'New to Me'

Crochet Queen Anne's Lace scarf...

2012-01-08T10:05:00.000-06:00

This was first attempt. The ladies at my weekly tatting group was making this, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Found a wonderful link, very helpful! http://thisdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/crochet-101-class-queen-annes-lace.html

Our tatting group...

2012-01-02T11:31:00.000-06:00

'Tuesday Tatters' had a 'home make' gift exchange. This is what I made this year. Lizbeth 20 thread and seed beads.

Happy New Years!

2012-01-01T18:26:00.002-06:00

Tatting Christmas Exchange 2011

2011-12-21T10:18:00.001-06:00

Above is what I sent for my Christmas exchange this year. Marion put the wreath next
to a blue ball so the snowflake in the center would show up better.

This is what I received! Note the covered ball. It was Karen's own pattern. The tree was a challenge for her and did a beautiful job!

'Judith'

2011-12-13T18:27:00.000-06:00

This is what the pattern by Lyn Morton is called. Since this is the first time making it, I decided to use size 10 thread. I did join some of the picots not according to the pattern. Now to try perhaps try another, with smaller thread and perhaps beads...

Back to tatting...

2011-12-08T15:54:00.001-06:00

This is called 'Elegance' and the pattern is by Lyn Morris from the book Tatting Patterns. The thread is Lizbeth size 20 in the color of Ocean Turquoise Lt. I think it's going to be very pretty on someones Christmas tree!

This one is called 'Loop-di-Loop'. Design by Hatmut Haas for the web site: http://www.freepatterns.com/
In the search area type in 'tatting'.

Don't you just love the Red and Green Christmas colors!!

I miss tatting but....

2011-10-21T12:13:00.001-05:00

....I am having fun with making these Spiderman crochet afghans. I have made my 5th one in 2 months! Nuts right...5 down, 2 to go! I so enjoy making them, happy to see them go to 'good homes'.

Remember the gift I won...

2011-10-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

Well, not only did I get this precious quilted table topper, but also an awesome issue of Mollie Makes.
What a wonderful surprise to find it in the mail. Thanks Loppy Lou! Greetings from my home to yours, the USA to the UK!

I won!! Thanks 'Loppy Lou'

2011-09-22T08:35:00.001-05:00

http://loopylousadventuresintohandicrafts.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-17T06%3A43%3A00%2B01%3A00&max-results=1

Jane was having a 'give a way' for a table topper and I won! Boy, am I'm being blessed this month!
Please visit her blog. She loves crafts of all sorts and is really working on something now
that is just awesome! Stop by and say hi!

Juniper wanted bright pink and purple...

2011-09-18T13:19:00.002-05:00

A 62 inch round ripple crochet afghan. My grand-daughters favorite colors!
Made it like the 'Super Man' style adding the white web. This is # 3 since August 18th!

A message from Mark, AKA: Tatman (LETS SET A RECORD!)

2011-09-16T15:16:00.005-05:00

Guinness Book of World Records and Facebook
Anyone can join! Here is the link: http://www.palmettotatters.org/

Tatman has requested a "Tat to the World Record". Here's the info:

HELP SPREAD THE WORD: Tweet it. Blog it. Post it. Friday, September 23, 2011, Palmetto Tatters Guild on Facebook, 6 to 6:30 EST. Pattern at www.palmettotatters.org. Comment or Chat with us on Facebook. Let us know your location by country. How far can we reach?

Here's the pattern:
Tat Off! Pattern is at http://www.palmettotatters.org/events/TatDays2011/TatOff2011.pdf

See you there.

9/11 Let us not forget...

2011-09-11T09:24:00.003-05:00

Remember the gifts I won from Rachel's blog at http://pineywoodstatter.blogspot.com/ ?

I received the package last night and just had to share this photo! Included was a vintage butter pat, 5 antique shell buttons, a small bag of size 15 Miyuki rocailles in "Fancy Lime Green", a small bag of size 10 seed beads in "Rainbow Peach", DMC floss bobbins, a skein of Wildflowers thread in "Celadon", the tatted pendant/scissors fob and the thread & tatting needles! WOW, I was so touched, I cried. Thanks again Rachel.

I won!

2011-09-08T18:46:00.001-05:00

Rachel at 'The Piney Woods Tatter' blog had a thread and goody give-a-away and I won!! She is a needle tatter and she has inspired me to give it a try. Her blog has free patters, and I am looking forward to working on a few myself.

lhttp://pineywoodstatter.blogspot.com/2011/09/thread-give-away-results.html

Stop by and pay her a visit and welcome her to the wonderful world of blogging. She's is new and so far her blog is off to a wonderful running start!

A another blog.

2011-09-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

http://sophienzoe.blogspot.com/ 'the girls'

Some of you may know that we got another Yorkie. I have decided to blog about them. The joys and what its like to have 'the girls'. If you care to, stop by from time to time. Oh, let me know you were there! Thanks.

New Puppy, another project

2011-08-29T17:29:00.006-05:00

Keeping busy this past week. I did this 53 inch Spider Man afghan, its crochet. This is the 7th one I have made since I started making them in November 2007. I have several to make before the end of the year.

Its also called a round ripple and can be found on line if you care to Google the pattern. Just look for Spiderman Round Ripple afghan.

We got a puppy! May I introduce to you, Zoe'.

This is the half sister to Sophie, who is now 15 months old.

Still not sure what to think, I think they will so become 'best friends!'

More baubles...

2011-08-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

and a candy cane! Have fun with colors. The brown one is Lizbeth Rootbeer Float!

Covered baubles

2011-08-03T15:55:00.001-05:00

Not to early to start.... The large one I used Flora thread, size 20. For the smaller ones, Lizbeth size 20 thread. I used a snowflake pattern by Kaye Judt from the book 'A Little 'O This A Little O' Tat for the gold one. The red one is a pattern from Mary Konior's 'Anniversary Motif. Two ladies in my tatting group suggested I use 'Liquid Stitch' to attach the tatting to the balls. So, that is what I used and so for, so good!

