Distracted

Boy, did I get distracted today!  My thread shipment from Valdani came in this morning and I have been digging through my bead & button stash to find accents for the new fibers.

As always, Valdani has the most fabulous color selection.  The above group of fibers will be used in my upcoming "Romance of the Piney Woods" collection.

And I had to order more of another favorite variegated combo:

 Valdani's M40 "Violet Meadows"!

I just love this colorway.  The purples and greens are so beautiful- wait until you see what I'm doing with it...

As the new fibers totally distracted me, I accomplished very little tatting today.  I also had absolutely no luck in finding those tiny shell buttons.  Don't you just hate it when you hide things from yourself?  Those buttons were on my working table in the atelier, but have somehow vanished.  They will turn up eventually.  Hopefully, it will be in time to do the little project I have in mind to post on the blog.

 Tomorrow's post probably won't have much in the way of tatting, either.  Since the new fibers have arrived, I feel the need to make a trip to the local bead shop for various accents and findings.  Thought I'd give you fair warning!  I will share images of any new goodies I find, though.

Remember:  the Piney Woods Xmas Thread Giveaway is going on!  Deadline for clicking the google "Join this Site" button to follow the blog & be entered is December 4th.  Good luck!

Well, I 'm off to the atelier to move the work table and hunt for those dern buttons.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Little Ideas, Part One

Some of my most cherished Christmas memories are of the small, tiny things that perhaps, others did not notice.  I have always delighted in giving gifts that have been lovingly wrapped with special care, thought & attention.  Oftentimes, I will top a gift with a tatted motif instead of or with a handmade bow.  Pictured below is a gift topper I recently made.

It was tatted with Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in colors O560 and M43 and is accented with golden jingle bells. 

Here is a closer image:

Keep a small box or tin by your favorite tatting area and place a random motif or two in it as you tat through out the year.  Use these to slip into a card or in place of/in addition to a pretty bow.  The recipient will be sure to feel special by your extra effort.  And nothing is more beautiful than a litte piece of lace gracing a special goody!

Speaking of goodies:  be sure to click the google "Join this Site" and follow my blog for your chance to win the Piney Woods Xmas Thread Giveaway!  Deadline for entry is December 4th.  Those who are already listed as followers are automatically entered.  Good luck!

Well, I am off to hunt for some tiny, antique, mother-of-pearl buttons that I have hidden from myself.  I need them for tomorrow's blog post.  Let's hope I can find them.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

   

Recovering from Thanksgiving

The husband is back at work & the kid is back in school- now I can begin recovering from the Thanksgiving holiday!  I loved having them home and spending quality time with them, but my tatting routine was drastically altered.  Maybe after I get the house cleaned up and a few chores done, I can get back into a good tatting groove this week.

I did pick up the needle for a bit this morning.  This is a small motif I've started using Valdani pearl cotton in M30 "Deep Waters":

If the motif works out as planned, it will be a gift for a tatting friend.

Don't forget to follow the blog by clicking on the google "Join this Site" button for your chance to win the Piney Woods Xmas Thread Giveaway!  Current followers are automatically entered.  Deadline for following is December 4th.

Well, I had better get off my duff and get busy with the chores.  I'd like to get some tatting done this week, but cannot ignore the dishes, laundry and general cleaning that needs doing.  Have a great day.  I hope to have more to show you Tuesday.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!



Piney Woods Xmas Thread Giveaway

'Tis the season to clean out the thread cabinets!

I am in dire need of more thread storage in the atelier, so this lot of Christmas colored thread needs a new home.  For the first of my Christmas themed giveaways, I am offering~

 This cute hinged-lid poinsettia tin filled with the following balls of thread:

1 ball of size 20 Lizbeth in color #144

1 ball of size 50 Altin Basak in color #369

1 vintage ball of  size 70 Coats & Clark in color #21

3 balls of size 80 Majestic in colors #800, 829, & 854

1 spool of size 12 wt. Sulky Blendables in color #4104

 2 bobbins of size 12 Sulky Blendables in Antique Xmas & a red I cannot find the # or name for

& a mystery tatted goody (which may or may not be the one pictured).

As always, to enter this giveaway you must be a follower of the blog.  Simply click on the google "Join this Site" button located on the right of the blog just below the poll.  Deadline for entry is: Sunday, December 4th.  The winner will be selected by a random number generator and notified via email on Monday, December 5th.  Good luck!

