The last Tat it and See from Jane

Well, I tried to make it last as long as I could, but I finished off the tat it and see (TIAS) this weekend. The cute little mermaid is finished. A huge thanks to Jane Eborall for once again planning, designing, diagramming and hosting this fun little project.  Here is a picture of my little mermaid, with her flowing green hair.

The images below shoe the progression of the project since January, when the pattern was released in small parts over on the TIAS blog. The guessing game that runs along side the pattern release is also fun to follow, with some creative tatters making images and poems to share their ideas too.

Did you take part in the TIAS this year? Feel free to link to your own blog in the comments to share your experiences too.

Until next time,

Happy tatting

Fiona T

 

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Winner of the 1800 followers give away

The give away is now closed. Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter- I enjoyed reading your favourite patterns and looking up some I hadn’t heard of before too. If you have a chance to read the comments on the original post, you might find another favourite pattern to add to your collection too.

The winner is: Diane Christie. Diane, you have three days to get in touch with me 🙂 If I don’t hear from you I will redraw the give away.

In other news my squares for the brussels monument have arrived with Cathy #TatAMonumentInPink , and are on her https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcanarithy%2Fphotos%2Fa.1336771296452689.1073741870.104839346312563%2F1408886975907787%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>facebook page :

The TIAS is still a mystery, with day 8 being posted onto the TIAS blog yesterday. Until next time

Happy tatting

Fiona T

Sending tatted squares to Brussels

There are a couple of big events happening in the international world of tatting at the moment. One is Jane’s Tat It and See game, which I have blogged about here a few days ago. The other is a new idea, Cathy from Brussels has invited the tatting community to contribute 10,000 tatted squares to be stitched together to cover a brussels monument later in 2018, during the world lace congress. To find out more about Cathy’s idea and get involved yourself, these links may help: http://www.canarithy.be/cinema.php and Cathy’s facebook page:  www.facebook.com/canarithy

Those who follow my page on facebook have already seen the progress of my squares. I managed to make nineteen squares from the skein of pink hand dyed #20 thread I bought from Alenalea. I usually work in #40 or #50 thread, so it was great that I could just buy a small amount (70m) to use for this special event. I posted them to Brussels yesterday, and hope they will get to Cathy in the next couple of weeks. I’ll keep an eye on her facebook page, as she has been putting up photos of the squares as they arrive to her.

There has also been a great discussion over at craftree.com as some tatters are trying other square patterns, and adapting them to be the size Cathy has stipulated.There is someone working on a Norma Benporath square to share. This has made for interesting reading and if I had more time I would love to play with an older pattern too.

Are you following along with these projects? Perhaps you are contributing too? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time, happy tatting

Fiona T

Happy New Year for 2018

To all of my followers on onemadtatter, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in my  crafty fun. Best wishes for a great 2018. 

I have been relaxing over the last week and making these little squares to send to Brussels for the ‘tat bombing’ of a monument there. 

The suggested pattern is pleasant to work up and easily remembered, so I can make these quickly each time I have a chance. Each square takes about 20 minutes to complete. I have made 16 so far, and estimate I can make another 4 with the thread I have remaining. 

What is on your shuttles at the moment? 

Until next time, happy tatting 

Fiona T

Tatted Ammonites – TAP exhibition

This week was very exciting for me. It was the first time I have had my crafting efforts recognised as art. I was invited to submit a piece to the TAP (Teacher as Practitioner/Teacher Artmaker Project) and fringe exhibition https://www.facebook.com/TeacherAsPractitioner/. This year’s theme was ebb and flow.

To come up with an idea for submission, I contemplated the theme ebb and flow. In my mind ebb and flow refers to gentle movements. These gentle movements over time may lead to changes in how we perceive nature. Invariably I kept coming back to water, and the idea of the ebb and flow of the tide. As a biologist this reminded me of the amazing fossils which have been revealed because of the relentless motion of the tides. This natural process has revealed fossils which were hidden for vast tracts of time. The discovery of these artefacts has lead to a variety of scientific understandings. One of the most famous (and most common) fossils are those of the ammonite’s which lived 65-400 million years ago. So I tatted a representation of an ammonite ‘fossil’ using thread and beads.

I knew I wanted to use Marilee Rockley’s pattern (from her Craftsy class), but I wanted to make it slightly bigger to display as part of a scene. The threads I had of the correct colour was size 80. Making one in this size was quite small, and I incorporated it into the final piece, but it was too small to be the main feature. I needed some help.

At the next Melbourne tat and chat I was able to explain my idea to Lea, from Alenalea’s Tatting and she bravely took on the challenge of hand dying size 10 thread to match my sample fossils, and in particular lengths so I could wind the shuttles CTM (continuous thread method) without measuring or wasting thread.  Within a week I had the thread in my hands. She had also made an extra sample in size 7 thread for me to test. Thanks Lea, you are a thread genius!

