New Pattern Up

My new FREE pattern is up on the new blog!  Click here to see it.

Happy Tatting!

Update on the New Blog

Good evening, dear readers!

Here is the link to the new site where I will be blogging and posting my patterns:

The Piney Woods Tatter

IT IS NOT FULLY UP YET BUT WILL BE SOON!!!

I have purchased the pineywoodstatter.com domain and will eventually have everything switched over to that address.  Thank you for your continued patience!

Happy Tatting!



New Blog Coming Soon!!!

Good evening, dear readers!

We recently upgraded our computer system and it does not play well with the blogger platform.  I have been unable to upload images and pattern files.  Since it would compromise our security system to "adjust" I have decided to create a whole new blog as I re-do the Piney Woods Atelier website.  I will be transferring and arranging the free patterns in a manner that I hope will be more efficient and user friendly.  

Plus...

I have FOUR new patterns I hope to share with you as soon as I get the new blog up, organized and running smoothly.

Many thanks for your patience!

Until I get it ready to go~

Happy Tatting! 

Serious Technical Issues

Hello, dear readers!  Please allow me to express my apologies for the irregular and spotty blog posts.

I have been having serious technical problems.  Thankfully, my hubby is going to do a major system overhaul this weekend.  I hope this will get all the issues resolved and everything clicking along as it ought.  I'm fortunate Jim is an electrical engineer!

Let's hope everything is working soon so I can get TWO NEW FREE PATTERNS posted!!!

Many thanks for your patience!

Until then~

Happy Tatting!



FREE Pattern Coming Soon

Good evening, dear readers!

I have a lovely new FREE pattern for you, but cannot get my images to upload onto Blogger.  As soon as I figure out a way, I'll get it up.  Sorry for the delay.

Until Blogger & I can get his fixed~

Happy Tatting!

College Prep

Good evening, dear readers!

We have had a very busy day at the college campus getting Jocelin all set up for attending in the Fall.  It is amazing that our little girl will be away at college in just a few short months!  There is so much that you have to take care of MONTHS in advance.  I feel like my head is still spinning.

I have done a bit of work in the Atelier, but have not had any nice days for taking images of the completed pieces.  It has been rainy and nasty down here in Louisiana.  Let's hope the weather will co-operate this coming week. 

What are y'all working on, dear readers?  Any New Year tatting projects on your needles or shuttles?  My current WIP is a personal piece that I hope to finish this weekend as I plan to share it next Friday.  It involves cultured pearls, Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk and lots of frilly tatting.

Well, I had better post this and get back to tatting before bedtime.  May you all have a wonderful week.  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

Taking Inventory

Blog theme for January~
"New Beginnings"

Happy New Year, dear readers!

I hope that you all had as fabulous a holiday season as we did.  It truly was the best one we've had in years.

 

As you know, I am in the process of many renovations and changes concerning my website, blog and tatting pursuits.  This week, I am going through all of my threads, pearls, beads, vintage goodies and supplies.   I am weeding out what I do not plan to use or will not use, along with preparing supply orders.  Here are some images of a few strands of cultured pearls I've recently acquired:

 

 

 These light blue cultured pearls will be worked into a few of my new bridal line designs.  I thought they would make a lovely "something blue".

These are just various strands of cultured pearls I've lucked up on.  They will make their way into OOAK pieces.

Well, I had better get back into the Atelier and try to make more progress with my thread, pearl & bead culling and sorting.  After I finish with that, I plan to sit down with my pearl supplier's catalog and make out a pearl order, then move on to making out the Swarovski crystal order.  At some point within the next couple of weeks, I really need to go junquing in search of vintage treasures.

I will be debuting the new Piney Woods Atelier website in February along with several OOAk pieces, so be on the lookout for special "sneak peeks" between now and then.  Until next Friday, may you all have a great New Year &
Happy Tatting!

 



Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

from the Piney Woods!!!

 

Good morning, dear readers!

