More Storm Damage

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Well, yesterday I worked to get the debris picked-up around the house and set my potted plants out on the front porch.  It appears that I was tempting fate.  We had another line of very gusty winds come through.  My potted plants were smashed on the front porch before I knew it!  I've been busy today trying to recover as much as I could.  I'm especially upset about the large aloe vera plant.  It was in a nice terra cotta hand thrown pot.  I hope I have saved as much of it as I could.  The root tone container is almost empty from my efforts.  The gardenias were smashed badly and I don't know if they will pull through.  The succulent terrarium is beyond repair.  My hen & chicks are crushed along with the jade plants.

 

As you can tell, I have not done any tatting today.  After Jim gets home, we are grilling supper and I plan to settle in my tatting chair for the remainder of the evening.  Perhaps I'll have some nice new eyecandy to kick off the first post in February.  You know, each month this year will have a different theme.  Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow for February's theme! 

 

Time to go dig in the deep freeze for meat to grill.  Hope you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



New Pearls & Cleaning Up Storm Damage

Winter Blossoms

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I hope you are all doing well.  We had some very rough weather last night- straight line winds, heavy rain, and some light hail.  There are a lot of limbs and branches down on our property, but that is the extent of the damages we sustained.  We are fortunate.  I do have the unexpected bonus of having several large pine tree branches that fell across one of my favorite trails.  They are loaded with pine cones.  I plan to harvest them and use them for displays, Christmas ornaments and various other decorations.

 

I did get to take some images of the new pearls I received Monday.

 

 

I love to use larger button pearls as accents for pendant and brooch centers.

 

 

These bright purple/fushia pearls were too tempting to resist & I have just the perfect silk thread to go with them!

 

 

And I cannot pass up beautiful bronze pearls.  They work great with the colors I prefer to tat with.

 

Well, I had better get back outside and continue with the clean-up around the house.  We will be working all weekend to clean up the paths in the woods, but I have plans for the pine cones and a few other nature treasures that blew in.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embroidery Prep

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I am busy today ironing the Osnaburg, muslin and rough weave fabric I plan to use on embroidery projects.  After I finish with the ironing, I'll be cutting the fabric into appropriate sizes.  Then it's time to begin transferring the designs I've sketched onto the fabric.  As soon as I get in my Valdani order, I'll begin embroidering and tatting on them.  I ordered lots of Valdani embroidery floss and stranded silk floss.  It can't get here quick enough for me!

 

We have some nasty weather headed our way so I really want to get these embroidery projects organized and into plastic bags so I can settle into my comfy tatting chair with the next tatting venture this evening.  Hope you all have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Another Winter Blossom Motif & Such

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

Hope you all had a great weekend.  We were busy around the house preparing for the upcoming planting season and clearing some of the paths in the woods.

 

I played some in the Atelier and am working on Winter Blossom Motif No. 5.

 

 

Vadani Luxury Pearl Silk S49 (Subtle Elegance) is the thread used and the beads are antique beige Czech seed beads.  I'll see how it progresses this evening.  Maybe I'll have a more complete motif to share with you tonmorrow.

 

I did receive a pearl and bead order today.  Here is a sneak peek at some gorgeous turquoise veined jasper rondels that will be used in an upcoming Piney Woods Atelier exclusive collection piece-

 

 

I just love this color varigation!

 

The other project I'm working on today is preparing some fabrics for embroidery.  Before I hand embroider, I take the time to thoroughly prepare my fabric.  This consists of washing & drying it a couple of times, then ironing it, transferring my original design and carefully stretching it in the hoop.  I'm hoping to have a mixed fiber media project to present to you soon!

 

Well, I have got to get back to washing, drying & ironing the fabric.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



WB Motif No. 4 Primitive White Variation

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I did not forget to post, I just have had a busy day.  This gal had to get her hair cut and run some serious errands.

 

Here is the finished Winter Blossoms Motif No. 4 variation done in "Primitive White" size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton:

 

 

I am debating on what I should use as a center accent.  A carved MOP shank button, an Akoya pearl, or a Swarovski rondell?  What do you think?  Let me know.

 

Another Winter Blossom motif is in the design phase and I hope to have it up on the blog Monday.