My Flower Garden/Tumbling Block!

2011-07-27T08:06:00.002-05:00

Yea! Its done. I used Lizbeth size 20 thread. Each flower took about 20 minutes to make, and the flowers are the size of a U.S. quarter.This project took me about 5 weeks of tatting. It measures 7 inches from point to point, 13 inches across and 11 inches from top to bottom. If you care to see how this was started, please check out my older post, when I first started this 'motif'.

Grandma's Flower Garden is growing...

2011-07-14T11:27:00.001-05:00

Update

2011-07-01T10:35:00.002-05:00

UFO... Unfinished Project from Feb. 1996

2011-06-26T11:46:00.001-05:00

Well, I guess I have been inspired to drag out this afghan out. At first it was with the intent to 'ditch' it...after all I was cleaning out a closet. But then Fox may have inspired me...THANKS, FOX! She made a comment about the tatted Flower Garden I just started.

I laid it out, seeing what I had done in the past, and well its not as bad as I thought. I do have some regrets. I know that is why I put it away the last time I drug it out. I crocheted too tight. This was before I learned to quilt. I only knew how to crochet at the time and thought I would make me something that 'looked' like a quilt. Using a looser stitch would not give me the same texture, I guess.

Anyway it is what it is. I will change and add a new flower color. We shall see. Mercy, what was I thinking!!! LOL

A Flower Garden....

2011-06-25T17:57:00.001-05:00

A tatting friend of mine is working on Grandmothers Garden . Which can be found here:

http://marthas-tatting-blog.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-does-your-grandmothers-garden-grow.html

But, I decided to use different flowers. So far, this is what I have.

Saying good-bye

2011-06-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

I so wanted the Mary Konior's book Tatting in Lace. But wow...just not in my budget! So, I borrowed the book threw Interlibrary Loan. I found that the book was at the Independence, Mo. library. I went to my local library, filled out a form AND 3 weeks later I HAD THE BOOK! It came to my home town library and I had the book for 3 wonderful weeks! But, all good things must come to and end. I have been blessed
to have had the chance to view the book. Now, its time to share with someone else!

Tatting for Ondrea

2011-06-08T13:03:00.002-05:00

Since my daughter has received this in the mail, I can now show you. Not like she reads my blog...but just in case...LOL These are her favorite colors! Ocean Teal Medium for the tatted pendent and bracelet and black and white (zebra) for the bookmark.
Here is what she had to say: Pretties from my wonderful mother to remind me how special life's breaths truly are.

By: Ondrea Denise

Cherries

2011-06-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

Tatted cherries in size 20. Pattern from Nancy Tracy at be-stitched.com.

Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T07:12:00.008-05:00

Red is for the Bravery: blood shed in sacrifice. Freedom came with lives the price.

White is for Liberty; freedom's purity. Life be free from God's degree.

Blue is for the Justice; as vast as the sky. Over freedom's land to occupy.

This pattern is from The Workbasket, November 1976 also found in the
May 1991 issue. No mention of who the designer is.

Shuttled tatted with Lizbeth size 20 thread and is 8.5 inches X 12.5 inches.

It took me about 120 hours to tat with love in every stitch!

Love in bloom...

2011-05-29T07:49:00.003-05:00

My first Frangipangi .

These bloomed a few days later, with 6 flowers!

It has a wonderful sweet aroma.

Tatting in Lace....

2011-05-22T18:32:00.001-05:00

Working in size 80 thread.

She made it...

2011-05-20T14:02:00.002-05:00

safe and sound. This is the beautiful angel I won from Linda and she arrived today! She will travel with us when we go RVing...isn't she beautiful! Thank you Linda, so very much. You may want to visit her at: http://lllangel.blogspot.com/.

A tatted collar....

2011-05-05T08:40:00.002-05:00

I just finished this tatted collar in size 20 thread. Color is Lizbeth Antique Violet Lt. # 639. Not sure what I will do for the closer, or what I will do with the collar. I did not block it yet. I sort of like the way the edge curled. You can find the pattern here:

http://ginabea.com/i/TattedCollarPatternGinaBea.jpg

Drawstring Tatting Bag, for a friend.

2011-04-26T13:07:00.002-05:00

I used the pattern from the book: Contemporary Art of Knotting with a Shuttle by Rhoda L. Auld.

Not knowing, I added an extra ring of the 2nd round, making the base larger. Awesome! What a nice surprise that this 'error' would make it 'WOW'. The bag has about a 7 inch opening. I made one last year. Just the perfect size to carry my tatting supplies. I use a small size contact case, much like what you would use for glasses, only smaller. In it I add: shuttle, one to tat with and another that has a crochet hook on it and pair small pair of scissors. In the bag even a small bottle of Fray Check or clear finger nail polish and a ball of size 20 thread. I find no need to line it, but I am sure it would be even pettier if one did.

Oh my! I won an angel!

2011-04-25T15:17:00.004-05:00

And The Winner Is . . . .

Well, it's the day I promised I would have a WINNER (I feel like Charlie Sheen) of my little angel. My husband did the honors and pulled out one of the 11 names written on pieces of paper. And the WINNER is . . . . Nancy in Dallas!!

I am so excited! My little angel will come with us as we travel. Thank you Linda for this beautiful angel thanks to your husband too!
Please visit Linda at http://lllangel.blogspot.com/. She has an wonderful blog and does awesome work.

After a year of searching....

2011-04-19T09:42:00.001-05:00

...we found the perfect RV for us! Yea! I love the one at the lake, but with this one.. we can travel! Please visit the pictures under the labels 'lake/RVing.
Our first 'trip' will to Wichita, Ks. We have friends and family and a great way for DH to 're-do' his daughters deck! He works, I visit. Now how cool is that!

International Tatting Day

2011-04-03T17:07:00.000-05:00

On Friday, April 1st. I took Sophie to the Dog Park. Had to bring my tatting and chat with other dog lovers about the art of tatting...FUN FUN! Here you can see my latest project, a collar. Pattern by Gina Butler.

