Not Your Regular Type Of Tat

 Comment by Ladytats to tat-ology:

...before I ever heard of picot guages, I used to figure out the length of thread that I would need to get the picots the right length, and put 2 small dots on my finger as a "measuring stick" to make them more uniform. I mostly "eyeball" them now, but the dots really helped years ago. you do have to use ink that you can't wash off. I used a permanent marker, then washed my hands well to be sure the ink wouldn't come off on the thread. the dots would be there a couple of days.

 Followed by:

...actually I got the idea from a gal on the tatting list I belonged to back in the late 90's online.  she had actually gotten several dots tattooed on her finger as specific measurements.  I just didn't want to go that permanent...

Fox responded:

What a great idea!  Makes me want to tattoo a few on my finger to avoid the ink problem!  Thanks for that.

And then:

Ladytats, As I emailed you - tattoos on the finger? A great idea, I think. I am sorely tempted!

  TaDa!  

Fox Wrote:

I did it!  I hope what I have done works - just three little dots that I measured and re-measured, before I went to the shop.  It took all of about one minute to perform the procedure, and it did not hurt much, but I am now squeamish and keep putting the bandage back on!  I will eventually wash off the excess ink and take a photo so I can post it on tat-ology.  So far, you are the only person other than my sis who knows!  I feel so brave.  Thanks for the tip.  I really wonder if it will make a difference!
Fearless Fox   : ))

Well, Ladytats, our secret is out!  I just hope this little adventure begets success with the shuttles! Thank you for your support and sense of fun!

I have tried the dots out on the second sock edging, and you know I do think the picots are better!  The finger is a wee but sore so I am not tatting as I usually do as I am favouring that finger a bit.  I will report later as it heals completely.

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I am about a quarter through the second sock.  Love the #80 thread with the green beads.   I think these are the cutest ones I have done so far; I think it is because of the finer thread.

#22 Motif Challenge 

Pattern from Tatted Artistry of Teiko Fujito

Five Hundred Posts!

I can hardly believe it!  I just saw that number when I was editing something and was really shocked. It seems a real milestone in Tat-land terms for sure.

With thread, I have come full circle since I started blogging. When I learned to tat, I used mainly #80, (what did I know?) then became intimidated reading many comments about how impossible it was, so switched to #20 almost exclusively.

Full circle.  I am once again really enjoying #80, especially this colour:

Happily,  I do not have to worry about running out of this thread, as Randi has generously insisted on sending me an entire ball of it!  Thank you so much, Randi!  I love this colour.

Thank you, Tat-land for helping me come to a decision.

For the hanky:

 I voted for Vivaldi variegated.

My reasoning was that because it is a rather large hanky and most of it is white, except for the rose in the corner, it will look smashing with the colour enclosing it. 

In the meanwhile, the above is a new sock for Mini-Boss.  Sweet!

Still working on the challenge from Gina and enjoying it immensely.  This is such fun to tat.  

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Next, I would like to thank a certain very enabling Librarian for my newest purchase.  It is cheap ($5.00) and cheerful and it might just be my newest, very best friend!

This is a tool lace-making tool I ordered from Mielke's Fibre Arts.  Looks like a lovely untatter, Diane.  I shall report on its effectiveness when I receive it.  I know it will get a LOT of use...ahemmm....

For Michelle's Great-Aunt Rose-E

 #20  Motif Challenge

This hankie does not truly reflect my preferences for colour or design and yet I have fallen in love with it!

The edging worked out beautifully and fits perfectly in length.  Sewing it on was effortless.  I could not be more pleased with the result.  Thank you, Michelle.  I hope I have done your aunt proud!

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Gina  challenged me yesterday with a DMC vintage pattern.  She asked if clunies could be tatted where there were supposed to be Josephine Knots. Gina, this is a terrific idea.  Thanks.

I was late getting started with my day because I just HAD to begin this little project and I HAD to send Gina an image of the small swatch I managed to tat.  Also,  I was dying to try a few of the beads that came in the package that umintsuru sent to me!

The Package That Was A Complete Surprise!

Jane would say"gob-smacked."  Well, I certainly was when I opened the mail with all the pretty stamps that I have saved for my grandson.  

The note was thoughtful and eloquent, and I am going to enjoy the beads, the tatted bag and especially this wonderful motif tatted by umintsuru.  It is from Angeline's book and was sent for me to enjoy, as "Let's Tat" continues on her world-wide adventure 

This was such an unexpected and generous gesture. Thank you, umintsuru!

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The next challenge is a daunting one that sounds so absolutely simple.  In the 7th hankie (I have tatted SIX edgings!) I am determined to pay close attention to the size of the picots.  The picots in the hankie are neither consistent in size nor tension.  This is a weakness that I want to improve in the next project.

I do have a picot gauge, because in the early days I thought that it would be useful.  However,  I  cannot tat with those little wooden pieces!  Just cannot do it.  So, practice I must.

In yesterday's post I featured the threads I was considering, and the pattern is this one:

I find Eléanore to be such a nostalgic and evocative pattern.

A Honey Of A Hankie

Isn't this the best?

I think Diane is trying to direct my tatting time for the next year or so, as this hankie is really BIG! I fear for your ears as I grumble and mutter my way through the edging! Just a little warning of things to come!

Question

Since I stabbed myself admirably with the Clover shuttle, I have been using my lovely LaCossette bobbin shuttles exclusively. I adore them, but I need to un-tat so often and I am frustrated using the half- Clover that I thought was such a good idea to have on-hand to undo the knots.  

The hook on the end of the Aero is too big, and I cannot find a suitable straight pin.  What do YOU use to unpick when you use a bobbin shuttle?

Your Opinion, Please.

I was not planning to tat this right away, but I am inspired by the hankie and one must not argue with The Muse.  So, I have begun to tat the BIG HANKIE though I am not quite finished with the one Michelle sent me - I have only about FIVE repeats remaining!

I might end up having to drop the "Serial Tatter" moniker if I have too many things on the go!

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What do you think? 

 This is a Mary Konior edging and the plain ( though slightly variegated) thread is DMC #80 and the one with green is about#80, one of the Valdani threads my sis sent me a while back. 

I know which one I prefer, bit am not sure of my judgement here.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Also, and very importantly, I am not certain if I shall have enough of the DMC thread.  This is not a full ball and I do not know much is on there. There is lots of the Valdani.  The hankie is about 13" square.