 

 I am finally feeling much better.  Being sick around the holidays is no fun.  At least I'm over it and feeling back to my somewhat normal self.

 

This will be the last blog post until after the New Year.  Jocelin will be off at college next year so we decided to make the most of this year's holiday season.  I plan to take her shopping, antiquing/junquing, do some festive baking and crafting.  You know- special mama/daughter time.  Jim plans to give her more off-road driving lessons, target practice at the rifle range, and take her hunting.  We also plan to have a number of movie marathon days!

 

I am working on several OOAK pieces that will debut after the New Year on a revamped website.  The other thing I'm looking into is possibly moving the blog to my website host.  Lots of things are happening in the Piney Woods!

 

Here is an image of some button brooch/pendant foundations I'm working on.

 

 

And here is a special OOAK piece-in-progress:

 

 

Oh!  I almost forgot to tell you about our newest family member!  A few days ago, when it was rainy, icy & nasty, we had a male kitten wander onto our front porch.  He actually got on well with our dogs, wasn't hissy or anything like that.  He was almost starved.  You could see and feel all his little bones.  Since I didn't have any cat food, I scrambled him a couple of eggs until Jim could run to the store. Well, he just kept rubbing, loving and purring on all of us- including the dogs- so we "adopted" him. 

Dear readers, here is "Biscuit", the feline mascot of the Piney Woods:

 

 

Jocelin adores him and he certainly seems to love all of us.  This is the best image I have of him as he is always purring and rubbing.

 

Jocie and I will be heading out on an antiquing/junquing jaunt shortly, so...

May you all have a lovely Christmas filled with joy!

Until the New Year~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Under The Weather

Good afternoon, dear readers! Sorry for the blogpost delay, but I am a bit under the weather. I will get a good tatting post up as soon as I'm able.

Until then-
Happy Tatting!


-Rachel Colvin Jackson, the Piney Woods Tatter

Piney Woods 2013 Wreath Pendant FREE Pattern

Blog theme for November~
"Transitions"

Good morning, dear readers!  Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving.  Ours was blessed and full of good food and cheer.  Many folks are out hitting the "black Friday" sales, but I avoid them like the plague.  We are decorating for Christmas today.  Jim is putting the lights up on the exterior of the house and I am going through our ornaments and decorations.  There are lots of tatted tree ornaments that need to be blocked and freshened up a bit.

 

Well, I have a bit of Holiday cheer for you, dear readers- a FREE pattern!  Here is the Piney Woods 2013 Wreath Pendant Pattern:

 

 

It was tatted with a size 8 tatting needle using 3 different colors of Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk (S9, S39, S775) and an assortment of green silver lined Delica seed beads and cranberry Czech seed beads.  The following image is the foundation:

 

 

Using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S9, string 60 seed beads onto needle in the order of green, red, green; then tat a foundation medallion of 10 Rs and CHs with the following counts:

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

CH 5 followed by 3 very small picots 3 - (with 3 seed beads) 3 followed by 3 very small picots 5 CL RW

After tatting final CH, join to motif body, tie & cut, hide ends.

 

Then next step will involve weaving chains using the groupings of 3 very small picots on each side of the beads on the CHs.

 

 

For the fluffy picot CHs on the left of the bead groupings, use the following counts:

Begin by running needle through the very first sm picot, pick up 1 green seed bead, then CH 3 followed by 11 medium picots 3 CL, + to the very first picot on the next CH previously tatted.  Continue around motif, join the last CH to the base of the first, tie & cut, hide ends.  Repeat these counts for the next two CH rounds on the left of the beads.  I used S39 for the first and third CHs and S9 for the second of this round.  As you tat the second and third CHs, weave them as you go.

