Plain Jane Side Pieces Accent Round

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Here are the counts for the chain accents on the side pieces:

 

 

You will be repeating these counts three times and weaving as you go.

 

 

Begin by running the needle through/joining at the first very small picot of the first ICR motif you tatted.

CH 25 CL + to first very small picot of the next ICR motif.  Continue until you reach the last ICR motif and CH 19 CL + to first very small picot on next R of last ICR motif, CH 19 CL + to first very small picot on the next R of same ICR, then revert back to the CH 25 CL + until you reach then end of the piece.

 

 

Now, all you need to do is go back and repeat it twice on the next very small picot until you have a series of three interwoven chains to accent the side pieces.

 

Well, dear readers, I have a couple of appointments today, so my tatting time will be VERY limited.  I will try to get both side pieces complete and posted for Thursday's blog entry.  Hopefully, I will be able to get Plain Jane transformed into Lady Jayne next week.

 

Hope you are enjoying the project.  Have fun & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 



Slight Change to Side Pieces Design

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

Yesterday was full of "catching up chores"- a grocery store run, laundry, and a general cleaning of the Atelier.  I did finish both of the side pieces for the Plain Jane Project and have made a slight change- but only to the last of the ICRs that you will be joining together as you tat.

 

 

(Sorry the image is so bad.  It is overcast this morning and I had to use a flash.)

 

To form the side pieces, you will need to tat a series of 12 ICR motifs joined together with the following counts:

ICR 11 very small- 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

ICR 11 very small - 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

For the next ICR motif:

ICR 11 + 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

ICR 11 very small - 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

When you reach the 12th ICR motif, tat with these counts:

 

ICR 11 + 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small - 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

How are things tatting up for y'all?  Are you ready for the next step on the side pieces?  I'll be perfecting the counts for them today after I return from running errands and having lunch with a very dear uncle.  R.D. and I share the same birthday and first two initials.  He is 88 this year!

 

Well, Rosie Fey is spinning at the door.  Guess I had better take her out and get moving.  It's going to be a busy day in the Piney Woods again.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Birthday Weekend Highlights

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

I had a very pleasant birthday this year.  Jim and Jocie totally surprised me with a full weekend of Jeep off-roading adventures.  I had a blast, but am very tired.  Unfortunately, I got precious little tatting done.  After a quick trip to the grocery store for necessities, I plan to tat the day away in the Atelier.  The next step of the Plain Jane Project will be up early tomorrow morning.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

  

Plain Jane Project Side Pieces

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

I have a confession- yesterday was VERY productive in the Atelier.  Three new OOAK design prototypes worked out exactly as I had them in my head & I started making them with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk.  The bad news is I did not get as far with the next step in the Plain Jane Project as I had planned.  Sorry about that, but the creative juices were flowing and I could not afford to ignore the ideas in my head.

 

Now, if you wish, you may attach the accent drop featured yesterday on the main focal piece of the Plain Jane Project and be done with it- OR if you wish, continue with me on this tat-along as Plain Jane will be transformed into a necklace.  After I finish designing and posting Plain Jane, I plan to transform her into Lady Jayne!  Then you, dear readers, can do the same with your own ideas and such.

 

Anyway, this is how I am starting the two side pieces:

 

 

These ICRs will form a chain on each side of the focal point.  I'm not sure how many for each side yet, but will post the exact number on Monday.  Of course, each tatter may wish to adjust the number of ICRs to make a necklace to her/his preferred length.  The counts are:

ICR 11 very small- 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

ICR 11 very small - 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

For the next ICR motif:

ICR 11 + 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

ICR 11 very small - 11 CL

ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL

Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

Continue with these counts until you have two side pieces that are the length you require.  I will be posting more specific details and instructions on Monday.

 

Well, I have more work to do on Plain Jane and those OOAK pieces are still calling me.  May you all have a fabulous weekend full of creativity!  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!

