Once called "Poor Man's Lace" because it could be made without the use of expensive needles or hooks, tatting used to be commonly found as edging on pillow cases, collars, dresser cloths, doilies and even jewelry! I have heard from several people that tatting is a dying art and that the delicate lace is seldom seen except in antique stores or estate sales. That makes me sad! Over the last year and a half, I have been teaching myself how to tat. I started with needle tatting and then ventured into using a shuttle, which is the more traditional way. While it can be tedious because of the small thread, it is also relatively simple because there are very few stitches to learn. The "magic" happens with different combinations of those stitches to form chains and loops. I have tatted several items, including bookmarks, ornaments and doilies, but I think the lace work on the pillow above and to the right is my favorite so far. The pattern is actually an antique dating from the 30s or 40s, I believe. After making the flower in several pieces, I joined them together and sewed them on the pillow I made. I entered it in our local fair and actually took a second place! :) Ever thought about learning how to tat? Check your local library for a how-to book or your local craft store. Normally, I find the tatting supplies in the needlework section near the crochet items. I have also purchased quite a few things from Handy Hands, which offers a great selection of books and gorgeous threads. Let's keep it alive!
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About MeFiber artist, wife to a wonderful husband and mom to 2 awesome, grown kids Archives
July 2023
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