Laura's lace

Just dropping in to say hi!

2011-10-11T20:35:00.003+11:00

Life has certainly been very busy of late. I am trying to find a little time for catching up with friends, including my blog friends, but the clock just will not co-operate!

This weekend just gone, I was demonstrating lace at the Launceston Show, in between work. I won several awards for my lace, beads and sewing, as did a couple of my students.

I introduced this quilt top some time ago, but I have finally got to put the applique squares together. Now to add the posts, and edge panels to finish the top...have to get my stash out again!
This one has been on the go for even longer, but the top is finally sewn together. This one is paper piecing and all done by hand. Now I have to find a fabric I like for the backing and the hand sewing will start again!

I cannot share the lace I am working on at the moment...yet again, but rest assured there is plenty of it. I hope to have something to share after the weekend - workshop with Britt Fairchild but getting back to blog will be who knows when.

Thinking of my bloggy friends often, but cheers for now.

75 Motifs in less than 3 years!!

2011-06-24T19:50:00.002+10:00

Number 22 is a little round-tuit.

Number 23 is a nice mix of open and filled spaces.

Number 24 is not quite what I was after, but could be tweeked.

Number 25 is a tatted take on a crochet granny square...maybe need the colours to see it, but that was the inspiration.

so there you have it...25 motifs of my own designs..the 3rd in less than 3 years! When I started this one, I thought I was crazy!!

I will post all 25 motifs over the weekend and find the most popular 15 of the collection to write up and publish.

BTW, I completed the last corner of my Bucks hankie today...only 7 more "hills" to go!!

Cheers for now, lace day tomorrow so watch this space come Sunday :)

Quick update...

2011-06-15T12:38:00.002+10:00

The shadows in the pic are not great, but I am at corner number 3 of the bucks point hankie/bonnet!!

Yayyyyyyy!!!!!

Even the cover cloth is happy VBG

More next time... thanks for dropping by!

Hugs and warm wishes

Time to share a little

2011-06-12T20:57:00.003+10:00

I have been working on Stage 1 of my Teaching Proficiency in torchon lace.

This week, I learned that I have passed :)

Here is a sneak peek at 2 of the projects in that folio.

This Thai Silk scarf was made with almost 200 bobbins. The pattern has been adapted from an oval doily centre.

Here is a close up of the pattern. I have not yet taken a pic of the finished scarf, but I will.

A couple of years ago, I participated in a secret pal exchange. This Oliver Twist thread and hankie fabric were part of my parcels. I played with Lace RX-P to come up with the design, then found that it had been published in Robin Lewis' 101 Torchon patterns.

And the pattern close up...

I really enjoyed these projects, and look forward to the next chapter :)

Have lots more to post, but need to take some pics and get organised!!

Hmmmmmm......I will get there!!
Meanwhile...thanks for dropping by. See you soon :)

Restless

2011-05-30T15:24:00.003+10:00

As I don't seem to be able to settle to anything at the moment, I have put my big project aside for a while. One of my new students co-ordinates a craft group at her church and asked me if I would teach some ladies how to make lace. After looking in my samples book, I thought I had better make a piece of each of the projects I intend to share with this group.

Here is my bookmark - project 3. The one on the right is as I will be teaching it.
The one on the left shows some of the many variations that a little experience could come up with. The diamonds include cloth or whole stitch, half stitch, cloth and twist and a compound spider variations. The grounds include torchon (ct pin ct), simple rose (ct throughout), double torchon (ctct pin ctct), twisted torchon (ctt pin ct), honecombe and finally, dieppe ground (ct pin ctt). I originally designed the bookmark to develop the skills of one of my school students as she worked up to making a fan.

Speaking of fans, I made the lace for this one around Christmas time. It is made with Gutterman's quilting thread, which is stiff and maybe a tad thick for this pricking. I was not that happy with it. On Friday evening, I had trouble settling to anything, and after filling the coffee table with my crocheting, knitting, cross stitch, pricking book and computer, LOML finally growled at me to just sit a while! Not happy with that, I decided to mount the fan.
I am very glad I did!! I love how nice fan sticks can lift a piece of lace.

Next post I will show you the remainder of my 25 tatted motifs...now complete, but for 4 ends to sew in...

I will also show you the progress made on one of my paper piecing quilts :)

Til then, happy lacemaking,

A frog and wire.

2011-05-15T18:30:00.004+10:00

One of my bobbin lace students collects frogs. The pattern has elluded me once again - I found it this afternoon with the frog hiding inside after searching for the past 5 weeks!!

He is made from Milford Mercer thread in size 20 - colours ombre green (the verigated and much nicer in real life) and holiday green.

Again the scan is not great but this wire lace piece is THE pattern that attracted me to wire in the first place. One of our local lace makers had a copper coloured piece mounted on black velvet as a choker and it looks stunning.

I intend to mount this on velvet too, but wore it at the Tasmanian Craft and Quilt Fair last weekend in my hair - alice band style. The pattern is from Barbara Underwood's Bedfordshire Lace in 20 Lessons book.

Short and sweet this weekend. Lots happening but not much to share yet.

Hugs til next time, til then, I look forward to hearing what you think. Stay safe and have fun :)

More of my 25 motifs

2011-05-08T18:49:00.003+10:00

Number 17...a little celtic twist.

Number 18...
Number 19 (just a note...looks great in 2 colours, but I'm afraid you will have to wait to see that)
I like the josephine knots, but have not found a lot of patterns using them.

Number 20...not sure about this one, but it also has not worked as I had in mind...may have another go at the idea and see what happens.

And number 21. This is done in a single round and has an interesting twist.

There has been many things on the go this past few weeks. Some will be able to be shared later on, but for now, please enjoy the rare offerings I can show you. Don't forget to share your thoughts before you go...your support is always appreciated.

Happy lace making and warmest regards from cold, cold Northern Tasmania.

Just bob-bob-bobbin lacing along...

2011-04-13T21:00:00.003+10:00

It must be a record for me, but I did have 4 pillows on the go at once!!

Here is the beginning of a possum bookmark. The pattern was published in an Australian Lace magazine...the thread is Thai hand dyed silk in Jade...lovely to work with and the bookmark is fun to make.

Next...I have put a few more pins into my Grandson's Christening bonnet lace. This one is a bucks point length that I drew up on Lace RX-P using some workshop notes as a guide. The thread is finca 100 in white. Number 3 is to help a student get on with her lovely smaller version of this turtle. The pattern is from 75 Quick and Easy Bobbin Lace Patterns by Veronica Sorenson. I have enlarged the large version by 141% and am working it in Perle 8 thread. My student is using this pattern to introduce herself to some new ground patterns. I think it is much nicer than having a book full of samplers :)

Finally, I completed the middle piece of my Bedfordshire ring pillow pattern from Barbara Underwood's Intoducing Bedfordshire Lace in 20 Lessons book today...well almost, as you can see I still have a few ends to sew in :)

Back to the turtle...Tuesday is nearly here again!!

Have a great week, and thanks for dropping by :)

2011-04-05T21:20:00.002+10:00

There has not been a lot of lace this week :(

The reason being that my stove decided to pack it in on Monday last week. We have enjoyed a holiday from cooking, and the electrician finally made it on Thursday to tell us our faithful friend was beyond repair. What better excuse for a kitchen make over??