 



Plain Jane Accent

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

  The main focal piece of the Plain Jane Project is now complete.  Today we will be tatting the accent piece for the project:

 

 

The accent consists of an ICR foundation and 3 interwoven chains around it.

 

 

Tat 3 ICRs, all with the counts of :

ICR 13 followed by 3 very small picots 13 CL.

Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

The next step is to tat the 3 rounds of CHs around the ICR foundation.  ALL CHs are the same count.  Run needle through/join at 1st very small picot and CH 31 CL + to next corresponding very small picot. Repeat, tie hide ends and cut.  Do the same for the second and third CH rounds around the ICR foundation, weaving them as you go.

 

At this point, you may use the piece as an applique or attach the accent piece to the focal piece with a jump ring or additional tatting.  Tomorrow, I will post the last step of the Plain Jane Project.  I sincerely hope that y'all are enjoying this tat-along.  It has been fun to put it together this week in between putting up our harvest from the garden.

 

Speaking of the garden, I need to go pick tomatoes, speckled butter beans and okra before it gets too hot outside.  Hope you have a wonderful day and be sure to check out the blog tomorrow for the final bit of the Plain Jane Project.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Plain Jane, Round Two

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!  How are you all coming along with the Plain Jane Project?  Are you ready for the next steps?  Here they are:

 

 

This is what Plain Jane will look like after tatting the two interwoven chain rounds.  They both have a stitch count of 23.  Begin by running the needle through the very small picot to the left of the 3 graduated picots of any previously tatted CH.  CH 23 CL + to corresponding very small picot on next previously tatted CH.  Continue around the motif.  Join last CH to the base of the first, tie, hide ends & cut.  This is what it should look like:

 

 

To tat the second CHs to interweave, run needle through very small picot on the right of the graduated picot grouping of any previously tatted CH.  Cut off a long length of thread from ball as this is your working thread.  I use a second needle on this end to help weave my work.  CH 23 CL, pull work around previously tatted CH, + to corresponding very small picot to the right of the graduated picot grouping on the next chain.  Pull both threads through and continue around motif.  Join last CH at the base of the first CH.  Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

If you wish, you can use this as a simple pendant or applique, but I have more planned for this project.  Check out tomorrow's post for the next step!  I really am loving how this Valdani Pearl Cotton is tatting up.  M49 is one of my favorite colors.

 

Rosie Fey is ready for our run in the woods.  Guess I'll take her out for that after I get Jim off to work.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Plain Jane, Round One

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

Jim had to go into work early, so I decided to get the next step in the Plain Jane Project posted.

 

 

R 11 + (to very small - of previously tatted ICR) 11 CL RW

CH 3 very sm- 3 followed by 3 graduated picots (sm, med, sm) 3 very sm- 3 CL RW

R 11 + (to med - of previously tatted ICR) 11 CL RW

CH 3 very sm- 3 followed by 3 graduated picots (sm, med, sm) 3 very sm- 3 CL RW

R 7 + (to lg - of previously tatted ICR) 7 CL RW

CH 3 very sm- 3 followed by 3 graduated picots (sm, med, sm) 3 very sm- 3 CL RW

R 11 + (to med - of previously tatted ICR) 11 CL RW

CH 3 very sm- 3 followed by 3 graduated picots (sm, med, sm) 3 very sm- 3 CL RW

R 11 + (to very small - of previously tatted ICR) 11 CL RW

You will continue around the motif, joining the final CH to base of first R tatted.  Tie, hide ends & cut.

 

Well, I had better get busy with the laundry and housework I've been neglecting.  I plan to have some serious Atelier time after the chores are done.  Hope your day is fantastic!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Plain Jane Beginning

Olde West Inspiration

Good afternoon, dear readers!

