Wanda's Knotty Thoughts

2016 Kansas State Fair entries

It’s that time of year, time for the Kansas State Fair. I’ve been very busy this year with things other than tatting but I wanted to enter something in the fair. It’s my attempt to keep them from dropping the category. Last year there were only a few entries, which has me worried about the category disappearing. I’m not all that confident in my entries, but they will be out there, showing the general public that tatting is not “a lost art.”

I took my doily with “Harper” edging that I had entered in the county fair. It was already made, might as well take it, right?

Only one item per person can be entered in the only tatting category they have so I always look for other types of category/classes that will work for tatting. There are several holiday classes that don’t specify media type that fit the bill. I entered a Christmas decoration and a holiday, non-Christmas decoration.

Tatted Christmas decoration State Fair angel 1

I had several ideas for the Christmas decoration. First thought was covering a satin ball. I have several balls, and even downloaded a few patterns. And changed my mind. Then I was going to do a 3-D bell. And changed my mind. It ended up being a 3-D angel instead.

The main body developed with only a few changes, other than it started as a bell and ended up the angel body. The wings came out great the first try. As I hadn’t planned on it being an angel I didn’t plan how to attach the wings while tatting. They were sewn on after both body and wings were complete. The hard part was the halo. Yes, the halo. I made something like six different ones before I was happy with the result. These pictures do not show the halo that finished off the angel right before taking it to the fair. I forgot to take a picture.

The third item was the non-Christmas decoration. I had a terrible time even coming up with an idea of what to take. I’ve done Halloween and Thanksgiving in the past, maybe I should choose another holiday? Nope, it came down to Halloween again. It was down to the wire on whether it would even make it to the fair or not. I started multiple ideas and messed up all of them. The final touches were added just before leaving the house.

I downloaded the ‘Pearl Tatted Skeleton’ by Martha Ess to start with. It did not turn out well, so I tried a couple of other things, which ended badly as well. Then I perused Lindsay Rogers’ book ‘Tatting Collage’, hoping for inspiration. The outcome was a combination of things, using parts of the skeleton and a few ideas from the book. I don’t feel this is quite done, but I ran out of time. It’s not my best work, and I have no idea what the judges will think, but I took it to the fair anyway.

Whew! I’m glad I have the fair items taken care of. Becky, one of the Tuesday Tatters, took me with her to drop things off yesterday. She entered a beautiful quilt and a quilt block but no tatting (we talked about that 🙂 ). She is going to the fair on Friday, opening day, and will text me the results. I hope to make it on Monday.

Now that is done I can make sure I’m all ready for Palmetto Tat Days. It’s this week!! I’m so excited! This is my first time going. It’s gonna be great! Hope to see a few of you there!

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn”

Bits and Butterflies

I’ve been doing a lot of practice on different techniques lately. Some of it is for Tat Days in September and some is just because. I haven’t gotten all of them right yet, but I’ve had fun working on them.

The Clunies on the right I’m working on because there are a couple of classes I’m taking that call for them. After a lot of practice they are getting easier. I’m looking forward to learning hints and tricks about making them while at Tat Days.

Those funny looking flowers in the center? I was trying my hand at Daisy Picots and Dandelion Picots. Jane Eborall has instructions on her tips and techniques page. Of course I rushed into making them before I looked them up. My flowers came out okay and I had fun making them, but they aren’t made per Jane’s instructions.

I also played around a bit with pearl tatting – to remind myself how it’s done – and with using fancy embroidery floss. I’m not too happy with the results with the floss. If I really needed to use it for a project I’d work with it more and do better.

Tatted butterflies for Tat Days on wandasknottythoughts 'Bits and Butterflies' — Tatted butterflies for Tat Days

Part of my getting ready for Tat Days is emptying the thread from a bunch of shuttles. I’m going to be needing them for new projects! What better way than to make butterflies and donate them at Tat Days? They give them away at their State Fair – isn’t that a great idea? I’m sure I’ll have a few more for them before I get there.

I’ll be taking my entries in to our State Fair next week. They are not what I would like them to be but I’m taking them anyway. Over the last several years there have been fewer and fewer entries at the fair and I don’t want the category to disappear. I’ll be taking pictures of them soon (I hope) and sharing them later.

