.5", and I think it's a bit small for the flower petals. I might try 4", but that may be too heavy to hang on the tree or in a window as a suncatcher. The obvious solution is to find a bangle or hoop and size the jpg to fit that.

For the 3.5" snowflake, I made 12" of the "fancy" braid for the outside, plus a few inches for overlap. That braid is very simple; 3 sc in the same chain stitch, chain 1, turn, 3 sc in the same stitch, repeat. You can find it in Sylvia's book, listed as Cord #2, and in Thompson & Waller's book, but it looks a little different there.

I like that little cord, but it is very flat. I couldn't run my threads through the center as you can the basic round braid.

I keep thinking about how I could change the inner petals, maybe I could bring the braid to the center, and have it all touch. After all, the pattern is only a suggestion, the lacemaker brings her own creativity to the table, err, pillow.

Oh, I know I don't need to say it, but please don't sell the pattern. It's a very simple freebie. I drew it with my own little pencil, and you can probably draw something better. If you want to make thousands of snowflakes and sell them, it doesn't bother me. I rarely do any pattern twice.

If you can't grab a copy, leave a comment with your email (which I won't publish) and I can email you a .pdf file that is one page and has a 3.5" and 4" snowflake. No other directions.

RPL Snowflake - done

2008-11-09T09:08:00.001-08:00

Here's my snowflake with all the bars done, before I took it off the pattern.
I really like this little snowflake, and that's a good thing, because I may have to make another one. You can't see it, but I sewed one of the bars through the braid and the pattern. When I tried to get it off, I had to break the thread. I couldn't pull the pattern off, that clear contact paper was too strong. I suppose I could have cut a hole in the pattern, but I wasn't thinking at that point, just pulling!
Now I'm considering my options. I may baste it back on the pattern, cut out the bad bar and redo it. I'll keep you posted.

I had a few questions in my comments, and I'm delighted to answer you.
My snowflake is done using Romanian Point Lace techniques, although I would not say it is in the style of traditional RPL. Here is a site that sells kits and finished RPL doilies and much more, you can see mine isn't quite the same.

RPL uses a crocheted braid for the cordonnet. It is a special braid in that if it is done correctly, it can be unraveled from either the top or the bottom of the braid. I can barely hold a crochet hook, but I managed to learn the braid. My braid will not always unravel from the bottom. I get an extra thread hooked occasionally, and that messes it up. Here is another site that sells RPL.

Sylvia Murariu has 3 RPL books, Beginning, Intermediate and a Christmas book. She also sells a DVD that will help you learn to make the braid.

Angela Thompson and Kathleen Waller wrote "Romanian Point Lace", you can buy it used on Amazon for more than $100. That's just crazy, keep looking and you'll find it cheaper.

As for my wrist, well, it's okay. Not what it was, but okay. My fingers get numb when I knit too long, but I carry grocery bags, or a full mug of coffee. I slacked off on my exercises, and I recently decided I would have to start them up again. That's no fun, but I try to do them before I start knitting in the evening. Like finishing the vegetables so I can have dessert.
I haven't done much tatting, it was too frustrating. My little finger and ring finger would gradually get weaker and weaker, until I could no longer do a chain. I would have to put my tatting down in the most inconvenient places, and I revived my interest in RPL because of that. I will pick it up soon, because I'm planning a big tatted project.
This is the first Christmas in a long time I haven't knitted socks, hats, mittens or any warm stuff for my kids. Only Bean gets stuff from his grandma. I'm working on a 5 hour baby sweater, and I'll add a red hat and booties for my next knitting project.
I've talked enough. Aren't you glad you asked?

RPL Snowflake - fillings done

2008-11-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

I used a simple filling for my petals, and then a backstitch wheel in the center. The little wheel slides on the center threads, and I'll have to make sure to center it properly when I stiffen the snowflake. My scan shows all my imperfections in glorious detail, and I plan to straighten out the stitches in my petals.

I've started on the bars, and may try to put a little wheel where they overlap. I'm using #30 thread, but the snowflake is just too small for my skill level. It's 3.75" (9.5 cm), and I may enlarge it and try again at some point.

I wanted the snowflake small so it would hang nicely as a Christmas ornament. If I make it much larger, it will be too heavy to hang and have to be used as a coaster or small doily.

Romanian Point Lace Snowflake

2008-11-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

I decided I wasn't happy with my Christmas ornament, and started a new one. Romanian Point Lace, with two kinds of braid. The first braid is the standard braid I've used all along, the second one is simply 3 sc one one side, then turn and do another 3 sc. this braid is flat, but I like the variety.
I used a pastel gray thread for couching my pattern, and I like the way it looks. All my joins are done, and now I'm ready to start the needle lace fillings. The petals are pretty small, so I won't be able to get fancy, just something basic.

Christmas is coming!

2008-10-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Time to try another Christmas ornament for the lace group exchange. I tried a candle last year, and although I finished it, I didn't put it in the exchange. I tatted a small tree instead.

Maybe this year I'll put the dove in the exchange. I'm going to use the KISS principal, and try to Keep It Simple (Stupid).

Here's my line drawing of the dove, in real life it's about 3 1/4" in diameter.

Here's my beginning, I'm using #8 pearl cotton in white.