We had a busy weekend dealing with the garden and putting up our harvest.  I did manage to get some tatting time in and have a little surprise for you- we are going to have a tat-along on the blog this week.  Here is the beginning of the "Plain Jane Project":

 

 

Using a size 7 tatting needle and a ball of size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton in M49 "Subtle Elegance", tat 6 ICRs with the following counts:

ICR 11 followed by 5 graduated picots (sm, med, lg, med, sm) 11 CL

ICR 13 very small - 13 CL

Tat 3 of each, alternating for a total of 6 ICRs. Tie, hide ends & cut.

(For a tutorial on needle tatting ICRs, click here.)

 

The next step will be featured on tomorrow's post.

 

What did you do this weekend?  Any interesting projects being tatted out there?  I'm busy working on OOAK pieces for my upcoming Olde West Collection and adding to the Romance of the Piney Woods Collection.  I'll have to hit the estate sales and auctions soon as I'm running low on antique cameos & intaglios.

 

Rosie Fey is ready for an afternoon romp.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



500th Post

Olde West Inspiration

WOW!  It's my 500th blog post!  Can you believe it???

 

Time in the Atelier has been spent working on 2 new design prototypes and their variations.  I am hoping to have one of them ready for next week as the July FREE pattern.  I did manage to start the other project that was floating around in my head.  This is what I did on it yesterday:

 

 

I finished the first round and have set it aside for the time being.  It should be complete & ready for viewing next week.

 

Our garden is still producing like mad.  The tomatoes are most prolific this year.  That means I'll be busy putting up salsa and tomato sauce this weekend!  The squash have slowed down, but they are still producing fairly regularly.  And the speckled butter beans and purple hull peas are at their peak.  To top it all off, the figs are beginning to turn.  I shall do my best to fit in tatting time amongst all of the harvesting and "putting up".  Please be patient with me.

 

Well, I am off to the Atelier once again after I get the butter beans shelled.  May you all have a fabulous weekend filled with creativity & fun.  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Back to Work

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

Sometimes a girl just needs to play in the woods with her Jeep & pup.  At least, it seems to have done the trick for me.  I awoke very early this morning and have been tatting away.  Made some progress on the prototypes and have another project in the queue.  These are the materials to what I'm going to be working with next:

 

 

I'll be creating another OOAK piece using an antique pierced MOP button, a carved brown cow-lip shell button and Valdani Pearl Cotton (size 8) in colors O538 & O196.  Of course, Swarovskis and pearls will also be used.

 

Rosie Fey is ready for a bit of a romp.  Think I'll play with her before getting back to work in the Atelier.  May you have a wonderful day full of creativity.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Went For A Hike

Olde West Inspiration

Good afternoon, dear readers!

The tatting was not co-operating with my hands this morning, so I literally went for a hike.  I took the top off of the Jeep, secured Rosie Fey in her travelling harness on the back seat, packed a picnic lunch and headed to Lake Claiborne State Park.  Rosie & I hiked, played and enjoyed a nice Summer day.  Let's hope that fixed my tatting mojo problem!

 

What have you done today, dear readers?  Anything creative, exciting or fun???

 

Well, Jim will be home in a couple of hours and I need to get busy fixing supper.  Hope you day was as nice as mine.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 



Rip It

Olde West Inspiration

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Well, I've got nothing to show you today.  All of the tatting I've done is now decorating the waste basket next to my chair in the Atelier.  The round I was working on simply did not go as I had it planned in my head.  Guess I'll have to go back and rethink things a bit- actually a lot.  What do you do when your tatting totally frustrates you?

 

Perhaps I will have better luck with my design after supper.  I'm making chicken spaghetti and garlic bread this evening.  A good meal might help get the tatting mojo flowing again!  Here's hoping things go better :-)  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Celestine

Olde West Inspiration

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I had originally intended to post this morning, but got seriously pre-occupied with another tatting project.  It might be ready to show you later this week.

 

Anyway, I wanted to share with you what I tatted this weekend.  Meet "Celestine":

 

 

Celestine was tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S49 and has crystal AB Swarovski accents, along with crystal turquoise Czech seed beads.  This pendant was inspired by an image of a lovely evening gown from the 1870's I saw featured in a vintage/antique fashion magazine article.  The dress was an ivory color and was festooned with delicate light turquoise colored floral embroidery.

