A tatted gift for Lea

This is my sister, Lea. She has the most incredible gift of music. She's able to hear a melody, sit down at the piano, and come up with an arrangement or be able to play the whole melody in the correct key and everything. Her talent is amazing! She has such an ear for it! So, for Christmas I made her a framed tatting piece.  From the Treble cleft pattern can be found HERE and is by Lady Shuttle Maker. The notes and bass cleft I came up with myself using two shuttles and adding Josephine knots on a chain. 

 There were many Psalms that describe music, but I thought this one was just right for Lea.

 Merry Christmas to my sister and best friend! Love you Lea!

~Allison

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!! I hope that you all had a lovely holiday! The perfect snow fell all day here on our farm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was a beautiful day. I'd like to encourage all of you to read the article from the link I've attached HERE. It's from a favorite speaker of ours Andy Stanley, son of Dr. Charles Stanley. I love how this article puts into perspective what our Savior gave up when He humbled Himself to be born a man. A powerful read.
So Christmas Blessings to you all! Love from the Midwest,
Allison

...And she shall have tatting wherever she goes

I did a little shopping the other day and 'lo and behold' I come up with a tatting project. I bought a new blouse at Maurices (my most favorite store!) that is a deep magenta/burgundy. So I'm driving home it popped into my mind that I HAVE TATTING THREAD IN THE SAME COLOR AS THAT SHIRT!!!!!! I could hardly wait to make something to go with the shirt! A necklace? A flower to put in my hair? I decieded to make earrings to match. I revamped a pattern for an edging and ta-da! I like 'em and can't wait until I can wear them.

Break has be positively lovely.The landscape has been covered in snow and the sun is out most of the time. This morning we had freezing fog. Everything was covered in a half an inch of light white frost :) Sooo pretty. My sister and I have also been  enjoying the time outside with our herd of horses. But when we do come inside there are carols on the radio or my sister and I will play the piano. Maybe I'll have to post about that piano; just like everything in our house, it has a story. Life from my view is beautiful. Not to mention that Christmas is in two days and Douglas is coming for a visit!!

I also found a new bookmark pattern that I can't wait to try. It's from Be*Stiched.com and has flowers! Click HERE to view the pattern I'm planning on playing with color combos during the holidays. Plus, they make quick, last minute gifts!

Blessings to you all and enjoy this Wonderful Wednesday!

Allison

Hello!

Hello Fellow tatters! Can you hear that?..............Listen carefully...........it's the content sigh of a college student released from the confines of semester projects and finals, liberated and free to enjoy her WINTER BREAK!!!! Hooray! :) Needless to say, I am ever so happy to be on break. Now I am free to tat, read, and play outside with my sister, ride horses, and just be a kid again! Well, as much of a 'kid' as a twenty-something can be.

I'm working on a bookmark for my dad at the moment that has a really sweet purpose. As I previously shared with ya'll, it was my parents 25th wedding anniversary this year and they will be going away on a weekend retreat. My mom found a website that listed all the old fashioned anniversary gifts that couples give every year. The biggest ones everybody knows are silver for 25 years and gold for 50 years. Well, for the first 15 the gifts range from wood, to clay, to linen, and lace. Can you guess which one I'm helping mom with? Yup, it's lace. She chose a bookmark pattern in 'man-ly' colors and I should have it done by tonight! Pictures to come!
What else is new??? I've started the second round on that 'never-to-be-finished' hankie edging. I am totally in love with it; it's worth all the time.
Other then that, life goes on here on our Illinois farm. We had a wicked winter storm last weekend and are excepted to get a more, umm friendly snow tonight. I can easily handle 3-5 inches, but sustained 35 MPH winds and below zero temps are very tiring.
So now that I am on break be sure to check in often because I'm going to be posting all the Christmas happenings!! Love from the Midwest!
Allison

Current Project

A wonderful friend from school commissioned me to make this choker for her daughter for Christmas. I've only ever made one other custom choker and that was for our dear friend Crissie. They are soo fun! I started it early last week and am now more then half done. Just a simple line of split rings with beads for an elegant look. I'm starting to really enjoy making jewelry pieces. I've already got plans to make some more earrings - ah, all the thread and bead combinations are endless!!