'Clover'

2011-03-25T19:11:00.004-05:00

This is an edging from Mary Konior, the book: Tatting with Visual Tatting. For this one, I did the edging first, then attached it to the hankie. I added a crochet edging, then sewed the edging last. I was not too happy with the out-come, but once I blocked it...wow I was very pleased. This will be for my neice that is getting married in May and the color teal and peach are her 'wedding colors'.
You know, after chatting with my sister about all that went into this project I have to say how much this was a GROUP effert! I asked for help here on my blog and on the group 'In-Tatters'. I could not ask my Facebook tatter friends because my nience and her sister have joined me as my family. I did not want them to see what I was 'up to'.
So many of you from all over the world were quick to help and I want to say thank you to all of you that gave advice on how to attach!
Also, I just learned that at the bridal shower, my 2 sisters will be there. So even thought I will not, I will be in spirit. I also have decided to include 'How to make a hanki bonnet.' IF in the funture she wants to pass it down, it could be used again, and again. HUMMMM...perhaps I should have made it white.....

March 8th...

2011-03-06T10:03:00.009-06:00

For more information on Mardi Gras, please click on label (at end of this post) for past post on HISTORY and KING CAKES!

Don't you just love Jellybeans...

2011-03-04T10:21:00.000-06:00

How cute are these bookmarks! Here are a few of the colors I have made so far. Patten is by: Kendra Goodnow Helping Hands Newsletter by Handy Hands. Fall 2010

Finished and in the mail...

2011-02-19T07:06:00.000-06:00

Mom...my friend is having a baby...can you make a quilt and make it pink...

So. here it is. A snowball-9 patch on its way to its new owner.

Not sure how to...

2011-02-06T07:03:00.005-06:00

...add this beautiful tatting edge to a hankie. This is from Mary Konior's book: Tatting with Visual Patterns.
It's called Clover. Since it was my first time to make it, as you can see I did not attach my work to
the hankie as I went. Now what? All done, I have a square but not sure how to crochet it around the hankie.
Help! I did not line up the extra ring in the corner when taking this photo, but ALL corners will have the extre ring, just where it's suppose to be. Thanks in advance! *smile*

It is done...

2011-01-24T16:44:00.000-06:00

and in the mail. My daughters Tunisian Entrelac afghan. Parts of the pattern where taken from Carolyn Christmas pattern. The sides are what I did for the border. Can't wait till she gets it. I used Red Heart Soft, ahhhh and soft it is.

Check this out...

2011-01-17T17:38:00.001-06:00

http://guarddheart.blogspot.com/
My friend Elaine Gan has written down the pattern for her beaded balls. On her Christmas tree, there must have been at least 50 or more of these beautiful ornaments. So beautiful. Go, check it out and tell her I sent you. Here are the 'extras' she made!

Ondrea's bookmark

2011-01-10T17:36:00.004-06:00

The letter 'O'

These are Ondrea's favorites colors. If you notice the 'strings'

say: The key to love is a day at the beach, dance and music.

The love of her life is GOD but these are a few of her favorite things...

Happy New Year!! Remember the booties...

2011-01-01T09:08:00.003-06:00

Here is the quilt to go with it!

A 'snowball' pattern using a crochet lace for the edging.

Picture of the booties are in the entry below.

Tatted booties

2010-12-26T18:18:00.002-06:00

This pattern is from Mary Konior's book, A Pattern Book of Tatting. I omitted the 2nd round, making it to fit the premie that its for. I am working on the quilt that will go with these precious little 'Goodie Two Shoes'.

FREE-TATTING.COM may be the problem!

2010-12-12T13:26:00.003-06:00

After working on my pc...I have found that MY PC is NOT infected. BUT I continue to receive that message with the WARNING!!!! Is anyone having or had this problem???

Tatting bookmarks and wreaths

2010-12-12T11:42:00.002-06:00

The bookmark pattern is from Gina B. http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2002/ginabcross5.html

I love to add a tail with a charm. Also, the wreaths are easy and the pattern is taken from The Big Book of Tatting.

2nd place!

2010-11-18T18:30:00.000-06:00

Ondrea's 'girls' placed 2th!

Remember the Pumpkins...

2010-10-28T21:50:00.002-05:00

Well, my youngest daughter Ondrea also wanted crochet pumpkins for her gymnastic/cheer-leading class. I just received this pic and I wanted to share with you. What a wonderful surprise to see all these smiling faces. Miss 'Oh' (as the girls call her) is center front. Thank you Ondrea and thank you Bomb Squad for making my night~

A 'Hoody' for Sophie

2010-10-23T20:06:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for the cool weather...not sure when IT will happen. But I'm sure any day now!

Tunisian Entrelac Crochet

2010-10-20T16:52:00.000-05:00

This my first attempt at Tunsian crochet. Its taking me a while to get the 'hang of it', but I know once I do, it'll go fast. This is for Ondrea, my youngest daughter. Here you can get an idea of what it looks like with only the first 3 rows. Sophie truly enjoys being in the middle of things...*smile*

It's been awhile...

2010-10-11T11:27:00.002-05:00

....but yes, I have been busy. Sophie is now 4 months old and has completed her 6 weeks of 'Puppy Education'. Yea!!!

I crocheted a baby blanket for my newest grandson Judah Adonai. Just finished last night.

My daughter Desiree and grand-daughter, Jhordon had a request for tatted bookmarks. They wanted ones that they could put
in their bibles...Jhordon wanted the colors of a rainbow, with white on top. I thought that 'Tat-Man's' shuttle pattern looked most like a 'cloud'. (Thanks Mark). The other one has a "D"...for Desiree.

Also, she asked if I could make crochet pumpkins for the children's Sunday school class.

I have been making them since 1980, when Desiree was 4 years old and took them to her class during the fall season. You put them on 'blow pops', or any type of candy on a stick. Well, good thing I had some put away, because she wanted 36! So, I guess I best start now for years to come! lol

I would be happy to share the pattern if anyone of you would like to make them. Perhaps it's too late for this year, but maybe next!

