Need . . . more . . . hours . . .

Still working on a bag to go with my new tatting press:

Still decoupaging shuttles, this time with paper napkins:

Still practicing techniques:

But have finished not one thing to the end!  I still need to spray the sealer on those shuttles.  That's the way some weeks go.  Hhhhmmmpppphh.

The good news is, I have a new tatting friend.  A LOCAL one!  And she's just as interested in getting a tatting group started here in Minneapolis as I am.  We are working together to organize a group of tatters and set up a gathering of the shuttles.  Thanks Michelle! 

My original intention was to get a group together to share techniques, teach and learn with one another, and promote tatting in general.  Now that we have a few people interested, how do we proceed?  What to do first?  It's going to be fun to meet some other tatters and see what their expectations and ideas are.  Wish us luck!

The leaves are falling - soon the branches will be bare - and the cold weather will set in.  We Minnesotans know this routine!  On with enjoying our beautiful fall weather while it lasts.

Blinged Shuttles

It's a new trend to "bling" your shuttles!  Umi-N-Tsuru had been showing her newly blinged shuttles, and put out an offer of an exchange to the first two commenters.  I was lucky enough to be in on that exchange, and received the pretty white blinged shuttle.  Ann at Nifty Needle was also sending me one of her fabulous new presses, so I thought it would be fun to have a little exchange with her as well. 

I decided to try decoupaging fabric onto shuttles, and since I am a self-proclaimed "bag" lady, I thought it would be fun to make matching bags for the shuttles as well.

I thought they turned out cute!  Decoromana has beautifully decoupaged shuttles, and has a tutorial HERE.  I would like to make some more and see how they are to actually tat with. 

I couldn't resist that bright green polka dot fabric for the green shuttle - it matched so well!  The fabric on the yellow shuttle is fabric by Arlene Linton.  She "paints" lace, and designed some fabric that just happened to be available at a Lace Society meeting I went to.  How appropriate for a shuttle and a bag to carry it in! 

I think this could be an addiction.  [Like I need another one.]

To Minnesota Tatters

Since I'm always wishing I had a group nearby devoted to just tatting, I wonder if there are others in the northern Minneapolis/St. Paul area wishing the same?  Anyone out there?


I would love to get something started in the northern metro.  A group to learn, share and promote tatting.  If you're interested, email me at ahappybluebird (at) gmail.com.  

Monday's Mail Made My Day

The 'Tatting Press' by that up-and-coming designer Ann with a Plan was waiting for  me in the mailbox when I got home today.  Not only is it a great design, but so expertly and neatly crafted as well.  I am honored to receive this gift!

Ann also included this beautiful tatted snowflake:

and these pretty buttons and beads:

and some leftover fabric to match the press:

The bag-lady in me is pondering a matching bag . . . 

Thanks again, Ann!
I will love carrying my tatting in this stylish press!

It's a Do-Over

I was feeling pretty smug about conquering those SCMRs. Once I got going on the Flowery SCMR Bookmark, I realized I had some brain sprains as I worked the pattern.  The joins don't look so good.  I'm also not sure how I twisted my chains in places.  Tension loosened up too.  And the OTT join on this particular bookmark had me baffled, so I have no idea what I did there.  Obviously, I have some other things to conquer. I got the SCMR alright, but the project is a Do-Over. It's that current 'second-time goes much better' post I've been relating to lately!

So, while I have learned a new technique, a few new things have surfaced that dash my confidence.  This is when I wish I had a local tatting group to turn to for a visual demonstration.  And then I think about starting my own local tatting group, but I would probably be the only member - LOL!   
* * * * * * * * * *
In Minnesota weather news, the leaves are beginning to turn their beautiful fall colors.  I am taking pictures of my back yard every day to be able to create a little slideshow to see how fast the view changes.  The color arrival, peak, and end all happens so fast, and before we know it, it's cold and bare out there and ready to . . . snow.   

Southern Minnesota and Wisconsin are experiencing unusual fall flooding, resulting in the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency.  See the PHOTOS and keep these areas in your thoughts and prayers.