I have hated this orange since day dot! (please excuse the mess - a hazard of too much to do, not enough time)

Ok, the mess is still there, but the orange has moved out!!

another orange cupboard... ...looks much nicer in blue! This is where the stove used to live. There was also another cupboard underneath. Colin wanted to take a pic, but I was just happy to get started on the work. All ready for the new stove :) We tested the new stove this evening...I feel a cooking session coming on as there are a few features I look forward to playing with!! There will be a complete revamp in a few years time, but for now, I love my new kitchen :) Next post, I will share some new beads, another of my 25 motif challenge pieces and what is on my 4....yes 4 pillows :) til then, take care and be happy.

Wheels, water and a little lace

2011-03-27T20:06:00.003+11:00

First of all, we went back to Sheffield in North West Tasmania last weekend, and I promised some Gumnuts the pics of FIL's current fleet of T-Models. This first one said goodbye today - it is moving to a new home at Westbury, there was no challenge in restoring it from this condition!It is a 1926 sedan.

Here is the fleet that went to Sheffield...a 1948 converted to 1950 5 tonne Ford, 1913 T-Model 1 tonne truck (sedan converted with Smith Chain Drive) and a 1923 T-Model 1 tonne truck.

There is a pic of the 1913 T here

The 1923 T-Model truck.

The 1950 Ford.

The blue coupe is Everyone's favorite T-Model in Pop's shed. I have posted about it before here.

This A-Model arrived as a left hand drive vehicle as you can see here. In Australia, normal is right hand, so Pop has been busy converting it. It is nearly ready for it's debut, with everything spruced up while the reconstruction was under way.

The news of our local flood waters has got out. Colin went and took some pics of the Gorge today. The swingset on the bottom right of this pic is usually well away from any water and a safe place for the children to play. And the water level has receeded considerably since Friday evening! We are all safe - several businesses and community associations like the Scouts and Naval Cadets have had some mild flood damage but the coastal areas have had more to be concerned about - for the second time in 2011!

Not easy to see, but my Bedfordshire mat is under way again - for a little while at least! The center section is just over half way and growing quickly!! You can see the completed outside edge on the side - although I still need to sew in the ends.

Finally, I made this wire lace horseshoe this week. A work friend is getting married next weekend so I hope she likes it :) The pattern is from Christine Springett's Lace for Children of All Ages.

I have a tatted motif to share, but may make it some friends this week and I have not scanned it as yet.

Enough for now, thanks for reading this far. Drop me a line in the comments, have fun and take care. Happy lace making :)

Tatting about

2011-03-13T20:45:00.003+11:00

I cannot share my bobbin lace projects at the moment, suffice it to say there has been lots and there will be something worth waiting for soon :)

Meanwhile, I have been doing a little bit of tatting in the truck this last week or so.

Motif number 13 for the 25 motif challenge is not one of my favorites, but here it is anyhow.

Here is motif 14 - I like this one :)
Number 15 is simple, and probably my favorite from this batch.

Number 16 is kinda cute too.

All the motifs so far have been made with DMC cordonnet special 20 shade 554.

When I have finished the 25, I am planning to pick the best 15 to write up the patterns and put together in a booklet. Have you picked your favorite yet?

Finally, I have completed 4 dragon wing doilies by Anne Bruvold. You can find the pattern here.

I usually make large doilies, but these will make fantastic coasters for my SIL.

I will try to take pics of the 2 larger crotcheted blankets for the next post for Kathy and there will be some more glass to share too.

Until then, thanks for visiting, don't forget to say hi before you go and I hope your days are filled with lots of love, lace and laughter...take good care :)

Bead venture and bobbin roll

2011-02-20T16:08:00.003+11:00

here is a sampling of my new venture.

You can find these and more at funkyglassbeads.blogspot.com
On to some sewing...I won this gorgeous fabric in a Gumlace raffle.
I have been planning to make a bobbin roll for some time, and finally got around to it last Friday evening.

This is the outside, opened out.

Here is the side that holds the bobbins. It holds 50 pair of bobbins.

It is very easy to make!

1. Cut your patterned fabric 75cm (29.5 inches) x 56cm (22.5 inches) and hem the 75cm edges.

2. Cut a plain piece of fabric AND a piece of light polar fleece fabric 74cm (29 inches) x 34cm (13.5 inches). Use quilters basting spray to adhere the polar fleece, then the plain fabric to the wrong side, center of the patterned fabric.

3. Turn the excess patterned fabric at the top and bottom over to form flaps, press and sew a seam allowance from the fold, top and bottom, making sure you catch the polar fleece and plain fabrics. (the seam under the date on the pic above)
4. Cut 2 strips of patterned fabric 75cm x 2.5cm (1 inch). Fold in half right sides together, and stitch across one narrow and the long edges. Turn right side out using a knitting needle or tie turner.

5. Pin ties (unstitched ends) 1/4 of the way across the narrow edge at one end, inside the turned down edges and sew along the seam allowance. Turn down the edges on the final end and sew down seam allowances.

6. Using a quilters guide, stitch along the flaps at 3cm (1.25 inch) intervals to form pockets for your bobbins (or pencils).

Hope these instructions are clear...if not, please let me know, and I will try to clarify any sticky bits :)

Students, motifs and glass

2011-02-01T20:02:00.005+11:00

First of all I want to share some of my students work!

This is going to be a curtain for a dolls house and is the first project outside a few small samplers.

You can see the first spider...a fete that was more pleasing than my friend at the front door (for some)!!

One of the other ladies completed this flower from Rosemary Shepherd's Fantasy Flowers book. It is a gift for a young friend of hers, and she was completely delighted with the completed article...now she is well into one for herself!

25 Motif Challenge number 8...ok it may be better if I blocked it properly...

Number 9 - I like this one, but I was intending to put the trefoils in the corners?!?

Number 10 - I like this one even more - but I was still aiming to have the trefoils in the corner!!??!!

Number 11 - with the trefoils in the corner - yay...but maybe another round is needed?

And number 12 - I love this one, despite the mistake (or mistakes?) in the bottom right corner.

Actually I intended to join the chain as I did here, but did the next 2 wrong and liked that better. Completed with the same join, it would be more square and even better, I did it with split chains so no sewing threads in each round :))))))))))

The next few pics are a selection from the next firing of beads. Not all are included, but I think I am making some progress! There have been 2 breakages, both of which were delightful beads, so now the challenge is to remake them!!

These first are made with dark fossil - a mixed colour rod - and I really like the effect.

A selection of lady bugs in different red (and blue) glasses. D(Step)S loves the transparent red one on the top right. Quite a compliment from a 17 year old!
Next, some blue lavender transparents with trailing decoration. I found this easier than using stringers and fun to do.

Finally, I have saved the best til last!

I love this cute little turtle...hope you do too!

If you are still here, thanks for reading this rather looonnnggggg post!! Hope you have enjoyed :)

Til next time, stay safe and enjoy the best things in life - lace, friends and sunshine!

House guest - might be scary for some!

2011-01-28T16:29:00.002+11:00

This little lady has moved in right outside my front door!

I know she will scare any visitors away, and I will have to move her soon, but right now I don't have the heart :(

- after all, how long would it take me to make this amazing web?

I have no idea what kind of spider she is, and I have not encountered her kind before. She is rather large - at least an inch and a half long - and the web spans almost 3 feet!
This pic is taken from the top, but it shows her underneath.
As I am no photographer, I am rather impressed by how clear her web has shown up.