 

For the CHs on the right side of the beads, I used zigzag tatting by using the first half of the ds for 10 counts, followed by the second half for the next 10 counts, alternating for a total count of 60, CL, then + to the corresponding picot on the next CH.  Continue around motif, join last CH to base of first, tie & cut, hide ends.   For the second and third CHs, weave as you go.  Don't forget to pick up 1 green seed bead with the needle after you join to the very small picots and before tatting the counts.  Again, I used S39 for the first and third CHs and S9 for the second of this grouping.

 

The last step is to go back to the center of the motif, using S775 (Turkey Red) string 30 seed beads onto the thread in the order of green, red, green.  Run needle through and picot joining the Rs, pick up 1 green seed bead and CH 6 - (with 3 seed beads) 6 CL + to next R.  Continue around motif, tie & cut, hide ends.  Now you have a nice pendant or ornament.  Hope you will enjoy the pattern! 

 

What Christmas tatting projects are you working on?  I am making a special heirloom piece for our daughter which I cannot describe in too much detail as she is online often and helps with the website and such.  Don't want her to know exactly what I'm doing! 

 

Well, I had better go- Rosie Fey is ready for her morning run.  She and Jim are waiting for me.  May you have a wonderful week full of tatting adventures.  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Turquoise and Pearl OOAK Piece

Blog theme for November~
"Transitions"

Good morning, dear readers!

It is still rainy here in the Piney Woods.  We enjoy a pretty Autumn day or two, then we're back to rainy, grey days.  That's okay because I get more tatting time in the Shanty or Atelier with Rosie Fey at my feet and a mug of hot cocoa or tea on the side table when the weather is disagreeable.

 

Here is an image of a OOAK piece I tatted last weekend featuring original needle tatting done with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S49 and size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton in M49. The eternity circle foundation is comprised of turquoise beads and cultured pearls.

 

 

There are also antique sandy beige Czech seed bead accents on some of the tatting.  I beaded a necklace with various and sundry beads that were in my stash.

 

Well, I have some great news- Jocelin received a VERY high score on her ACT & is eligible for several scholarships at her chosen college.  We are so proud and thankful!

 

Are you working on Christmas projects yet, dear readers?  I am in the process of designing the next FREE pattern for your pleasure and hope you may find it useful for the holiday season.  Let's hope I have time to finish it this weekend so I can proof it during the coming week.  Thanksgiving is less than a week away and I have oodles of cooking to do!  Then, on the day after Thanksgiving, we put up the exterior Christmas decorations while everyone else is at the stores for "Black Friday" shopping. 

 

Rosie Fey is ready for her run in the woods and I need to take more Godiva cocoa to the Shanty.  May you all have a wonderful week and blessed Thanksgiving!  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

More Playing with Valdani

Blog theme for November~
"Transitions"

Good morning, dear readers!

I have been busy in the Atelier making new OOAK pieces for the Atelier shoppe.  They will debut AFTER the new year.  We simply have too much going on with homeschool and family activities for me to be able to get the new lines ready for the holiday season.  Here is a little peek at the progress of a piece I've been playing with featuring Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk and Pearl Cotton with a Swarovski crystal chaton and champagne pearls:

 

 

Additional rounds have already been added, but it is hard to take images when my favorite places to lay work are wet with rain.  It has been very wet down here and I am ready for a dry spell! 

 

Jocelin and I are having a Mama/Daughter day today.  I plan to relax and take a break from the Atelier and tatting shanty.  Rosie Fey will be accompanying us as we shop for a doggy sweater/coat for her.  After we get Rosie Fey taken care of, we are headed to our favorite local Mexican restaurant for lunch, then the antique stores better be ready!  Jocie and I are on the hunt for vintage goodies!!! 

 

Well, I had better get some tatting done before we head out for the day.  May you have a marvelous week ahead.  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



November Musings

Blog theme for November~
"Transitions"

Good morning, dear readers!