Well, I had better run and get my beauty bath.  Jim is taking me out on a date tonight & I want to be ready to go when he gets home.  May you have a wonderful weekend full of tatting goodness!  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting~

 

 



Feeling Better

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon!

I feel much better today.  Things are on a more even keel.  I did a little bit of tatting yesterday:

 

 

This is Winter Blossom Motif No. 4 done in size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton O 545 (Primitive White).  I am adjusting some of my counts on the outer rounds to form a slight variation.  This afternoon I plan to finish this one up and start on another Winter Blossom motif that has been floating around in my head.

 

Well, I had better run.  I've got an appointment with a client shortly.  Have a wonderful day & I hope to have some nice eyecandy to share tomorrow.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Yucky Headache

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I am suffering with another yucky sinus/allergy headache.  I woke up with it & it has persisted all day long.  UGH!

 

The mock oranges are blooming along with some winter hedge.  I guess all that time spent outside enjoying the beautiful long weekend has come back to bite me.  And to top it all off, I was out of allergy medication.  I had to wait until this afternoon for the pharmacy to get it in.  Oh, well... I have it now and am anticipating a peaceful night's rest followed by a productive tatting day for Thursday.

 

Sorry for the lack of tatting eyecandy today, but I just can't make my eyes focus to tat when my head feels like it's going to explode off my shoulders.  Tomorrow is bound to be much better.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!


Girly Day

Winter Blossoms

Good morning, dear readers!

Well, I played with the center of the Winter Blossom Motif No. 3 and decided that I liked the button best.  The pearls I have are not quite the right size for the divot, so until I get my order in, the button is the best option for a center accent.  Here it is:

 

 

I love this carved antique MOP button!  There are a few more left on the card.  I may even use them as accents/focal points for a collar.

 

I did play some more this morning with Winter Blossoms Motif No. 4 using a neutral pearl cotton thread:

 

 

I plan to flesh this one out today and may adjust the outer rounds into a little different shape.  It all depends upon where the whimsy takes me.

 

Jocelin is home from school today as the teachers are having a training day.  We are going to spend the next few hours watching The Phantom of the Opera, eating chocolate bonbons, giving each other mani/pedis and facial masks.  Then I plan to hole up in the Atelier for an afternoon & early evening of tatting.  Jim is going to grill steaks when he gets home from work, so I really don't have to cook. 

 

Well, someone has the Phantom ready to go in the dvd player.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 



Family Day

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

Hope you are enjoying the holiday.  We are spending the day as a family doing various things around the house.  Jim & I have been busy preparing for the upcoming growing season in the yard and garden.  We've trimmed all of the fruit trees in the orchard, sprayed them with dormant oil & drug the trimmings to the brush pile in the edge of the woods.  I tackled some of my roses.  There are a LOT more rose bushes to go, though.  Jim is in the process of testing the garden soil.  He is teaching Jocelin how to test it and what to add to get the soil in optimum condition for planting.  I expect he'll be plowing within the next couple of weeks.

 

I am still playing around with the pendant center and have not decided which way to go yet, but will get that done this evening & up on the blog tomorrow.  I plan to spend some more time in the yard with my darlins before settling in my tatting chair.

 

Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



WB Motif No. 3 Outer Rounds

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I actually got some tatting done this morning.  Harry, our daughter's dog, has decided it is now his job to lay at my feet while I tat.  He has been a velcro puppy since Lily Fey's passing.  Here are the completed outer rounds of the Winter Blossom Motif No. 3 pendant:

 

 

Both chain rounds have a count of 25 stitches.  You will need 20 seed beads.  DO NOT ADD BEADS TO THREAD YET.

Run tatting needle through small picot to the left of any bead set previously tatted.  Pick up 1 seed bead with needle, CH 25 CL + to corresponding picot on next previously tatted CH.  Continue around pendant.

For the second round, cut a length of silk as you will be weaving the working thread through the CHs you just tatted.  Run needle through picot to the right of the bead set, pick up 1 seed bead.  CH 25 CL + to corresponding picot on the next previously tatted CH.  Pull the working thread through and continue around the pendant motif. 

*Helpful Hint*- I thread the other thread end with another needle when I work with a long length of thread.  It helps to keep the thread from becoming tangled as easily and gives you better control of your work.

 

I will be adding the center accents this afternoon and may do a rare weekend blogpost.  I am debating whether to add a cultured pearl or another smaller carved MOP antique button.  What will I do?  Hmmm...