I cannot share my bobbin lace project at the moment - suffice it to say, it is rather like my house guest - huge!!

I do have some more tatted motifs, but will have to leave them til next time - LOML is using the printer/scanner and work really must come first.

I also spent 8 hours today at the torch, and will have some gorgeous "experiments" to show you next post!

Ladybug collection

2011-01-14T15:35:00.001+11:00

Here are my collection of completed ladybug beads - stick pin, bobbin spangles, divider pin and necklace.

Will post some lace over the weekend.

Patience...me?!?!

2011-01-12T17:18:00.003+11:00

Not a bone in my body!!!!

I used all the beads I have made for spangles on Sunday by removing the old spangles off some of my own bobbins and replacing them with my handmade beads. So much for waiting to make new bobbins!!

Then I could not wait to see them in action, so I changed the bobbins on my current project!

Next, I just *had* to change the rest of the bobbins for more of my own.

So here they are...the longer threaded bobbins have my own beads.

And close up of some of the bobbins...

Do you want to see the whole picture??

I thought so :)

My daughter made the pin cushion about 10 years ago and it is still one of my most favorites.

Last time I showed this lace, it was just around the corner. It is growing, but I really need to put it away and work on some other projects!!

Oh well, the motivation may come tomorrow

I admit I did another repeat today after taking the pic:)

I was celebrating - today I purchased a skirt - size 14!!

No big deal, you think? This time last year, size 22 was too small!!

Hugs :)

Just tatting about

2011-01-06T21:27:00.005+11:00

This batch of tatting designs cannot even claim to be in my head...more in my hands.

What I mean is I had no clear thought of what I wanted to do.

I just tat!

25 motif challenge piece number 5 - kinda cute, but I think I was aiming for square.

Here is number 6 - I LOVE this one!! I can see it joined to create a solid area or just by the corners to create a checker board effect, fine thread for a shawl or heavy thread for a bed cover...A very pleasing morning's work!!
This is piece number 7 - it has taken 3 days, and like the others it has "just happened".

I did sit the middle on a serviette and doodle, but discarded the numerous designs that emerged from that exercise.

It needs blocking, and I think it is sweet, but I really don't want to make a whole tablecloth from this design.

Please enjoy...and let me know what you think.

Warmest of regards,

Happy New Year...

2011-01-01T17:07:00.002+11:00

...to all my bloggy friends :)

On Christmas Eve, I managed a few pins in my Bucks Point edging for my new Grandbaby, due at the end of February. Here is a picture of the general pillow, with 5 of my handmade bobbins adorned with some of my first beads on the longer threads.

Here is a close up of the lace, emerging from the forest of pins.

After seeing the new year in while researching more new ideas to try in my glass making, I am having a relaxing day at my pillow.

This is my second ever Bucks corner! I know that technically it is not correct, but I am looking for a pretty piece of lace for our new baby - no awards needed :)

Here is my day's work. I started at the corner this morning.

My wish for 2011 is friendship, good health, security, productivity and fun for all.

May your dreams come true, your lace grow and your daily challenges be surmountable!

Hugs to all,

Withof

2010-12-21T17:00:00.004+11:00

I posted about a fantastic weekend in Melbourne here.

Now I have attached the lace to fabric and a button so that I can wear it on Christmas Day.

The button measures 1 inch across, so you can see the piece is on the small side.

This is the last of my Christmas lace projects - happy, happy dance :)

more bead fun

2010-12-19T21:50:00.002+11:00

I spent a solid day at the torch today, and after some basic donut beads I really had a play :)

60 beads in 1 go is a lot of beads - but there were 2 only fit for the hammer - they will make an appearance later on as frit VBG

(and I *will* remember to let the beads cool a little before diving them into the Vermiculite)

I had another go at textured beads - with some success today I think :)

I love the ladybugs and hedgehogs at the top - they will be made into divider pins.

The ladybugs at the bottom are a spangle set.

This set of Santas are now earrings and a necklace - I know they need annealing, but I intend to wear them this week, then take the findings off and put them into the batch for next week :)

I think I need to practice these, but Colin thinks the ladybugs and hedgehogs are a better use of the glass VBG

Cotton, glass and wire

2010-12-18T18:47:00.004+11:00

Here goes 25 motif challenge number 3!!

I thought about making 25 coasters...there are some gorgeous patterns out there in blogland and beyond!

But...I was reminded of my design tat course this week, and my ambition to make a tablecloth or bedspread in tatting, so I have decided to see if I can design 25 motifs this coming year, then choose 1 of them (or maybe more) to start work on that tablecloth or bedspread!

2 days in the truck and here is the start to my new challenge...

Number 1...I do like this one :)

Number 2...not like the drawing, and the spokes need to be a touch longer to make it sit right, but passable I think?

Number 3 is no closer to the drawing, but I kinda like it too :)

Number 4 come about from a piece that I cut off, then played with. I think this one might join nicely, and allow for some more experimenting in that process to create some lighter areas to balance the dense rings...

Tomorrow, I plan on playing with the glass again! Some serious trolling of the internet has my head bursting with ideas to try out. Most of them will have to wait until I have a bit more experience, but I have a few ideas ready to go now.

Here is a necklace I have put together as a Christmas gift.The next two pics have not scanned so well, but you can get the idea!

Here are the final 10 Christmas tree decorations to go with my cards. You cannot see it very well, but I used 2 colours in each plait, and the 'real life' effect is quite pretty.

Finally, the last of the necklaces for Christmas! I love the black/silver colour combination, but I had soooo much trouble with breaking wire in this project, and there is a leaf missing - it fell out when I pulled the pins and I decided not to remake the section!

I am thinking the tension was in me, as the same wire was used in the pieces above and I didn't break a single wire then.

Sorry about the pic quality - I might take a real photo tomorrow!

That is long enough for now...thanks for reading on :)

Don't forget to let me know what you think before you go.

Christmas hugs for all in this busy final week of crazy!

Finishing off

2010-12-13T18:34:00.003+11:00

Another 25 complete!!

Here is bookmark 25 - the same as bookmark 1 (but a bit longer)

It is made with Lizbeth HDT - shell in size 20 and the pattern belongs to Jon - I'll try to find the link later - it is no longer in my bookmarks :(

Tomorrow evening our Tuesday lace girls are going to enjoy a meal together.

Here is my Kriss Kringle parcel :)

- 2 cover cloths

- a pin pusher

- a lazy susan/pricker

- thread

- pin cushion

all in a travel bag.

Here is (one of) my current lace projects - another wire lace necklace...

Design by Britt

Made in black and smoked wire.

Finally, here are some of my handmade beads, at home on my new handmade bobbins :)

Thanks for reading. Have fun and stay safe :)

Bits and bobs

2010-12-06T19:59:00.002+11:00

I spent the weekend in the shed...again!

This time my work was on the lathe :)

Here is my new lazy susan - this was the first bobbin I broke -

complete with a set of handmade beads. Timely, as I replaced my lazy susan with a needle pin and have been looking for a new handle! (I keep giving them away but this one will stay)

Here are the rest of the bobbins I made this weekend.

The inscription says:

Bobbin 1: Life without lace...

2010

Bobbin 2: ...I'm a frayed knot!

2010

On the right, you can see the other bobbin I broke. I intend to put it in my Kriss Kringle pack for my student's break up. The reciever can decide it they need a pricker or a lazy susan :)

I still have 2 sets to inscribe, but after 3 weeks of playing with open flames and molten glass with not so much as a singed hair, I burned my finger on the poker and had to pack up for the evening.