Please note:  I tried the Lizbeth thread as everyone has been going on about how great it tats up.  Well... I was sadly disappointed.  It was NOT a good thread for my work.  It felt a little too stretchy and I just did not like the texture or the way it tatted up.  It has been my experience that different tatters prefer different types of threads.  I have very strong opinions as to what works for me and what doesn't.  The Lizbeth does not work for me at all- I wish it did.  Hopefully, it will find a home where it will be used and enjoyed. 

The Sulky Blendables 12 wt. quilting cotton thread tats like a dream!!!  As do the others in this giveaway. 

 Jim is busy hanging the lights on the exterior of the house and could probably use a hand.  I had better run and see if I can help.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I am absolutely stuffed!  The food was delicious and my day is just super-fantastic!

We are relaxing by doing our favorite things and spending time together.

A few minutes ago, I picked up a ball of Valdani and a tatting needle and began work on a little goody that will be part of the next giveaway event.  Here is a little peek:

You'll have to check out tomorrow's post to see what I've come up with for the first (yes, I said "first") Christmas giveaway event!

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, I hope you have had a marvelous day doing whatever makes your soul sing.   Thank you to all who read my ramblings.  I do enjoy this blogging thing and hope to have lots more tatting & fiber art adventures to share with you.  Guess I had better run- Jim & Jocie are about to start the movie without me!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Preparing for Thanksgiving

I have been busy getting ready for Thanksgiving.  The kitchen is a mess- pots, pans and such are scattered everywhere as I've been preparing our goodies for tomorrow.

I did sit down for a few minutes this morning and tatted this:

It is a pendant tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in color # S541 "Mauve Orchid" and is accented with a dyed fushia freshwater pearl, size 11/0 Czech seed beads in "purple/aqua" and 4mm lavender Swarovski bicones.  The center is an interlocking chain-ring foundation of 6.  This piece is a gift for an exchange partner.  I hope the recipient will be pleased!

The only other tatting I've done today has been to refurbish and repair some ornaments that have been in the family for many years.  I hope to get back to my Christmas designwork this evening.  Perhaps I shall have some new motifs to share with you soon and you just might want to be on the lookout for the first of my Christmas giveaways!

Well, I had better check on the pies in the oven- they smell like they are close to being done.  May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with all that makes your heart sing!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



ICR, Part Two

For your enjoyment today, I have slightly elaborated upon the basic interlocking chain-ring motif featured in yesterday's post.  I used a size 7 tatting needle and Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in color M26 "Green Grass" (it was one of the colors in their fabulous "Two at Christmas" collection).  For accent beads I used 10 lime green size 11 Czech seed beads and 5 green AB finish Czech fire polish beads.  A medium sized gold jingle bell was used as a center focal accent.  The counts for the ICR foundation are the exactly the same as yesterday's motif:

R11- add beads 11 CL 5x for the foundation of piece.

To tat the accent round, run needle through top cap of ds to the left of the beads, CH 7 sm- med- sm- 7 CL + to the corresponding top cap on the other side of the beads.  CH 4, CL + to the top cap of the ds to the left of the next set of beads, continue around the motif.  After tatting the last CH, run needle from the front of the motif to the back.  Tie, cut & hide ends.  Add the jingle bell of other focal accent of your choice, or simply pull the ends through to the back, tie, cut & hide ends.

As you can tell, ICR foundations are easy to tat and offer a plethora of design options.  I enjoy using ICR foundations for pendants, brooches, doilies, and ornaments.  I hope you have fun playing with ICRs and would love to see your efforts.

Well, I must run- there is a break in the rain and I have many errands to see to.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Interlocking Chain-Rings

After receiving several inquiries concerning the interlocking chain-ring foundations I use in many of my designs, I have decided to post a few images of the way I tat them. 

The example will be a 5 ICR foundation motif. 

The thread used in my example is size 5 DMC cotton perle in color #4025.  I used a size 7 tatting needle and 5 small silver jingle bells.

All rings are made with the following count: R11 very small - with bell 11 CL.

Thread your tatting needle and add 5 bells.  I am working off the ball of thread, but you may cut a long piece if that is more comfortable for you.  Tat as listed above.  Now we are ready to move onto the 2nd ring.  Place the needle tip through the R just made and tat the counts, LEAVING A SMALL SPACE OF THREAD BEFORE THE FIRST DS.  This allows the 2nd ring to wrap around the first ring and lay nicely.

Onto the 3rd ring, tatting as you did for the 2nd ring- LEAVING A SMALL SPACE BEFORE TATTING THE FIRST DS.  You will be leaving this space between all the subsequent rings.