 

Many thanks, again, for all of the kind words concerning the loss of my dear Lily Fey.  You have made a difficult time easier.

 

Well, I am going to get my plant nursery & grocery store lists together & head out to run errands.  Have a wonderful weekend and until later~

Happy Tatting! 

 



Tough Day

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers.

MANY thanks for all of the heartfelt and kind condolences!!!  I appreciate all of your kind words.  They are a great comfort.

 

I spent the morning gathering up a bunch of Lily Fey's stuff that could be donated to our local animal shelter.  She had a new doggy bed and some other things that had never been used.  I took those and several bags of her Iams food to the shelter.  The ladies there were most kind and wanted to help me find another baby, but it is way too soon.  I have to have time to mourn her.

 

The tatting has been put on hold today as I just could not get into it.  I plan to make a "breakfast supper" this evening.  Jim gave me a wonderful waffle iron at Christmas and I plan to do butterscotch waffles.  You just make your favorite waffle mix and add 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips to it.  Don't pour in as much of the batter as you usually would as the chips melt & expand a bit.  Add your favorite syrup or jelly & enjoy.  After supper, I hope to get settled in my chair and finish up the next part of the FREE Winter Blossom Motif No. 3 pendant. 

 

Thank you, dear readers, for your kindness and patience.  Let's hope I can get back into a more normal routine tomorrow.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

RIP Lily Fey

Winter Blossoms

Good morning, dear readers.

It is with a heavy and sorrow filled heart that I write my blogpost this morning.  My puppy angel, Lily Fey, passed away in her sleep this morning.  She was almost 10 years old- which is pretty good for an American bulldog.  I shall miss her more than words can express.  She was a loyal companion, a fierce protector and the most loving dog I have ever had.  Lily was a gentle puppy soul who just loved being with her people.  She was my constant companion in the Atelier and made each day a joy.

 

 

We all loved her so very much.

 

 

I will miss watching her drag Jim all through the Piney Woods.  She loved to play tug-of-war with a stick.

 

I will get back to tatting as soon as I can, but my heart simply cannot today.

Well, Jim and I are headed to the back acreage to lay our angel to rest.

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 



WB Motif No. 3 Accent Round

Winter Blossoms

Good morning, dear readers!

It is icy and nasty in the Piney Woods this morning.  I had a horrible time getting decent images to use in today's post.  Here is the next part of the FREE Winter Blossom Motif No. 3 pattern:

 

 

To tat this round, you will need 40 seed beads.  Begin by stringing 30 seed beads onto silk.  Run tatting needle through any picot joining between previously tatted rings.  The entire accent round has the same counts.  Simply repeat around motif.  Pick up 1 seed bead with needle, CH 8 - with 3 seed beads 8 CL + to next - between previously tatted Rs.  Continue around motif.  Join last CH at base of first, pull threads to back of motif.  Place a small dot of jeweler's adhesive on knot then cut.

The next round will be on tomorrow's post.

 

I did another Winter Blossom Motif No. 4 last night using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S9 (Herb Garden):

 

 

This was the best I could do considering our weather conditions.  It is sleeting at the moment.  We are fortunate as this only happens maybe 2 or 3 times a year.  I'm hoping that the sleet will let up enough later so I can take a stroll in the woods with my camera.  Who knows when artistic inspiration will strike?

 

Well, I am ready for another cup of hot cocoa.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Winter Blossom Motif No. 3 Part One

Winter Blossoms

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I had a great weekend full of tatting.  How did yours go?

Well, without further ado, here is the FREE pattern to the foundation for Winter Blossom Motif No. 3-

(the rest of the pattern will follow in subsequent posts)

 

 

This pendant is tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk (S204) with grey rainbow Ornella seed beads onto an antique MOP button.  The button is 5/8" across and has 4 holes.  I used a size 8 tatting needle.

To begin, string 30 seed beads on to silk then tat as follows:

R 6 - 6 + to button 6 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 -(with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6 + 6 + to button same as before 6 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm - 9 CL RW

R 6 + 6 + to next hole in button 6 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6 + 6 + to same button hole as before 6 - 6 CL RW
CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6+ 12 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW
R 6 + 6 + to next hole in button 6 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6 + 6 + to same hole as before 6 - 6 CL RW
CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6 + 6 + to next hole 6 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6 + 6 + to same hole as before 6 - 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

R 6 + 12 + (to - of first R) 6 CL RW

CH 9 sm- 4 - (with 3 seed beads) 4 sm- 9 CL RW

Join last CH to base of first R tatted.  Tie, add a small dot of jeweler's adhesive & cut.