 

As I mentioned, there are a number of various tatting projects and prototypes that are demanding my attention in the Atelier.  Guess I had better get back to it as there is so much to do.  Hope you have a wonderful day and please let me know your opinions on Celestine in the comment section.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Muddy Bark Difference

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Rosie Fey behaved herself beautifully yesterday and I had a most productive day in the Atelier.  I am working on three prototypes and the Muddy Bark piece.  It is my hope that I will have a FREE pattern ready for you later next week.

 

After pulling the Valdani Pearl Cotton in Muddy Bark from my thread cabinet, I noticed that there is quite a difference in the color of the pearl cotton and the silk.  Take a look:

 

 

The Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk is MUCH darker.  The pearl cotton reminds me of milk chocolate.

 

 

 

Here is a better view of the pearl cotton.  I tatted a simple chain and ring length to get a feel for it.  I love both colors, but wish they were actually the same color.  Guess the dyes react differently with the threads.  That makes sense as the silk is an animal based thread and the cotton is plant based.

 

Well, I am off to the Atelier before running errands.  I'm still working on finishing the Muddy Bark silk piece and plan to debut it next week.  May you all have a fantastic weekend filled with creativity!  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 



Wheat Husk WB Motif

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

I decided to take a break from working with the Muddy Bark Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk.  Instead, I picked-up a ball of size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton in O514 "Wheat Husk", a few Swarovskis & seed beads.  The result is another variation of my Winter Blossom Motif No. 4.  Here it is:

 

 

I still have the last outer round of woven chains to go.  What about the center?  A pearl accent or a Swarovski rondelle?  What do you think?

 

Later this morning, I plan to get back to work on the Muddy Bark piece.  There is another design idea bouncing around in my head.  I need to tat a prototype or two, as well. 

 

Rosie Fey is ready for her walk & romp.  I'd better get busy!  There is so much to do today.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



More Muddy Bark

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

Yesterday was very productive in the Atelier.  I managed to get the first accent round and additional beading to the center of the Muddy Bark motif done.  Here it is:

 

 

There are more accents to be done to the center and around the outer edges of the foundation before I work on expanding the motif.  I started that work yesterday afternoon and had to re-do my work a couple of times to get the counts just right.  Rosie Fey was my foot warmer as I worked.  She was so laid back and calm.  Unfortunately, she woke up wild as all get out this morning!  Guess we will be going for a longer run in the Piney Woods and romping for a while before I head to the Atelier.

 

The blueberry bushes are overloaded and I need to pick some before settling in to tat for the day.  Whew!  I've got a lot to do before I can pick up my tatting needles today.  Better hop to it.  May you have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Playing with Muddy Bark

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I finally got in some decent tatting time yesterday after a long romp with Rosie Fey.  My goodness, that puppy could wear out the Energizer bunny!

 

Since the Olde West is my inspiration this month, I decided to work with one of my favorite Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks- S196 "Muddy Bark".  It reminds me of tintypes and sepia toned photographs.  The accents I used are 3mm Swarovski bicones in antique bronze and Delica seed beads in silver-lined dark brown opal.  This is the bare bones of the pendant-in-progress:

 

 

I am currently working on the additional rows to enlarge and enhance the pendant.  More images will be featured on tomorrow's post.

 

What are you working on, dear readers?  Do any of you have special projects in the works? 

 

Rosie Fey is wanting to go for a walk.  After I get her squared away, I plan to retreat to my Atelier and tat the day away.  Have a fabulous day full of creativity & fun.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Back to a Normal Routine

Olde West Inspiration

Good afternoon, dear readers!

We had a wonderful Independence Day & long weekend.  Jim really knocked our socks off with his grilling skills!  The meats and veggies were all so delicious.  And our play time in the Jeep was a blast!  It was difficult to get up and going this morning.  None of us wanted to go back to our regular daily routines.  Oh, well...

