Hello Gentle Stitchers, I apologize for being away for so long. I have been busy piling up new projects, two smocked nightgowns, a baby dress and a beautiful silk ribbon project. On top of all that, I haven't finished my son's shirt and I'm learning to tat. I've wanted to learn this ever since I found the Baby Bonnet. Above is one of my first miserable efforts. The left pair are supposed to be identical to each other (counting problem), and the right group should have the outer two rings identical (tension problem, but at least I got the counting right).
This effort is slightly better, but I had a joining problem (as in I forgot to join the ring), so I cut it out and will start over. This is supposed to be a tiny doily with 14 rings, both large and small, in a circle. The blue marks are supposed to mark the distance of the thread, but as you can see I'm not consistent. I think the earlier distances are 1/2 inch as opposed to the correct 1/4 inch.
We are learning to tat with DMC Cordonnet Special Size 10, the top thread in the photo above. Compare this to the actual DMC Tatting Thread, Size 80. That is really, really, tiny thread, and it will be a while before I get to it. I am learning tatting by taking a class from the Los Alamitos Community Center, from a wonderfully fine teacher who is very experienced in various forms of needlework and is a member of the Long Beach Chapter of EGA. I've been practicing every day and am getting better, but still have a very long way to go. This is very addictive, and fun. It will be even more fun once I get a little something completed, more or less correctly.
Once I get all the other projects sorted out I'll start posting on them. I have way too many projects going on, and on top of that Mr. California Stitching finally retired for good. Having him around seems to take up more of my time, does anyone else see that happening in your lives? And on top of everything, we have another leak in my new hardwood floor in the living room. The dryers are going all day, the cat is jittery and so am I. I just need to keep telling myself that it's only money, it's not like someone is hurt or sick. Who knew that wood floors could be disposable?