Now, I promised some lace in this post!

The tatting will have to wait until next time...I still have about an inch of chain to complete the final bookmark in my 25 motif challenge...

My bucks edge has stalled with Christmas drawing nearer at an alarming rate...

Tomorrow evening I will be delivering these wire lace necklaces.

They were designed by Lenka Suchanck.

I think I will have to make another for myself :)

They were so pretty I decided to use them to make my Christmas card cover for 2010.

Finally, I got to playing with some 1mm copper wire as LOML would love to see a wall decoration made in wire lace :)

More practice required but there are some possibilities here...stay tuned :)

Have fun, stay safe and please let me know what you think before you go.

Many hugs in this super busy time.

More beads

2010-12-01T18:13:00.003+11:00

My collection of beads is growing...

Here they are in some order...
Top to bottom:
decorated with homemade frit (bits of random glass)
swirled dots
new technique - bubble dots
plain donuts
playing with stringers, 3d sculptured, millefiori, dots, more stringers
playing with homemade twisties (multi coloured stringers)
layered dots
layered dots
homemade frit decoration on transparent glass

Next post will include some lace I promise :)

And then there were 65...

2010-11-22T17:07:00.002+11:00

...beads - I really think I am starting to get the hang of playing with fire!!

I have grouped them into spangle sets, with a couple of 'spares' in the bottom left corner.

The top 3 bunches will even spangle a pair of bobbinsVBG!

I am going to make as many as I can over the next week and a half, then take them to the tutor to get them annealed in the kiln, before they are put on bobbins.

I still have to decide what I will make for my final bookmark in this round of the 25 motif challenge, but I dare say I will sign up for round number 3 after I am done...I am looking at a collection of coaster sized motifs...Christmas gifts for next year maybe??

Short and sweet today...please enjoy!

Bobbins, shutles and flames

2010-11-21T07:44:00.003+11:00

I really have been busy this week!

I have completed another 10 pages of FIL's Christmas scrapbook...may show you highlights later!

Work and lace classes have beeen full steam ahead (not that I have been getting much lace done there...:)

But evenings have had a little lace content...

Here is the wire lace butterfly I am making for a friend...I want 3 in total.

The design is by Lenka Suchanek.

This bobbin lace hankie is also a Christmas gift...I think I am safe to show you here :)

The design is redrawn from Rosemary Shepherd's Intro to Bobbin Lace book and completed in Perle 8 thread - feels like rope after recent efforts, but the effect is nice.

Next for the shuttles...
2 more installments of Stumpy...the left in my favorite thread for tatting - Lizbeth 20, colour shell, the right in the perle 8 again. These are 25 motif challenge number 21 and 22!

This gorgeous design comes up on Gumnuts occassionally! I finally give it a go and love it!
I can't find the link at the moment, but will wrestle this infernal machine later this evening when the daylight in the shed is not calling so strongly!
The left one is perle 8 and the right Lizbeth 20 threads and tallies 23 and 24 in the 25 motif challenge....just 1 to go!!!!

Yesterday I had my other glass making class! It seemed a looonnnggggg wait between Saturdays, but now I have to wait until May next year!!!

I made 2 beads, some twisties and lots of stringers in class, but there were a few other things demonstrated by the teacher, so I just had to come home and get my workstation organised!

Here are my beads...left to right...made with a twistie at home (love the christmas colours but the green did not do as I thought it would - like the effect anyhow, especially on this second attempt), the original first bead from last week, the first try with the twistie (made in class), the first attempt at adding dots (also made in class), my first attempt at swirling the dots (love this bead!!) and another go at dots made at home.

And the other side of the above!

Finally, I made a twistie at home with more than 2 colours. This was great fun, and I think it is the technique that sounds like it should be a drink first thing in the morning, but I will have to look up the name, and check it first.

Now all I have to do is put my boots on and I can go and play some more! today I want to try a couple of other techniques from class, and make some smaller beads so that I can begin spangling some bobbins with my new beads.

The wire lace is also on the agenda and then some scrapbooking...

Thanks for reading my loonnnggggg post...catch up soon, and don't forget to let me know what you think :)

Fabric, glass and thread

2010-11-14T19:43:00.006+11:00

Fabric...

After completing the single sail squares for DS2's quilt, I started on the next installment...

These "fish" sets are half done now, but here is a small sample...

Glass...

Yesterday I attended a glass bead making class. The beads are made using flame fueled by a BBQ gas bottle.

We learned lots of safety points, then we each had a go at making a stringer and some frits.

Next, we each made a donut bead. Here is mine! I picked a piece of glass that was constructed of transparent and opaque sections which gives the bead some depth.

I am wearing it on a plaited cotton bracelet at the moment, but it will become a spangle in the near future.

Next week, I will learn how to decorate my beads...til then, there is a looonnngggggggg wait for supplies to arrive so I can make some more of these cool donut beads!

I will soon be able to design some wire lace to decorate my beads!!!!!!!

Finally some threads...

This hankie edge will be a baby bonnet/wedding hankie for my new grand baby due in February.

It is Bucks Point and I will be taking some pins out on Tuesday, so I will show you the design then :)

I also have some more bookmarks for my 25 motif challenge to show you in the next post.

Til then TTFN :)

A little bit of lace and...

2010-11-06T14:08:00.002+11:00

I have now finished my Withof scroll that I started at Yvonne Scheele-Kirkhof's workshop in Melbourne several weekends ago :)

I have taken the picture of both pieces with an Australian dollar to show you the sizing...

maybe I also need to grab a measureing tape?

Let me know what you think...

Next I want to try one of the smaller pieces in her book...Dutch Bobbin Lace Patterns...

I have also been getting on with some quilting. This one is pieced onto card by hand and was introduced to you in this post.

When it is finished, I will be giving it to D.S.2 and his lady...there are 42 of each of 4 different squares. This is the first lot of boats with a single sail...stay posted to see the next batch of completed squares.

A change of pace now...

Every second Monday evening I go to a quilting/sewing/craft group. The ladies are very skilled at machine quilting, and as I can do the hand sewn ones at home, I have been trying my hand at the machine constructed variety.

My first attempt can be seen here...BTW the quilt measures 110 cm (43 inches) square.

Now it is time to get on with a new project?!?!?!???

My gorgeous little grandson turned 1 year old yesterday. Unfortunately I do not get to see him these days, but that does not mean I have forgotten him!

Although this will be very late, I am making him a quilt for his bed.

I have put together the applique pictures featuring wheels...what do you think?

Now they have to be placed on calico backgrounds, stitched and then the quilt can get going.

I will decide next week if I will hand or machine stitch the blanket stitch.

With Christmas coming fast, I had best get back to my work...so many gifts to make so little time!!

Hugs for now...

2010-11-04T20:41:00.002+11:00

First, I have some wire lace bits.

These are designed by Britt of stitchety grub fame.

The larger design is the main pendant and the smaller is supposed to be the earrings, but I like it as a pendant too.

With the arrival of new colours in the wire today, I can't wait to play :)

Next, I have some more tatted bookmarks.

Bookmark number 18 in the 25 motif challenge is one I have been working on for some time. After starting Sharon's design class, I started experimenting and here is one of the results...I am not entirely happy with it, but there may be a pretty good basic idea hiding in here...somewhere!

