Workin', Workin', Workin'.....

Let's see, it's been a week since my last update and so far I've made 4 variegated bookmarks. They've even got little tassels! 'Too Cute!' my mom says. Two in purple, one in falls colors and one in the 'Caribbean' blues and purples. Currently, I'm working with the spring colors of my last doily. It's looking good so far. But frustrating because I wound my shuttles to full so they don't click. So whenever I let a shuttle hang loose, it unwinds two feet of thread! Yes, my friends I'm OBSESSED with the continuous tread method - I hate hiding ends. : ) But hey, what'cha gonna do?

Also started an antique, red doily. Golly those guys are fun....the instructions are so vague you have to rewrite the entire pattern! Mental tatting exercises. The first part is really cool. The outer part of the circles are tatted later and connected with chains. It's kinda hard to explain so be on the lookout for an update.
See ya!
Al

P.S. I was touring Jane Eborall's pages and have you seen her newest...news I guess you'd call it. For 11 days, one at a time, step by step, she's take you on a wild journey to create a little something special. Here's the link for the Introduction and all I have to say is that I can't wait to give it a try! http://www.janeeborall.freeservers.com/TIASintro.pdf

New Projects

Last night I finished and starched my Easter Doily. I was admiring the colors and thought to myself, if I had to name this one, I would call it 'Ring around the Rosie.' This large doily reminds me of a beautiful, warm and clear spring day....ah, yet with ice EVERYWHERE this morning, I hope that spring isn't be to far off. I just can't wait to get outside and garden. SPRING COME QUICK!!!



This is also a project I finished a week ago. And yes, I admit defeat. I don't have the human strength to block and starch this one. The 'network' (as the book calls it) is all chains and I kinda like the wave effect it has. Maybe I'm just lazy. Who knows?

Tomorrow holds promise for some excitement - all my Horticulture buddies and I are heading out to Chicago for the Mid-American Horticultural Trade show at McCormik Place! We are taking a Coach bus and are pulling out of campus at 8 'o clock sharp. Bon Voyage!!
Allison

Happy Birthday!

For me and my tatting adventures, today is a special day....The one year anniversary of this blog! I was looking back through my old patterns of where I started out and it brought back lovely memories. I took my first tatting class in the last months of 2008 and started this blog the following January. I've come pretty far, if I do say so myself. I've mastered split rings, clunies, and have started messing around with earrings and necklaces. I've also made some wonderful friends and joined a lace guild. I heard a quote some time ago that said 'You never know where you are, until you know where you've been' which rings pretty true to me. I sometimes wonder if I make any progress, whether in school, my tatting or my Faith. Then all I have to do is look where I was a year ago today, two years, even five years back. When I do look back, all I can see is God's sovereign blessings. How He cares for us and I am blessed to be able to find joy in the little things.

So, a hearty thank you to everyone who has taken time to tour my journey here on my blog. We're like family in a way! Speaking of family, a thanks is in order for them as well. Just think, they've endured a year, and then some, of shuttle clicking!! It's sweet in a way because my sister and mom both say that they don't mind it anymore. I sure am grateful for that. So, one year down, how many more will follow? Only the Good Lord knows, but I pray it'll continue for years to come. Blessings on you and yours!

Much love from Illinois,

Allison

The Lines are OPEN!!

I want to try something fun on here...Would all of you wonderful visitors, for one day, comment on this post where you are viewing my blog from? I have a little gadget on my blog that keeps track of where people are viewing my posts from and would love to hear from you.



So what do you say? Can we do it? Just leave a little note where you are from and perhaps a suggestion or two for my tatting blog in 2010!! Thanks for being a part of this little online journey of my for over a year now!
Allison

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Hope everyone had a great end to the Holiday season with the bringing in of a New Year! I only hope that 2010 is as blessed as 2009...

Once more it's snowin' on the old frontier. The horses are all cozy in the barn, stayin' dry and munchin' hay. With that said, I've been keeping my shuttles very busy. That purple variegated thread that I was having such problems with had finally been conquered! I think I've actually found a use for it....BOOKMARKS! There is a lovely split ring pattern that I'm going to make with the five variegated threads that I have. Recently I gave one to a friend that was tatted up in the 'Jelly Bean' and it dawned on me: why not use that variegated purple thread! At the moment I've got two clover shuttles weaving along with the 'Falling Leaves' thread and can't wait to try 'em all. I've found that bookmarks are an easy, tatted piece to keep around for those quick give-a-ways. Especially when they are completed with a little tassel! ;)
Well, gotta fly!
Happy New Year!!
Allison