 

It is rather chilly in the Piney Woods this morning.  I must say that Autumn is my favorite season.  It has inspired me to make some long needed adjustments and tweaks to how my work is presented and made available for purchase.  As mentioned on the blog previously, I prefer to do OOAK pieces. My focus is currently on that aspect of my work along with deciding whether or not to stick with my current website host, and what is the best vehicle for selling my work online.  There are several options up for consideration at the moment and I am uncertain which direction is the right one for my artwork and creative temperament.  I will say that the wholesale offers I've received are absolutely ridiculous.  There is no way I will wholesale my OOAK pieces!  And I will not allow anyone to "convert" my original designs into patterns for embroidery sewing machines.  While I have nothing against those who use such machines, my work is totally handmade and I take GREAT offense to it being "converted" to a digital pattern for a machine to make.

 

Aside from these tatting issues, we've been busy enrolling our daughter in the next semester of online college classes.  Let me tell you, it is just as involved as registering for regular college courses!  At least we've got that done and are awaiting her class schedule.

 

Well, Rosie Fey is ready for our morning run.  After our run, I plan to spend the morning tatting away in the tatting shanty with a rich, steamy mug of gourmet hot cocoa.  I will post images of new OOAK pieces soon.  My favorite places for taking images are soaking wet from a recent rain and I do not dare put any of this work on it.  Maybe it will dry out enough this afternoon or at the latest, this weekend.  May you have a wonderful week full of tatting adventures.  Until the next time~

Happy Tatting!



Haunting Elegance Winner

Haunting Elegance Winner

Congratulations,

Miriam!!!!

 

You are the lucky winner of the Haunting Elegance Pendant!

Miriam wrote:  "Your pendant is just beautiful! I hope I can learn to tat as well as you someday!"

 

Thank you for the kind compliment, Miriam. I'm sure you will be a fabulous tatter, if you are not already!  Please be so kind as to click the "contact me" button to the right on the blog and send me your particulars so I can get your pendant in the post.

 

Thanks to all who participated in my Halloween event.  Be sure to check out next Friday's post to find out the blog theme for November and see some new eye candy.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!  

Haunting Elegance Treat

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Happy Halloween

from the

Piney Woods!!!

 

Here is a special treat for my dear readers:

 

The Haunting Elegance Give Away

 

 

 

To win this OOAK pendant, leave a comment on this blog post before the witching hour (midnight CST) tonight!

A winner will be selected via random number generator and announced on a blog post this Friday.  The winner will then have until Monday afternoon to contact me with their particulars or another entrant will be selected.  Good luck!!!

 

I have done a bit more on the cameos and other prototype, but am waiting on a bead and findings order to arrive.  It was scheduled for delivery yesterday, but was later listed as "delayed".  I'm going to be busy trying to track it down today and find out when exactly to expect the order.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful Halloween!  The winner will be announced tomorrow morning.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 



A Wonderful Weekend

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Good morning, dear readers!

 

I had an absolutely wonderful weekend!  The tatting mojo was flowing and I got quite a bit of work done on many OOAK projects.  I guess we have my super-hubby, Jim, to thank for it.  He kept me happy with campfires, walks in the Piney Woods and fantastic grilled foods. 

 

Here are a few things I tatted on Sunday:

 

 

As you can see, two are antique cameos that are in the beginning stages of being "dressed".  Any names you'd care to suggest for the newest ladies, dear readers?  And the other is a design prototype I'm playing with using a Swarovski chaton, champagne pearls, Delica seed beads, and Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk and size 12 Valdani Pearl Cotton.

 

 

This is what it looked like when I placed it aside last night.  There is much more tatting to do on this one!  I will most likely add lots of beads and am contemplating some Swarovski bicone additions.  What do you think?

 

Today I plan to finish the "Haunting Elegance" piece and dress the cameo ladies.  What are your tatting plans?

 

Well, Rosie Fey is ready for our morning run.  Have a fantastic day and be sure to check out the blog on Halloween for a special "treat"!  Until then~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Working On A Goody

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Good morning, dear readers!

Here is a little sneak peek at "Haunting Elegance"!

