Practice Makes Better!

Since February is not only the month of Valentines, but also American Heart Month, I decided to make another heart - this beautiful heart pattern I keep seeing on numerous blogs.  I've seen it several times, in several colors, and was so glad to see the pattern available online.  I discovered that this is probably the nicest motif I've been able to make to see the colors in a variegated thread.  Tatskool has also been using this pattern when dyeing new threads to see the colorways.

This is Susan Fuller's pattern "Heart's Desire" in Size 40 Lizbeth Carribean, for my 8th Motif of the 25-Motif Challenge. 

This is one of my favorite Lizbeth colors!

I was a little worried about trying this one, but I was pleased when I actually accomplished it.  OK, I was thrilled that I DID IT!  I think I did pretty well - I may have some squirrely joins in there, but overall it looks great.  It's so delicate.

I've also completed this bookmark - the Peacock Feather Bookmark by Wally Sosa.  I saw this last summer on Intatters, and wanted to try that pretty tail.  I'm not sure if I tatted the chains too loosely on that end or what - my tail doesn't look quite as pretty as the pattern picture. 

This one is done in Wedgewood Dark and Spring Fling Lizbeth threads size 40.  I am counting this one as Motif #9 of the 25-Motif Challenge.

I am feeling much more confident with tatting lately.  I'm trying out some patterns I have collected, and finding that Yes! I can do them.  I've looked at some of them before and just put them back on the shelf because they looked too hard and un-achievable.  It's a good feeling to be able to tackle some of these ghosts that have been haunting me.  (It may also be that I'm trying patterns more suited to my skill level, LOL!)   In any case, the dreary winter months are proving to be beneficial, and I'm getting a lot of practice in on these dark, cold evenings.

Of all the crafting I have done over the years, I think tatting is the most difficult and frustrating thing I've ever tried to learn.  However, that's what makes it so rewarding when I feel a sense of accomplishment on even the smallest of patterns.  I GET IT!