I wondered how I should title this post, "How would you tat if all your work was scanned?", "Wabi Sabi Tatting", "Is perfection what it is cracked up to be?" Many of you thought I was trying to prove a point, but that is not why I did this little poll. I did it purely to satisfy my own curiosity. Are people naturally attracted to one type of tatting over another? With the advent of the Internet and scanners, our work can be more highly scrutinized than ever before. Many of you guessed that there was frontside/backside tatting involved here...but I tell you now, there is MORE than that going on in this example. Thank you to everyone who voted. At the time of this post there were 172 votes; essentially 75% of people liked example A. and 25% liked example B. better. Frankly I was surprised that 1 in 4 people liked example B. better and that made me wonder if they were trying to prove the point that they don't care for frontside/backside tatting. But overall it seems like people are more attracted to "perfection". As a Master tatter I feel an obligation to share my knowledge and strive for my personal best in tatting.....BUT.... I will say this and you can quote me, "I don't care one iota how other people tat". If you are tatting at all then I am super stoked on you! Nope....I'm not one of those who gets my panties in a wad over these little details. I will never judge someone else's tatting...(unless I'm getting paid to do so.) So, from a teacher's perspective, and for those who DO like to get caught up in all the details, the following may be of interest. Firstly we will address the obvious frontside/backside differences. So in case anyone is lost, example A. is tatted with all the little tricks I will be covering. And example B. is just your everyday normal old school style of tatting. You can tell the difference between frontside/backside tatting. Example B. has the half stitch where the chain starts. If you care, this is extremely simple to remedy, just reverse the order of your stitches on your chains. Another way to tell the difference between frontside/backside tatting is how your picots look. Did you know that there is a front and a back to a picot? ...and I don't think this even needs an explanation. Now on to the other tricks. Dropping your shuttle through your ring before closing it does make a slight difference. You can see in example A. that doing this forces that last stitch to the front so you can see it whereas in example B. it gets a little twisted and becomes lost. And finally....and probably my new favorite is KrystleDawn's method of the LHPJ "Larks Head Picot Join", which as she puts it, "Puts the belt on the pants of the double stitch"...or something to that effect. Feel free to chime in Krystle! I swear, every time I do this stitch I think to myself, "How in the world did she come up with this...she must be some kind of mad genius!" Anyhow, with just a little bit of practice all these things are quite simple and can become part of your normal tatting.....or not. It's up to you and you are the most important and most qualified judge of your own tatting! The bottom line is that tatting should be fun and enjoyable so tat the way that makes you the happiest!!!!!
You will need patience to master this needle tatting technique. Unlike shuttle tatting and traditional needle tatting, the tool does not hold a supply of thread with which to work. Instead, Japanese needle tatting functions more like crochet in that it draws continually from the ball of thread. - Japanese Needle Tatting - Tatting at BellaOnline
What Is The Number One Tatting Question The number one question asked by Tatters? Do you know the answer? They are looking for patterns beyond the traditional doily and edgings. Thanks to Globaliza…
If you are of a nervous disposition OR a needle tatter DO not read further! Well, perhaps you ought as it isn't 'all bad'!!!!! If you do read then I hope you'll read to the end - before you fall asleep!!! I took a trip to the dark side the other day - you know me and know my opinion on needle tatting from the past. But, I realised after several conversations with needle tatters (particularly Barb) that the needle tatting I self taught myself back in the 70's with the Jiffy needles (courtesy of the Morins) was different to the needle tatting being done nowadays. Takes time for the penny to drop with me!!! My opinion about needle tatting is based on the fact that it's not traditional - here is a link which gives the history of tatting on Wikipedia. I have seen one very old published item (1917) showing that a needle can be used but it does make me wonder why it was never adopted and developed like shuttle tatting. I think this is the piece I remember seeing - below. After yet another ‘chat’ with Barb she pointed out that (like the Jiffy needle method) this is an antiquated method (I hadn’t looked at it closely – just used it as an illustration of when the use of a needle was first seen - probably) and again is probably the reason that the ‘modern’ needle tatting has evolved. Anyway after these conversations I felt curious enough to try it for myself. Bearing in mind I've had a set of the new sorts of needles (after Jiffy) which I bought before internet ordering was available from Handy Hands and which has remained unopened until a few days ago - you can see my interest in this skill - nil!!! So, digging around in my tatting cupboard the other day I found this ancient (but new!) set of needles!! Still unopened. A