This picture and post is also a seek peek as to what else I've been tatting lately. Let's just say, these next few pieces are music to my ears :) Have a blessed week everyone!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

That's right, on October 19th my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Quite an accomplishment. My parents are simply incredible. They have taught me and guided me through all my years and I am so grateful for them. So, Happy Anniversary MOM and DAD!!

Rememeber me?

Oh dear goodness it's been a while...school has taken up all my time! :/ well that's the life of a college student for you. Here are some shots of what I've been up too! Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend!



I forget how long this handy edge has taken me but I am determined to complete it by Christmas. Just one more side and the first round is finished. The pattern is from Mary Konior's book called 'Eternity Rings.'






The start of a doily in a pretty light, sage green. Possibly my new favorite color. Pattern is from Handy Hands newsletter.

Picots, Picots, Picots...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....

...how about a thousand picots!!! No, I didn't count them all, but it sure felt like a lot when I finished this bookmark. This is another lovely pattern from Jon - click HERE to visit her page. I actually love this pattern so much I'm going to make a braclet out of it someday. or maybe even a watchband! or a HEADBAND!! Anyway, This little bookmark has been tatted in a size 40 and I love the delicate antique look.
Happy trails!
Allison

Weekend wonders...

MORE BOOKMARKS!

It's the weekend! No homework, just bookmarks! School is in full swing, so I've only been able to tat in the evenings when my family and I are sitting and watching a movie or being outside around a bonfire. I'm working on two special bookmarks in the pattern shown above and a small, hot pink motif at the moment. Life is good and the weather is lovely outside! Time to garden! Have a blessed weekend!

Just in time for school...

I finished this doily just before the 2010-2011 school year to began. It was a lot more work then it looks! Each quadrant is an individual motif and the pattern is worked with 2 shuttles. The pattern name is 'Ace of Hearts,' but I think it has more of a celtic look to it. ; ) Sorry for the short post, as my homework awaits! BUT! some good news is that I have an hour break at school and I get to tat!! and the weather here is starting to act more and more like fall! Cool, sunny and breezy! Just right. My kind of weather! Bye for now! Have a great weekend!

My First Order

It's all finished! Here is my first order for a doily.

The colors were requested to be as such and because this one is tatted with two shuttles I was happy to oblige. I quite like the completed look of it; it's given me the idea to do more two-toned doilies versus all one solid color. Isn't if funny though, now that it's all finished and ready to go, I find how attached to it I am. Like there is a little piece of me going off with it. Mostly because I remember the activities going on around the house while I was making it. But the customer is a dear friend's Aunt and I'm more then happy to share my tatted lace with her. So Bon Voyage! Off she goes!

Handy Hands! Gotta Love 'Em!!

Today I'd like to blog about my preferred source for all my tatting supplies - Handy Hands Tatting. They are an online store that has everything a tatter could need; whether it be books, shuttles, threads, or the 'essentials.' One thing that I appreciate are the book reviews. On their website there is an excellent description of each book, how many pages and patterns are included as well as a good. overall description ( for advanced vs. beginner). I've been ordering my thread and supplies from them ever since I started tatting and have been nothing less then pleased. Their customer service is wonderful. Once I had gotten a wrong color of thread and they were happy to fix the situation. I've even gotten a phone call from Barbra Foster herself! I love that they call when there is a problem, versus an email like some suppliers. So between the great prices, excellent customer service, or the vast array of choices for sale, Handy Hands is my first recommendation to tatters. Please take some time to peruse their online store; you can visit them here at http://hhtatting.com/.

I've gone Bookmark CrAzY!!!!

Bookmarks, Bookmarks, BOOKMARKS!

A lovely new friend of mine requested the turquoise and black bookmark pictured above and now she's got me on a roll! I got the idea to put variegated threads on the inner rings and a solid color for the chains woven on the inside and outer chains.