I’m getting ready for the Kansas State Fair and Tat Days. What are you getting ready for?

“Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success.” Henry Ford

Denim and tatting

Back in May I made a couple of denim wrist cuffs for my daughters for Mother’s Day. I was so delighted by how they came out that I decided to make one for myself.

Of course, it had to be a little different. Instead of tatting around buttons I edged a small piece of material instead. I planned the material to be white with white tatting. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my white thread. (Can you believe I couldn’t find white thread???) My solution was using Lizbeth #602 Natural in size 20, sewed to a corner of an old tea towel, then stained in coffee. The lace bits I had were different shades of white/off white which worked well with the material piece.

Denum cuff with tatting, lace, and buttons on wandasknottythoughts — Denim cuff with buttons and tatting

I have a jar of old buttons that I sorted through to find accents for the cuff. I tried newer buttons as well, trying to find just the right ones for the look I was after. It’s amazing how hard it is to find just the right buttons and just the right places to put them. I also added randomly placed seed beads over the whole thing.

You might notice that the ends don’t have the obvious stitching like my daughter’s had. I used invisible thread this time. It gives a nicer, finished look to the cuff, but it’s a lot harder to use than regular thread. Instead of using a hair band for the closure I braided thread to make the loop.

Wearing the denum cuff with tatting, lace, and buttons on wandasknottythoughts — Wearing my denim cuff

I’m tickled pink at how it came out. I probably won’t wear it much until the weather cools off, but I’m already planning what I’ll wear it with this fall.

I’m still working on my clunies, but also a few other techniques that I don’t use often, like split chains. I’ve done split chains before though only rarely. I had to go on-line and refresh my memory. I have a very strange-looking piece of tatting where I practiced this over and over. Maybe, maybe, I have this down a little better.

My biggest concern right now is not what I need to know at Tat Days but what tatting should I take with me to do on the plane? Something not too complicated, without beads, and easy to put down and pick up. Hmmm.

What do you take with you to do when you fly?

“Denim has always been an everyday symbol for style” Ritu Kumar

Practice and the fair

Tatted earrings based on Lanyard pattern on wandasknottythoughts — Earrings based on Lanyard pattern

I have been enjoying the Lanyard pattern so much I tried making earrings with it. I know there are other earring patterns that are very similar to this but I made these the same as the ends on the lanyard. Each of these have a couple of mistakes but I will wear them any way. The next pair will be better. Unlike with the bigger beads and bigger thread I had to use a floss threader to get the beads on the picots. It takes so much longer than using a crochet hook! These were made with Lizbeth #646 Purple Iris Lt in size 20, which is a very similar color to the DMC I used for the lanyard and the bracelet.

Speaking of which, I entered the bracelet in the county fair.

Tatted bracelet made with Lanyard 2016 pattern on wandasknottythoughts — Bracelet made with Lanyard 2016 pattern

My bracelet was the only entry in its class. It’s great to see a blue ribbon on it as they do not have to give ribbons or top place to any entries even if they have no competition.

Doily with 'Harper' tatted edging at the fair on wandasknottythoughts — Doily with ‘Harper’ tatted edging at the fair

Doilies have to be mounted on cardboard to enter the fair. My ‘Harper’ Edging looks good on the black background, doesn’t it? It, too, was the only item in its class. I’m glad I decided to enter both bracelet and doily so they don’t eliminate the classes.

Now I’m back to practicing cluny tatting. I am taking one of Mimi Dillman’s classes at Tat Days in September and need to be a bit more comfortable with them. I’m not trying to be perfect yet, just able to do them well enough that I can understand and learn any tips she teaches in the class. Then I’ll practice what I learned 🙂

“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” Kurt Vonnegut

Lanyard 2016 Pattern as a Bracelet

When I made the lanyard a few weeks ago I was too impatient to add beads, as well as tatting it in the car. I had thought beads would be nice if I would make the effort. Sandra (Crazy Mom) commented it would look good with beads, too. I happened to stop in at Hobby Lobby last week and found some pretty beads. I was trying to think what I could use them for when my husband told me to just get them. He’s a wonderful enabler! When I got home and saw the lanyard I realized that the purple thread would work well with the beads.