matter of an hour or so later I'd got the 'hang' of this technique. I don't mind the wieldy and (definitely not pretty!) needle or the fact that you have to be careful you don't sit on it but what really bugged me (and I couldn't get it any better - is the 'padded' look of the finished piece. I read all the instructions and got the right sized needle for the right thickness of thread. I tightened my stitches up real snug on the needle and they looked beautiful. I slid them off and there they were - all floppy and limp. I also quickly got into a mess with the long length of thread needed but fortunately the phone didn't ring and nobody came to the door - I only got a tangle once!!! Anyway, the needles were relegated to the cupboard again for a few days by which time I'd given it more thought and decided to have another 'go'!!!! This time I thought I'd do a comparison and was surprised to find that the needle tatted and shuttle tatted pieces both came out the same size. That DID surprise me. BUT the needle tatted one is still floppy and the 'stitches' do not hug the core thread as in a shuttle piece. On the left is the needle version and the right is the shuttle. Now, to summarise my excursion to the dark side (which turned out to be not so dark!). I can now say that the although the finished item is ALMOST as good as shuttle tatting - it doesn't quite 'make it' for me as it certainly doesn't give a crisp finish. The needles are NOT pretty!!! The length of thread needed that lies in the lap is extremely annoying and tangles easily - in my second attempt I got into an even worse tangle as there was more thread. I'm not sure which would be worse - so much dangly thread or forever joining in new!!! Finally - why on this planet would anybody want to learn something that is harder to learn than using a shuttle with a poorer result!! I can't see how this is easy to carry around with you when that length of thread is going to have to be put in a bag! My final word is still that this side line of the craft should not be called tatting. In fact ALL tatting SHOULD in my opinion be defined by the way it is made. We have 'bobbin' lace, 'needle' lace, 'knitted' lace, 'tape' lace and 'machine' lace so why shouldn't we define these two as 'shuttle' tatting and 'needle' tatting every time it's mentioned. Honestly it's only fair to the person reading it to be given the information that there are two ways of getting there. BACK TO MY SHUTTLES - WHOOOPEEEEE.
Learn Needle Tatting With My Flower Pendant: Sure my mask is cool, but it's not for the beginner. This is a beginners project with needle tatting. Making this simple flower pendant will teach you some of the basics of needle tatting. No knowledge of tatting is needed, but knowledge of other fi…
Olde West Inspiration Good morning, dear readers! I have a confession- yesterday was VERY productive in the Atelier. Three new OOAK design prototypes worked out exactly as I had them in my head & I started making them with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk. The bad news is I did not get as far with the next step in the Plain Jane Project as I had planned. Sorry about that, but the creative juices were flowing and I could not afford to ignore the ideas in my head. Now, if you wish, you may attach the accent drop featured yesterday on the main focal piece of the Plain Jane Project and be done with it- OR if you wish, continue with me on this tat-along as Plain Jane will be transformed into a necklace. After I finish designing and posting Plain Jane, I plan to transform her into Lady Jayne! Then you, dear readers, can do the same with your own ideas and such. Anyway, this is how I am starting the two side pieces: These ICRs will form a chain on each side of the focal point. I'm not sure how many for each side yet, but will post the exact number on Monday. Of course, each tatter may wish to adjust the number of ICRs to make a necklace to her/his preferred length. The counts are: ICR 11 very small- 11 CL ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL ICR 11 very small - 11 CL ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL Tie, hide ends & cut. For the next ICR motif: ICR 11 + 11 CL ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL ICR 11 very small - 11 CL ICR 11 followed by 3 very small -s 11 CL Tie, hide ends & cut. Continue with these counts until you have two side pieces that are the length you require. I will be posting more specific details and instructions on Monday. Well, I have more work to do on Plain Jane and those OOAK pieces are still calling me. May you all have a fabulous weekend full of creativity! Until Monday~ Happy Tatting!
DIY Macrame Tutorial: How to Create a One-Sided Vine/Leaf Pattern! – Please see below for materials and written instructions. Material: – 3mm Cotton String (Colour: Natural) Hey guys! I have a new Vine and Leaf Pattern for you today that will show you how to create a vine with leaves on just one side. Set …
Tatting the chain around the other side of the bead, we come to the join. I opted to use the "Alligator Join". The core thread goes under the work, the auxiliary thread goes on top, (or reverse order if it looks better to you) and the tatting continues. This photo shows the first half of of a double stitch just after the join. It is still loose in the photo to help you see it, but it needs to be pulled up tight. Tatting continues around the beads. This concludes my tutorial on a string of beaded mock rings. Have fun!