Three Leaf Bookmark

2008-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Life is slowly returning to normal. I can tat now, and have worked small samples from a size 10 down to size 80 thread. I can't tat for hours on end, my fingers get tired and I can't close the rings or hold the thread properly for chains.

I am making progress, and have to acknowledge the small improvements. Now I can carry a mug filled with coffee in my left hand. I can use my can opener, the manual kind that uses a left-handed grip while the right hand turns. I still have trouble using the pepper grinder, right or left, it still hurts.

I also did a little bookmark for an exchange that is scheduled for next year. I like it very much, and may keep it for myself.

The pattern is a small leaf repeated 3 times. It's a beginner sampler, using #8 pearl cotton.

Next I should think about the ornament exchange.

RPL Motif - Done!

2008-09-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

I finished my motif Friday, and I'm pleased with it overall. You can see my finished piece here. I almost like the back side better than the side I worked; I think it's because my joins are not so neat. When I did the joins, my left hand was still in the brace, so I think I'll cut myself some slack. It was tough with only one good hand, to be honest. But it was good for my sanity to be able to do some handwork when everything was taken from me.

I got the go-ahead from the dr. to leave off the brace September 4th. We promptly left on a week's vacation to our favorite campground on Lake Huron. We had some rain, but we brought books to read. We had some sunny days, and we went on some hiking trails. It was a good week, and we are glad to be back.

I'm able to knit my usual Continental style again, although I get tired after a few rows. The needle sometimes drops out of my fingers at the end of the row, which I've never done before. I can tat, but my fingers aren't as strong as they were, and I have trouble closing rings. I go back for more therapy, and hope to rebuild those muscles asap.

GinaB has finished her RPL motif, too, and we'll send our exchanges this week. I'll update my blog with the pictures of my work in progress once she gets the package.

The WMLG has a bookmark exchange in October, and I have hopes of participating. I drew out some leaves and plan to fill them with needlelace stitches. Here's a glimpse of my drawing. I finished couching the thread last night, and might start the fillings today.

RPL Motif #3 - Starting to stitch

2008-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Started to work on the filling stitches yesterday. I need to remember to get some fabric that is not ecru for my RPL work. I have trouble seeing the stitches, and taking pictures, too.

Here is the link to my RPL photo set on Flickr .

I go to the surgeon next week, and I hope to be able to start on some exercises for my wrist. This brace is hot and tiresome. I'm ready to move on!

edited to add picture 9/26/08

RPL Motif #3 - joins done

2008-08-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

It took awhile, but today and yesterday I sat down and finished all the joins in the motif. I may add some bars before it's done, but I'll start my filling stitches next.
I've been working on keeping my fingers flexible and strong, but it's not easy. The brace is too big for my arm and hand, and confines my fingers.
I've tried to tat, and was fairly successful with #10 thread. I found a shuttle filled with #30 thread, and managed some rings with that. Feeling rather sassy, I found some #50 thread and tried more rings. Ouch. My fingers and hand didn't like that at all, so I'm back to larger thread until my hand strength improves. I haven't tried any chains yet, due to the brace limiting my finger movements.
Here's an updated picture of tatt3r's motif photo on flickr.com. edited to add picture 9/26/08

RPL Motif #3 - couching done

2008-08-09T03:39:00.001-07:00

My fingers are getting stronger, and I can grip the fabric much easier than when I started this motif. Next I will sew the ends together and join the braid where it touches. I would like to try this one again, and use a different braid on the outside. That might be a project for next summer, as my wrist is still immobile.

Here's a link to the project on Flickr motif .

edited to add picture 9/26/08

RPL - motif #3 couching

2008-07-31T05:11:00.001-07:00

I managed to couch down about 6” of braid yesterday. My hand and wrist complained and so I put it down for a bit. Once I got started, it wasn't too bad. I was able to rest the pattern on my lap and my left hand just held it in place, rather than gripping the fabric. I won't mention how I sewed everything to my pants for two or three stitches.

Sewing the braids together may be troublesome. I will need a firm grip while I hide the ends in the braid. My fingers are getting stronger every day, so it might be easier than I anticipate. While doing my PT exercises, I noticed my middle finger was more flexible than my index finger. I was puzzled until I realized that is the finger that makes the flip in tatting.

Again, my progress picture is on Flickr for anyone intetested: tatt3r's RPL set on Flickr.

edited to add picture 9/26/08

RPL - motif #3, beginning

2008-07-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

I had an offer from GinaB that I couldn't refuse. She's interested in Romanian Point Lace, and offered to exchange motifs with me. We decided on October for our due date, and I sat down yesterday to polish up a design I had in mind. My motif is about 4 1/2" across. I drew it onto my fabric and covered it with clear contac paper yesterday. I thought I might need some help from J, but I managed very well.

I hope to be able to begin couching the braid, if I can thread a needle. I suspect my hand will get very tired, the pinch between index finger and thumb is still a struggle. I plan to do a few stitches, take a break, then do a few more.

This recovery business isn't much fun. The pt exercises are for flexibility in my fingers, and I don't see any improvement yet. I'm so impatient with myself. "C'mon, LeftHand! Look at your sister, RightHand. She can make a fist, why are you such a slacker? Ouch, oow. Okay, you win. I'll get you next time - I'll be back."