 

 

I have done quite a bit more to the piece, but this was the best early image I had of it.  There will be a lovely Swarovski chaton added along with more tatting and Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk.  The foundation was tatted with size 12 Valdani Pearl Cotton in 0 538 "Cottage Smoke".  Be sure to check out the blog on Halloween for the debut of the finished piece and a "surprise"!

 

We are finally enjoying very comfortable weather down here- and it has been very conducive to tatting and designing.  I had planned to post more OOAK pieces on the website and blog, but have had several custom pieces that have taken up MUCH more time than I had anticipated, so I will have to alter my schedule. 

 

The Piney Woods Atelier website is going to receive a facelift soon and I am contemplating waiting until after the new year before I debut new work.  With the holidays fast approaching, I have custom orders to complete along with family obligations, homeschooling, and lots of other things that demand my time and energy.  I will still blog once per week, but do not see how my schedule can accommodate everything I'd like to do.  BUT, I do have some wonderful new OOAK pieces that are coming along nicely, albeit slowly.

 

Well, dear readers, I am off to go on a run in the woods with Rosie Fey.  She has already brought me her leash and is patiently waiting at my feet as I type.  May you all have a marvelous weekend full of tatting goodness!  Until Halloween~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



My Personal Pendant

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Good morning, dear readers!

I have been busy working on a number of different OOAK pieces, but decided to share one I recently did for myself:

 

 

It is embellished with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S 565, size 8 Valdani Pearl Cotton in O 538, several 4mm Swarovski bronze bicone crystal beads, and a bezel of champagne freshwater pearls.  I probably will add more silk tatting and Swarovskis, but plan to wear it around for a bit as is.

 

The pendant was purchased from Jenn, of the Etsy shop cellsdividing .  Jenn was kind enough to do a custom order for me with one of my favorite scriptures.  If any of you, dear readers, would like a special pendant you can accent with tatting, take a look at what she has in her shop or place a special order.  She was so nice to work with and was most expedient in creating my requested piece and shipping it right on out.  Thanks, Jenn, for the pendant!  I adore it.

 

 

The image above is the pendant before embellishment.

 

The special surprise is in the process of being created!  Our Halloween treat will be entitled "Haunting Elegance".  Be sure to check the blog next week for a peek and make double sure you see what I have in store for you on Halloween!!!

 

As there is much work for me to do, I had better get hopping.  May you have a wonderful week full of tatting joy.  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



New Threads and Design Elements

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Good morning, dear readers!

For those who won a button package in the give away event:  your buttons were sent out Wednesday and should reach you by this Saturday.  Hope y'all will enjoy them!

 

My latest Valdani thread order came in this week!  Yep, I am a happy tatter!!!  I love to get in thread, even if it is a color I work with a lot.  I spent Thursday organizing my Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks and Pearl Cottons.  Here is an image of one of the silk thread trays in my thread cabinet:

 

 

I also received the Swarovski order.  Here are images of some of my new design elements:

 

 

These rectangular chatons will be so much fun to incorporate into designs!

 

 

And these round chatons will look so nice as center accents for ICR motifs.

 

There are several works-in-progress in the Atelier, but as I was waiting for this Swarovski order, I have not been able to finish them.  I'll try to have some tatted eye candy for you next Friday!

 

Other than tatting and waiting for supplies, I have been busy airing out and cleaning our pop-up camper so we can head out on some Fall outdoor adventures soon.

 

 

We're going to Scotch Guard the exterior this weekend and hopefully have everything prepped for our next excursion.  Rosie Fey didn't know what to think of it at first, but has since learned to love "helping" Mama in it. 

 

As we are finally experiencing cooler temps down here, I am really ready to get in the woods.  (Where I do my best tatting!)  I need to repack the portable Atelier this weekend, too.