In the previous post we have seen how to work a chain of knots with picots on both sides, now we see how to make the motif shown in this ...
The triple picot is a decorative picot often used for added texture in tatting designs. - Triple Picot - Tatting at BellaOnline
Tatting lovely, lacy designs can create beautiful borders on clothes and accessories. Find out all you need to know to start making these beautiful creations today.
Tips for beginner tatters. How to distinguish the front and back sides of tatting, and is it worth paying attention to this.
Handcrafted Pyro-Art Tatting Shuttle Dave has handcrafted this 2 5/8 inch tatting shuttle from Strata-Bond, which is layers of birch wood that have been resin impregnated and bonded together under high pressure. It is very dense and moisture resistant and has no varnish, shellac, wax or other type finish to wear away. It has only been fine sanded and buffed to a gloss finish. He has burn etched a rose design on one side. This tatting shuttle has been initialed and dated by Dave and is currently up for auction on Ebay.
This beautiful design is available for free by Tat-ology. She has a few other designs too all equally as beautiful. The pattern is in the form of a PDF file which you can download.
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There are many explanations of and tutorials on how to make twisted picot joins floating through cyberspace. I have decided to add my own explanation because I believe that an AHA moment of understanding can sometimes take more than one explanation or a photograph that clicks with someone. Perhaps this description of the twisted picot join will be helpful... Here is a simple motif which is ready for its final join i.e. twisted picot join. A is the picot by which the final ring will be joined to the beginning ring. B is the stretch of taut thread between the pinch and middle finger which will be joined to A. To make the twisted picot join the motif will be folded along the blue line to bring A into alignment with B. To begin, I am holding the motif in the normal fashion. In this photo the motif has been folded. The back of A is now visible and has been brought close to B. I have inserted my crochet hook into picot A from the underside. Now I turn the crochet hook clockwise to put it into position along the taught thread at B. I'm ready to pick up the thread... And pull the taught thread through the picot to form a loop large enough... For my shuttle to pass through. Don't ask me WHY I used such a big shuttle for such a small motif! My ring needs 5 more DS before closing. I add these now BEFORE unfolding the motif. After the ring's stitches are complete, unfold the motif and make sure the twisted picot join is in fact NOT twisted and that stitches are correct. I'm ready to close this ring! Here is my completed motif. The final join is my twisted picot join. Look Ma, no lumps!!!
Un cuoricino a pizzo chiacchierino, schema di Muskaan.
Arches Doily (One of my first, from the 1980s!) 2-Way Star (2 rounds, 2 shuttles for 2nd round) Click on the name of the pattern below the picture. It will link to the original blog post, or, in some cases, directly to a PDF file. My Permissions: You may sell or give away the items that you make using my free original patterns. Feel free to post pictures of the things that you have made, make changes, get new ideas, and have fun! Please do credit me (yarnplayer, or Marilee Rockley) as the designer, and share by linking to my blog. Thank you! Easier Level Patterns: Flutterby Heart Dissent Collar (diagram only) Easy Star and Snowflake Ripple Necklace Easy Flower Bookmarks Easy Butterfly Bookmarks Easy Victorian Rectangle Remembrance Ring Pointed Snowflake with Double Picots Simple Filigree Heart Quickie Snowflake Earrings ___________________________________________ Challenging Level Patterns: Double Flower Celtic Star Capella Flat Carnation Tatted Cotter Pin Links Roundabout Earrings Melt Into Spring Snowflake Chill Snowflake Joyful Bell Dream Necklace, Earrings, and Pendant Eternal Rose Cross Encore Earrings Pruning Hooks Earrings Beaded Shamrock Celtic Knot Shamrock Vision Necklace Video demo on YouTube Carnival Earrings One Small Candle Dalek Menorah
Cute tatting lace small doily pattern
Instructions for interlocking tatted rings appeared in the Young Ladies Journal,1869. This method was revived and reprinted in Tatting Knots and Notes, Nov. 1992 by the late Doretha Albee. - Interlocking Tatted Rings - Tatting at BellaOnline
My shuttles have been languishing, I'm having tatting withdrawal symptoms! I'm tatting Black Magic from Tatting with Visual Patterns by Ma...
