Monday, May 11, 2009

Bobbins, shuttles, ATCs and more

A warm welcome to all Mums, and everyone else too :)

The letter C progresses slowly! I had intended to add a few more pins today, but everything is in go slow mode. The top of the arc is complete, so it is a bit downhill from here, before the last sweeping curve :)
Lisbeth moves forward slowly also. I have achieved a few rings each night since my last post. I *love* using this beautiful thread for tatting- it is so crisp and clean and tensions well!
This little bookworm - inspired by Diane's efforts at bobbin lace has been adapted from a Rosemary Shepherd braid from one of the early chapters in her beginners book. It was a second project for this lass at school, and she was heartily thrilled with it - half stitch is SOOOOOO confusing for the 8 year olds! She cut it off here so that her sister could have a try!

These ATCs have landed in my mailbox over the past weeks! The one on the left came from Guzziesue in Nottingham, England. Also included was a gorgeous embroidered Archer and a bobbin. The bobbin is in use on my letter C, and works beautifully. I will post a pic next time. Thank you Guzziesue!
The middle set came from Ellen at Singtatter! Make the time to stroll through this blog - there are some simply wonderful designs here! I add to the chorus - please publish Ellen! Your book would be at the very top of my must have list. The bookmark is about to make its way into my work book - simply stunning! Thank you so much Ellen.
The final 3 are the result of the ATC exchange I am doing. There is embroidery, needlelace and scrapbooking here. Such a varied and wonderful collection of ideas, and this is just the beginning :) If you would like to be a part of this, please leave a comment, as I am still seeking participants!
Finally, here in Australia, yesterday was Mother's Day - a celebration of mums! For the first time in a few years, I got to see all of my children throughout the day! Yipeeeee!!! DS1 came and polished my car for me :) This was huge as he only ever has time for his own - my Maggie is not usually worth the effort. DD was bright and chirpy and happily wished me a beautiful day! DS2 - the wood working crafty one - presented my with this gorgeous tray that he made at school. The corner timbers are Huon Pine and Tasmanian Oak. The centre is made from Myrtle and the rest is "something that was laying around the workshop" :) He claims the job was a little rushed and instructed me not to look too closely, but I love it!
As always, thank you for dropping by and your comments are most welcome. Life is hectic at present, and I must catch up with friends from my last few posts, but I do read regularly and your warmth and friendliness always make the cold days cheery :)
Warmest of hugs,

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, it looks like we celebrate Mother's Day the same day here in the US! Happy Mother's Day to you! Your letter "C" looks like it is going to be exquisite.

Love your tatted doily! I broke into my Lizbeth stash for the first time this weekend! I love tatting with it, too! It's very nice to tat with. :)

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

It looks like you've been having lots of fun! Your letter C is progressing nicely. The doily is beautiful.

Kudos to the 8-year-old! The bookworm is lovely. I understand how confusing the half-stitch is... it took me two weeks to take the plunge and just do it!

I'm glad you had a happy Mother's Day. My oldest daughter and her family came to visit for the afternoon, and my daughter Carol, who lives at home, made a wonderful dinner for me. The other two live too far away, but I did get to talk to them.

Yes, life is hectic right now, but isn't it good? When school gets out, I plan on jumping on the ATC bandwagon. It looks like so much fun!

Ellen said...

Yes, you are right, the half stitch is so confusing for the children! Think I will take out the pillows for the children to do some bl for their Teachers' Day cards. What size thread did you let them use ? The previous time, they were using the Japanese Olympus 40 threads.

I'm so glad you have received the ATCs. I'm still looking out for yours. Getting a bit too long, I'm hoping still they will get here eventually.

Bonnie said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful mother's day with your childern, and your tray is beautiful! I just do not think I could do bobbin lace, so I just look forward to seeing what you've made instead :-)

laura_rose said...

Hi Tatting Chic, thanks for stopping by, I am glad you found your Lizbeth thread delightful too :)

Welcome Diane, Please keep me in mind when you get started on those ATC's. They *are* great fun!

Greetings Ellen, Japanese Olympus 40? Sounds interesting! I usually use DMC or Anchor perle 8 with the children - teamed with candlelight metalics, the colours are great and the kids love them!

Hi Bonnie, I would love to see your work! Bobbin lace is easier than tatting, crotchet or knitting :) But it is not for everyone - and that's ok too.