I ended up completing three tatted ammonites, and displayed them on a felt covered board. The layers of the felt represent the geological earth layers and the ocean. You can interact with the display to move the tide and ‘discover’ the small fossil. In this way I feel the piece invited people to be participate in the art experience. My piece was displayed with a few other fibre based objects.  I will have to get a photo of the full display next week, as I forgot to take one on opening night.

I wonder, do you think of your craft as art?

Until next time, happy tatting

Fiona T

 

A curated list of over 50 tatting blogs :)

**Edit August 12th 2017- this blog post has had so many hits, I have made it into it’s own permanent page: https://onemadtatter.wordpress.com/links-to-over-50-other-free-tatting-blogs/  

A list has been circulating proclaiming the ‘top 75 tatting blogs’ and then asking for credit card details to access the sites. When I realised my blog was on this list and that all of the blogs on the list are actually free to access, I was a bit annoyed (thanks to my followers who alerted me to this situation too).

I don’t usually post curated lists of links as blog posts. I usually share sites, videos and products I have used. So, without changing my operating methods, this blog post is an extended listing of tatting blog sites I have visited and enjoy reading. If you would like to visit them too, simply click on the links 🙂 You can then choose to follow the bloggers through email or RSS feeds. And there is no monetary charge to access these links.

If you have a tatting blog that isn’t on this list, please add it in the comments (or message me through facebook- one mad tatter) and I will progressively add them to this blog post too. If I have listed your blog and you wish it to be removed, please let me know. If you want different information listed next to your link, please let me know about this too.

As always, happy tatting

Fiona T

• The list below is not exhaustive – it is a work in progress.
• Some listed sites have a descriptor next to them- this is either a short sentence from me or taken from the about page, if the blog has one.
• Blogspot attached a ‘.au’ ending to all blogspot blogs, as I am in Australia. This should not effect your ability to access the site, and don’t be concerned if the ‘.au’ ending changes to your countries ending.

http://www.lovelytatting.com/

We are a mother (Hye-oon) and daughter (Eunice) team residing in Seattle, Washington.  Hye-oon Lee started tatting twenty-five years ago. Within a year of learning how to tat, she started designing her own patterns. She is inspired by the natural world, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Eunice Lee is a designer who enjoys taking photos. When she isn’t working in front of the computer, she is typically exploring the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, reading books, or watching movies.

http://tatknot.blogspot.com.au/

This is where I share my latest adventures in fiber and send people to begin their journey into the world of tatting. Enjoy your visit.

http://tattingtreasures.blogspot.com.au/

Christian SAHM to an empty nest, married 32+ years to my best friend–the hardest working man I know (preacher, teacher and farmer.) Two sons: (DS#1, DIL, GS#1-6 years, GS#2-2 years, Gchild infant, DS#2)

https://tattinghomework.wordpress.com

We are here to encourage tatters. Our classes meet weekly on line (see info below) looking at how to tat patterns. What’s tatting? Making lace with a shuttle or needle and thread.

http://25motifchallenge.blogspot.com.au/ Like the homework site, this is a place for those participating to post their pictures and progress with this challenge.

http://www.thethreadbears.com/blog/

The Thread Bears is the first tatting group formed in Western North Carolina. Located in Black Mountain, NC, the focus of our group is to generate and renew interest in the art of tatted lace, often referred to as finger lace. We share patterns, techniques and ideas centered around but not limited to tatting. Members of the group are artists in a number of fields as well.

http://mistenetats.blogspot.com.au/

https://agaveartesanias.com/ This blog will be dedicated to tatting and crocheting as I ´ve been experiencing them for the last three years . They are not only beautiful crafts but indeed a kind of concentration practice. So while we create our elegant laces or mandalas we will also improve our attention and visual memory. This blog it will dedicated to my pupils in tatting courses in Valencia and to everyone who would like to approach this kind of arts and learn them as active meditations.