I noticed right away that the picots would have to be longer to accommodate the 6/0 beads. Which also meant that the stitch count would need to be adjusted also. I actually did a little planning before I started, so the beads would end up where I wanted them. Putting two beads on the top picot it changes the look of the pattern, too, from concentric rings to leaves. It came out well.

Tatted bracelet based on the Lanyard 2016 pattern

Before starting I went hunting through my stash of findings for the ends. Because I was looking for gold findings all I located were silver or antique bronze findings. This was frustrating as I didn’t want to add them after, I wanted to incorporate them from the beginning. Luckily, the local Wal-Mart carried gold lobster claws. Finally I could get started!

I added a little extra piece on one end. This helps to keep the bracelet closure on the bottom of the wrist instead of moving to the top. Don’t you just hate it when your bracelet shows off the closure instead of the pretty parts?

This little piece helps when you put the bracelet on by yourself, too. Hang on to this little dangle and it will hold the end in place while you clip it with the lobster claw. I can put it on by myself without fighting with it!

The bracelet was made with DMC Cebelia Lavender size 10 thread and Bead Treasures 6/0 glass beads Metallic Turquoise.

The county fair is coming up soon. I’m debating if I should enter something, and, if so, what. It is fun entering items in the fair but you have to enter them in a certain time frame and pick them up at a certain time. I need to check my schedule.

“Let’s do what we love and do a lot of it.” Marc Jacobs

Lanyard 2016

I’ve had several people ask how I made the Lanyard from last week.

I hadn’t planned on writing it out but changed my mind. This is my version of a simple idea that tats up quickly.

Lanyard, Wanda's version — Lanyard, Wanda’s version

I’ve added the drawing with text to my Patterns page.

It has been a busy week. We’ve had a lot going on around the house as well as putting in a lot of overtime at work. The only tatting I’ve done is not worth sharing; it’s not pretty. I’ve been practicing cluny tatting. One of the classes I’m taking at Tat Days in September is a cluny pattern. Yes, I’ve made them before but only enough to say I know how to do them. Now I would like them to look good as well. I can’t say they look good yet but it doesn’t take me as long now to make them.

I have a lot of ideas of things I would like to tat. Now I’m trying to make the time to do them. Hopefully when I have the energy to do them and not just think about them.

“A woman’s mind is cleaner than a man’s: She changes it more often.”

Oliver Herford

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Dragonfly

I sent a card to my mother the other day just to let her know I was thinking of her. I found this lovely card that expressed what I wanted to say beautifully. When I send cards I like to personalize them with a bit of tatting. My mother is very fond of dragonflies, so it seemed the perfect touch to add one.

I tried to remember where I had seen the dragonfly pattern I was thinking of. Jane Eborall has an awesome pattern for one but it takes a lot of beads, which is no surprise. Also no surprise I’m not wanting to use that many beads. As I couldn’t remember where to find the pattern and didn’t have time to surf the ‘net for it, I doodled a bit and came up with a reasonable dragonfly.

Over a week after I sent the card I saw that Michelle, over at Tela Magistrae, had made dragonfly earrings. The pattern was pretty much what I was looking for. Eliz Davis commented they looked like a pattern from Jon Yusoff. Sure enough, that’s the pattern I was looking for. I think it will be easier than the one I made. Michelle’s earrings turned out so well! I think I’ll be making a pair for my mother. And maybe me, too.

Instead of tatting much this weekend my husband and I spent it with family. We went to our oldest daughter’s house to spend the day Saturday. Our daughter and family from Nebraska were able to come down, too. We have tried to have a longer vacation together like we have done the last several years, but we just couldn’t get the timing to work. We had a great day visiting, doing things together, and watching the kids play together. Sunday we had all of them over to our house along with other family and a few friends. It was a great weekend.

With the busy weekend I’m behind on reading all the tatting blogs I like. But that’s okay! I knew all the blogs would be there when family had gone home. Now that I have time I’m looking forward to seeing what all you’ve been up to.

“It’s not the amount of time you devote, but what you devote to the time that counts.” Found in a fortune cookie

Color of the day is Lavender

I decided to make myself a lanyard for Tat Days. It should be in a color that looks good with shirts I may be taking with me. It’s amazing how that one requirement limits color choices for me. I have a lot of thread, most of which are colors that I like – who wants to tat with colors they don’t like?? – but inevitably a lot of my clothes are those colors, too. But not always the same shade.