Here are some of my current little guys I'm have completed, am working on, or will be starting. It's so fun! The pattern is from Jon's Pattern page and I love the detail in the center where the chains are woven over each other. You guys know that I love celtic knots, so maybe that's why I think this on is so groovy!



Anyway, I'm also finishing a custom doily that I'll get to share with you all soon! Have a great Friday! It's almost the weekend!
Toodles!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER-DEAR!

Today is my Mom's birthday and it's on days like today that I reflect on how much she means to me. I am thankful for her everyday, but today is just special. She is simply incredible. My mom homeschooled my sister and I through Middle school and High School. Our family moved out to our farm six years ago (it's been THAT long already?!?!?). So, between the two of those things and the bajillion other things she has done for us, I am forever grateful for her. My mother's support has been sure and steadfast in a world where my values and ideas are constantly challenged. She is my shoulder to lean on, cry on, laugh with...I know for certain I couldn't live without her and that I never could have gotten to where I am today without her. So here's to you mom. You are simply the best and I love you so very much.

Recently Going-On...

A recent project. I love old bottles and glassware and these two little pieces are from Doug for my birthday. AAAWWW! Isn't he sweet! :) It was his original idea to display my tatting with them, so here she be!

I'm also working on two orders for friends. One is a snazzy bookmark with a really cool color combo and the other is a doily for a table center-piece. Both are in the same color too! I'll keep ya'll posted on those projects. I'm afraid I will be busy! I've got one week left on my Internship and 3 weeks until school starts up again!! Oh my! Have a great weekend all!

Projects...

I had been working on these two for about the past month and now that the gifts have been given I can share them with you!

My dear Douglas and his mother, Amy, drove out to see us last Sunday and stayed until Tuesday morning. Doug's birthday was in June so I tatted him a sort-of-celtic looking cross. He wears a kilt, so I made the colors in a Blackwatch Plaid. I was playing around withe the colors and actually made the tassel first. It looked so cool! Then I had to decide where to put the three colors in the pattern. That part was harder then it looks! Come to think of it I don't think I've ever tatted with three colors. In the end, it turned out awesome and he liked it very much.



Now this gift was a spur-of-the-moment idea. I had gotten an antique tatting book from the library some months ago and came across a picture of tatted thistles! Doug and his family have named their 76 acres in Upstate New York 'Thistledown Farm' and being the creative person I am...well, the picture at left happened.... This gift was for Mrs. Amy Schirmer. She is the most incredible woman that I've met outside of my family and I wanted to give her something special to take back to New York with her. We both cried when I gave it to her. I love her so very much. She's just like my mom! :)

Well that's all for now. The weather here is very hot and humid so I'm gonna go and work on my current project! I'll be sharing that with you all soon! Have a blessed weekend everyone!
Allison

A Package from across the world...

I received Jon's package from her drawing that I won off of InTatters tatting forum. She sent me a tatted snowflake book that I can't wait to try! I'm thinking of covering some ornaments with them. I was so surprised to be picked!

Her work is lovely! Click HERE to take a look at her blog! This lovely lady lives in Malaysia and it's so fun to know people from around the world. To think that Tatting can do that is awesome! So a huge thanks to Jon! Her package and card that she included put a smile on my face for the whole week! Blessing on your weekend everyone!
Love from Illinois,
Allison

The littlest square...

Here she be! I must be on a square thing lately, but these guys are so fun! This square is in a 'Sea foam green' color in size 40. Tiny threads are an adventure! I didn't break it at all on this one, knock on wood!

The four middle medallions are edged by a simple ring and chain pattern. One of those quick weekend projects. So Happy Fourth of July! Have a fantastic day!

Latest Project!

A picture today, a post tomorrow!

What to do with scraps???

You know how you'll get all those unwanted leftover threads once you're done with a project? There is still thread wound on your shuttle and well, NOW WHAT? I used a square doily out of my newest book and decided to put those pesky threads to use. The picture is the result so far. Kinda a cute little thing, eh? Once I'm all done I'll block it and use it as a coaster. This has been good practice in joining to make sure the rings and chains all go where they should!
Ta-ta for now!
Allison

Tatting Buddies...

