A Dying Art

Inspired by Fox's sometimes murderous post titles, I have come up with the cover of a book I will most likely NEVER write, unless Fox can also inspire roughly 268 pages to go between...  But I DO have a rather nice pen name, don't you think?

"We Are Not Amused."

Do you have Prince Albert in a can?

Well, you'd better let him out!

This is Queen of Hearts by Mary Konior from "Tatting with Visual Patterns."  It was done in Lizbeth size 20 thread, #147 (the photos don't really do the color justice).  

I learned a bit while making this pattern.  After a false start, heading out in the wrong direction with my chains, I learned that the curve of the chain would follow the curve of my knuckles as I made the chain.  Pretty simple, I know, but I usually get caught up in the written directions of a pattern and refer to the diagram only to confirm that my understanding of them is correct.  With just the diagram to follow, I became more aware of what the thread was doing to form a ring or a chain.  It was a very good lesson for me.

I was really cruising as I got to the end of the pattern.  I kept marveling at how natural it felt to tat, even graceful (that word is NEVER applied to me, even in my dreams).  So, of course, caught up in my musings, I tatted the last three chains and ring without making my final joins (but I must say my hands moved BEAUTIFULLY as I made my mistakes).  That is when I made ANOTHER discovery!  For me, it is easier to open a ring and unpick the stitches with a tapestry needle than with the tip of the shuttle or a tiny crochet hook.  My tapestry needle was a size 24.  It is a nice thick needle with a fairly blunt tip and slid between threads more easily than the hook and I had less problem with the thread fraying.

Happy Valentines!

The Norm has Landed!

Well, I was going to name him Little Mojo - but when all was said and done,  and HE was done, I realized Jane was right and that my rooster does INDEED look like a Norman!  Whatever moniker he goes by, I am QUITE happy with my little guy.  He's a colorful fellow and patient too!  It took me a week to get his leg and tail feathers on and he didn't make a peep about it!  He's crowing now though!!

I really appreciate Jane Eborall hosting this TIAS.  It was SO much fun and I learned ALLOT!  It was especially good for me not to know what was coming each day.  Still being a tatting newbie, I tend to look at patterns and decide if I think they are doable for me.  While it may ensure current success, that attitude doesn't encourage growth!  To be honest, I probably would have passed on this pattern if I had seen it all at once because I would have thought it was too hard for me.  I would have missed out!!!  

So thank you again Jane!  I hope to be a more adventurous tatter in future.

The parade of Normans continues at Tatting Patterns with the Added Fun Factor!