This digital instant download contains pattern for making Moon. You can download after payment on "Purchases and opinions" section. There will be a "Download" button against the order. Warning! It 's not a finished product! This is not educational material! It is a digital pattern. You must be able to do tatting. You should be able to make a ring, chain and be able to read a pattern. The file contains: - instructions in english - photo - diagrams Necessary materials for work: - threads - 2 shuttles - hook for connecting elements If you use thread #20, size of moon is 12*10 cm If you use thread #10, size of moon is 14*12 cm You will need Adobe Acrobat or other PDF reading software to access the file. You can’t seem to find my download notification email? First, check your spam or junk inbox. If you use Gmail, also check your Social and Promotions tabs. PLEASE NOTE: You are purchasing the pattern only. The design copyright remains with me. You may sell or give away items that you make using this pattern, but you may NOT distribute the pattern itself anywhere. Due to the nature of digital files, this pattern is non refundable. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for watching!
Three sizes (3/5/7) of tatting needles for making lace or ribbon flowers. Includes two needle threaders. New to tatting? Sign up for a private lesson, and we'll show you how to make beautiful lace like these! (This class includes your needles and materials) Want to make easy ribbon flowers? Check out this quick tutorial here!
Over the past couple of months, I have drawn a few designs that I would really like to turn into tatting. There is only one problem: I am not proficient in the techniques I would need to use to make that happen. So, this week, I decided to go through my tatting books to see if I could find patterns that I could use for practice. It didn't take me long to find the perfect book: Tatting Patterns by Lyn Morton. This had all of the techniques I was looking to brush up on: sideways facing rings, chains joined to each other, directional changes, and climbing out from one round to the next. The first motif, "Rosie," is very simple and good practice for sideways facing rings, as well as for joining the last chain back to the first. I didn't load enough thread onto my shuttles, so I only completed five repeats: I like Lyn's technique of placing a small picot before beginning the first chain, so that you have something to join back to at the end. I didn't even know that you could make a picot before the first stitch of a chain. This is definitely something I will be using in the future. The next motif, "Hearts and Flowers," is a bit larger, and also has sideways facing rings. I saw this and wanted to use it to practice connecting chains along a straight line. I had to make sure to keep my tension loose so that my chains did not curve too much: After this, I decided to try out "Margaret" to practice changing directions while tatting. The directional changes occur in Round 2, to make each of the flowers. There weren't many instructions on how to to this, so I had to figure it out by myself. It wasn't too bad, I just had to remember not to reverse my tatting and to use the shoelace trick before each center ring. As an added bonus, I discovered that the shoelace trick makes enough of a gap to be used as a place for joining. Lastly, I tatted the "Flat Flower Motif" which utilizes sideways facing rings and climbing out to another round. The spaces between the rings and chains make a good join location for the last round, so no extra picots needed here. I blocked this one very crudely by smashing it down with a wet paper towel and letting it dry on a paper plate. I have a blocking board and rust proof pins, but rarely have the patience to use them :) All in all, tatting motifs from a book is much easier than designing, but I also find it to be more boring and less fulfilling. I wonder how long I will continue tatting from books before I become tempted by the thought of making a new design...
This digital instant download contains pattern for making “Apple Tart” square doily. It is not a finished product, but a digital PDF with diagrams and written instructions. There are total 7 pages with clear diagrams and written instructions. Tatting level : Intermediate (2 shuttles) The pattern “Apple Tart” does not contain basic tatting instructions, so you need some tatting experience to follow the diagram. you will need the following tatting skills to complete the motif: - rings - chains - lock joins - split rings - onion rings - adding beads (optional) Materials for work: threads (either size 20 or finer) 2 shuttles crochet hook for connecting picots and joints picot gauge (for long picots) Diameter for the doilies (shown in photos for this listing): - Both my works are using Lizbeth 40, hand dyed colors ~ 12 x 12 cm / 4.72 x 4.72"; Beads: Miyuki DB. - @harunonuigurumi : Olympus Gold Label #40 (motifs) + Lizbeth #40 (edge) ~ 11.5 x 11.5 cm / 4.5 x 4.5". - @frivolite_amor.feito.a.mao_ : Drima pesponto TEX #80 (similar to Lizbeth #40) ~ 12x12 cm/ 4.72x 4.72". Be creative and enjoy tatting! You may give away motifs or doilies that you make using this pattern, but distributing the pattern itself anywhere is prohibited. Please note that I don't except returns or exchanges. NOTE FOR DOWNLOADING THE PDF: I’ve received quite a lot of messages asking how to download the PDF after purchasing. 1) no matter you are purchasing from ETSY through your mobile or computer, once you are done for the payment, ETSY will send you an email for the purchase receipt and download link directly. Please note that they will only send to the email that you registered in Etsy. 2) However, ETSY only allow you to see the DOWNLOAD LINK in laptop/tablet/computer. That means, you can’t see the link in your MOBILE. 3) Just simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button on your purchased list in ETSY account. 4) Open your downloaded file in your device, and print it ! That’s it. It’s very easy to do all these steps if you are using laptop/tablet/computer. (MOBILE DOES NOT WORK FOR DOWNLOADING FILES in ETSY) Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about tatting and the pattern. Thank you.