Happy Labor Day Week-End

2010-09-03T19:52:00.002-05:00

School has started and today the weather was a bit cool...wow could that mean 'fall' is around the corner?

Well, remember the baby blanket I was crocheting? The more I worked on it, the less I liked the way the yarn felt. I used 'A pound of love' and it was just awful! Sooooo I did another, in a different yarn, and a different pattern.

Up date on Sophie.
She is now 3 months old and enrolled in a 'Puppy Classes'. She is doing great...I'm the one that needs the training...lol This morning she was outdoors and found this pail filled with last nights rain water. She could not resist dropping her ball in the water only to get it out and run around!

GOT IT!!!!

She just loves water...what a 'play baby'.

AND...I am working on making clothes for walking when it gets cold...here is the first jacket. Blue was the only knit fabric I have on hand...'smile'

The sleeves were way too long....had to roll them up. So, here is the finish product:

Much better.

Where has the summer gone....

2010-08-05T17:21:00.002-05:00

...school is gonna be starting soon.

We have been having a blast with the new puppy. Sophie is now 9 and a half weeks old now. On her last visit to the vet (8 week shots) she weigh 2.70 lbs. Her kennel training is great. One night she got in trouble with 'Dad' and took her favorite toy and put herself to bed. How heartbreaking and precious at the same time.

Here, we have her in her play-yard. Love it. Well, I do anyway. If you look real close, you

see her nose sticking out...lol

Only for a moment did we have her on the 'boogy board'. I think next year she will love being in the pool.

Plus, she will have her very own life vest, too.

I have been busy, somewhat, in doors. Working on a project by daughter asked me to make for a friend of hers.

Its a baby afghan for her baby. This is my first 'circle' that is not a ripple pattern. Can't wait to see what it will look like when its done!

Keep 'cool' my friends, soon it will be FALL!!

Lady Sophie Elysee...(eh lee s ai)

2010-07-12T10:18:00.001-05:00

...a new addition to our family.

She is a 6 week old Yorkshire Terrier. Isn't she precious...*smile*

Update on baby Judah...

2010-06-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

Its seem Judah likes the comfort of being held and is so content he has forgotten to eat! LOL.
He has lost a bit of weight, which is normal, but since is was delivered 3 weeks early, he and mom will stay an extra day in the hospital. When moms milk 'comes in' we know that he will start putting on the ozs!
Both are doing great and the kids are wonderful. Had fun with dad yesterday while Nana and big sister Jhordon hung out with mom all afternoon at the hospital. That was really nice. Jhordon stayed the night with mom. Tonight I will be there and take them both home tomorrow!
What a happy reunion and homecoming that will be!!

A new grandson....Judah Adonai

2010-06-25T09:11:00.002-05:00

At 8:45 AM this little one was born. Weighing 6 lbs 13 oz. 18 inches in length. Both mother and baby are doing fine. I am at home with his 5 siblings, and later today we will go and visit baby Judah.

Here are the pics of the visit with their new brother!

Juiper age 4

Jhordon age 15

Eli age 2, Judah and Malakai

Malakai age 5

Korbin age 9

....and Nana

For Judah Adonai...

2010-06-19T11:52:00.001-05:00

Monday I will leave for Atlanta, Ga. This blanket and tatted booties was made by me, with lots of love. Not sure when he will be born, perhaps at the end of the week. But yes, I will post pics as soon as he makes it into this bright, wonderful world!

More edging...

2010-06-15T08:08:00.001-05:00

from Mary Konior's 'A Pattern Book of Tatting'. This is one shuttle full of Lizbeth size 20 for the 'butterfly' edging. For the 'scrunchie' I used Valdani size 8 and this took two Sew Mate shuttles full. I am not sure yet if I will add more. My hair is thin so I have to more than double the twist, and the white is underneat anyways....

Last week my friend called and said that she found a clearence sale on the Valdani thread. 25 cents a ball! Boy, did we have fun going threw the different colors...They were in a package of 3, some 4 and a few had 2 in a package and I think I bought 17 packages! Ahhhh..... the little things in life.

'Coronet'

2010-06-10T20:08:00.000-05:00

This is a tatted trim called 'Coronet' from the book 'A Pattern Book of Tatting' by Mary Konior. I used my lasted HDT (hand dyed thread) size 20 from Linda Mattox at ETSY: lkmattox. Love the colors! This trimmed measured about 7 inches in length done from one shuttle full, using rings only.

It came in the mail yesterday!

2010-06-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

I am so happy to be the proud owner of this awesome book. Now, lets see what I can tat up next...

'Love-In-A-Mist'

2010-06-02T14:38:00.003-05:00

Here is a 'Plate Mat' tatted from Mary Konior's book: Tatting Patterns. It's worked in Lizbeth thread size 20, in the color of Mountain Breeze. As you notice, I also used my new "Pop-A-Bobbin" shuttle. I love it! This one is made of Cocobolo Rosewood.

I was not sure how a variegated thread would work with this pattern....but I am happy with the way it came out. It has a swirl effect that I did not notice until the end.

Next project:

2010-05-25T08:36:00.002-05:00

Found this material...I think it would make a nice baby quilt!

Stupid is: Backing up into a hot iron and burning the back of my arm!

Top is complete. Only took a few days to get to this point. Now to apply the backing which will be the strip fabric, quilt and bind.

My Journal: London

2010-05-22T08:47:00.021-05:00

Left Dallas, TX at 5:30pm for a 9-hour fight.

LONDON, ENGLAND: May 1-6, 2010

May 1^st: Saturday DAY 1:

May 2^nd: Sunday Day 2: My daughter Desiree’s 34th birthday.
Arrived in London about 8:30 am.
It was a bit before we found where we were to meet our ‘tour guide’. (We traveled with ‘Grand European Tours) but soon we were on our way to our hotel on a chartered bus line.

That was a ‘trip’ in its self! I sat in the front row of the bus so I could get the best possible view…and boy, did I. First of all I had to NOT freak because the driver was sitting on the wrong side, of course so was his steering wheel! It was raining, and a bit chilly, but not bad. I started taking a lot of pictures from my Iphone. It was so exciting!