Number 19 and 20 are more stumpy's.

Like Diane from lace lovin' librarian, I love this design and have been using up those little bits of thread that are not enough to make something with...I messed up with the one on the right and had to change threads half way through so will probably keep it myself, but I kinda like the effect anyhow.

I will post again over the weekend...I have a pic of my finished Withof pieces and have been busy with some quilting projects. Thanks for letting me share, hope you have found something of interest :)

Hugs for now.

My Fantastic Weekend

2010-10-18T18:24:00.006+11:00

This beautiful book was the last gift from my greatly missed Mother-in-law.

It has been the soure of the best weekend I've had in a very long time.

Let me explain...

The Australian email ring Gumnuts called for participants to a workshop, in Melbourne, Victoria.

The workshop tutor was to be Yvonne Scheele-Kirkhof - the author of this book!

LOML knows that I love this book and suggested that I find out more about the workshop

- an invitation that was never going to be ignored!!

And so, my Christmas pressie has been attendance at the workshop in Victoria ... yaayyyyyyy!!!!

Let me show you the progress on day 1!

Not much, I hear you say???

Well no...but there was a lot of mind-bending happening and many new techniques learned...I have never made Withof lace before, you see.

Here is the result of the 2 days!

Not perfect, I know, but with practice, this type of lace will become a favorite.

I feel it in my finger bones :)

Travelling to Victoria meant 2 hours on a plane, 20 minutes on a bus, 40 minutes on a train, an evening in a motel room, and several hours hanging around in airpot lounges

- What is a girl to do?!?!?!?

TATTING of course!!!

Bookmarks 15, 16 and 17 for my 25 motif challenge!

(You thought I had forgotten, did'nt you Sharon VBG)

This is one of Lace Lovin' Librarian's favorite patterns at the moment, and I have discovered why!

It is "Stumpy"

I have made them all in perle 8 verigated thread - just odd bits left over from some bobbin lace projects.

Throw in meeting 4 Gumnuts among the 11 Victorian Lacemakers, an entertaining evening with one Gumnut and her husband and watching Yvonne throw the bobbins as she demonstrated various techniques and you may understand why this post is thus titled!!

Happy lace making to all my bloggy friends...hope you are enjoying your lace as much as I do at the moment!

Show time!

2010-10-10T11:19:00.005+11:00

Here is a new page I put together in my scrap booking album for FIL.

I will be showing my customers how to do this surprisingly simple page at my end of month workshop...hope they enjoy!

I entered this page in the local Show and Won! such a simple page and the reward very unexpected!
Here is my tatting entry, with it's new ribbon :)

... and my wire lace entry...also with a decoration.

I entered 2 other pieces of lace, but gave 1 away before I could take a pic, and have plans for the other, which means I cannot share here for now.

Although I have been very busy with my lace, there is much I cannot share just yet.

Sending hugs to all my bloggy friends, with hopes that your lace is growing, threads never breaking and pins never bending...

Crafty post

2010-08-31T20:03:00.004+10:00

This lap-weaving rug was made by my Great Uncle in 1946-7. He made a pink one and a blue one. My Mum and her cousin were born on the same day, but he found out about Auntie Helen before mum, so she got the pink one. Mum got this blue one. After mum (and probably my uncles) used it, I used it as a dolls cot cover as a child. After a discussion on Gumlace (the Australian Email ring for lace makers) I remembered and unearthed it. As you can see it is showing it's age, but I still can picture my Uncle's active hands, salty tobacco smell and rich warm voice ringing through my childhood memories.

Above is the wrong side of the cot throw and below is the top side.
This is even less lacey, but I was given 2 such kits for my birthday. They are both Mill Hill Tiny Treasure Diamonds - this one titled Holiday Cardinal. It was quick and easy on an evening where I just wanted to chill!

My wire lace project is now completed! I love this design and it was great to make. Now I am going to try designing a couple of my own patterns :) I have also aquired a couple of patterns from another designer - so watch this space :) This one is 'Paduan' by Britt Fairchild of Stitchetty Grub fame...

This is one of my current projects. Not really sure where the pattern came from, but 3 of my lace group are in the process of making this fan. I am using Guttermans quilting thread, but think it should have been a tad finer...non the less, I am happy with the result. Now I have to have it completed in the next 2 weeks so I can scan it and take the pricking and scan to our Lace Retreat to order the sticks from John Beswick of Torchon House.

Despite my highlighting my Barbara Fay catalogue in bright pink highlighter, including the ordering process, then opening the computer to the appropriate page, LOML did not order the lower book for my birthday :(

But, with an extra universal cash voucher from DSIL, when the newsletter arrived, I was able to order both the desired book AND the new Cluny de Brioude book Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess it is no secret that I love Beds/Cluny lace for those who have followed my blog.

I just can't wait to get into these books - but where to start?!?!

Finally, this was the view from our Lace meeting place on Saturday. The snow on Mount Barrow is not as stunning in the picture, but it was rather lovely on Saturday, with the crisp blue sky making a beautiful backdrop. While the snow stays that far away, I am totally happy. Mount Barrow usually only gets a smattering of snow a couple of times a year, usually in early September. Ben Lomond is our "famous" ski mountain, with great views from the other end of the city.

Oooops!

2010-07-13T18:30:00.004+10:00

Ever had one of those days where you were sure had done something, only to find you hadn't?

I told my future DIL to look on here for pics of the quilt I am making for her baby!

Unfortunately they were still in my photo program...waiting to be uploaded!

Sorry Kat!

Here is the centre square with embroidery completed!

Last night at Quilting, I actually completed the ditch stitching to join the cover, middle and backing!

I also told Kat that her baby lace was on site :(

So now it is!

This piece will be mounted to make a Christening bonnet/wedding hankie.

I have another heart pattern whick will be made to decorate the christening gown - last worn by "the Peanut's" daddy some 22 years ago.

The pattern is from Lace For 10 Pairs.

Hope you like, don't forget to leave a comment before you go!

Check in soon as tomorrow I begin a 4 day workshop making Bucks Point lace...so back to making prickings and winding bobbins :)

A Mixed Bag

2010-06-20T11:32:00.005+10:00

Some crotchet to kick things off!

I made this cot throw for my grandson. The pattern is from an English Friends magazine from around 20 years ago. I love the design and have made it in double bed, single bed size before.

This one is made in Twillies Crotchet Cotton.

Here is a close up!

BTW - I finished another one this week for a friend's daughter, so only 1 more to make for now - for my new Grandbaby due January :)

Some tatting now...

Here are bookmarks 11, 12 and 13 - more crosses for friends, made is Lizbeth thread.

And number 14 is an adaptation of a length from Norma Benopath's Heritage patterns, also using Lizbeth thread.

Time for bobbin lace!

This pricking was sent to me from Guzziesue some time back when we exchanged ATCs.

As my knowledge on Bucks was/is very limited, and there was very few instructions (for me, that is :)) it has taken a while, but I did it!!!

The design is called Summer, an original by Irene Tomlinson.

The coloured gimp did not do as I wanted, but a lesson has been learned :)

This bookmark will be gifted to the lady running the leadership training I am undertaking in my scrapbooking business - despite the mistakes, I am sure she will love it :)

Enough for now, please enjoy!
Warm hugs from cold Tasmania :)

Wonderful wire

2010-06-15T19:15:00.002+10:00

I have been busy taking photos and here is a small sampling :)

As wire is the newest inspiration, the following are the result of the workshop I attended recently.