The same for the fourth-

And the fifth-

The 5th ring is the last in this motif, so you will be closing it by sliding the stitches off your needle and BEFORE closing the ring, run the needle through the first ring made and close.

Pull the ring snug and shape the motif with your fingers.

Cut a medium length of the working thread and bring to the front of the motif and tie.  You may either run the threads to the back of the piece and hide the ends or leave the ends at the front for securing buttons, beads or whatever strikes your fancy to the front of the motif.

Shall I expand upon this little motif and add more to it for tomorrow's post?  Let me know if you would like this expanded into a larger motif!  I'd be happy to see what I can come up with.

I hope this has been clear and easy to follow.  If anyone has any further questions, I will do my best to help.  Another great source for tatting information is the Online Tatting Class conducted by Georgia Seitz.  There are also several online groups that are always willing and eager to help fellow tatters.

Well, I had better run- my husband (who is on vacation this week)  is on the back acreage of the Piney Woods working to clear the site for my future "tatting shanty".  I had better go take him a large glass of ice water and see what I can do to help.  Have a great day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Bargain Find

What a day!  I have been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.  This was the last school day before the Thanksgiving holiday, so I picked up Jocie early.  We had a number of errands to accomplish before the weekend- she was such a great help!  After we had taken care of the necessary tasks, we indulged in a little retail therapy at a local accessory boutique.  I found these wonderful crystal bead stretchy bracelets. 

They were very affordable. I intend to cut them apart & use the beads with tattting.

I am ashamed to say that I have accomplished ZERO tatting today.  Hopefully, I will have a more productive weekend.  Perhaps I will get another motif & pattern posted.  Keep your eyes peeled for more Christmas goodies!

Well, I am off to get ready for a fun evening- I'm taking Jocie to Breaking Dawn, Part 1.  Have a fantastic weekend doing whatever makes your soul sing!  Until next time~

Happy Tatting!

Valdani Christmas Motif #1, Part Two

Winner of the Piney Woods Harvest Event:

Bree !

Congratulations!  Contact me to claim your goodies.

After a quick jaunt to the local Hobby Lobby (which is a little ways away), I returned home and got the two final chain rounds completed on the motif:

The last two chain rounds have the same count and are placed 1 on each side of the previously tatted work.  Remember to cut off a good portion of thread to weave the chains.  A little hint- I use a second needle to help move my working thread about as I am tatting.  The counts are:

+ through top cap to the left of previously worked chains, CH 9 followed by 5 graduated picots 9 CL + to the next corresponding spot,  pull working thread through & continue around motif, tie & cut.

+ through top cap to the right of previously worked chains, CH 9 followed by 5 graduated picots 9 CL + to the next corresponding spot, pull working thread through & continue around motif, tie & cut.

This will position the chains with picots close to each other to provide a little "fluff".

Feel free to experiment with different size picots, or adjust the stitch count and omit the picots.  Just have fun!

For the last step, I used the two thread ends in the center of the interlocking chain-ring foundation to anchor the antique Czech glass button.  Pull the threads through to the back of the motif, tie & cut.  For extra security I placed a tiny dab of E6000 on the knot.

Since I replenished my bead & jingle bell supply, I hope to finish the wreath motif variations that are in progress & share them with you tomorrow.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!



Valdani Christmas Motif #1, Part One

'Tis the season to be tatting...

Today's post features part one of the Valdani Christmas Motif #1.

Materials used are:

a size 7 tatting needle

Valdani size 8 pearl cotton color O 560

10 Czech size 10 seed beads in Christmas Green

5 small jingle bells

1 small antique red Czech glass button

Thread tatting needle and string 1 green seed bead, 1 jingle bell, 1 green seed bead, five times.
This motif is made with a foundation of 5 interlocking chain-rings with the following count:
CHR 11 - (with 1 green seed bead, 1 jingle bell, 1 green seed bead) 11 CL
When you finish the 5th CHR, pull the thread ends to the front and tie- this is VERY important- leave ends long enough to later secure the button in the center of the foundation!

Next, you will be tatting chains around the foundation.  Run the tatting needle through the top cap of the ds next to the - of any CHR.  CH 21 CL + to the same spot at the base of the - of the next CHR.  Continue around foundation.  When you tat the last chain, run the needle through to the back of the beginning of your work, tie & cut.
Now, you will be doing the exact same thing on the other side of the - of each CHR.  This time, though, you will need to cut a fair length of thread so that you can weave the chains.  Tat your CH 21 CL + , pull the working thread through and continue tatting around the foundation.  The end result should resemble that pictured above.  Do not worry if your chains are a bit "wonky".  More is going to be added to this motif.  Part two will be featured tomorrow.