We stayed at the Thistle Marble Arch. http://www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/thistle_marble_arch/index.html
A nice hotel. The escalator was out of order and because you come in on the lower level one must walk up a flight of stairs to the main part of the hotel. After making our way to the elevators, which was a nice little walk, on to the 3^rd floor. Then waaaayyyyyy down the hall….and I do mean DOWN THE HALL, turn to another hallway then turn to a shorter one! WOW, We got a great work out each and every time we went in and out…smile

Upon arrival we decided a nap was in order. Then we ventured out! We found a Pizza Hut for dinner. http://www.pizzahut.co.uk/restaurants/menus--deals/restaurant-menu/pastas.aspx
I had lasagna, which was very good. I have since discovered the sauce had a creamy béchamel sauce. Larry had some sort of pasta, but was not fond of his. Nothing we would find on the ‘USA’ menu.
Later we had a ‘met and greet’ with our tour group back at the hotel lounge.

May 3^rd: Monday Day 3:
An English breakfast! The buffet at the hotel had: Thick sliced fried potatoes, 2 types of tomatoes, half’s toasted and stewed. Pork N Beans,
Eggs were either poached or fried and even scrambled. Ahh…the bangers! An English sausage. Awesome. Different types each morning and my husband fell in love with them. (So much so that we got home he found a British Market that makes and ships them) So yes, we have bangers in our freezer! LOL Also, some type of brown patties, and I am afraid I do not know what it was. I tried if and it was some type of bread perhaps. I just know that I did not care too much for it.
Now on to the other foods: Lots of different types of wonderful croissants, (I found I enjoyed the ones with chocolate pieces in it) fruits, cold/hot cereals, sliced cheese/cold cuts. Juices and a lot of different teas/coffees.

A British lady with a cute accent filled this morning with a bus/walking tour of the city. Filled our heads with all sorts of information about all the things we were seeing and about people who at one time were in the area.
OMG! We saw so many buildings and learned so much history. Unbelievable!

We saw and admired: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and historic Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned since 1065. Then we road through West End, seeing Downing Street, Trafalgar Squares and The Nelson’s Column. We walked with our guide to Buckingham Palace to witness the pomp and pageantry Changing of the Guards. The St. James Park is awesome and I took a lot of pictures there as well.

We road along Piccadilly Circus/Eros Statue. Past Green Park and the Ritz and finished at the heart of the West End. We saw the hospital where Florence Nightingale started, the school of music where Elton John and many great artist went. Also saw the church where the author of Peter Rabbit was married. (From the movie Miss Potter) and soooo much more!

Our umbrellas came in handy as we walked and took in the sites. So many people, so much traffic. Mothers and their babies in strollers, not caring that it was raining. I love the way they had plastic coving up the stroller, allowing the child to see what was going on around them.

We took a River Cruise on the Thames. That was so cool. This way we were able to see buildings from the ‘back side’. The cruise was very relaxing, just what we both needed.

For the most part, lunch was just ‘something’ we could grab and eat as we walked. Like sandwiches, of all sorts. Love the breads!

Within a short walking distance from the hotel we found ‘Three Tuns’, a nice English Pub for dinner.
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/clubs_bars/venue-1378.php
Because it was still cold out, a wonderful fire was going in the fireplace that divided the pub from the dining area. It was so nice to sit, relax, and watch both the fire and the people. (You can see a pic of the fireplace in the ‘London’ album) Sitting in the ‘dinning area’ we also had a window view. I could see people standing, having a beer just visiting with friends, outdoors. They only had tall tables outside at this pub. There they stood, drank, talked with friends and smoked.

My only complaint was that smoking is allowed just right out side the doors. So, no matter where we went, I just had to remember to shield my face from the smoke!

May 4th: Tuesday Day 4:
This day, we rode the ‘The Original Tour’ bus. It is a double Decker, which has open top. We sat there so we could have the best views. I took so many pics with my Iphone and Larry had the camera. The bus had earplugs so you could listen to the tour guides as we rode around the city.
The service was a ‘hop-on hop-off type and offered 4 different tour routes. From they’re if we wanted to see something the guide talked about, we could get off and walk around. Then hop back on to continue the route.

If you will notice in my photos I have pics of elephants! They are for a fund raising effort to save endangered Asian elephants. Read about it here:
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/elephant-parade-london-feature-3697.html

Our first stop on the bus was at the London Eye.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye
It’s a ferris wheel that is 450 ft. tall. Takes about 30 minutes to go around. Awesome. What a wonderful way to get a ‘bird eye’ view of the city and beyond.
Then, on to Westminster Abby. That was magnificent. Back on the bus toward Shakespeare Globe, London Bridge, Dungeons, and the Tower Bridge. Just loved the Tower of London. Now, on to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Back towards the hotel in the other direction my husband really enjoyed seeing the Telecom Tower. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BT_Tower

Loved the buildings. So old, and large. The side streets just seem to go on forever and ever with even more large buildings!
Rode past the NAME BRAND STORES, where all the ‘high end’ shops are.
Went to Harleys where they are celebrating their 250^th birthday! Cool toy store!!
http://golondon.about.com/od/recommendedshops/fr/Hamleys.htm

Also, love the car dealerships!! WOW…I asked for a pink smart car…Larry said NO! Couldn’t fit in my luggage! Lol But they are so darn cute!!

Even passed in front of the Texas Embassy!
Now as you can see, by then I was so brain dead, it was unbelievable. My head was swimming from so many sights, sounds and history! Remember, all the while on the bus we had head phones, giving us information as we rode around looking the wonderful buildings!

When the day was near over, and we had had enough…back to Three Tuns for a cocktail and dinner. This time I had Roast Beef, potatoes, carrots and Yorkshire pudding and Larry had fish and chips! Very tasty!
OK, OK…perhaps not the Yorkshire pudding, but hey I did try it! lol

May 5^th: Wednesday Day 5:
After having another awesome breakfast we walked a bit, then got on the Original Tour bus. We went in a different direction this time.

