Bodacious Bugles, Sensational Stumpies and One Mean Maebh - Oh Mama!

 "Get ready", she said.  "We're outta here." 

Abruptly waking me up, waving her newly-updated passport under my nose,  Maebh reminded me in her own distinctive manner that I had only about ten days to get my own passport in order - otherwise I would not be admitted into the USA - our nearest and .. hmm... dearest neighbour country to the south! I had forgotten to renew my own passport, and it had expired last month.

I hustled.  It is done; we will be off in a few days to see the rest of the family in Manhattan.  Maeve has grown  mighty and the boys have tales of new adventures ready to tell.

 But first, there was:

Because finances are not what they should be in this uncertain time, I was not certain I would test my will power by attending the event this year.  There have been vet bills, moving costs and the trip to NYC coming up - you know what I mean - and to be tempted by all the thread, books, shuttles and beads on those enticing tatting tables ... The blood fairly boils and the fingers twitch!

So, Saturday morning, I was still dithering, procrastinating, but tatting. I tried my hand at roll tatting just to see what would happen, if I still could do it:

The best one to date!

Then, I don't know how it happened - and I have LOST this little piece of tatting  - ( I think I actually threw it out!), but just look at it:

#3 Motif Challenge

I AM AMAZED!

Next, I finished up the ends on the latest Stumpy, the one on the left  - so addictive...

#4 Motif Challenge

That is when I realized I had to go to to Cambridge. I also remembered that Tatfully Yours would be there teaching  a course on needle tatting.  I knew I needed a new challenge and I wanted to meet up with Kelly,  so I borrowed my mom's car  - mine would disintegrate into a rust heap on the highway  - and tally-ho!

It was great to actually get to know Kelly.  Last year we were both at the event but maybe just said hello and that was all.  I have been in touch with her this year, and it was lovely to have a face-to-face and to have a new tatting buddy.

Her class was wonderful, as she is a patient and knowledgeable teacher. This is what I accomplished.

#5 Motif Challenge

 The lovely Ms. Kelly left me with her own tatted motif.  So pretty. Thank you, Kelly!

It was a great afternoon, and I am so glad I decided to attend.  It was grand to connect with a room full of of tatters, several of whom I have met before. I think it is important to sometimes experience the feeling of being a part of the larger tatting community.

I have one more thing to share with you. 

Thanks to Miranda...

# 6 Motif Challenge

Through The Thread Exchange, Eliz sent me some Mettler Machine quilting thread, which is about a #80.  I cannot believe when I first started tatting I used mainly this size  - it is INSANELY MINUSCULE!

Also, it is prone to breakage - in three places!  I did not enjoy tatting with this although I do like the end result.
The pattern is one of the Bjorn snowflakes, but I changed the six points and added the bugle beads, as Miranda had suggested.

Maebe says I have to pack now.  Aye, aye, Captain...

Anon,