This design was completed on the second 2 days of the workshop and will be mounted on a comb for my hair when I find the right comb. (It is the WIP in the last post :))

Here is the first project!

I love this necklace, and also made the earrings to match.

Now I am on my own!

This is the third and final kit that I purchased at the workshop.

BTW - I got a little further today so watch this space!

Finally for this post, here is bookmark 9 and 10, tatted in no 20 coats cotton for family friends.

They do need blocking properly - as is usual for me!

There are still more pics to share, but if you can't wait, the jigsaw fans can visit www.jigidi.com and look for puzzles on my profile - laura_rose76 Have fun!!

Cheers

Hello again

2010-06-12T09:49:00.003+10:00

First things first!

Here is one of the packages I sent as prizes in my previous post.

The Gum flower hankie is just perfect to show off a hand made lace length, the Tassie devil hankie makes for a great cover cloth (as it is a larger hankie), a pair of bobbins, spangled with colours to represent our Island home and the promised bookmark (as requested by each recipient) - messages from both said they were delighted - Thank you ladies!

Here is bookmark number 8 in the 25 motif challenge!

I have actually made quite a few more, but still need to take pics! There are a number of crosses in the mix as my children have had to come to terms with the sad loss of their father at the end of February. I will show you some more next post - soon!

Finally, I had the real pleasure of attending a 4 day wire lace workshop with Stitchetty Grub a couple of weeks ago. I completed 1 set and 1 piece in the 4 days, and am now working on the 3rd kit that I purchased that weekend. This is the 2nd piece in progress. The centre flower is sitting to the top left of the WIP. I intend to mount this piece on a hair comb - when I get organised enough to purchase one! The first set is a necklace and earrings - will share next post as I have still to take the pics :)

Thanks for dropping by, I love visitors :)

Off to take some pics so the next post will be soon!! TTFN

And the winner is...

2010-02-15T14:58:00.003+11:00

Hmmmmm...only 4 comments :(

I am glad you enjoy my blog, and the projects I post about Tatting Chic and Vanessa!

But I *Don't* want to cause migraines!! They are soo awful and debilitating!

Let me tell you there are a staggering 133 220 knots in this piece!

(rings x knots per ring + chains x knots per chain x 2 {as there are 2 knots in each ds of course!})

Diane, so glad you jumped in with a stab in the dark, but 927 rings is maybe about where I should have finished the mat!!

Welcome Veronica! Your guess was actually pretty close at 1 550 rings!

There are a grand total of 1 696 rings in the Lizbeth mat!

It took almost 12 months to make and the best part of 2 reels of thread.

The design came from Tatting Doilies and Edgings, edited by Rita Weiss - one of my favorite tatting books :)

As I intended to give away 2 bookmarks, there is one each for Diane and Veronica!

I will sort out the packages and get them ready to go by the end of the week.

Congratulations Ladies :)

A new Challenge

2010-02-06T12:24:00.005+11:00

I feel I have wasted a lot of opportunities to make bobbin lace this summer, but despite the ribbings for going to work with LOML, I have managed to get quite a lot of tatting done while rattling around in Dobbin the Garbage Truck!

1st of all, here is my Lizbeth mat ...

hmmmmmmm,

what do you call a 'mat' that is 50 cm (or 20 inches) wide??

Someone in an earlier post suggested I have a give away for the person who could guess the number of rings in this project.

Last night, LOML enquired as to how many knots?!?!?

I worked out both!

Me thinks I have too much time on my hands and it is definately time to go back to work,

but if you too have too much time on your hands, or just wish to hazard a guess

- go for it in the comments section!

Ok, so what will I give away?

Let me think about it for a few minutes!

As I completed 25 snowflakes for the 25 motif challenge in 2009,

and Sharon *did* drop by and throw out the challenge again, how could I resist?!?

Soooo, this time, definately not 25 of the same pattern!

Bookmarks! I LOVE bookmarks!!

Lets go!

Number 1 - Using Coats 40 crotchet thread in ecru -

design adapted from Tatting in Lace by Mary Konior

Left to right - All using Lizbeth 20 in Country Turquiose Lt -

Number 2 and 3- Adapted from The Complete Book of tatting by Rebecca Jones,

Number 4 - Adapted from Tatting in Lace by Mary Konior

Numbers 5 and 6 - using DMC 20 Cordonnet Special

These are joined motifs from the book Tatting by Myra Piper.

I finally got there Diane - a beautiful book with many more designs to play with :)

Finally, Number 7!

Lizbeth 20 thread in Mocha and another Myra Piper design.

Number 8 is on the way!

Do you like them?

What if I include 1 of these bookmarks in the give away?

February 14th is a sweet day, soooo
leave a comment stating an estimate of rings or knots. The closest guess posted for either catagory will win a bookmark of choice and a mystery prize :)

2010-01-14T11:52:00.003+11:00

Here is the restart to my Beds mat (I don't think I will turn it into a ring pillow).

I have now used Finca 80 and like it much better.

This is 1.1 meters of the bucks point trim I have made for my grandson, Travis. Now I have to mount it onto a hankie, make it into a bonnet and then print up the verse and instructions.

I am not sure if Beds or Bucks is going to be my most favorite lace - I love them both!
Hooray, hooray - motifs 23, 24 and 25! They were completed on Boxing Day, and looked fabulous after they were blocked, but that pic did not work and will not be manipulated :(

My Mousey pin cushion was happy too - now I could get back to bobbin lace :)

Last weekend, we took Wind Dancer out for a run - (lots of) friends came along and LOML panicked that Wind Dancer would not behave herself.

4 1/2 hours and a dozen trips up the beach proved that Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

The cost - just 2 small tears in the skirt - 1 at the front and 1 at the back! Yayyyyyy!!!!!!!

My Lizbeth mat is almost finished - yes, no more rounds to go! Pic soon :)

Now I am off to play wth my Storybook - they are on special for January - 20% off!!

And a party tonight too!!

Drop a comment, before you go, I love reading what my bloggy friends think.

Hugs, hugs and more hugs

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T09:38:00.003+11:00

I hope that this year will be everything you want it to be!

Here is a pic of the completed fan, mounted on sticks and sunning itself in the pansies.

I have to admit that I am charmed at the end result, and the recipient was happy too.

25 motif challenge

We will call this one no 19 - sorry about the photo - camera is not happy at the moment :(
(actually completed Christmas morning at its new home - phew, I leave things til the last minute!)

Numbers 20, 21 and 22

Numbers 23, 24 and 25 are complete, but photo is not recognisable, so will try again later.

Now for the New Year Project!

My aim this Summer is to make the ring pillow (lessons 7-10) from Barbara Underwood's Floral Beds in 20 Lessons book.

I hope it is not true that what starts the new year will continue as I cut this off this morning!

I started it a couple of days ago in finca 60 (labelled as equivellent to tanne 50 as called for in the pattern), but having unpinned the first repeat this morning, and wanting to complete the whole pillow, I think I will like it much better in finca 80. Life is just too short to make the whole thing in a thread I am not happy with!

Hmmmm...shades of Barbara's workshop there as the same thing happened - lesson not learned!

While waiting for pics to download, I made the first ring on the final round of the Lizbeth doily, and have now cut that off too :(

I am going to go focus on the first pattern repeat on the tatting, then wind bobbins and start the ring pillow again! There WILL be progress today!!

