Simple Celtic Flower

It is a simple celtic flower but took me three tries to get it right.  My first attempt had one of the yellow rings wrapping around the wrong way and then I did it again on the second attempt.  Some things are not as simple as they look.  I used a celtic shuttle which allows you  to move the thread around the previous round before you make the ring.  Then while hiding ends one broke before it was able to hide using magic thread so I secured the chain and added a dab of glue.  

A simple flower like this is perfect to add to a card or small enough to wear in your hair. 

The pattern is one of Jennifer Williams and was taught as part of the Celtic Tatting Class at the Fringe Tat Days.  Have you ever used a celtic shuttle, do you have any tips?  

A Mouse in the House

Oh my, what is this, a small mouse has been created and now I fear the house may become overrun.  

His body is a bit rough but the eyes ears and legs ended up on the correct side so I am pleased with this first attempt.  I had many tips and assistance from my friend Jane K in Ontario.  Jane gave an impromptu lesson in making these baubles and a few of us took up the thread and shuttles after the Fringe Element Tatters Conference last month.  

I used a size 20 thread and the completed mouse body is 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. The mouse can be found in the book Tatting GR-8 Baubles, Bugs, and Blossoms by the Shuttle Brothers, Gary and Randy Houtz.  This type of tatting was first shared by Bobbie Demmer of Montana.

Another Lanyard

I have completed a green beaded lanyard and it is on its way to a tatting friend. The glass beads were a dollar store purchase and vary a bit in size.  I sorted out the too large and too small.  I used a hakelgarn 20 ecru thread which is very smooth.  Using a Tatsy shuttle is a must due to the size and number of beads required.  The pattern is from Patti Duff with an adjusted stitch count.   I blogged about this pattern before here.

This one shuttle ring only pattern travels well so it does not take too long to finish these. With inexpensive beads and a bit of thread my Tatsy shuttle is ready for another lanyard.

I attached jump rings so additional findings can be attached easily.

Today is a Canadian Thanksgiving day and I have rushed to post before getting dinner on the table.  To all my Canadian friends around the world, Happy Thanksgiving Day.  I am very grateful for all I have. 

Exchange Coaster

I have confirmation that my exchange partner has received the cluny coaster shown right =>. Thanks to the Fringe Element Tatters for organizing the exchange and prompting us all to try a new stitch. 

They are currently organizing another exchange and we are to tat a motif but use a different thread than what would normally be expected.  You are also to send a sample of thread.  

I have really enjoyed all the exchanges I have been in so far so will sign up for this one too.   It is a great way to meet other tatters from around the world and hold tatting made by them.

This coaster was made with Lizbeth 20 color 109 Wildflower which I bought at a cute little shop in the country called the Twisted Barn.  Shirley owns the shop and hosts a fibre fare in late September.  She carries a wide selection of Lizbeth tatting thread. When I was there she also had some frozen Saskatoon tarts so I bought a half dozen. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

I Met A Man

Now before you get all excited, I met a man, a man who tats.  A rare breed, he says he took it up to do something as his wife knits. He has a kind face with a big wide smile.  We tatted together at the Fringe Element Tat Days. (BTW he was not the only male tatting that weekend.)

He also makes shuttles and gave me one.  A new shuttle does not stay empty for long in my hands.  Below is my new handmade cherry wood shuttle already wound for a project.

When I met him he had around his neck a piece of red string, attached was a short hook for joining.

He needed a lanyard and I hope he likes green beads. Happy Tatting Dave.