I'm posting my pictures of this RPL project on flickr so I don't spoil the surprise for the tatting goddess. She can peek if she wants to. Here's the link to my rpl folder: tatt3r'sRPL set on flickr.

Edited 9/26/08 to add picture.

Spinning my wheels

2008-07-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

I still can't locate the actual tatted piece, but I found a picture of my first effort tucked away in my pictures. The original doily is in “Old Fashioned Tatting Patterns” ed. by B. Foster. P. 58, Tatted Doily No. 4. Something about this doily catches my eye, and I think it's beautiful.

The original uses very old methods. The 2nd round is a length of 12 tatted rings, then sewn with a needle and thread to the center. I've come up with a way to avoid that, and I don't think it spoils the overall appearance.

My next consideration was the appearance of the wheels of the third round. Each wheel is 10 rings, joined 2x on each side and 2x top and bottom. 4 rings on the outside, 2 rings on the inside makes sure to let it all curve around the doily. I don't like the gaps on the inside. After thinking it over, I added another ring, and plan to join the inside at the center ring, and the two free rings will fill in the blanks nicely. I don't think the extra ring will prevent the curve if my rings are large enough to let them shape a narrower ring if necessary.

I used scmrs for these little wheels in my sample, and they look good. The resulting wheel resembles the original, and is actually sturdier than the original technique.. I know I could use a split ring and do a pair of scmrs. Only 12 ends to finish instead of 24. I would need to be careful sizing the space between motifs. I might end up with the pairs closer together than the space left by joining with a picot.

I need to think about the next round of tiny tatted rings. There are rings left free between wheels, and they flip and twist like crazy. The original uses a single ring as a filler, sewing it in w/needle and thread. I was unhappy with this round in my sample, and that's where I stopped. Now I have time to think about it and decide how to solve this problem. I may join the rings where they skip between wheels, but i'm not sure how that would affect the overall fit around the whole doily. Maybe a tiny cloverleaf or flower done in two passes. Hmmmmm.

I'd like to fill my shuttle and get to work, but i can't grip anything yet. I am glad my brain has decided to work again. If i can't tat, i can at least design.

down but not out

2008-07-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

i've stopped feeling sorry for myself, and am ready to get on with life now. i got a brace and will start physical therapy soon. my fingers can't grip anything yet, but my brain has finally decided to start working again.

i found a length of rpl braid i was working on, and i measured 60". that should be enough to make a small motif or coaster. i think i should be able to do the couching and needle weaving once my left hand can grip the fabric. i've been doodling and trying out some ideas.

i am revisiting a very old tatted doily i tried last year. it is rings only tatting, and the pattern is written in the very old style. i'd like to convert it to more modern techniques, but not lose the wonderful flavor of the original. i found my notes but not the actual doily. i'll have to dig deeper.

thanks to everyone for your support, it means a lot to me. esp H. who called from the desert with wonderful, loving support. you made a huge difference in my outlook!

tatt3r's not so excellent adventure

2008-07-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

it's been an exciting few days for me, and not in a good way.
wed afternoon we were walking with kaylee, about the middle of the park, when i caught my toe on a bump in the sidewalk, and fell and broke my left wrist. we walked home, then drove to the emergency room. boy, that really hurt. i've never broken a bone before, and it was much worse than i expected.

from urgent care they sent us downtown for a surgeon to look the xrays. he said they would have to do surgery friday. got home 1am, hungry and tired.

had surgery friday, dr put in a plate and a bunch of screws. spent saturday under the influence of pain meds, and sunday i managed on tylenol. i have an app't for friday, and i'll get a brace? probably that's the new word for cast.

i'm not happy. can't knit, tat, or cook. got green beans and snap peas coming in, and we wanted to get away on the weekends and enjoy some camping weekends.

i alternate between exhaustion, crabbiness and sadness. can't make up my mind to be optimistic yet. grrrr.
can't even snuggle my grandson.
i'll be better tomorrow, it's just late and i'm tired. thanks for listening.

Tatting Decision!

2008-07-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

I found my most recent unfinished tatting project; and with a bit of perseverence, I might be able to save this from the UFO tatting box.

I pinned my little edging to a hanky purchased from the local 5&10, and was astonished to see I have about only 4" left to tat. That's not a lot of tatting; this little edge goes very quickly.

Maybe you recognize the #80 thread I'm using. It's the pretty blue variegated thread, again from the local Dime Store. They carry lots of #10 and #20 crochet thread, and steel hooks, too. If I'm in the mood, I search through their hankies and will buy one if it's square with good corners.

This is a classic, rings only, edging. The small ring is 6p6, the medium ring is 4p4p4p4 and the large ring is 4, 7p sep by 2, 4.

Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. I'll be thinking of Goldilocks while I tat the rest of this project; it's a good story to tell Bean. He likes my stories.

Lacy Indecision

2008-07-04T07:16:00.001-07:00

I haven't made any lace since the middle of June, and I'm ready to start a new project. I am knitting baby hats for my local hospital, but they aren't lacy. I try to make 2/week so I don't get overwhelmed with the tedium of repetition, and it's working so far. I have donated 3 dozen hats since April, and plan to have another 3 dozen by November. I had three projects for the local fair, but they are done and out of the house; I need a new lacy project to break my routine.