 

Here is an image of one of the little pendants I tatted whilst watching Lonesome Dove:

 

 

I used Sulky 12 weight thread and light cream pearl Ornella seed beads.  The center accents will be a Swarovski rondelle with a single seed bead atop it.

 

And here is one of my favorite little nifty gadgets:

 

 

I purchased this needle minder at the Stitcher's Workshop in Norphlet, Arkansas.  Be sure to visit Pat's shop soon as she will be closing in August.

 

This afternoon I will be working on another pendant idea that has been bouncing around in my head.  I hope to get more tatting done this afternoon and evening than I did this morning- Rosie Fey's wild Catahouligan switch was flipped and she wore me out!  Guess I'd better get busy.  May you have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Relaxation

Olde West Inspiration

Good evening, dear readers!

 

Well, I thought I was going to curl up on my new furniture and watch Lonesome Dove movies all holiday weekend, but Jim had other ideas.  After Jocie went on an adventure with Granny & Pappy today, Jim packed me into the Jeep and took me off-roading.  We came home and he surprised me by grilling steaks and veggies.  Wonder what he is up to, hmmm...

 

This evening we had planned to go see the Lone Ranger, but I have asked to stay home and watch a movie while I tat.  I'm leaving the selection of the movie up to Jim, but still plan to watch more Lonesome Dove this weekend! 

 

Guess I had better go get my bath, grab a glass of sangria and a handful on dark chocolate & get settled in for an evening of tatting and relaxation.  May you have a wonderful weekend!  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!



Olde West Inspiration

Olde West Inspiration

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I am feeling much better today.  Jocelin and I ran errands this morning in preparation for the 4th of July holiday.  Jim has several days off work, so perhaps we can get some things accomplished around the house & yard.  I certainly hope to get in some serious design time in the Atelier!

 

The blog theme for July is Olde West Inspiration.  The Olde American West is a special love of mine.  My favorite movie is Lonesome Dove, and I dearly love to read Louis L'Amour, Zane Grey & Larry McMurtry.  It is always a thrill to happen up on old sepia toned pictures from that era.  Over the holiday, I plan to watch all of the Lonesome Dove movies along with some John Wayne movies and the Sacketts. 

 

I am in the process of designing a new couture tatting collection inspired by the Olde West.  There will be quite a number of OOAK pieces and a few FREE patterns based upon them.  The thread used for these pieces will be Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks in "Muddy Bark", "Wheat Husk", "Subtle Elegance", "Icy Leaves", and several other VLPS in earth tones.  Accents will include antique cameos, intaglios, cultured pearls, Swarovskis, and Czech seed beads.  Blog posts this month will feature images of a few of the works-in-progress and a couple of FREE patterns.

 

Well, I am off to get supper prepared so we can settle down to watch part one of Lonesome Dove this evening.  May you have a wonderful Independence Day full of freedom and happiness!  Until FRIDAY~

Happy Tatting!



Still UGH

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I am still rather "ugh" feeling. This has just been one of those days when you lay around, take your medicine & cuddle with a puppy. At least that's what I've done.

Jim is bringing home takeout from my favorite Mexican restaurant this evening, so maybe it'll perk me up. I'm finally feeling up to eating & want something very flavorful. Chicken noodle soup is NOT on the menu tonight!

Well, I am off to take another dose of medicine. Have a great day & until tomorrow ~

Happy Tatting!


-Rachel Colvin Jackson, the Piney Woods Tatter

Under the Weather

Good afternoon, dear readers!
Sorry for the lack of a post today, but I am a bit under the weather with a nasty stomach virus. Hopefully, it will only last 24 hours.

I'll try to have a nice post for you tomorrow and will announce the blog theme for July. Hope you have a great day. Until tomorrow~
Happy Tatting!


-Rachel Colvin Jackson, the Piney Woods Tatter