Tilting at Windmills

Yes, I finally got around to trying this Mary Konior pattern. It intimidated me for a long time! I know why - it took me a long time to get the pattern repeats fixed in my brain, but once it clicked it is very easy and you can increase the size and keep tatting for a larger piece. Lovely pattern.

I found this in this book:

I absolutely could not decipher the pattern in the diagram. There were no written instructions.

Really, I studied the diagram for ages and gave up, but then recalled that this pattern was in one of the books on my shelf.

The book was much easier to understand so I was able to tat the motif; otherwise it would never have made it off my shuttles. No way.

This is the blue thread, hand-dyed #20 (I think), sent to me by Denise. It is a great thread, whatever it is, and even though it is a bit thick, I enjoyed tatting with it very much.

𐆖𐆖𐆖𐆖𐆖𐆖𐆖𐆖𐆖

Kathy, I am hopeless. : (

Babylo Broadcast

Design by Marjorie Hanson

Thread DMC Babylo #30

This is the first motif I have tatted from this book:

Once again, I tatted with thread and beads sent to me by generous tatters from afar. Both beads hail from the USA, from my Friend in North Carolina and the thread, which I really LIKE, crossed The Pond, sent for me to try by Frivole.

Babylo #30 is just the right thickness and is smooth and lovely to work with. Though a bit on the soft side, it holds its shape when I tatted at my usual not-too-tight tension. It is not quite a fuzzy as Cèbèlia #40, a close comparison in my opinion. I think I prefer Babylo. Not sure about that last comment.

It bodes a trial using the two.

Asked and Answered

Funny about asking for opinions, which I did. I discovered that

 the consensus was rather split - just like my own decision-making process! 

Thank you for all the input. 

I followed the good advice, tried several threads plus some that I found in my little stash made an executive decision. The final reveal will tell all!

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Kathy has been wonderful in sharing her knowledge of the interlocking rings and has done a fine job of explaining how they are done. Many will surely benefit from her efforts. Some tatters, however...

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Yesterday, I received a surprise in the post from Frivole:

Frivole believed that I did not enjoy the first samples of Babylo #20 that she sent  to me to try out.

 I actually did enjoy tatting with it immensely; it is the bulky result that I am not certain I like when I compare it to a finer #40 Lizbeth as you can see in the motif designed by Karey that I posted a few days ago.

At any rate, Frivole has generously sent this #30 to try and it looks amazing! Thank you, Frivole!

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Also in the mail:

InTatters is an amazing informative tatting resource; I love that site. 

It was there I read about this book being sold off by The Ring of Tatters at a very reduced price. I ordered immediately and just received the book from Britain. It is a good one! Lots in it - even instructions and some Mary Konior patterns.

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Only my love for my Grand-baby enabled me to be able to finish this pattern. It is a super pattern and I am inpressed with Karen’s design ability, but for me this is an example of what I call “tortuous tatting”.

Those feet and the inverted chains... don’t ask!

But it is done and in purple as requested; I will get it over to Gray this week. I hope he likes it. He had better like it!

Pattern: Karen Bickerton

Thread: Lizbeth #40

Mistakes: All my own

Toast Today To Terrific Tatters!