I may locate the rings-only edging I was making earlier this spring. I don't remember how much is done, but I could finish that and give it to my mom. I know she'd like another tatted hanky. I'd prefer to start another Romanian Point Lace project. I might make small doily, or coaster. Maybe a bookmark would suit my fancy.

I wish I could show you the Hungarian Tape Lace doily I finished for the fair, but I lost the picture. I thought I took a picture; I remember taking a picture, but I just can't find it. Good thing my head is attached to my shoulders.

Little Tatted Mat

2008-06-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Size #30 Cebelia thread, about 6" in diameter. As I tatted this, I could see what a versatile shape the hexagon is. I could have easily made an oval or rectangle, just adding more motifs where I wanted them. It's a simple 2 round motif from Dillmont's Encyclopedia of Needlework. I got tired of finishing all those ends by the time I was done.

RPL Flower Motif is Done!

2008-05-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

I finished the bars last night and took the flower off the pattern this morning. I didn't bury one of my threads well enough, and you can see the braid that connects the leaf and the stem is coming undone.

My only thought is to unravel the bar and try to get a long enough end to bury the thread properly. I'm not going to redo the bar, it's not worth the effort.

I certainly learned a lot from this little motif, and hope to remember my lessons when I do my next RPL project.

First, my buttonhole stitch is not good at all, and I should have taken it out. Second, I wasn't careful when I did the stitches in the petals; they are off center. Next time I will count the side loops to locate the center point as I knew I should. Finally, the threads on my little center spot are loose. I thought they were tight enough, but when I removed the couching threads, it got all floppy. I'll have to think about that one.

I'm really happy with the motif, even though I can see all my imperfections. I like the design, I like the braid, and what's not to like about a lacy flower in May?

Now I have to decide if I want to do this motif again, or move on to something else. I have to finish my tatted mat (4 medallions to go) and my bobbin lace doily (not even half way done) before I start another lace project. That gives me some time to consider the possibilities and study my RPL books.

Kathy Kirchner's Trunk Show

2008-05-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Kathy Kirchner came to town last night, bringing her wonderful lace supplies. Our lace group met at the hotel where she had a conference room filled with thread, bobbins, shuttles, books, needles, beads and more stuff than you ever knew a lacer needed!

I don't tat with #20 thread very often, so I've never bought much Manuela. Romanian Point Lace looks so nice in #20 thread, and the bin of Manuela caught my eye. What beautiful colors! What glorious threads! So what do I do? I pick white, ecru and a pale, buttery yellow. I will use the ecru and white in RPL. and I can see the buttery color in a collar. I would love to do it in RPL, but I may have to do it in tatting, if I want it done in this lifetime.

You can see I'm working on a little Hungarian tape lace doily, and I'm using white Finca 40 instead of DMC 80. It is a nice change, the Finca isn't all sassy on the bobbins the way DMC tatting thread can be. I picked up a spool of ecru #40; I like to have this little doily on hand in case I need a last minute gift, and I'll make another in ecru for some variety.

I also bought 2 bobbins; Kathy said they were turned by Joan, and she's not turning any more. The bobbins are not really matched in size or color, but I like the square sides. I pick up at least one pair of bobbins whenever Kathy comes to town.

A Little Bit of Tatting

2008-05-10T14:54:00.001-07:00

I've been tatting a little medallion from Dillmont's Encyclopedia of Needlework, page 361. In #30 thread, each medallion is about 1 1/4" (3cm). When I'm done, I plan on having 19 medallions and a 6" doily.

I made 2 changes to the medallion. The book says the small chain is 8ds, I needed 9ds to get around the circle. Then I made my outer chains a bit larger, too. Instead of 3ds before the picots, I did 4 ds.

I'm using #30 Cebelia, color 619, a pretty cafe au lait. I have a partial ball, and I think this color is no longer produced. I'm going to use it up while it's still good thread. I'll probably enjoy the little doily more than a ball of thread sitting in my bin.

Romanian Point Lace Flower Motif

2008-05-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

I finished the flower petals, and last night tried to fill the leaf. I wasn't happy with the buttonhole stitch, and expected to take it out this morning.

After looking it over, I decided I would leave it as is, even thought it isn't perfect. When I started to bury the thread, I realized I was just a hop and a skip away from two braids. While the dog and Old Guy were still asleep, I sipped my morning coffee and did two braids.

I did okay, and decided to quit while I was ahead. One of my petals is a bit off center, the stitching in the leaf isn't quite right, either. Not blue ribbon quality, but I'm pretty pleased with it overall. I think it will look very different once it's off the pattern.

The white on white makes it difficult for me to see what I'm doing. I used muslin this time, and covered the fabric with clear contact paper. After two trips to the grocery store, I finally found where they were hiding the freezer paper, and will give that a try for my next RPL project.

I wonder if I could use a colored fabric rather than the unbleached muslin. That would give me some contrast with the white or ecru thread. I'll look for something at the fabric store, and see what I can find.

I am using ecru thread, but the colors look all gray when I take a picture. My little tree was cream and the pictures looked very yellow. This is ecru Cebelia and it looks drab and gray in the natural light. I hope for better pictures when it's off the pattern and on something with some color for contrast.