So I feel that I have to share this little adventure with you all. We have 8 cats. Most live outside, except for one house cat, Mocha, who is my special kitty. She doesn't like anyone else in the family, just me; even my sister who picked her out at PetsMart. Anyway, some of the outside kitties come in during the day and when they do they enjoy running around the house and snuggling with us. They are all named and have the most amusing and wonderful personalities...and then there is Sammy. Except we spell it Sami and pronounce it "Zzzami." She is the epitome of a preppy little house cat. She's just this gorgeous silver tabby that constantly has her tail up so high it tends to quiver! So what does this have to do with tatting?? Guess...

Yes. That is a new ball of thread and then Hurricane Sami hit!!! It was perfectly wound up; I had only used it for a few little tid-bits. I came home from work to find this in my tatting bad. My Mother got it away from her before it got TOO bad. Sooooo I believe I'll be starting a doily to try to salvage what I can from this little mess. I laughed, smiled and shrugged it off; It was to typical to something she would do and made me smile. I'm not about to get mad at my newest tatting fan. She's a doll! A hoot! a Joy! Besides, where would we be without the laughter in life?




Have a fantastic week all!
Toodles for now!
Allison

New Goodies!

I got a new book! I had made a few copies from this book about a year ago and really like how old the patterns look. There are almost 100 patterns in this book and I got it for $10!! What a deal! As it turns out, the pattern for the doily that I'll be showing in the Fair is from this book. When I had just started to tat, one of my earliest attempts using two shuttles was a sunflower doily from this books as well. I did a lot of SLT's to get the colors where I wanted so I had to use A LOT of starch for it to lay flat. What fun memories! All from buying a new book!

I also purchased some new white and soft, mint green size 40 threads. That will be fun to play around with (especially with new patterns from my book!) I have my eye on a couple motif/snowflakes that I'll start this week.

I also finished the doily for the baby shower - pics coming soon!
It's finally a warm, sunny day here in Illinois, so I'm headed out to the garden!
Love from the Midwest,
Allison

Thinkin' about the Fair...

Oh dear! It's been a while since I've dropped ya'll a note, but to be truthful, I haven't been able to tat too much. Lately I'm thinking about two projects: my hankie edging for the Boone Co. Fair and a doily for a baby shower that's coming up. A gal I go to school with is expecting a little one soon so she'll get a nice surprise on her shower from me! She has always admired tatting, so I thought I would bless her with a doily that could go in the baby's room. As for the hankie edging, I've picked out a light green, size 30 to decorate a hankie that Sarah gave me. The edges already have holes in them! I won't have to sew it on; I'll be able to attach it as I go! AAhhh, the little luxuries in life.

It was my Birthday yesterday and I was blessed beyond belief this past Memorial Day weekend as well. I am now being courted by the best man I've known. We've been long distance friends for around 10 years and now we're taking the next steps in our relationship. He lives all the way in upstate New York, so we'll have phone dates and continue to write letters. Both our families are sooo very happy for us, especially the mothers, and I don't think I've stopped smiling...oh and my Birthday was wonderful as well! I got two new Iris plants for my garden, a beauutiful apron from my Mom, a fantastic pocket-knife from my Dad, and a handmade notebook from my sister. I love how the gifts in our family are so meaningful and truly reflect how well we know one another.

The weather has been bouncing back and forth from hot and sunny to stormy and chilly. The other day we got 1.25" of rain in an hour! The pumpkins were planted last week for our farm stand in the fall and my family's plant sales are picking up! Us Henze's are starting to turn this farm into a working, hobby farm and it's such a fun journey. Check out our blog here to see what we've been up to!
Well, time flies when you're having fun! I'll catch you all later!
Allison

SOMETHING NEW!!

I learned something new! I learned something new! I learned something new! I learned something new! I learned something new!

BLOCK TATTING!