 

So, what are you working on, dear readers?  Any fantastic Fall themed projects being tatted out there?  I am working on a special goody just for y'all!  It will be featured on the Halloween post.  So, which "theme" would you prefer for the goody:  "Haunting Elegance" or "Harvest Pop" ?  Be sure to vote in the poll or leave a comment so I'll know what to focus my tatting energies on!

 

Well, Rosie Fey is staring at me and huffing impatiently.  Guess I had better stretch and take her for a run.  May you have a marvelous week and until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



How To Begin Designing

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Our blog theme for October is:  "One Of A Kind"

This is my favorite type of work to do!  I love creating original, one-of-a-kind tatted pieces and plan to focus the majority of my tatting time on this sort of project.  I hope you will enjoy seeing the featured pieces over the next few posts.  Oh- I also have a special treat planned for y'all on Halloween!  Be on the lookout in future posts for "hints".

 

 

(Here is a lovely vintage Whiting and Davis topaz colored intaglio pendant dressed up with turquoise beads and Swarovski crystals that is ready to be enhanced with tatting then added to my Olde West Collection as a OOAK piece.  If I don't decide to keep her for myself!)

 

 

Recently, I have received several inquiries regarding how to begin designing.  While I have done a previous post about my personal creative method, I decided that I would write a post with general, common sense advise on this topic.  It seems to be especially appropriate given the blog theme this month.

 

1.  Perfect the basic skills and execution of your chosen method of tatting, then move on to learn more advanced techniques.  Play with patterns, threads and such.  Keep a journal/notebook to record what does and does not work for you.  It is a good idea to figure out a consistent count and pattern annotation that you are most comfortable with.  Some prefer to use schematics but this is not something I enjoy.  Anything that takes away from my tatting time is frustrating.  The computer does not always co-operate with me; therefore, I use a shorthand method and rough sketches in my design journals.

 

2. Identify what inspires you to create and helps said creativity flow.  For me, this is a complicated mixture of various elements.  Environment is very important.  I am most fortunate to have several dedicated workspaces and an Atelier to create my art.  Each is special in its own way.  Obviously, the woods around my home are a key inspiration.  I love nature- walking in the woods, off-roading in my Jeep, camping, etc. Having my Rosie Fey near is required for maximum flow of tatting mojo! I also love certain scents, tastes and sounds.  Gourmet hot cocoa, a nice sangria, dark chocolate bonbons, candles from the Chartreuse Pear, and my favorite tunes on the iPod all contribute to an atmosphere that allows the tatting to flow off the needles. But this is what works for me.  You may prefer a quiet environment, or a coffeehouse full of activity.  Simply find what stimulates and inspires you to create.  Bring this into your workspace and have at it. 

 

3.  Experiment- A LOT!!!  Find your own unique style.  This takes time, patience and oodles of practice. 

 

4.  Be sure to keep notes.  I know this was mentioned in step one, but it is so very important.  Notes are invaluable to your design process.  I keep copious notes and images of my pieces.  While I freely share patterns on this blog, I vigorously and aggressively protect the integrity and copyright of my OOAK artworks.  Protect yourself and your work.  Document your work for your own personal benefits and to protect your designs.  Consult a copyright attorney if you need help or clarification on your rights and what can be done if an infringement occurs.

 

5.  Above all- have fun!  Enjoy what you do.

 

I hope this is helpful to those who had questions about dipping their toes into designing.  An abundance of threads and accents are out there waiting for someone with a brilliant idea to incorporate them into something fabulous.  Have fun and play!  I do- every day.

 

(This is a OOAK Eternity pendant in progress.)

 

(And here are a couple of Eternity foundations awaiting their turn for embellishment, along with the current work-in-progress.)

 

The above images are what I am playing with today and this weekend.  What are you working on dear readers?  Any interesting projects being tatted out there?  I'd love to hear about your current works!

 

Well, Rosie Fey is really ready for our morning run in the woods.  She has brought me her leash and keeps nudging me with it.  Guess I'd better take the hint.  May you all have a wonderfully creative weekend!  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!