Progress on RPL Flower Motif

2008-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

I decided to do the braids last, and worked 3 petals and the center last night. It was getting late, my eyes were tired, and I didn't do such a good job on the 3rd petal. That's when I decided to stop for the night.

I couldn't figure out how to do the center star without individually cutting and hiding the 5 threads you need to start weaving. Finally I figured out I could do one center spoke, keep on going and fill a petal. Cut a new thread, make another center spoke, fill the next petal. The third time I wove around the center, came out to the braid, and wove my third petal.

Not bad for an old gal. I must have a few brain cells still working.

Romanian Point Lace Flower Motif

2008-04-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

I finished couching the braid today, and did all my joins. I joined the petals of the flower, the leaf to the flower and the stem to itself and the flower.

I think I will do the braids first, and I'll have to read a bit before I get started. We did a small braid in the workshop, but I need to refresh my memory.

Romanian Point Lace - New Project

2008-04-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've started another RPL project, a flower motif from Sylvia Murariu's book for beginners. I liked the flower in Project #5, but wanted a smaller size. I traced the flower, one leaf and some of the stems. The project in the book is 6x6 1/2" and mine is about 4" square.

When I got back from the RPL workshop, I started making braid, using a ball of #20 ecru Cebelia. Now that I have enough for this project, I've started couching the braid to the pattern. My braid isn't perfect but I wanted to start another project. I'm couching it down and hoping for the best.

Romanian Point Lace Workshop

2008-04-21T05:28:00.001-07:00

I'm back from my workshop, and I must say I had a great time! I rode with a friend from the WMLG, and we left early Thursday morning. We stopped at a yarn and fabric shop in DeWitt, a resale shop, and a couple of antique shops. I don't ususally shop like that, and it was fun! D dragged me around, and I loved looking for lace and linens. I found a beautiful skein of lace weight yarn, a bobbin lace doily and some lace booklets and thread at the resale shop.

Friday we braved the crazy roads of Midland and found the church where the Mid Michigan Lace Makers held their spring workshop. It was a beautiful church; we were in basement classrooms with comfortable tables and chairs and good lighting.

The Romanian Point Lace class was small, 4 students on Friday, with another one coming on Saturday. LW had previously taught individuals to make the RPL braid, but this was her first time teaching a class. She said she was nervous, but she did a great job.

We paid $25 for a kit, which was in a nice canvas bag. We got a notebook, and ring binder which contained the pattern on muslin, a picture of the finished doily, pictures and instructions for making the braid and the needle lace stitches. There was a ziplock bag with bobbins of thread, tapestry and sewing needles, sewing thread for couching, and a needle threader. LW made all the cord we needed, and most of it was couched for us. She left just enough undone for us to get a taste of how to couch the braid.

LW taught us to make the braid first. We started with a large crochet hook and nylon rope. We could clearly see the stitches, they popped out at us. Next we used a 0 (zero) hook and some nylon thread, about the size of #10. Again, the nylon made the loops firm and easy to identify. She said the thread was for mending tents, and my DH said it reminded him of some thread he had to sew leather. Finally we went to #11 hooks and #10 thread. Not so easy for me, and I switched to my #10 with more success.

Next we learned to couch the cord, then we learned how to add in pieces and make joins. Before lunch we were ready to start on our first needle lace stitch, a pink basketweave stitch. We spent the rest of the workshop working on the fillings and learned 5 stitches in all. Mine is not even close to being finished, there's lots of opportunity to practice what I learned. The doily is based on a square, so there are 4 or 8 repeats of each stitch.

I had a great time at the workshop, and came home happy but exhausted. I feel like my brain has been stuffed with new techniques and ideas. The MMLM are wonderful gals, friendly and easy to talk to. They worked hard to give us this workshop, and I enjoyed every minute.

Tatted Edging and more

2008-04-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am fighting a sinus infection left over from the flu. It just won't go away; I feel good enough to tat and drink tea. I'm getting tired of tea and making mistakes in my tatting.
This is #80 thread, ecru and what I had hoped would be a doily for a fair entry this year. This is my first mistake, and fortunately I have only 1 1/2 rings to unpick. The ring opened up nicely and I hope the little ring is just as cooperative.
I have no pattern for this doily, I'm just making it up as I go along. I think my next round will be some 6 (or 8) petal daisies, and I'll wind two shuttles and do them with split rings. I'm not sure how I'll get them to fit. I will probably guess and cut it off when I'm wrong.

This little variegated edging is about 12" long; about 1/4 done. It looks a bit wiggly, but will settle nicely around a hanky. Another possible fair entry, and a gift for my mom when I get it back. There are 3 sizes of rings, the smallest is 6p6, the medium is 4p4p4p4, and the largest is 4, 7p sep by 2, 4, joined by the first and last ps.

Needles and Hooks

2008-04-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going to a workshop in April, taking a class in Romanian Point Lace. I needed a way to carry crochet hooks and scissors, plus I'm very prone to losing my needles. I thought about it and made a little case to carry everything I need for the class. The case is about 3x5" when closed. I tatted a flower fragment from Mary Konior's book, and used that for a closure. It's not very convenient to open once I get it closed. I think it will be mostly decoration.
Here it's open, you can see there is a pocket for crochet hooks, and another for my little scissors. The pocket at the top holds a little needle book, just big enough to keep them from straying.