Great for beginners who want a little extra challenge, this doily would look fantastic in a huge range of color combinations, or even one color. It's the perfect option for a small space you want to add a pop of color and visual interest to. To tat this doily, you only need to know how to make rings and chains. Materials needed: two shuttles, tatting thread in your choice of thickness (I used size 20 Lizbeth thread in the photos), a crochet hook or shuttle with a hook (for joining elements), small sewing scissors, and a needle to weave in the ends once you're finished. PLEASE NOTE: This item is for the tatting pattern only, not a finished doily. Your pattern will be in the form of two pdf downloads - one is written instructions and the other a diagram. You may do anything you like with your finished doily, but you may NOT reproduce, sell, or distribute the pattern itself in any way. Thanks for looking!
For PDF download click HERE.
What Is The Number One Tatting Question The number one question asked by Tatters? Do you know the answer? They are looking for patterns beyond the traditional doily and edgings. Thanks to Globaliza…
You will need patience to master this needle tatting technique. Unlike shuttle tatting and traditional needle tatting, the tool does not hold a supply of thread with which to work. Instead, Japanese needle tatting functions more like crochet in that it draws continually from the ball of thread. - Japanese Needle Tatting - Tatting at BellaOnline
One of my Etsy customers had a question about a vintage pattern from "Old and New Designs in Tatting" by LaCroix, Sophie T., c.1910. The pattern #1143 is very pretty, easy to tat but a little hard to get started and explain. I gave it a try in my "Pansy" hand dyed thread, and had to think for awhile before I figured out how to do it. The picture in the book has the lace turned the opposite way from how it is seen while tatting it, so that made it seem difficult. Also the written pattern has mistakes. So, here is my version: R 4 - 4 - 4 - 4. Reverse work. Ch 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4. Reverse work. *R 4 - 4 - 4 - 4. Turn only the ring over. Bring the ball thread up into position to tat the following chain. Ch 4 + 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 (joining first picot of chain to middle picot of previous ring). Reverse work. Continue in the same way from * for length desired. End by tying the end of the last chain to the middle picot of the last ring. The reason I didn't do a "shoelace trick" at the base of the ring is because the thread positions do not need to be crossed or switched there, only the ball thread needs to be brought up so that the chain can proceed in the reversing direction. That was what seemed right to me, at any rate. The reversing point between the chains does not lie perfectly flat when using ball and 1 shuttle, but is sufficient. It could be made perfectly flat by using 2 shuttles, but a description of the 2 shuttle version will have to wait for another time. Trip coming up! Sunday, June 21, I'll be leaving on a jet plane to travel to Denver, Colorado. I'll be teaching a class there for a few days. So, Friday, June 19 I will de-activate most of my Etsy shop except for the instant download patterns, since I won't be home to do any shipping. I'll re-activate the rest of my shop by June 26.