 

https://lacegazette.com/ Canadian lacemakers gazette

The Canadian Lacemaker Gazette was first published in Spring, 1984 by a group of women from Denman and District Lace Club, located in British Columbi

Then, over the years, the Gazette was published in Toronto, Ottawa, and Sooke BC, and is now located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

There are 38 Canadian lacemaking groups in our directory. We have subscribers in Canada, USA, England, France, Australia and send to other countries all over the world.

https://bridgecitytatting.blogspot.com.au/Jeff Hamilton’s blog- currently completing the monster doily from Jan Stawasz.

http://toptattyhead.blogspot.com.au/ Linda Davies blog- lots of lovely patterns and good videos for split rings and split chains amongst other things.

http://lafayettelacemakers.blogspot.com.au/

The purpose of this non-profit group is to develop an appreciation for the fine art of lacemaking. Through educational programs + workshops, our members have the opportunity to learn about, collect, preserve, and actually make the various laces that have made history.

https://margaretsdesignercards.blogspot.com.au/ Margaret is an avid tatter and very supportive member of the tatting blogging community.

http://hiskid66.blogspot.com.au/

https://pigminitatty.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://ladytats.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://danielamendola.blogspot.com.au/  My name is Daniela Mendola and I am fond of tatting. I love working with the shuttles, but mostly I like to conceive and design new patterns.

http://tattingbyjenn.blogspot.com.au/

https://oclairedelune.wordpress.com/ Claire’s blog-  french language (use google translate to read in your preferred language), beautiful tatting.

http://twoshuttles.blogspot.com.au/

http://heartsintatters.blogspot.com.au/

http://berkshiretatter.blogspot.com.au/

https://janeeborall.blogspot.com.au/ Jane Eborall’s blogs regularly here- keep up with BC3’s antics, ideas and patterns.

http://tatitandsee.blogspot.com.au/ Jane Eborall’s TIAS blog- Tat It and See – a mystery tat along game for all tatters. It is most active in January each year.

http://loopsofjoy.blogspot.com.au/

https://knotvortex.blogspot.com.au/

http://pamfreck.blogspot.com.au/

http://irisniebach.blogspot.com.au/ the tatting player- The brilliant Iris Niebach’s blog

http://dallaslacesociety.blogspot.com.au/ The Dallas Lace Society is a non-profit organization and a chartered chapter of International Organization of Lacers, Inc. Our purpose is to continue and promote the art of lacemaking through education and demonstration. Focusing on Bobbin-made laces, many members also participate in other types of lacemaking including crocheted, knitted, tatted, and needle-made laces.

http://battatter.blogspot.com.au/

http://theshuttlesmith.blogspot.com.au/

http://liyarrastattingnook.blogspot.com.au/

http://ginabea.blogspot.com.au/

https://tattedthreads.wordpress.com/ This is my tatting blog. I hope to include mileposts on my journey, as well as tips and tricks that might help other tatters.

http://cmhandmade.blogspot.com.au/

http://manda-tory.blogspot.com.au/

http://umintsuru.blogspot.com.au/

http://tatsakoolchallenge.blogspot.com.au

http://threadsofatattinggoddess.blogspot.com.au/ Gina B’s site- Gina passed away a few years ago, and the tatting world lost a great advocate and support. Her blog is still live, and maintained by her family as far as I know.

http://occhi-johanna.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://tatsheaven-churchlog.blogspot.com.au/

http://tat-ology.blogspot.com.au/ Fox’s blog

https://victats.blogspot.com.au/

http://marthas-tatting-blog.blogspot.com.au/

http://telamagistrae.blogspot.com.au

http://lacelovinlibrarian.blogspot.com.au/

http://yarnplayertats.blogspot.com.au/ Hello, my name is Marilee Rockley. I live in the exciting, culturally diverse area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with my husband and 3 sons.

Over the years I’ve experimented with many fiber arts, but tatting remains my favorite. I discovered tatting in my youth when I found a small needlework how-to book stashed among my mother’s art books. Between those sketchy instructions, library books, and trial and error, I soon taught myself and fell in love with the art.

http://sharonstattedlace.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.be-stitched.com/ Nancy’s hobby blog, access to a range of patterns and information

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com.au/  Muskaan’s site- lots of photo tutorials and tips

https://tatsaway.blogspot.com.au/ Jon’s blog- great patterns and tips

http://tattingcentral.com/blog-2/

http://westpinecreations.blogspot.com.au/

http://timtatstoo.blogspot.com.au/

https://tennbrown.blogspot.com.au/ Carollyn’s tatting blog (MadTatter 80- be assured we are two different people lol)

https://onemadtatter.wordpress.com/  My blog (Fiona T)- but you already know this address- because you are here 🙂 I am a hobby blogger, science educator and crafty person. I share my current projects and ideas. This blog also serves as a ‘brains trust’ for me to keep track of my projects.

http://janemactats.blogspot.com.au/

http://shuttlecreations.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.wandasknottythoughts.com/

https://abctattingpatterns.com/blog/

http://phyls-handwork.blogspot.com.au/

http://tattingbythebay.blogspot.com.au/

http://northernlightslacemakers.blogspot.com.au/

http://totusmel.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://worldwidetatting.blogspot.com.au/ Kristen Fink’s tatting blog- Lovely tatting and book reviews too.