 

I was not satisfied with the second round and am going to work out the counts better today.  I'll have the next round of the FREE Winter Blossom Motif No. 3 up tomorrow morning.

 

Let me show you what distracted me this weekend from finishing the second round-

 

 

Sometimes, the thread calls and I just cannot resist.  I played with different counts on the Winter Blossom Motif No.4 on Saturday & Sunday.  Couldn't help myself.  Oh, here is a image of the blue one for your viewing pleasure-

 

 

Well, I had better get busy.  It is cold down here this morning and I have to scrape frost off the Jeep windshield before taking the kid to school.  We even have a bit of ice about.  Times like this make me so glad I have my little Jeep to play in!  Have a great day & let's hope I get off my duff and work out those next counts.  Until tomorrow

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Blossom Motif No. 4

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I finished the Winter Blossom Motif No. 4 last night.

 

 

It makes a nice pendant, doesn't it?!?  I am considering doing a few of these in different threads with assorted accent beads for the Atelier Shoppe.  What do you think?  Several folks have asked me to do an Etsy store, but I am not so sure.  I know some people who have had their original work ripped off from their Etsy store listings.  Not sure I care to have that headache- I'm VERY protective of my work.  Especially OOAK couture pieces!  Do any of you, dear readers, have an Etsy store or insights you'd care to share?

 

The FREE pattern is still on my to do list.  I was not happy with the counts on the second round and have ripped them out & will re-do it this weekend.  Please check back early Monday morning for the next FREE pattern post.  I think you'll like the design.

 

I don't know about y'all, but I am so ready for the weekend!!!  Jim, Jocie & I plan to spend some quality time at home.  Things have been very hectic and stressful this new year and we need to have a quiet family weekend.  I plan to tat to my heart's content, cook a huge batch of venison chili, and finish a couple of hand embroidery designs I've been working on.  What are your plans?  Anything interesting???

 

Well, I'm off to the grocery store for the necessities.  Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to look for the FREE Winter Blossom pendant pattern on Monday's post.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Another Variation

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

I had a productive time in the tatting chair last night whilst watching Amish Mafia on the Discovery Channel.  After tatting my mom's birthday pendant, I kept having visions of an adaptation.  So, I picked up a spool of Sulky Blendables 12 wt. quilting cotton in color 4025 "Hydrangea", added some silver lined lilac rocailles and cream pearl Ornella seed beads and tatted this variation:

 

 

I'm not finished with it yet, as there are a couple more rounds in my head that I need to tat.  So... what do you think?  I think this makes a nice Winter Blossom motif 3 (or is it 4).

 

Well, I have lots of errands to take care of this afternoon.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 



A Day of Frustration

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I will try to get this post done quickly as today has been very frustrating.  Earlier, the power went out and I lost the images I was editing on the computer.  Power remained off for several hours, then after it came back on, my internet service provider was down.  I tried to tat on my front porch for a while, but it was too damp and cold- my fingers ached after only a few minutes.  So... I made myself a mug of hot cocoa, went to the Atelier and sorted through my MOP buttons.  I pulled several for future designs and have spent the remainder of my time doing thread inventory.  Guess I'll be doing another Valdani order this week.

 

Well, I had better get back to designing the FREE pattern and get this posted before the internet goes down again.  Hope your day is going better than mine.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Working on the Next Motif

Winter Blossoms

Good morning, dear readers!

I have been busy working on the FREE pattern for this month and have a little sneak peek for you-

 

 

The FREE Winter Blossom Pendant Motif is going to have an antique 5/8" 4-hole MOP button for its foundation.  I'm still using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S204 (Forgotten Lavender).  This particular button has a center divot that is key to the design I have in mind.  It may take a couple more days to get everything worked out to my satisfaction, but I will try to get the FREE pattern up by Friday.  (Please note that this is baring any family emergencies!)

 

Dad is doing better every day and I am thankful for his recovery.  Shingles are very painful.  I will be glad when he is over this episode and can get the vaccine for it!