Romanian Point Lace Sampler - Done!

2008-03-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

I took my sampler off the pattern last night, and it stayed in one piece! The shape changed a little, I can see that might be a problem in a larger piece.

What comes next? I have some tatting in my project bag, and I keep working on RPL braid.

Romanian Point Lace Sampler - Almost Done!

2008-03-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

After thinking it over for at least a week, I decided to add some braid to separate the trunk of the tree from the center. I considered making a bar across the space, but decided to add braid instead. In the end, I don't think it mattered much, I can't really see the braid anyway. I wanted something to anchor my needle lace stitches in the trunk, and I think it did the job.
I also did a little star in the center of the tree. It was pretty easy, but I think I pulled my threads too tight. The sampler may be a bit lumpy when I take it off the fabric. I used my scanner for this picture. The colors are pretty close to real life, and I included a small ruler so you can see the size.
I used two different needle lace stitches in the trunk, I wanted one side darker than the other. I had to do some short rows to fill it in, but I think it worked okay.
I'm still thinking about the blank ovals. I originally intended to fill those in with different fillings, but it was just too small. Now I think it would interfere with the beauty of the fillings of the ovals, and I will probably leave them blank.
If I make this again, I would scan my original drawing and enlarge it just a touch. I would also have to make some changes to include the little braid at the top of the trunk. All in all, I'm pretty happy with my sampler. I tried needle weaving, needle lace stitches, braid, and the little star in the center. I think it gave me the opportunity to get the feel of what RPL is like. I'm not taking it off just yet, I'm not real sure what might happen.

Update

2008-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

I've been busy this past week. My first grandchild was born, and we've visited twice. I was finishing up some knitted sweaters for him, and decided to keep on knitting baby hats for the hospital.

I've made no progress on my RPL sampler, but my Ebay Purchase arrived. The mailman also delivered the VHS tape of RPL. The tape is fantastic, and I could see I was making my braid as I should. I need to practice, I can get some of my braid to unravel from the start, but not for very long. The books are awesome, and I love the variety of patterns and stitches. These books fill in some gaps the T&W book didn't cover completely. I am still considering different ways to finish my RPL sampler, now there's even more food for thought.

I have tatted a little on my single shuttle edging, it's about 9" now. I have yet to find some hanky fabric that looks good, there's another fabric store I will stop by later in the week.

Romanian Point Lace Sampler - Oval 4 & 5

2008-03-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

I stitched the last two ovals today. The one on the left is Divided Wheat Ear, on the right is Plain Wheat Ear. I ended Divided Wheat Ear early, and didn't see it until I snipped my thread. I decided against removing or adding more rows, and made sure I did the Plain Wheat Ear correctly.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do in the little oval spaces. I meant to do some little wheels, but the spaces are so small, and #20 thread seems so big. The whole thing is so small, I hate to overwhelm the tree with too many stitches. I'm going to think about it awhile. Maybe I'll do some wrapped bars, I'm just not sure.

I think it is a little small, and I may someday scan the design and enlarge it just a bit. I had trouble laying all the foundation threads, they laid against the braid and were hard to pick up. I've had a lot of fun with this little sampler, I'm eager for the workshop in April!

Romanian Point Lace Sampler - Ovals 2 & 3

2008-03-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

I finished all the foundation threads this morning, and put some stitches in 2 more ovals. The oval to the left of center is called Arabesque( page 22). The oval to the right of center is Ziggurat (page 21).My needle weaving looks better than my needle wrapping, but, hey, it's a sampler and I'm learning!

I was an Ebay virgin, until yesterday. I got to second base when I bought the Romanian Point Lace book on Half.com. It was so simple to create an Ebay ID and I already had PayPal.
I was innocently surfing and I checked Ebay for RPL books, little did I know I was headed for third base. I found a set of 3 Romanian Point Lace books by Sylvia M. and there was no turning back. I made my first Ebay Purchase - Home Run!
Ebay is far too painless and simple enough that I did it without a hitch. I could have waited till Saturday and bid at the last minute. Probably no one would have bid. But nooo, the evil Buy It Now button tempted me. After all, even at the Buy It Now price I was getting the third book free. Who can resist Buy Two, Get One Free? Sigh. I am so bad. No more Ebay, I promise. Back to my regularly scheduled lace making. Taking advantage of another day with good sunlight.
Showing my progress with my personal Tatting Challenge. I decided to stay with the blue variegated thread and already have about 6". You can see it curves a little, but that means I'll be able to gather it around the corners.

Romanian Point Lace Sampler - First Oval

2008-03-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

It was sunny this morning, and I took advantage of the good light to do the first oval of my RPL Sampler. I was so pleased when I finished stringing the foundation threads, I stopped to take a picture. I wasn't sure how good the next step would look.
This is my finished oval, I followed the directions for Obelisk (p.20) in Thompson's book. I decided to keep the needle weaving in the same color as the braid. I didn't want to deal with hiding the colored thread in the braid this time. I can't wait to use some of my stash of tatting thread. The colors will be beautiful.
I can see my foundation threads are a bit loose. I think I could have couched my braid a bit firmer. The foundation threads seemed good when I started, but loosened up by the time I was done with the needle weaving. I'll try to make the foundation threads of the next oval firmer, but not distort the shape. That's what samplers are for; learning.