Towards Sherlock Museum and shop and found a London Beatles Show. That was cool. Both were really fun to walk threw. From here we took a taxi towards Abbey Road. The driver gave all sort of cool information. Which ‘crosswalk’ was the correct on to see if we were going to take pictures. He pointed out the ‘first one’ where everyone assumes is the correct crosswalk, is not!
The second one, a block down has the brown building to the left. That is the one that is on the cover of the Beatles album cover “Abbey Road”. True to his word, we ‘found’ the one with the brown building on the side, the very same one as the album cover!

On to Notting Hill. Found the Travel Bookstore that Julia Roberts movie “Notting Hill” was featured. That was fun to go see. Love the area. Lots of outdoor markets. Venders selling all sorts of things. Fresh cut flowers everywhere to buy. Slow pace area, nice to really just walk and relax.

At some point had to ‘go to the restroom’ and even took a picture of the cute little sink. Larry by now was use to me taking pics of really weird things!
Ok, now that I am on the subject of toilets…wow now the public ones are truly cool. They look like a huge dome. Some you have to pay, some you don’t. After each use, they self clean. Cool huh! The door will close, wash, dry and ready to go for the next ‘customer’. This only takes a few minutes, but hey, it’s worth the wait.

After lunch, we continue to walk. And walk. Saw a lot of really neat apartments with awesome gardens. Walked in front of Princess Di’s favorite Café to have her afternoon tea with her boys. Now, named after her.

On towards Kensington Gardens/Palace. In Hyde Park, I really enjoy the lake, with all the swans and different types of waterfowl. You may have notice the ‘lawn chairs’ in the park. (In the pictures) They are for RENT! Yes, to lie in the sun will cost you. Don’t know how much, but it’s only for a short period of time. Past in front of Princess Diana’s Fountain, Peter Pan park and soooo much more. That park is huge…but oh so pretty. When we made our way to ‘Speakers Corner’, http://members.fortunecity.com/speakerscorner1/
and Marble Arch, we knew we were almost to the hotel! We both could not believed how much we had walked. But wow, what a day. Now for
one last dinner at Three Tuns and back to the room for an early night.
Tomorrow PARIS!

May 6^th: Thursday Day 6: PARIS
One last English breakfast… again we both found this meal very good. All ready now, time to gather with our group for the bus ride to the train.
http://www.eurostar.com/UK/us/leisure/about_eurostar.jsp

The eurpstar ride took 2 ½ hours from London to Paris. The train travels 180-200 miles per hour. The countryside was nice, from what we could see of it. There were fields of bright yellow something…very pretty, whatever it was. I did meet a lady commented on me tatting. Said her great-aunt use to tat.
Ahhh…now we have reach Paris! The first thing we did was get on a tour bus and travel about the city. We rode past the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Already my head was swimming with all the history and information we were hearing. Such beauty!

We were told there was good news and bad news. The bad news was we were transferred from one hotel to another. Good news, the hotel was in Paris instead of the outskirts. So after being on the tour for a couple of hours, we headed for the hotel. Concord De Lafayette.
http://www.concorde-lafayette.com/en/photos/photos01.aspx

This time, the room was a lot closer to the elevator and main area. By now
we are hungry and ready to check out the attractions! But first we need to ‘check out’ the room and wait for our luggage to be delivered.

Nice, a little small but hey, we’re not planning on sending that much time in it anyways. The decor is very ‘modern’, in the colors of black, gray and silver. All of a sudden I hear Larry say “OH MY GOD!” He is standing at the window, looking out threw the closed curtains. I had to see what all the fuss was about.

WOW. He was looking towards the Eiffel Tower!

Here we are, in Paris looking out of our hotel window viewing the Eiffel Tower! Now how cool is that!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

So now it is really time to eat, so we got together with a few couples from our tour group and went out to venture the streets of Paris.
After a bit we all decided on a nice pub and great a great meal.

http://www.pubsinparis.com/cambridge-tavern-17.html

We walked around in awe, still not believing we are in Paris.
Later, early evening we all met as a group and headed out again on a bus. This time is was for a Seine River night cruise. Ahhhh, a magical tour of the ‘city of lights’! What a beautiful night. After the cruise, we walked toward the Eiffel Tower. Now, it was all lit up! What an unbelievable sight. We all stood around; taking pictures enjoying this magnificent sight when all of a sudden the Tower lights started blinking! OMG! Sooo cool. It lasted 5 minutes. Then we learned ‘it’ happened at 9, 10 and 11 pm each evening for 5 minutes each hour. What a night. What a day. We’re tired but…it’s a good tired.
http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Paris/Monuments-Paris/Eiffel.shtml

May 7^th: Friday Day 7: stay tune for more...

New picture site....link and password

2010-05-18T10:28:00.001-05:00

http://s423.photobucket.com/home/MissMissy57/index
password: london
I had nothing but heartache working with Shutterfly...so, we are now using the above site.
I have not as of yet been able to edit all the pics, so forgive me if they are not 'just right'. But I still want to share with you some of what I saw. *smile*

New to Me BOOK!

2010-05-13T10:29:00.001-05:00

I am so happy to have a hard back copy of 'Tatting Patterns' by Mary Konior! I just love it! Also, how cool is the internet. I ordered it from the UK, and it was waiting for me at the post office when we got back! AND...looking threw the book I came across in the abbeviations: re: Roll Tatting.
Humm...what is that!?!?!? So, again I use the net and yea! found just what I needed to know. Life is good!

Just need to add the stars.....

2010-05-01T07:53:00.000-05:00

The flag is 13 inches across and 8.5 in length. I used Lisbeth size 20 in the colors of red, blue and ecru.
The pattern is from 'Workbasket' Nov. 1976.
We leave today for London/Paris for 2 weeks...so I am glad its done to this point.

What an honor...

2010-04-23T13:40:00.001-05:00

I just recived this in the mail and had to share. I was one of the test tatters for Heather Johnston's new book: Tatted Ladies In My Life.

