The Cutting Edge

Rather - the edge has been cut off!  Those bits, along with the toast crumbs  from my breakfast, are indeed toast!

I still am in the dark; I cannot figure out what I did.  Chiclet tried to help, but alas I have not been able to find my error, so I have to wing it on the last few rows and attach those motifs à la Sinatra - My Way! I guess it's good experience.

I cannot wait to finish. "agasunset" gave me some very good advice. I paraphrase: Do not tat anything you  cannot tat with passion.  Just do what you love to do.

These words do not connect with Victorian baby bonnets!
Anon,

Tools of the Trade

Now aren't those the ultimate elegance of shuttles in Tat-land!  Just look at them -  both beautiful; both fantastic for me and my particular style of tatting.  We tatters are all so different, thus having varying preferences for the shuttles we most prefer.

I have made quite a study of the different types that are on the market, and if you have been following my tatting adventures, you will know that some of my tools have met a rather ...mmm... unfortunate end.

But, after a lot of trial and error, I  have settled on the ones that I know I shall be using pretty much all of the time.

The Shuttle Brothers's  GR-8 Resin shuttles have been my shuttle of choice till today. They are small and smooth and have a great little pointy post at the end.

Then, today, I received a package in the mail  from Jane Eborall. The Pop-A-Bobbin Shuttle had arrived.

Mine is Elm and exceptional!  It is light and easy to use and I love it! It has an unusual hook at the end that I really like. I will be ordering another - maybe in ebony - so that I have a pair.  There are a number of woods available and they all are very tempting!

That ends my shuttle news.  I would recommend both these shuttles, but everyone has different needs..  You have to experiment.  I am lucky to have settled on what is best pour moi.

~*~ 

Now, the bonnet.  As you can see,  I am nearly at the part where I tat the motifs to the rest of the hat.  Then all that is left is threading the pink ribbon.  Oh, I do hope this is going to work!

Anon,

Challenges with Vintage Thread

 It appears that vintage yarn can be somewhat fragile.  I had a bit of a mishap while sewing the edging on; the double strand actually unravelled after it broke!  That was a first - and a bit challenging to repair.  I wonder how the socks will fare in the wash....
Anon,

Sock One Done

Disaster!  This looks nothing like it is supposed to! Well, I figure  you win some and others just do not turn out right.  I have had a lot of trouble getting the four little beads to behave as the one big one that is intended in this pattern would.  Also, using the double thread is more difficult than I anticipated. 

But, I am going to finish the other one and will sew them on. The Boss is too young to be noticing the boo- boos!
Anon,