Project Plans

2008-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

I went to the fabric store today and found almost everything I was looking for. I found 2 quarter flats that I want to use for a needle case, muslin and interfacing, and a yard of fabric I thought would make some hankies for my mom. I wasn't looking for more tatting shuttles, but I can't resist yellow Clover shuttles, so I used my coupon and got 40% off.

I found some crochet thread stashed and forgotten years ago, and I thought it might make some interesting RPL braid. It is #20 and the color name is Garland. I worked and worked, but can't get a decent cord out of this thread. I changed hook sizes, but still have trouble. I thought it might be hard to see the loops because the thread is colored, I'll try again when we have some good sunshine. Maybe in June or July.

I think I will join the 25 Motif Challenge, unofficially, that is. My mom likes the tatted hanky I made last year and I'd like to make another. I don't plan on making 25 motifs, but I will challenge myself to 40 Inches of tatted edging. I like a single shuttle edging because it is easy to carry just the shuttle and no ball, plus the edge will be flexible enough to ease its way around corners. I started with a blue variegated #80 thread in a simple edge, but I think it's a bit narrow. I may look through some books for a wider edge, or I could start this one over and use 5ds instead of 4ds. The blue thread looks a bit tired to me. Coincidentally, I have a new yellow shuttle I can fill once I decide which color Mom wants. She was a member of the Red Hat Club, and I think a purple edge might be a hit. The variegated red is snappy, reminds me of cinnamon red hot candies. The green/white/purple combo is awfully pale, and there's a lot of white in that. I'm leaning toward the red, because I don't think I could do a long haul of purple. I love my mom, but really, purple?

Finally, I'll give you a couple of links for Romanian Point Lace. Here is a page of information from the Lacefairy. From there, you can find a link to a slide show of Romanian lace and costumes at the Lacis museum. Here is another link to Sylvia's Flowers and Lace. I'd like to order a copy of her book, but I'll wait till after the April Workshop and May's Trunk Show.

Romanian Point Lace Sampler

2008-03-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

I took advantage of the strong afternoon sunlight, and finished couching the braid to my pattern. I wasn't sure if I should sew the braids together with #20 thread, or if I should find some sewing thread. I decided it would be easier to continue with #20, and it worked out all right. The worst part is threading the needle with #20 thread. I need to find one with a bigger eye, I guess. If you look closely, you can see I had a problem with one join. I had a knot in the thread, and I couldn't get it out. I'm not sure how it got there, but I have made a mental note: When you start your braid, make sure there are no knots in the tail.
My hoya multiflora is almost ready to bloom. The buds are so full, I expect them to open any day. I will be interested to see if they open slowly, or just pop like kernel of popcorn.

Starting a Romanian Point Lace Sampler

2008-02-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

I made about a yard of braid with #8 hook and #20 thread. It was slow, at times I needed my magnifying glass to see where to put the hook. Sometimes I unravelled 3 or 4 stitches to get back to a good spot. The braid gets quite twisted, and I should stop more often to let it unwind.

I am working from "Romanian Point Lace" by Thompson and Waller, and Chapter 3 shows fillings for fans. The Starter pattern on p. 69 is a flower, but it has 3 fans, a center circle and 2 leaves.

I thought it would be a good idea to use my braid to sample some fan stitches, and decided I would put 5 fans in a semi-circle and call it a tree. This also gives me 6 little circles to fill with needle weaving stitches.

I signed up for an April workshop in Romanian Point Lace, but I just can't wait. I may be doing this all wrong, and I'm looking forward to learning the "right" way when I take the class.

Here's what I did this time, with the understanding it may be all wrong. I copied my drawing onto muslin, and then covered the muslin with clear Contac Paper, same stuff I use for my bobbin lace prickings. The book says to use non-fusable interfacing, but all my scraps were fusable. I found a piece of lightweight denim, and basted my pattern to it. The denim is pretty thick, and I need to use my thimble. I plan to buy some muslin and interfacing when I go to the fabric store. My list is getting long, soon it will be worth the trip.

You can see the little tail of the beginning of my braid. I tried to unravel it, to get away from the pointy beginning, but it isn't a matter of simply pulling the tail. I tried unpicking, and wasn't too successful. (Another thing to learn at the workshop) The little tail will be used to join the braids. If I am reading my book correctly, I also will have to join all the fans and ovals where they touch. Perhaps that is more difficult than a beginner level. Live and learn.

Zig Zag Bookmark

2008-02-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

I finished the Zig Zag bookmark last night, and took it off the pillow this morning. I used 6 pairs #8 pearl cotton. When the bookmark is folded, it measures 3 1/2".

The pearl cotton is a bit soft, and the bookmark doesn't want to stay folded. I have some spray starch, maybe that will encourage it to lay flat. I probably should have used the linen thread I've been hoarding.