Oh- I almost forgot!

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO "JOIN THIS SITE" & BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PINEY WOODS HARVEST EVENT GIVEAWAY!!!

I will be selecting the winner tomorrow morning bright & early before breakfast.

Well, I had better go- the homemade chili is on the stove waiting to be stirred.  Have a wonderful evening. Until tomorrow~
Happy Tatting!

Simple Ring Wreath

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I have already started Christmas tatting.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will be featuring quick and easy tatting ideas for the holiday season.  The first project is one that I have used in beginner tatting classes for over 15 years.  It is a simple ring with picots and a bow adhered to the front.  These can be used as earrings, pendants, bobby pin and barrette accents, as well as card and gift accents.  I oftentimes add jingle bells and beads to the picots for that extra Christms bling.

R1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-CL, tie & cut.  Tie small red ribbon and glue. OR

R1 with 13-s CL, tie & cut.  Tie small red ribbon and glue.

The counts are just a suggestion. Vary the ds and - counts for different effects; add beads, jingle bells, charms, whatever your heart desires.  Have fun playing and creating.  The recipient is sure to be pleased with your efforts!

I am working on another variation to share with you tomorrow.  And I am bouncing around ideas for what I should tat to best accent the fabulous vintage Regency brooch pictured below:

I think a fluffy frame with the Valdani M 43 pearl cotton would be gorgeous.  What do you think?

AND REMEMBER:

The Piney Woods Harvest Event sign-up deadline is November 16th. Tomorrow!!!

To be eligible for my super giveaway click the google "Join this Site" button to follow the blog.  Those who are followers already are automatically entered.  The winner will be selected using a random number generator early in the morning onThursday, November 17th.  The winner will be notified via email and announced on the Thursday blog post.  Good luck!

Lily Fey is letting me know that it is time for her afternoon tug-of-war play session.  Guess I had better humor her so I can get back to tatting sooner rather than later.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Harvest Event Reminder!

The Piney Woods Harvest Event ends this week!!!  Wednesday, November 16th, is the dealine to click the google "Join this Site" button to follow the blog & to be eligible for these goodies:

Fabric, pearls, Holy cards & fabric- OH my!

A few of the Holy cards...

Detail image of threads...

Pearls!

Tatting needles and 2 1/2 " wide fabric strips...

Fabric selection, view 1...

Fabric selection, view 2...

As you can see, there are lots of wonderful goodies for the lucky winner!  Those who already follow the blog are automatically entered.  Very early on Thursday morning, the winner will be selected via a random number generator and sebsequently notified by email.  Good luck to you all!  For detailed images of the Holy cards, please refer to the earlier blog posts for the Harvest event.

It has been a balmy, gloomy day in the Piney Woods.  Jim was off work again today and we worked in the woods to clean my tatting areas and prep them for cold weather tatting- cleaning out & spiffing up firepits, stacking wood, checking oil levels in torches, etc.

  I did not do much tatting as it was so very humid, but will be starting Christmas tatting this week.  I'll have some neat projects to share with you these next couple of weeks- all sorts of quick and easy gift ideas along with more detailed tatting patterns.

Well, I had better get back to the kitchen as I am in the process of making chicken dumplings, collard greens, speckled butter beans and biscuits for supper.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Valdani Silk Pendant

We have had an absolutely gorgeous weekend here in the Piney Woods!  Jim & I worked to clean up some limbs and branches that had blown down during the last thunderstorm.  My favorite tatting areas in the woods were VERY strown with debris. While on our breaks, I worked on the Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk pendant that I had started on Friday.  This is the finished piece:

I used an entire skein of the silk thread, but am pleased with the result.  For the foundation medallion counts, please refer to the Veteran's Day post from Friday.

Here is an image of the work in progress:

I just love the beautiful sheen and luster of this thread!  Valdani has outdone itself with the silk thread line.

As I was tatting, Jim and Lily Fey (my faithful tatting companion) engaged in some tug-of-war matches.

They had a ball playing and later napping whilst I tatted away.

This is the look of a true tatting buddy!

I hope you are having a wonderfully creative weekend and look forward to sharing more tatted goodies with you this week.  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!



Happy Veteran's Day!