With much comparing and mind changing I finally settled on DMC Cebelia Lavender. For some reason I’ve had a ball of this in size 10 for quite some time. A lanyard made of size 10 would tat up fast and be quite durable. So far, so good.

In the beginning, I planned to make Patti Duff’s Beaded Lanyard (you can find it on Craftree). I got a bit ahead of myself while trying to find beads that would work with the thread. I started playing without having Patti’s pattern printed.

Tatted hatband instead of lanyard in DMC Cebelia size 10 on wandasknottythoughts — Hatband instead of lanyard

I went for a while before admitting I didn’t like the looks of my efforts for the lanyard. Not one to throw tatting out just because it didn’t turn out as expected, I put it on my hat as a hatband. I like it better as a hatband than as a lanyard.

I started again, and again I was impatient. This time I didn’t want to string the beads. The black beads weren’t the right size anyway. With no pattern but an idea, I started once more, this time without beads as well. I know I’ve seen something akin to this out there on the Internet but I made it without referring to a pattern.

Tatted lanyard in DMC Cebelia size 10 Lavender on wandasknottythoughts — Lanyard in DMC Cebelia size 10 Lavender

I like it this version much better. It went fast and was easy to do while a passenger in the car. I did get a bit carried away – it’s a bit long. Oh, well! Better than too short. I added a couple of clips to the ends that can be clipped together or to a name tag or some such. Done!

Tatted hatband and lanyard in DMC Cebelia Lavender size 10 on wandasknottythoughts — Tatted hatband and lanyard in DMC Cebelia Lavender size 10

I’m ecstatic about going to Tat Days. I’m counting down the days! I keep checking the Palmetto Tatters Guild page for updates. I’m planning what clothes to pack and what to wear. I’ve traveled before but not anywhere like this, not with tatting as the destination. **happy dance** Anyone else getting excited about going?

“Over prepare, then go with the flow” – found in a fortune cookie

Tatting by P. Melanie Vliet

P. Melanie Vliet contacted me a few months ago apprising me how she had used my pattern “Flagged Edging” to make a garter for her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law’s wedding. She actually made two, one to keep and one for the groom to toss. She added beads for a little added elegance.

Wedding garters tatted by P. Melanie Vliet using 'Flagged Edging' on wandasknottythoughts — Wedding garters tatted by P. Melanie Vliet using ‘Flagged Edging’

I love her manikin leg display! Can you guess what it is? It’s a box of oatmeal wrapped in skin-colored paper inside a pair of old pantyhose. What an inventive way to display garters! She’s going to exhibit them at this year’s Orange County and Southern California fairs. The wedding party won’t miss them; that event isn’t for several more months. I hope she does well with them at the fairs. I give them top marks!

Using the same pattern as a start she also made herself earrings.

Earrings made using 'Flagged Edging' by P Melanie Vliet on wandasknottythoughts — Earrings made using ‘Flagged Edging’

Amazing, aren’t they? I would never have thought of using the pattern like this.

Melanie has used another of my patterns, ‘Hanging Basket Edging’, to decorate an eye-glass case. I love the colors she used. Another great job!

Tatted glass case cover done in 'Hanging Basket Edging' on wandasknottythoughts — Tatted glass case cover done in Hanging Basket Edging

Thanks, Melanie, for letting me share your wonderful tatting here on my blog. Such a wonderful way to imagine tatting. Good luck at the fairs!

P Melanie Vliet is a member of the Facebook group “Tatters of Lace.” It’s a closed group but you can request to join if you are a tatter.

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. Albert Einstein
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_imagination.html

Happy Independence Day!

4th of July Bracelet made with Jane Eborall's Beaded LockChain pattern on wandasknottythoughts — 4th of July Bracelet

A little 4th of July tatting using Jane Eborall’s Beaded Lock Chain pattern in Lizbeth #652 blue and #671 Red in size 20. I wanted to make it out of size 10 but I didn’t have red and blue in it. The beads would have worked better with size 10 as well, but it was fun to make.

Today is pretty soggy due to heavy rains last night and light rain off and on today, but it is supposed to clear up by tomorrow night. At least all the rain makes shooting off fireworks very safe this year 🙂

Wishing all of you in the States a happy and safe Independence Day!

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

By Francis Scott Key 1814

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