http://www.tattedtreasures.com/ Heather’s blog: Tatted treasures is dedicated to introducing tatting to the public, providing easy-to-follow instructions to learn this ancient art, and inspiring accomplished tatters with information and ideas.

http://renulek.blogspot.com.au/ Renulek’s blog is gorgeous. Every few months she conducts a tat-along, releasing large doily (napkin) patterns in stages over weeks. These gorgeous designs are diagrammed using annotated photographs of each round. Renulek has recently opened an ETSY shop and sells PDF versions of her full patterns.

http://backwoodstatter2010.blogspot.com.au/ Heather’s tatting blog.

http://rozellalinden.blogspot.com.au/

Knot a blog- but you-tube channels/facebook pages 😉 : 

http://entrelanzaderas.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/clases-de-frivolite-tatting-lessons.html Karen Cabererra’s blog, linking ot her fabulous tatting video tutorials

https://www.youtube.com/user/RustiKate/videos Rusti Kate’s tutorials

https://www.facebook.com/SparklingLightCreationStudio.GloriaNelson/  Needle tatting facebook page from the very helpful Gloria.

Other sites of interest to Tatters:

http://www.janeeborall.freeservers.com/Links.htm More helpful links for tatters from Jane.

http://www.somethingunderthebed.com/CURTAIN/TATTINGbiblio.html If you are wondering about a tatting book, this is the site to visit. It has over 1,000 reviews of published tatting books. M. Leigh Martin’s site.

http://www.bellaonline.com/site/tatting Georgia Seitz writes for Bella Online, and provides interesting commentary and links to antique patterns.

https://www.craftree.com Run by Kersti Anear and a dedicated group of admins, craftree is a social media site for tatters to connect and share. It houses the old ‘in tatters’ forums, which are a wealth of information for old and new tatters alike. You can use this site for free, or choose to become a member for a small monthly fee. Very welcoming group.

TIAS fun with Jane

Well, I know it is January as it is super hot here in Melbourne, the tennis is on and I am tatting the TIAS.  Every year for the last few years Jane Eborall has run a Tat it and see ( TIAS) on her blog. It has become something I really look forward to. It is fun for a few  of reasons, as the pattern is split up and released over a couple of weeks no-one but Jane and her test tatters know what it is, so it is a mystery. It also becomes a guessing game that tatters across the world get invovled in. There is a great sense of the international tatting community in this yearly event. Thanks Jane for all of the effort you put in to make sure this is such a fun and welcoming event. 

Here are some pictures of my work so far, day 1, 2 and 3. I am using altin basak green size 50 thread left over from the collar I made recently:

I’m really not sure what it is yet…my current guess is a horse…let’s see what day 4’s pattern brings.  

Until next time, happy tatting!

Fiona T 

Winner update and TIAS

​Thanks to everyone who entered my recent give away, the winners have both received their prizes and so I can show you the craft pack the Australian winner received. 

In other news, Jane Eborall has announced the TIAS  (Tat it and see) and it will be in multiple languages. I look forward to taking part in the fun again. Here is the link https://janeeborall.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/introduction-to-tias.html?m=1 
Until next time

Happy tatting 

Fiona T

Happy Easter, and some ebay ‘wins’

Happy Easter to all my followers and readers at onemadtatter!  I have been trying to balance my crafting time with work and study.
Spending time on the craftsy online class yesterday saw the production of 2 daisy picot pendants. I am much happier with the green one,  possibly because the beads are smaller and sit better.  Both are made in size 40 threads,  emptying other shuttles. 

I also had some shuttles arrive from an ebay ‘win’- the highly sought Milward shuttle, and a white plastic shuttle (advertised as bone… but definitely plastic), and a Judith Conor book that I had only seen at my library years ago.  Lots of great info in this one! 

Best wishes for the Easter season, until next time,  happy tatting!
Fiona T

Online class

A while ago,  during a craftsy sale, I bought access to Marilee’s “Next steps in shuttle tatting” online class.  I have watched through a couple of classes during January and printed the class materials. Finally on Thursday evening I decided to load up my shuttles and beads and get started.  I learned how to do Catherine Wheel joins – a technique I had always converted to lock joins in the past. After watching Marilee and a couple of tries I now realize the difference in the joins and am very pleased with the effect. 

I also like the convenience of this format of classes- the sequence and included materials are a new approach for me.  In the past I have worked somewhat randomly with YouTube and the online tatting classes Georgia Seitz runs, as a just in time learning tool for a specific technique.  All are fabulous resources too, with great flexibility.

I wonder which formats you like to learn through, and if you have been surprised with a particular product?
Until next time, happy tatting.
Fiona T