Snail Mail Encouragement

How's this for cute mail?  Tatting on the envelope was pretty darn cute!  I'm going to remember to do that - it adds some fun.  I got some encouragement and instruction from Fox on that problem of joining that last pesky ring to the first.  For some reason, that concept just eluded me and made me crazy every time I tried it.  Fox sent me some instructions that helped her out - the book Tatting by Cathy Bryant explains this technique in a way I hadn't seen before, and Fox had said it helped her.  She is a wonderful tatter, so her suggestions are most welcome!  Funny how the same instruction just put a different way can be so helpful.  Thanks Fox - I think I got it!  Online tatting friends are so helpful.  And generous.  Fox also sent me some pretty thread to play with - and a postcard.  I think I really miss getting snail mail more often in this emailing/internet world.

I tried the same snowflake I had goofed up on before, just to have a comparison.  However, I'm such a doo-dah that I used heavier thread with metallic in it just because I thought it was "Christmas-y".  That probably wasn't a good idea, as the thread was a bit harder to practice with as far as watching the twisting goes.  But, I got that last join done without pulling out my hair.  I think I did it right :)

I need to find a fairly simple motif to do over and over again to practice.  I worked the same small pattern when I was learning to crochet, and it helped to become really familiar with the pattern and how the stitches were supposed to look when finished. It's just boring to do the same pattern over and over again.  I think this is a pretty snowflake shape - but I can see it definitely needs to be done in smaller thread to be as pretty as it should be.

I've also been working on some more of these bookmarks to have on hand to include in a Christmas card or two.  I really like this pattern - it's easy and works up quickly.  I like it best when done in Perle Cotton 12 - I'm finding I really like that particular thread.

On top of being wildly busy at work for the past week, I have been working on figuring out some Secret Santa gifts for the InTatters December exchange.  I've only participated in a couple of exchanges, so it will be fun to see what ideas everyone comes up with!  Any ideas welcome . . .