I was itching to learn a new tatting technique and just wanting to improve me skills a bit. So I whipped out my 'Oh My Stars' book and this little motif stood out. I had tried block tatting a while back and couldn't quite get the hang of it; I don't know why, it's fairly simple. I like the over-all effect (a kind of layered look).

Now that I've got the hang of it, I think this weekend I'll search out some patterns that include this nifty little technique...maybe even learn something else! How about split chains? or SCMR Self-Closing Mock Ring)?? I may even have time to do both! AAhhh, I do love the weekend; no work, a deep breath to prepare for the week ahead, and just enough time to tat and relax.
Have a great weekend everyone!
aL : )

April Showers, Bring May Flowers

April Showers, Bring May Flowers..........That's what they say anyway. The weather here has reverted back to October! It was freezing, well just in the 40s and 50s, and bucket-loads of rain. We woke up to four inches in the rain gauge and probably another two on the way. By now you all know that rain = TATTING! I'm currently working on some variegated bookmarks in the Lizbeth cotton-candy colors, plus a new blue cross from the Konior book. My Internship job got canceled today because of the rain so I'm going to curl up with a fabulous cup of Twinings tea and a new doily pattern.

Have I told you all about my Internship? I think I've mentioned it here and there so allow me to explain formally. For my Associates Degree I must complete a 300 hour Internship working where Horticulture skills are performed and for me, I'm working at PrairieView Golf Club in Byron. PrairieView is a public golf course and part of the Byron Forrest Preserve. I am not a golfer, but this course is beautiful. I am very privileged to work there. My good friend Shannon from school did her Internship there last year and they hired her again for this season, giving her her own Intern! They finally have the money this year to redo all the Tee beds; needless to say we've been very busy mulching, weeding, and planting. The course is really taking shape now that we've been working for almost 6 weeks. It's awesome to be outside working and putting my knowledge into practice. The atmosphere is great and the people that we work with are very nice. I am truly blessed.


So I sign off content to sip tea and tat inside on a very rainy Thursday,
All the best to you and yours!
Allison

Post #100!

Oh my! Can you believe it??? This is my 100th post on this wonderful little blog! Quite an anniversary! And to make things even more amazing...I have close to 40 followers!! That, to me, is awesome! Thanks for checking into my blog everyone. It's been super fun to share my tatting journey with you. I thought it would be cool to take a look at the progress that I've been able to make, thanks to the encouragement from my family and wonderful friends.

Here is a picture of one of my first doilies. I enjoy reverse rings, so this one integrated them quite simply. This doily has been re-homed to upstate New York with our dear friends, the Schirmers as a birthday present. I remember buying the huge roll of size 10, white thread to start out on! I made two large doilies out of that thread and many little pieces. So fun to reminisce.

CELTIC KNOTS!!! Possibly one of my favorites to make. These are tatted up in a size three so there's some bulk to them. All of these little guys are just long, long chains woven into fun shapes and tied.Okay, This is probably the hardest doily I have made so far. It also took me a REALLY long time to finish, but getting all the chains to lie straight was a challenge and a half! The colors turned out really nice though!
So perhaps I can say that I've been there and back again; flipping between needles and shuttles in thick and thin threads of all colors. All I can say at the end of the day is that tatting is such a joy. I love the soothing rhythm after a day of school or work. It can be said that it is somewhat of a lost art, and it's true. Knitting and crocheting look to be common, where finer types of lace, like tatting, bobbin lace, etc. are rare in of themselves. I am blessed to be one of the few to uphold a lovely tradition such as this. So a huge round of applause and standing ovation to all of you, the reader who are sharing with me this little journey. Here's to many more to come!
All my love,
Allison

Tid-Bits and Finishing up

My mom, sister and I went to the Midwest Horse Fair yesterday and had a great time. So what happens when a tatter is in the car for 3 hours??? Tid-Bits, I call 'em! The little flowers to the right are super for car ride projects. The pink flower is going to be the center to another doily/motif (I don't really know what it is yet). The motif to the Left is a new favorite! I'll be doing a bunch of these in the days to come! Well, the weather is too nice to allow me for a longer post! Have a blessed weekend everyone!