Happy New Year everyone, thanks for the friendship and kind words throughout 2009, and I really look forward to the continued friendships and sharing in 2010.

25 motifs and leftovers

2009-12-23T21:52:00.005+11:00

It's not christmas yet, but the fan is complete and mounted on sticks!!

Here is the lace (completed pic tomorrow in real daylight)

The leftover thread made 6 bookmarks for friends! Yes they are all the same, but time was of the essence :)

The cards show the first 12 of my Jon's Quanti Snowflake, as seen in previous posts counting down the 25 motif challenge.

The attached snowflakes are 13 and 14...
...15 and 16...
...and 17 and 18 :)

19 is complete but for the pic and 20 almost done! Only 5 to go - tomorrow!!

Take a moment to hug someone, afterall that is what this crazy time of the year is all about!!

Bits and bobs

2009-12-14T17:20:00.009+11:00

A few bits are starting to happen - slowly!

Here is a fan I designed last Christmas - this one is a gift for this Christmas, but I have to get a wriggle on to finish it :)

These bookmarks and tags are part of gifts I have made for friends. The bookmark is from Jon's pattern pages made with hdt size 20 hakelgarn in Rain Forest by Lady Shuttle Maker.

The tags are made from Creative Memories papers using the tag maker, heart maker and meadow maker shape cutters.

These tags also use the sweetheart maker and scollop circle and were made for my Joey Scouts.

Travis is Not growing slowly! Here he is chatting with Grandma, and he gets more hansome everytime I see him :)
Enough for now! I am off to think about dinner and then probably more sleep!

Hugs and best wishes.

Key Ring Instructions

2009-12-11T20:49:00.003+11:00

The following is posted for one of my students - ready to have a go at one of my designs for the first time on her own! I may work out how to do a separate page and include a pricking for others over the summer

Cut 5 passive lengths approx 1 meter, 1 worker (can be metallic) approx 3 meters and wind as pairs.

Using a small gold ring for a Christmas decoration, or a split ring for a key chain, pass the centre of each passive through the ring and then thread the bobbins though the loop, pull down evenly. Ensure threads are in the order you wish your stripes to run.

Pin to picking so that the bottom of the ring is touching the first pin.

Place the 1st pin and hang the worker over it.

Pins 1-2: cross, twist, cross all pairs, extra twist on worker pair, place pin.

Pins 3-6: cross, twist, cross, twist 1st pair,

cross, twist, cross centre 3 pairs,

twist worker pair only, cross, twist, cross, twist 5th pair,

extra twist on worker pair, place the pin.

Pins 7-10: cross, twist, cross, twist 1st pair, extra twist on worker pair,
cross, twist, cross centre 3 pairs,
2 twists worker pair only, cross, twist, cross, twist 5th pair,
extra twist on worker pair, place pin.

Pins 11-32: cross, twist, cross, twist 1st pair, 2 extra twists on worker pair only,
cross, twist, cross centre 3 pairs,
3 twists worker pair only, cross, twist, cross, twist 5th pair,
extra twist on worker pair, place pin.

Pins 33-35: cross, twist, cross, twist 1st pair, extra twist on worker pair,
cross, twist, cross centre 3 pairs,
2 twists on worker pair only, cross, twist, cross, twist 5th pair,
extra twist on worker pair, place pin.

Pins 36-38: cross, twist, cross, twist 1st pair,
cross, twist, cross centre 3 pairs,
twist worker pair only, cross, twist, cross, twist 5th pair,
extra twist on worker pair, place pin.

Pins 39-40: Cross, twist, cross all pairs, extra twist on worker pair, place pin.

Wrap worker around all passives 2 times, and then tie off with a reef knot (like the snake). Leave a fringe and trim all threads.

Good luck :)

It's a boy!!

2009-11-09T21:29:00.003+11:00

I've been working for weeks (at least that's what it feels like)

This is a very quick post to let you know my 1st grandchild arrived safely on Thursday afternoon. Travis John is now at home getting to know friends, family and discovering a big wonderful world, wrapping his mum and dad around his little finger very sweetly!

Pics later...gotta fly - work to be done!

BTW - work is full time for another 4 weeks, so please don't expect too much :)

Show Time

2009-10-12T07:17:00.003+11:00

Wow, can you believe it is October already?!?!

Here are 3 of my 4 lace entries in our local show.

This length of lace was awarded a 1st place. I adapted the design from a Rosemary Shepherd pattern when I first started making lace to fit into a commercial frame.

This coats design took 4 months to tat, and I love it! I am considering making the design again, but continuing to make a circular table cloth for a small occassional table ... one day!

It was awarded 3rd place in the tatting section at the show. At first I was completely surprised by this - given the following piece, but after reading the judges comments, I do agree, especially as I had already said I was disappointed in that area with this piece - lesson learned!
This bookmark designed by Jon was awarded 1st place in the tatting section. I have tat it using Lizbeth thread in Shell (I think that was the name of the thread?) It was very quick to tat and I am now going to use it in my diary!

I was awarded 3rd place for my forth project, but cannot share here for now.

I am very pleased with my results and enjoyed 2 half days of lace demonstrating and several hours experimenting with some scrap booking tools from Creative Memories too!

Now I can focus on baby things, ATCs, 25 motif challenge and finishing my Lizbeth doily!

Hmmmm and Christmas is just around the corner!?!?

Thanks for reading this far, don't forget to say hi before you go.

A rainbow of possums

2009-09-18T08:58:00.002+10:00

It is the last day of the school holidays, and I really don't have much to show for my time!

I have made a length of lace, but cannot share it just yet.

I have almost completed the mounting of my hankie, but again I cannot share.

I have made a test tat of Karin's design motif for the design class, but not sure I should share.

So here is the most recent pic of possums. There is one each for my Joey Scouts as at the end of last term!

Yesterday I handed the reigns over to a new leader and have stepped down to Assistant after 12 years. I am really looking forward to just going along and playing a few games with the children each week, without the planning, paperwork and full responibility!

The next ones will be for the 4 leaders/youth helpers, then I can start on any new Joeys who come along :)

Now I need to go post the motif where it should be and get to work on the drawing program! I am hoping my new Creative Memories Consultants kit will arrive today too!

And I had better do some 4 letter words too :(

Ahhh haaaa! Another short post!! See I can do them ... sometimes :)

Please drop me a line, I love hearing from friends, give someone you love a big hug - just because and stay happy!

Fond memories

2009-09-11T14:44:00.003+10:00

I have joined Creative Memories as a consultant for scrapbooking and photo storage solutions!

My 2nd challenge is to complete a paper album kit!

(The first is having the patience to wait for my sign-up kit to arrive!!)

The kit I chose from the pile was "Rock Star".

I had thought to add pics of DD, but cannot put my hands on the ones I had in mind.

DS2 has become my focus!

To start the ball rolling, he is pictured with his trombone at a couple of RSL Band events.

Here, he is hamming it up with his cousins at his Great Nan's house.

These pics were taken at Tomahawk at Chhristmas in 2000.

This cheeky young fellow is now 18, and still full of fun and life!!

When the postman kindly delivers my package, I intend adding some text in various forms.

You can see now, why I titled the post "fond memories" :)

Last night, he told me this is a waste of time, but when his children come to visit their Grandma, I am sure they will enjoy seeing their dad when he was young. LOL :)

What do you think??