It has been a glorious Veteran's day in the Piney Woods!  A multitude of thanks goes out to all who have served our country- you are greatly appreciated!!!

My day has been fantastic- I have spent it with my wonderful husband, Jim (who is an Air Force veteran).  We strolled through our beautiful Piney Woods and had a nice little picnic at what is the future site of my "tatting shack".  The weather was perfect- cool with gorgeous sunlight filtering through the woods.  Life does not get any better than this!

I did take a basket of thread, tatting needles and beads with me and tatted the foundation for a pendant out of Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S513.

This simple medallion is tatted with the following counts:

R 5- 5- (with 3 seed beads) 5- 5 CL RW

CH 7 sm- med- sm- 7 CL RW

R 5+ 5- (with 3 seed beads) 5- 5 CL RW

Continue for a medallion with 12 Rs & CHs

Tie, cut & hide ends.

There is more to this pendant.  I will try to do a weekend post so you can see the finished product.

And remember-

The Piney Woods Harvest Event deadline is November 16th!!!

Click the google "Join this Site" button to follow the blog & to be eligible for the wonderful loot up for grabs.

There have been several readers who have asked about the Piney Woods.  I leave you this week with some random images from my sanctuary:

Fungi in the Piney Woods.

A splash of color.

It seems that my husband wasn't the only old man in the woods!  Doesn't this leaf remind you of a grumpy old man?

I'd love thread this color!

And this color!

May you have a blessed weekend doing whatever it is that makes your soul sing!  Until next time~

Happy Tatting!

Off On A Tangent

I had planned a day full of tatting new creations, but it was not to be. 

As you know, I prefer to tat outside in my Piney Woods.  The wind was so gusty and harsh today that this was just impossible.  I had to settle for indoor creativty.  While I had every intention of tatting, I ended up beading and gathering more Christmas materials for future designs.

This is the necklace I made for myself today:

It features a sterling silver Claddagh my husband gave me years ago with an assortment of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal bicones (each of various sizes).  The necklace was hand knotted using Valdani luxury pearl silk in "Subtle Elegance" and has a simple sterling silver hook clasp.

After making the necklace, I proceeded to rummage through my bead, button and thread stashes for materials to use for Christmas themed projects.  Here is a little sampling of what I dug out:

As you can see, I have plenty of thread, Swarovskis, pearls, seed beads, and Christmas fabric.  What I am low on is buttons.  I did have lots of red antique buttons.  Guess I've used them.  Oh, well...it's another excuse for antiquing/junking!  Another thing I did have plenty of was jingle bells.  I know I have oodles- I just can't find them.  They are probably hiding in plain sight!

The Piney Woods Harvest Event ends soon- November 16th is the deadline.  Be sure to click the google "Join this Site" button to follow the blog & have a chance to win the wonderful items up for grabs!

It is time for me to get busy tatting since I've neglected it most of the day.  Let's hope I have something better to show you Friday!  Until then~

Happy Tatting!



More Camo

It actually feels like Fall today!  It is a nice, cool 59F this afternoon.  Fabulous tatting weather.

After washing and ironing my camo shirts, I decided there was a need for more color co-ordinated tatted accessories.  I then went through my Valdani stash and found the perfect color to go with my Mossy Oak camo- # O574.  As luck would have it, I had just the right color and finish of seed beads, too.  The label was gone on the little box, so I am not sure what the color is.  All I know is that they are Miyuki brand.

I gathered my materials, went to a favorite spot and tatted this:

This is the beginning of another camouflage pendant.  As mentioned, I used 100% COLORFAST Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in # O574, along with matte finish Miyuki seed beads, a vintage brown cowlip shell button, and green freshwater pearls.  I have not finished this piece, but wanted to show you what I've been up to this fine Fall day.

Don't forget about the Piney Woods Harvest Event!  There is only a week until the deadline of November 16th, so click the google "Join this Site" button for your chance to win.  Good luck!

I think I shall stroll back to my tatting haven and continue working on the new camo pendant.  Have a marvelous day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Enjoying Fall

The day's forecast called for rain, but it has turned out to be a gorgeous day- if a bit windy.  The trees in my Piney Woods are ablaze with vivid color!  As I was sitting in the woods, I sifted through my thread basket and found that my hand kept picking up Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in color O533.  This particular color really draws my eye!  And I had just the right beads-  two-toned 4mm Swarovski bicones, yellow rainbow finish size 10 seed beads and an 8mm bright red Swarovski bicone for the center. This is what I tatted:

This will be a pendant and I am thinking that I can make a smaller version of this that would be perfect for bobby pins and hair clips.  Here is another view of my "Vivid Autumn" pendant:

I am also preparing some free patterns that will be posted the week of Thanksgiving, so, dear readers, stay tuned for upcoming goodies!  Speaking of goodies:

The Piney Woods Harvest Event deadline is November 16th!  Click the google "Join this Site" button for your chance to win the loot!  Good luck.