More Romanian Point Lace Braid

2008-02-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

I worked on RPL braid yesterday, and am pleased with my tension and evenness of my stitches. I used #10 thread and #5 hook, and think I'm ready to practice with #20 thread.
I went to the dime store and bought a #8 hook and some cream #20 thread. I didn't have any hooks sized between 5 and 10, and thought an 8 would split the difference. I've tried to work with #20 thread and #10 hook is too small for me right now.
We have lots of sunshine today, I'll be able to take advantage of it and make some lace this afternoon!

Begin the Braid

2008-02-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Victory! I finally got a start on the basic braid for Romanian Point Lace. I never learned to crochet beyond the basic chain stitch and single crochet, but it seems that's all I need for now. It was a challenge to find the right spot for the braid, but I eventually figured it out. The Thompson/Waller book has diagrams, but it was the words that finally solved the puzzle for me. It says "Note the position of the two shaded loops. Turn clockwise." Then you put your hook through the two loops identified before the turn. For some reason, I have to look at those loops before I turn the braid, and then I am sure where those loops are.

I've only done an inch or two, and you can see it's crooked, but at least I'm fairly certain I'm doing it right, and I can practice until I get consistent tension. I'm using a #5 hook and #10 thread, and I may look for a smaller hook, an 8 or 9 maybe. I'll go down to #20 thread when I'm more confident.

Bookmark Progress

2008-02-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

I managed to catch a ray of sunshine this morning. A brief pause between lake effect snow showers, and the sun peeked through and made shadows on my pricking.

I'm using 6 pairs #8 pearl cotton. I'm intentionally using purple, not my favorite color, so I can bring it to the March meeting and bookmark exchange of our lace group.

I'm finished with cloth stitch, and am now working on the half stitch portion. My notes say to have a Torchon stitch (TCTC) at the edge. I don't remember exactly what I did with previous bookmarks from this pricking, but with this one I am making a Torchon stitch before and after the pin at the edge. I don't think it really matters, as long as I am consistant.

I though about translating this pricking to tatting, but couldn't make it work. I found some tatted edgings or insertions that were curved, and I thought I could make 2 short pieces and fold them together. It wasn't successful, and I decided it wasn't an idea worth pursuing at this time. I have a grandson who will be making his appearance very soon, and I am knitting little sweaters, hats and booties to keep him warm.

New Book at My House

2008-02-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Don't you hate it when a lace related book is out of print and the prices skyrocket? I always think that "if only I had known" I could have picked it up for a normal price. I've been tempted to try Romanian Point Lace, but faced one problem - I couldn't find any books anywhere. The library system had nothing, Amazon.com had this book starting at $40, and Barnes and Noble had one copy for $199, used! On a whim, I looked on Half.com and found this hardback copy for $17 plus $3 shipping. I snapped it up, and it came today, 7 long days after clicking the Buy Now button. I'm not much of a shopper, but I'm feeling what must be shopper's rush right now.

When I was in the local Suburban 5 & 10, looking for Red Heart SuperSaver Yarn on special, I wandered down the aisle with hankies. I bought a lightweight cotton, edged in blue, thinking of my mom. I gave her a tatted hankie last fall, remember all that orange tatting? I was talking to her this morning, and finally asked her if she had ever worn it. She says she has worn it several times, always brags it up, and gets lots of compliments. Now I'm glad I picked up this one, and plan to tat a dainty blue edge.

My dog likes the thread, too. I'm glad I completely filled my shuttle; you can see what I pried out of her mouth yesterday afternoon. It's a little tangled, but the thread is stiff with dog slobber. Yuck. I may have to make another trip to the 5&10 to get a good ball when my shuttle is emptied.

Cleaning Day

2008-02-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a cleaning day. I cut two bobbin lace projects off my pillows. I hadn't touched either project since September, and I was afraid my pins would start to corrode. It's better to toss some thread than damage my pillow.

I wound #8 pearl cotton on some bobbins and started a zig-zag bookmark. It's a clever idea, and the end result is attractive. I wonder if I could translate the idea to tatting? I would need two styles of tatting that would contrast, as the appeal of this bookmark is the contrast between cloth stitch and half stitch. I would need to turn corners, and also fold my tatting. I would need to design so there are picots at the fold. I can feel this idea is going to hang around in my head until I work it out. If I look at tatted edgings with corners, I might find something suitable.

A Little More Progress

2008-02-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

I sat down yesterday and did the second flower on my bookmark. There's not much to say. Perhaps I should stick with my tatting.

A Little Progress

2008-02-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

I worked on my bookmark last night, filling the flower with cloth stitch or corded stitch. I'm trying to apply the KISS* principle, and intend to use only 2 fillings.

*Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Bookmark Progress

2008-01-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

I finished knitting two kimonos for my grandson-in-waiting, and I needed to take a break. I worked on the bookmark, and finished couching this morning.

I love this part. My idea is still fresh in my mind, and I'm satisfied with the translation to paper and pattern. I've couched the cordonnet and can see such potential in this little sketch.

Everything is ripe, waiting for my next attempts. It's like you have a dream that's wonderful and exciting, you can't help but put it into words - a story or a poem. The words never exactly capture your feelings of wonder and excitement, so you have to settle for a pale shadow of your original inspiration.

I know my next steps won't do justice to the graceful flowers in my mind's eye, but I'll do my best. Who knows, I may try again when my skills are more refined.

Most of the time, it's all about the journey. Getting there is all the fun.