Tatting PDF pattern “Embrace” (diagrams & written instructions) This digital instant download contains pattern for making “Embrace” doily. It is not a finished product, but a digital PDF with diagrams and written instructions. There are total 8 pages with clear diagrams, written instructions and photos for this pattern. Tatting level : Intermediate (2 shuttles) The pattern “Embrace” does not contain basic tatting instructions, so you need some tatting experience to follow the diagram. you will need the following tatting skills to complete the doily: - rings - chains - lock joins Materials for work: threads (either size 20 or above) 2 shuttles crochet hook for connecting picots and joints 1 paper clip for round 2 There are two samples in my listings: 1. Larger doily Thread: Olympus Gold Label 40 Diameter: 25cm (~10”) 2. Smaller doily Thread: Olympus Gold Label 70 Diameter: 18cm (~7”) My other testers also have different dimensions with other thread brands. 1. DMC Cecelia size 20, diameter of doily is 25cm (~10”) 2. Lizbeth 80, diameter of doily is about 19cm (~7.5”) 3. Ette60, diameter of doily is about 19cm (~7.5”) Be creative and enjoy tatting! You may sell or give away motifs or doilies that you make using this pattern, but distributing the pattern itself anywhere is prohibited. Please note that I don't except returns or exchanges. NOTE FOR DOWNLOADING THE PDF: I’ve received quite a lot of messages asking how to download the PDF after purchasing. 1) no matter you are purchasing from ETSY through your mobile or computer, once you are done for the payment, ETSY will send you an email for the purchase receipt and download link directly. Please note that they will only send to the email that you registered in Etsy. 2) However, ETSY only allow you to see the DOWNLOAD LINK in laptop/tablet/computer. That means, you can’t see the link in your MOBILE. 3) Just simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button on your purchased list in ETSY account. 4) Open your downloaded file in your device, and print it ! That’s it. It’s very easy to do all these steps if you are using laptop/tablet/computer. (MOBILE DOES NOT WORK FOR DOWNLOADING FILES in ETSY) Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about tatting and the pattern. Thank you.
Tatting Book $31.50 Doily made with tatting lace an Asahi Original - 46 amazing patterns split into sections spiral, motif, long pico, botanical, heart, Crystal of Snow, Star, and Butterfly written in Japanese all are diagramed and pictures of basic lessons ** Please note if you add additional items from another listing the added shipping charge is only for the additional item added usually $.50 per item**
I wondered how I should title this post, "How would you tat if all your work was scanned?", "Wabi Sabi Tatting", "Is perfection what it is cracked up to be?" Many of you thought I was trying to prove a point, but that is not why I did this little poll. I did it purely to satisfy my own curiosity. Are people naturally attracted to one type of tatting over another? With the advent of the Internet and scanners, our work can be more highly scrutinized than ever before. Many of you guessed that there was frontside/backside tatting involved here...but I tell you now, there is MORE than that going on in this example. Thank you to everyone who voted. At the time of this post there were 172 votes; essentially 75% of people liked example A. and 25% liked example B. better. Frankly I was surprised that 1 in 4 people liked example B. better and that made me wonder if they were trying to prove the point that they don't care for frontside/backside tatting. But overall it seems like people are more attracted to "perfection". As a Master tatter I feel an obligation to share my knowledge and strive for my personal best in tatting.....BUT.... I will say this and you can quote me, "I don't care one iota how other people tat". If you are tatting at all then I am super stoked on you! Nope....I'm not one of those who gets my panties in a wad over these little details. I will never judge someone else's tatting...(unless I'm getting paid to do so.) So, from a teacher's perspective, and for those who DO like to get caught up in all the details, the following may be of interest. Firstly we will address the obvious frontside/backside differences. So in case anyone is lost, example A. is tatted with all the little tricks I will be covering. And example B. is just your everyday normal old school style of tatting. You can tell the difference between frontside/backside tatting. Example B. has the half stitch where the chain starts. If you care, this is extremely simple to remedy, just reverse the order of your stitches on your chains. Another way to tell the difference between frontside/backside tatting is how your picots look. Did you know that there is a front and a back to a picot? ...and I don't think this even needs an explanation. Now on to the other tricks. Dropping your shuttle through your ring before closing it does make a slight difference. You can see in example A. that doing this forces that last stitch to the front so you can see it whereas in example B. it gets a little twisted and becomes lost. And finally....and probably my new favorite is KrystleDawn's method of the LHPJ "Larks Head Picot Join", which as she puts it, "Puts the belt on the pants of the double stitch"...or something to that effect. Feel free to chime in Krystle! I swear, every time I do this stitch I think to myself, "How in the world did she come up with this...she must be some kind of mad genius!" Anyhow, with just a little bit of practice all these things are quite simple and can become part of your normal tatting.....or not. It's up to you and you are the most important and most qualified judge of your own tatting! The bottom line is that tatting should be fun and enjoyable so tat the way that makes you the happiest!!!!!