I am so excited to have this. Thank you Heather. You are a blessing to me and many in the tatting world! My plan is to make all of the Ladies and add them to a quilt.

Tatted Bookmark Crosses

2010-04-23T08:46:00.000-05:00

Another veriation to Gina B's pattern.
I really enjoy doing them!
Can't get enough of the red, white and blue...
With this, I am using Flora size 20. (the blue trim one is Lizbeth size 20) Thanks to a dear tatting friend who has allowed me to 'tat' with this thread...now its time to give the rest of the ball back...lol
http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2002/ginabcross5.html

Red, White and Blue...

2010-04-22T13:34:00.000-05:00

I just love those colors. Here is a veriation on Gina B.'s pattern bookmark cross. Just trying something a little different...

Slowly but surly....

2010-04-20T09:50:00.001-05:00

Tatted USA flag using size 20 Lizbeth thread. Measures 13 inches across at the it point.
Working on this takes my mind off of our up and coming trip. Plans are to go to London and Paris.
Well....I watch the news...and the volcano in Iceland and just wait to see what happens.

I had to take a break....

2010-04-11T17:10:00.002-05:00

My shoulder was really hurting last week, so I took a break from tatting. This is what I have so far on my U.S.A. Flag.

U.S.A. flag...

2010-04-02T09:46:00.006-05:00

This is my biggest project, so far. It measures 13 inches across, at this point.
I am using Lizbeth size 20 and ecru instead of white.
I just love my little drawstring bag, it carries the things I need for this project...I just grab it and go. Yesterday was so nice out, I went to the park and tatted for Nat' Tatting Day. This pattern was a very good conversation starter...*smile*
I have a long ways to go, with about a week and half into it.
This pattern is from The Workbasket, November 1976

Small cross

2010-03-25T18:55:00.001-05:00

This is Mary Konior's small cross pattern. I used Lizbeth size 20 in the color of medium purple.

Tatted Drawstring Bag

2010-03-21T19:59:00.009-05:00

My first tatting bag. I used DMC # 10 thread. Fun to make and easy too! I found the pattern in a book from the library. 'Tatting: contemporary art of knotting with a shuttle', by Rhoda L Auld.

Yesterday while at the lake...

2010-03-14T09:51:00.014-05:00

With 18 towering pines and a shaded lot, these little beauties manage to grace us with their presents...
and I started working on this cute little Bunny edging...

http://www.paradisetreasures.com/erinbunnytrim

Ask and ye shall receive...

2010-03-12T08:16:00.004-06:00

....and that I did. While taking a 'walk' threw a 'new to me' blog, I came across a tatted Flag pattern. So, I ask for the pattern and Sarah was kind enough to send it to me via mail...and look what else I got, this precious tatted cross! Thanks again, Sarah. Don't you just love the wwww and the wonderful people in Blog-land!
You can find this coss and other lovely work on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/stillplayinghouse
Tell her I sent you...*smile*

The matching set....

2010-03-11T12:36:00.006-06:00

This will go to my long time girl friends daughter...yep, you got it, it's a BOY

Note: see post below for the directions on how to make the hankie bonnet.

Making a Hankie Bonnet Out of Wedding Handkerchiefs

2010-03-11T12:30:00.000-06:00

Making a Hankie Bonnet Out of Wedding Handkerchiefs

Boy, did I 'do it' this time....

2010-03-05T14:17:00.009-06:00

By completely leaving out a whole row on the pattern, I have a 'preemie bootie'! No,
that was NOT my intent, but here it is. So now I guess I have to make another pair...just like this one! lol But isn't it just so cute...*smile*
Pattern is from A Pattern Book of Tatting, 'Goodie Two Shoes', by Mary Konior.

Reminder:

2010-03-02T09:28:00.002-06:00

International Tatting Day April 1st!

So ready for SPRING....

2010-02-27T09:49:00.002-06:00

'The Rose and Leaf' is a pattern by Lisa C. Trumble 1992 and the other one is by Julie Patterson 'Spring Flowers Bookmark'.

Rose Cross Bookmark

2010-02-22T18:36:00.009-06:00

The red one is for a dear friend from years ago, and the yellow one is for my girl's grandmother would will soon celebrate her 89Th birthday.

'Tuesday Tatters' with Gina Butler

2010-02-19T11:03:00.009-06:00

We had a guest this past week at our group. Ms Gina Butler, from Okla City was kind enough to come for an evening and gave a class on SSSR (single shuttle split ring), making 'dimples' for a 'Heart Strings' and various others helpful and useful tatting information/techniques.
Since it was Chinese New Year, we also had a wonderful dinner prepared for us by 2 great ladies in our group. They are from Singapore and wanted to give us a 'taste' of their favorite foods.
It was a wonderful evening of learning, laughing and yes, eating!

OH! I forgot to mention, Gina son designed buttons for us! "Tat Tues Day".
Thank you so much Ron! If you click on the pic of the page of instustions, you can see our special buttons!

Spring 'Rose Cross' Bookmark

2010-02-15T16:24:00.007-06:00

This one I used Lizbeth size 20 in the colors of: Rose: #124 Spring Garden.
Rings: #623 Light Raspberry and the Chains: #624 Dark Raspberry.
This was given to my dear friend, Lucille for her 74Th birthday!
This was one she hadn't tatted yet...lol

You know, its been said more than once 'Tatting must be all you do'.

I was allowing Satan to use that comment in a negative way, tormenting me, even in my sleep.
So, for the past day I have been in pray about this. You know what? I am so happy that God had given me this awesome talent. Also, when I think of the life's I have touched, I am blessed. So I am grateful that I have so much time to tat (thank you God)...and I do it as a service to the Lord...to share what I am able to do, with others.

Pretty in blue...

2010-02-13T09:19:00.009-06:00

This one is a little different. I found an edging I liked and used it. I attached it as I went. Again, when I was done, I was done~
I used Lizbeth size 20 thread. Perhaps this may be little 'too large' thread for some. Perhaps my next one I will use a smaller size thread.