P.S. I finally finished the pink doily! See how the rounds create a sort of spinning motion? Cool stuff.

Just Plain Pretty!

I started a pretty doily out of Mary Konior's book and I LOVE it!!! I think I'll be doing quite a few of these. My first attempt, was...well, messy. I'm sure you know how that goes; first tries at a new pattern don't look like tatting at all. Anyway, I chose my new spring orange/yellow/pink variegated and I like the way it's tatting up. I've been busy with my Internship for school so I'm working on smaller projects. ere is another little motif from Konior's Book:
Just a quick note! Time to head off to Computer Class!
Allison

Spring...

Ever seen those spinning wheels in the front yards as your driving by a townhouse? Maybe it's around the Fourth of July or Easter and those little guys are whirling in the wind. To me, that is one of the for sure signs of warm, sunny days. Rightly so, this doily pattern is called 'Pinwheel' by Mary Konior. The photo is a little dark because the thread is a very light yellow. Just in time for the daffodil blooms!



Today was a beautiful day outside; breezy, lots of sun and gardening! But something that is just 'peeping' around the corner! CHICKS! We got 5 more Barred Rocks and 1 Araucana to add to our happy little coop. We have 3 Barred Rocks at the moment and we just love em! These little gals are about a week old and have the cutest 'peep peep peeps.'

Time to hit the hay! I'm soo tired from gardening/ being outside all day.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Allison

Spring Goodies!

As I write this I am awaiting our first thunderstorm of the season. That can only mean one thing: IT'S SPRING IN ILLINOIS! Speaking of Spring, that is the theme of my new thread colors! The Pink/Orange/Yellow color one the far left is gorgeous! I did another 'window' and love how soft the colors are. A pretty, light yellow and a cerulean/aqua blue are solids and the last one reminds me of cotton candy! All from Handy Hands; my favorite tatting supplier!


One other little gadget that I invested in is a short crochet hook with a ring. I'm always loosing my standard crochet hook, so now I've attached a colorful medallion with a tassel that I got from a dear friend in New York. Barbara and I were tatting exchange partners and still keep in touch. We have homeschooling and our faith for common grounds and both enjoy tatting demonstrations. I've never met her, but maybe someday...
It's nice to know that I have tatting buddies all over the country, and the entire globe for that matter!
The brown snowflake is one of those pieces that one can pop out in no time at all. I've already started on another small motif with the 'cotton candy' variegated thread.

By the way, I'm still working on that pink doily. I seriously have a very short attention span when it comes to tatting up new patterns. I love to change patterns and bounce back and forth between colors and sizes. Ah, well, I'm not a lost cause yet! The pink one a nice, simple pattern to work on during a movie.
So, I sign off happy, content, and listening to the rain against the windows. But I have not forgotten what today is and what it stands for. That my Savior and Redeemer was crucified for my sins. A verse that gives me goose-bumps and makes me choke up all at the same time is Luke 22:41 & 42:
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
May I never take this day for granted. My Easter blessings to you all!
Allison

Sunday Stills

I have to say that these little motifs came out lookin' pretty cool. I LOVE how bold the variegated thread looks with the black!! I have an order into HandyHands for some new Lizbeth Spring colors (light yellow, light blue and 2 variegateds)
Studying for Finals and working around the farm sure takes up time! That's why I love to pick a small pattern out of that Snowflake book and complete a project in one sitting. I'm on the last round of the soft pink doily and hope to finish that up this week. I do get to work on my tatted piece when we watch movies, though. Last night was Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the RIng; we didn't get through the whole thing, but I got to sit, relax and tat. Oh-so-nice! Actually, Wal*Mart had a huge bin of $5 movies last week and us gals brought home five movies to add to our ever-expanding collection! We don't have a dish for our TV, so we watch movies and have a few local channels instead. My family and I are quite proud of that. :) Sure we still watch American Idol and our newest favorite cable TV show 'Undercover Boss.' That one's on tonight! Can't wait to tat and take a deep breath before finals on Tuesday and Wednesday! AAAHHH! Once those are done I will have completed a whole year of college! WOW!
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Allison

Snowing...