I think I will head back out to my retreat in the woods and tat some more.  Have a wonderful day doing whatever makes your soul sing!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

   

Camouflage!

I am feeling much better after a restful weekend of recreational tatting!  Many thanks to my dear readers who expressed concern about my health.  It was just seasonal allergies and general fatigue.

Living in Louisiana, which is known as the "Sportsman's Paradise", you come to have an appreciation of a certain fashion- camouflage.  It is fashionable down here to wear camo year round. But especially beginning in September all through Winter, it seems everyone wears camo.  There are a myriad of patterns of camouflage- it all depends upon where you hunt or what your personal preferance is.  Still, most camo is a variety of browns, greens, and greys. And yes, I do have an assortment of pink camouflage, too.  Mostly though,  I possess a wide array of "standard" camo shirts (mainly my husband's cast offs once the sleeves shrink-up on him).  This weekend my husband pointed out that I do not have any tatted accessories that I wear with my camouflage.  Well, that was quickly rectified:

I tatted this little versatile piece that can be worn as a pendant, pin, or hat clip/ hair ornament using Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in color M78.  It began with an interlocking chain-ring foundation and was enhanced with accent tatting and 4mm light green Swarovski bicones and 3mm copper-rose Swarovski bicones.  Jim (my husband) particularly likes this piece in my red hair or on my favorite ratty, old camouflage cap.

Aside from doing the above and several other camouflage pieces for my personal use, I made lots of Christmas yoyos.  I sat in my recliner with Clover yoyo makers and fabric surrounding me while I let the allergy medicine do its thing.  Jim found my extra-large yoyo maker (which I had hidden from myself) and I made several larger yoyos for ornament bases.

As you can imagine, I am going to have some FABULOUS Christmas giveaway events!

Speaking of giveaways- the Piney Woods Harvest Event is going on!  Deadline for following the blog & being eligible for the goodies is November 16th.  Click the google "Join this Site" button for your chance to win.  Good luck!

It is a beautiful day outside and I feel like going out, sitting in the sunshine & tatting.  Have a wonderful day.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Xmas Prep

As today was my errand day, I did not get much tatting done at all.  I did, however, pick up a few things for the Christmas giveaway events that are in the planning process.

I found these wonderful hinged tin boxes at a local dollar store.  They will be just right for holding some tatted ornaments and goodies!  Tatted ornaments were the top pick in the Christmas giveaway poll, so I had better get busy.

The fabric is a Robert Kaufman "roll-up" strip of Christmas fabrics- perfect for making yoyos that are embellished with tatting and Christmas bling.

Here is a closer shot of my goodies.  I also looked at the potted "living" Christmas trees at Lowes and may have to get one to use as a prop.

The Piney Woods Harvest Event is going on!  Click the google "Join this Site" button to follow the blog & be eligible for the cool items up for grabs.  Hurry!  The deadline is November 16th!

This weekend I hope to have more time to tat, but it feels like I'm coming down with a cold or something.  Not to worry, my husband will be home soon to pamper and spoil me- and make me take my medicine.  (He doesn't put up with my guff!)  Have a marvelous weekend doing whatever makes your soul sing!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Fall Ornament, Part Four

After combing my thread shash, I found a couple of additional threads to use for the fluffy picot frame around the Czechoslovakian art button.  This is what came off my needle:

The threads I used are Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in color O507 "Rich Wine" and Dinky Dyes size 12 pearl cotton in color 35P "Madi's Rose".  Once I started tatting the picot laden chains, I couldn't stop! 

I am considering adding more tatted rounds to the perimeter.  What do you think?  Should I turn this ornament into a larger piece?

This afternoon and evening, I will be making some more yoyos and matching them up with thread for some festive fall ornaments.  I have enjoyed doing this one, but it grew larger than I anticipated.

Don't forget that the Piney Woods Harvest Event is going on!  Follow the blog by clicking the google "Join this Site" button for your chance to win the loot.  Deadline is November 16th!  Good luck!

Have a wonderful day doing something creative!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!