Snow in North Texas

2010-02-12T11:08:00.010-06:00

I know everyone has had tons of snow....but we did a record breaking of 12 inches!!
Moving from Kansas City, Mo. I thought these 'snow days' were over...lol
As you can see in the photo...that poor tree! We have since removed the snow on that lower branch. It has tons of berries...which is bad enough.

For those of you that have followed my blog for a while know that soon the ducks (3) will soon be flying into the pool. I have my calender marked for the 27 of Feb. to be on the 'look out'. Momma duck will try and lay her eggs in the ornamental grass or under the hedge...I Will TRY and shoo they away, as not to lay her eggs...but the babies are just soooo darn cute! *smile*

Tatted Rose Cross

2010-02-10T13:58:00.008-06:00

Pattern taken from 'The Workbasket' March 1989. I did use a different rose then the pattern used, using another 'The Workbasket' pattern from a Tatted Keepsake Doily.
Tatted in Lizbeth size 20 thread.

When I started this yesterday, I had completed the rose, and was on the 2ND 'arm' of the cross when I noticed I had 7 petals of the rose instead of 6! OH NO!! Nothing I could do but start over...with a new one. oh well. So, my advice to you is to count, count, count and count again!!! OH well...

This one went to Lori, who I work for. She and her husband re-newed their wedding vows and had it bless in a Catholic church. Her colors were: she wore champagne, the girls wore black and all carried red roses.

Mardi Gras Feb. 16th 2010

2010-02-08T09:18:00.007-06:00

The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of Carnival, Rex. He chose these colors to stand for the following:
•Purple represents justice
•green stands for faith
•gold stands for power

WHEN IS MARDI GRAS?

Future Dates for Fat Tuesday:

Occurring on any Tuesday from February 3 through March 9, Mardi Gras is tied to Easter, which falls on the first Sunday after the full moon following the Spring Equinox.

Although Church fathers established Easter as a movable holiday in 325, it wasn't until 1582, under Pope Gregory XIII, that Mardi Gras became a holiday on the Christian calendar—on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

The underlying reasoning was to have all the foolishness and indulgence be finished when it came time to start atoning and fasting. As the climax of Carnival and a traditional day of feasting—as symbolized by the ritual slaughter of a fatted bull or ox (boeuf gras)—the celebration came to be kinown as Fat Tuesday, or as French would say, Mardi Gras.

Also sometimes referred to as Carnival Day, Mardi Gras is always scheduled 47 days preceding Easter (the 40 days of Lent plus seven Sundays).

Also, to see more post on Mardi Gras' please refere to the labels on 'Mardi Gras', such as King cakes and history.

WOW...Its done....

2010-02-03T14:29:00.006-06:00

After 5 full shuttles and one whole week! This pattern was taken from the Helping Hands Newsletter Winter 2009. This pattern attaches as you go. No sewing on later. I love it the idea of: when you're done...you're done!

I used Lizbeth size 20 thread and color # 111, Candy Candy.

Storage....to go

2010-01-29T13:02:00.008-06:00

TypsTatting at: http:// typstatting.blogspot.com
was asking about how others stored their tatting supplies.

For me, since I go to my tatting group 'Tatting Tuesday' I use a Rubbermaid rolling cart. I also have a 'Tote-ally cool! On-the-go-tote'. In it I have: shuttles, crochet needles, beading supplies, scissors, any and all needed supplies!

Thread is in 'Snapware' containers and I am able to add too as necessary.

Books and patterns (some, not all) lol, are in a file folder.

I even have my tea/cup in a nice little tote.

It all fits nicely into the cart and easy to move around. I have a 'place for EVERYTHING, and everything is in it's place. Easy to get to and find when needed.
Ready to go when I am, to tatting group or a week-end RVing at the lake.

Shuttle Tatted Simple Angel

2010-01-28T13:44:00.008-06:00

Pattern by Birgit Phelps 2002 Simple Angel

Festive Snowflake...

2010-01-24T20:04:00.004-06:00

Pattern by Sandy, from Handy Hands Newsletter Winter 2010. Color: Lizbeth's 'Confetti' in size 20.

White-Trimmed Red Edging

2010-01-23T13:53:00.004-06:00

This is what you do with left over thread on shuttles...

Edging pattern from: Big Book of Tatting

Tatted 10-Point Snowflake

2010-01-22T10:40:00.005-06:00

This pattern is from Be-stiched. I used Lizbeth thread size 20 in the color "Country Side'.
Also #5 in the 25 motif challenge.

Card Making

2010-01-20T18:31:00.005-06:00

Many thanks to Lucille! At our Tuesday Tatting Group, she made this beautiful card with her pretty stencils and beautiful colors. Today I added my tatting pieces and will use if for a 'Thank you' card!

A Give Away.....

2010-01-18T08:35:00.002-06:00

TypsTatting is giving away a precious table runner!
Please, take a moment and visit her at http://typstatting.blogspot.com/
And, tell her I sent you...*smile*

I finished the 2ND bootie today...

2010-01-16T17:52:00.005-06:00

....and Mary Konior passed this morning, Saturday 16th January, 2010. She is the one who wrote the pattern for "GOODIE TWO SHOES". These will be given to my daugher, Desiree' for the birth of her next child...in Ms. Konior's honor.
Also, this is #3 of my 25 tatting challenge.

25 Motif Challenge

2010-01-13T07:06:00.002-06:00

Well, I did it. Another 'new to me'. I have join the 25 Motif Challenge. Cool huh!
http://25motifchallenge.blogspot.com/
Check it out. I already have 2 entries...yea!

'Goodie Two Shoes'

2010-01-12T13:52:00.006-06:00

#2 of my 25 motif challenge.
Yea!!! My first tatted Bootie ever! Let's hope I can do another one just like it! *smile*
This was tatted in size 20 thread, the color of Ecru. Pattern by: Mary Konior. Abby is looking for the other one...get to work Mom...get to work!

New BOM

2010-01-10T18:18:00.003-06:00

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

Bunny Hill Designs has a new block of the month. This year will be snowmen! Snowbound. Check it out!