Yes, the title is correct - it's snowing... *sigh* We have had the most fantastic weather the past few weeks were the robins are back, tulips are popping their heads up, and sunny, warm spring days in hoodies (no coats!) and then we get 2" of snow! Well, I suppose that's just Illinois weather for ya! Meanwhile, I've been pretty busy gathering all my final projects together that are due next week.
But every night after supper we all settle in and I've been tatting, needle tatting, and learning how to crochet. I picked up a Filet Crochet Lace book from the library that interested me, so I've been messing around with that. I can now do a single, double, and triple crochet and am starting to play with making a design. Something new to try and it's been fun! I can knit, but crochet has always been hard because I never knew where to pick up the stitches from. But this little book has really helped. Plus there is also a lady in my lace guild that makes crochet lace. (she's the one responsible for getting me into this! ;)
On the tatting front I'm finishing up the pink doily from the Handy Hands newsletter and thinking about putting in an order for some of their new 'Lizbeth threads! Have you seen 'em lately?? They are so pretty and in a bunch of different sizes. I've also started one of the snowflakes from the Snowflake book in a size 30 that I might embellish a bag with. I like incorporating tatting into everyday things...Have you ever done so yourself? Tell us! comment on this post and let's see what ya'll have been doing with your tatting pieces!
Bye for now!
Allison

Spring has Sprung!!

The days are getting longer and I don't mind a bit. (sounds like it should be a song title, eh?) The weather in Illinois has been a mix of sun, highs in the 50's, all with a dash of clouds and rain, but none-the-less BEAUTIFUL! My sister and I have ridden our horses every day for the past three days! I love spring. It's it amazing how the seasons are all paced out? I mean, we are in winter/frost/cold/snow mode for just enough time to get sick of it, crave warmer weather then BOOM! A day in the 40's with only warmer days ahead. Then, it's hot long enough to feel good and before we know it, it's time for pumpkin pie and apple cider. Maybe it's just me, but I'm glad we have just enough of each season here in Illinois.
I'm working on a pink doily from the latest Handy Hands newsletter. It's one of the smaller Dresser Set pieces. I've been struggling with one of the rounds all because I didn't read the directions right the second, third, or FOURTH time! I made a nice little pile of threads on the end table next to me that one of our kitties decided to play with. That was cute and amusing! No worries though, I finally studied the typed directions and the picture and came out all right. What's really neat about this one is that instead of joining rings to chains, there are two rounds that join chains to chains, then rings to rings to make a 3-D effect. It looks like one of those optical illusions.
So, with that I'll bid thee farewell 'till next time with pictures of a pretty pink doily!
Sweet dreams!
Allison

SPRING BREAK!

Hurray for spring break! I'm actually doing a lot of tatting related things! I started my 11 days off by tatting in the Adirondack chairs with my mom and sister. The sky could not be any more blue and we were so warm sitting on the South side of the house...ah, wonderful. I'm finishing my red antique pattern for the fair. It's worked with two shuttles and I ran out on shuttle #2, so I came in to load it up and though 'Whoa, I need to update my blog!!!'

The other tatting business that will occur over my Break is on March 7th our guild is demonstrating all different kinds of lace for Woman's History month. We'll be in Genoa -where Pioneer days was- in the afternoon demonstrating tatting, bobbin-lace, Hardanger (sp?), and I think one other kind, but I can't remember. What's real exciting is that I'm going to demo both shuttle and needle tatting! I got Barbra Foster's How-To book from Basketcases and learned rings and chains in about 3 days. I'm going to make it a goal to get through the 'Oh my Stars' tatting book in one year with my needles - learning split rings and chains, block tatting, etc. OOOooo, Something new to accomplish!!! :)

Well, that's about it from ever-sunny Illinois. While sitting outside this morning we heard all kinds of little birds around the feeders...SPRING IS ALMOST HERE!!!
Ta-Ta for now!
Allison
P.S. I finished my light green, size 30 doily remake! Here's the pictures!