Ode To My Shuttle

Thought I'd share with you what I wrote a few days ago to a friend with whom I was discussing the various aspects of tatting: the pros and cons of tatting as an art-form.

I have to say, I do derive a lot of pleasure during the process, the
struggle and indeed in the handling and admiring of the final piece.

I am such a visual person; for years my hobby/obsession of choice was my photography.  Now, I derive that same fulfillment through tatting.

The satisfaction, I think, begins with the sense of wonder I get when I
realize I have used colour, shape, texture and form to create something
pleasing and pretty, where there was just a few strands of thread before. I
am still astounded at how that works!

Unlike William Morris, I do not demand that the finished work  have a
practical application.  It just pleases me in the moment - and often
thereafter -  not a work of art to anyone else, but wondrous to my eye.

And I love the process of creating it.  I love the way my fingers dance and
my eyes focus on  the tiniest detail.  I love the sparkle and the glitter of
the tiny multi-coloured glass beads.  I love the feel of the shuttle in my
hand, the way it fits there snugly, as an extension of my fingers.

Even the multitude of mistakes are appreciated, there to remind me that
there is nothing perfect except in nature. We humans are limited to flawed
replicas, in whatever arena we attempt to duplicate the natural world.

There was more but I think that about sums it up.

 It is fitting, I think in this very serious and rather studious post to sum up with the next cross by Mary Konior.  

 #21Motif Challenge

 I forgot to add that I took these two Konior patterns  with me to The Big Apple in December, last year, thinking I would at least get one of them tatted.  I could not figure out either pattern; it was a disastrous visit as far as tatting was concerned. I now shake my head when I realize how little trouble these two pleasurable patterns gave me this go around.  Progress to be sure.

Rockingham and Wrought Iron Crosses 

by Mary Konior

Thanks Jeff, the vintage thread is very pretty, though more like a #60 than a #20! ( We exchanged thread through T.T.E..)

With thanks to S.M, for the inspiration!

Anon,