 

It is a rainy, gloomy day in the Piney Woods.  It has been sprinkling off & on all morning and the next few days are supposed to be very rainy- 100% tomorrow.  After I sip another mug of hot cocoa, I think I'll organize my tatting chair area then settle and focus on designing the FREE pattern.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Mom's Happy Birthday Pendant

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

Well, I have been having some serious problems trying to upload images onto Blogger!!!  For some reason, I cannot get it to upload directly from my computer.  Anyway, I figured out a way around and here is the pendant I tatted for my mother's birthday-

It was tatted using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S204 (Forgotten Lavender) and has Czech seed beads and a crystal AB Swarovski rondell for accents.  Mom really seemed to like her pendant and other goodies!  I gave her some of my favorite Lollia handcreme and a bar of French soap.

Dad is doing a little better each day.  The shingles are very painful for him, but he is doing well enough to pick & laugh some.  Many thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes!!!

Guess I had better get busy tatting so I've got the next Winter Blossom Motif ready for posting tomorrow.  Let's hope Blogger get's the photo upload problem solved.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~
Happy Tatting!



Thank Goodness It's Friday

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Well, it appears that there are no more kidney stones, but the bout with kidney stones masked another problem- Dad now has shingles.  He is taking an anti-viral medication and is at home resting.  Thank you for all of the prayers.  My family is most appreciative.

 

I spent this morning dragging all of the limbs Jim pruned from the peach & pear trees and rose bushes to the back.  He'll be busy this weekend spraying the orchard with dormant oil and doing vegetable garden prep.  As I was dragging the limbs, I noticed that the nandinas along our west property line were full of berries.  The cedar waxwings & cardinals have been gorging themselves. 

 

I finished the special goody for my mom, but still cannot share the images with you as her birthday is this weekend.  I'll post the eyecandy next week and am planning to have a FREE pattern ready to share with you, too!

 

Guess I had better go give myself a nice hot oil manicure after all that yardwork before picking up my tatting needle and silk thread again.  Have a wonderful weekend & until next week~

Happy Tatting!

 



Update

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Well, my dad has passed one kidney stone, but is still having a fair amount of pain.  They are going to double check to make sure all of the stones have passed before determining which direction to take his treatment.  Many thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes!

 

I have been working on another Winter Blossom design, but cannot show you just yet as it will be my mom's birthday gift.  I hope she will be surprised and enjoy her goodies this weekend. 

 

So, dear readers, have YOU tatted anything inspired by this month's theme?  If you have, let me know!

 

Well, I have lots to tend to today.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 



Winter Blossoms

Winter Blossoms

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Many thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes for my father.  He is doing a little bit better today, but is still in a great amount of pain.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers- I greatly appreciate it!!!

 

Well, I thought & thought about a blog theme for this month and decided upon "Winter Blossoms".  My Christmas cactus is dropping its blooms, but the kalanchoe, African violets and mock oranges are blooming.  All of the tatted pieces I post this month will be inspired by the theme.  And here is the first one:

 

 

Winter Blossom Motif 1 was needle tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S9 (Herb Garden) with a center accent in S208 (Forgotten Lavender).  This particular piece was inspired by my Mom's ruffled African violet that is just starting to bloom. 

 

The poll is now closed and the majority chose a free monthly pendant pattern.  I may also mix in a couple of free demi-parures (2 jewelry pieces) as earrings were a very close second.  What do you think???

 

Well, I have tons of laundry to catch up on today, along with more tatting.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 



Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

 

Wishing you a 2013 filled full of tatting goodness and joy from the Piney Woods~

 

 

Well, dear readers, 2013 is not starting out too well for our family.  My father was rushed to the ER with kidney stones.  He is in a lot of pain and I am very concerned for both him & my mom.  For those of you who pray, please do so for my family.  Healing thoughts and wishes are most welcome, too!

 

I am working on the above motif, but have not made much progress.  It is my hope to get back to tatting this afternoon, once my father is settled.

 

Another thing I'm working on is the blog theme for January.  I have all the other themes planned, but January is stumping me.  Any suggestions?  I'll try to get the finished motif up tomorrow along with the January theme and poll results.  Today is the last day to vote in the poll, so please make your voice heard.

 

Take care, dear readers, and may you have a wonderful New Year!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!