While I Was Away

In case you were wondering, I got out of jury duty because I have an appointment next week to finish my root canal. Not my favorite way to get out of jury duty, but this was going to be a long trial so I'll take it. When I got back, I was so excited to see all the comments left regarding my tatted spat/anklet thing. I spent the evening looking through the myriad of shoe options you amazing folk left for me. Wow, you are great and I think I found the perfect pair for displaying the spats as well as a couple of others I now want for no good reason other than they're pretty.

I also got some fab ideas for future pairs. I think I'm gonna go ahead and make up the second one for this pair and then get to work on a longer pair that will go up the leg a bit more as well as down the foot more. Then next on the list will be essentially the shoe equivalent of my slave bracelet, because I like the idea of a barefoot sandal too. How soon you can expect to see these creations is anyones guess however. I seem to be always biting off more than I can chew.

Also a lovely surprise I discovered after jury duty was the spread of my tatting instructable. I had already had a lovely comment the other day from the needlework editor of craftgossip that she was posting the tutorial there, but I returned to find my google alerts had even more postings. It is also now featured on the Craftzine.com blog and at The Point NYC website. And to think I thought I was going to have problems getting the word out on that one. I even had one of my twitter buddies give it a shot using an embroidery needle and she shared her first try. I have to say I'm impressed not only with the first attempt, but that my instructions were clear enough for a beginner to create the piece in just a few hours. I am also so glad that she shared and I hope that anyone who attempts this pendant, my scarf pattern or my mask will show me the results!

I will, in the future, offer more patterns and projects for you to digest, but I want to space them out a bit. I've already got an idea for some more beginner techniques to share that will take people beyond the flower pendant, but again I'm in no hurry to create my own huge library of learning. For those of you who want to learn more right now, I have a few sites to suggest. First Bella Online, I've picked up tons there, lots of links and patterns and whatnot. Then there's HandyHands Tatting where you can find some lessons and get supplies. Last, if you're looking for some personal help, try etatters ning network. It's beginner friendly with tatters from all levels. I know, another place to "join", but you can get some one on one help as well as browse a growing library of tatting pictures for inspiration. I think that's it for now. I'll see what I can make up this weekend to share with you on Monday.

Addition: Gina the Tatting Goddess also suggests this board for needle tatters as well. Thanks Gina