Now I am going to create a new blog just for this - that way my lace readers can continue to enjoy this blog, with the odd detour, and scrapbookers can click on the link and follow my Creative Memories journey.

Possum magic

2009-09-09T16:38:00.002+10:00

This gorgeous Aussie design can be found in the Australian Lace Magazine Summer 2004 edition. It was contributed by Kath Shadbolt, who adapted it from a picture of a lace mouse. Needless to say, I have adapted it yet again, due to not reading the instructions!

One of the junior boys at school picked it from the pile, and has almost completed it.

I was only going to make 1 for my sample book, but I have also fallen in love with it, and decided to make 1 each for my Joey Scouts and team for Christmas. Here are the first 3!

I have managed to wrestle some paperwork done today, and even checked out a bloggy friend or 2 after catching up with emails!

Now, I am off to wind more bobbins, and write out a tatting pattern!

Thanks for stopping by.

A few little bits

2009-09-07T18:49:00.002+10:00

Ok ... yes I have been making some lace!

First, my tat design homework! I posted the motif on the right, but with some tweaking, I also like the motif on the left. Now I have to write out the pattern (and do some blocking)!

Next, Porty is ready to play!

Ok, ok, so I had some help here, but it has been a wonderful team effort!

Next stop, a frame.

The Lisbeth doily is moving along! I promise that there is only 3 1/2 rounds left here Diane ... but I am thinking there may be enough thread left to make a couple of matching mats :)

The Bucks length for Grandbaby is growing. The pic is lousy, but the lace is over 50 cms now.

I spent some time sorting through my samples books, and found I needed to replace several things ...

The book that spends lots of time at school has some items adapted from Christine Springett's Lace for Children. The half stitch heart, hairband length and flower (without the bracelet) are popular projects.

This key ring was designed as a starter project ... Ebonee made it to see if it worked for me, and this is my sample ... finally.

The ever popular snakes now reside in my book ... until I give this pair away too...

And finaly, I have remade this little edge from Rosemary Shepherd's Bobbin Lace for Beginners Book (for the 3rd time :)

Nothing exciting, but lots of little projects are in order for this holidays. Keep watching for the next batch!

If you are interested in Scrapbooking ... keep watching this space :)

Cheers for now, but before you go, please don't forget to share a thought or 2 :)

Soooo Civilized

2009-09-04T17:40:00.003+10:00

Lots of lace as promised!!

This possum/mouse is the work of one of my Juniors...only the tail to go!!

The other (at school today) has almost finished this angel!
Another senior decided to take the plunge and was impressed by her progress today!

The key ring was completed by a young lass, embarking on a new and exciting time with job prospects on the horizon.

I will be in trouble,for the "rose garden"is upside down, but the end of term marked the end of the length. Now the lass must decide what to do with this piece! Next term, she is going to start this fan!

I will post some of my work next time LOL

Warm regards

This is why there is no lace!

2009-09-01T09:36:00.004+10:00

This weekend, I enticed 7 Joey Scouts out into the wild! They were accompanied by 8 adults, who braved Bunyip (me :)), rain, wind, late nights and...

...the underground at Mole Creek's Maracoopa Cave...

...sheer cliffs at Alum Cliffs Gorge Lookout...

...rain forest and running streams at the caves......and a native or two...

...or three :)
While the leaders were planning the next lot of fun, the Joeys and Parents actually managed to find a kite in Bunyip's games box and sailed it in a clear blue sky.

Have you guessed what I have been up to for the past 3 weeks now?

Next post will definately include some lace - I promise!!

I did manage my 6 pins + on the weekend - and I have completed lesson 4 of the tat design course, but now have to take pics and post the results.

Catch you real soon...

Warm hugs, and welcome Spring .....Yay!!!

Welcome to my back door

2009-08-20T09:12:00.004+10:00

Please allow me to show you a little of my place. Launceston is situated on the Tamar River basin in Northern Tasmania. The South Esk, North Esk and Tamar Rivers all converge in the basin, before going out to sea through the Tamar River valley. Last weekend we experienced the worst floods in over 30 years. I managed to visit "the Gorge" yesterday (Wednesday)afternoon, and whilst it is not as wild as it was on Sunday, the volume of water is still spectacular! This is the scene from Kings Bridge, 5 minutes walk from the CBD.

90% of the time, this area is a gently rambling brooke!

The Alexandra Suspension bridge and the cable chair lift - was the longest span in the Southern Hemisphere (not sure if that is still the case) - are features of our Gorge. On Sunday the water level was above the cement base you can see on the left here! Teenagers often swim in this area in the summertime, despite the constant warnings of flood waters being released from Trevallyn Dam, further up the river.

For those of us too chicken to swim in the river, there are 2 swimming pools in the foreground - the one you can see is a wading pool for toodlers, and the deeper pool is still obscured by the floodwater. To give you an idea of the magnatude of Sunday, the swingset behind the orange barrier on the left only had 4 inches of poles showing in the weekend newspaper!

On the way out, I stopped and took 2 photos about 400 meters from Kings Bridge. This one is facing East back into the reserve.

And to the west, you can see the CBD. The Myer building is the 'high-rise' just to the left of the tree, and the old Post Office Clock tower can be seen to the right. This is the middle of town and less than 10 minutes walk away!

From the base of the new bridge - built to handle the increased volumes of traffic in the area in the late 60s I think - this pic shows just how close suburbia is to the Gorge! These homes have fabulous views of the Tamar Valley to the north, the industrial area on the eastern bank and the city. Most of these homes are colonial, but behind them are some rather beautiful modern houses too.

Hope you enjoyed my tour :) Please come again, and hopfully I will have some lace to show you! Don't forget to let me know what you think in the comments ... I love letters from friends :)

Happy days

Back on line :)

2009-08-15T16:23:00.002+10:00

Hi All,

My 'puter went on a little holiday ... even machinery feels overworked sometimes, and the box kept going to bed :( But all is well ... a week with the repair man and 'tis a happy chappy again.

Meanwhile, the postie was busy.

This gorgeous ATC travelled from Jackie Ellison in Harwick.

I *love* all things oriental so this is simply perfect for me :)

Thank you Jackie!

In November, I am going to be a grandma (or maybe a Nanna ... will have to ask :))

Here is the first crotcheted square of a cot cover ... it already has 5 brothers and sisters to go with it, but I downloaded the pics before taking a family shot.

I am using a Twilleys mercerised cotton in pale yellow - a little more colour that the pic shows.

Not my usual kind of lace, but this design works up very nicely. The pattern is from an old Engligh craft magazine that my Great Aunt used to subscribe to. Unfortunately, I was unable to rescue the magazines when she downsized, but was able to get a copy of this pattern about 15 years ago.

And finally for today...

Motif 11 and 12 for the 25 motif challenge ... nearly half way!

Again, I have used DMC Perle with verigated and solid colour threads ... I just love the colour combinations!

There are plenty of "extra" bits, begging to be stitched onto some ATCs and the length is the first piece of 'homework' for the on-line tat design class I am taking.

Speaking of which, I need to post my lesson 2 and 3 homework!

Have been out and about with the baby hovercraft today - lots of great fun for the kids!

Don't forget to grop a line before you go, and make the most of every day! Let those you love know you care!

Hugs,

25 Motifs and ATCs

2009-07-29T19:01:00.002+10:00

Hi Bloggy Friends,

Life is busy, busy, busy so this will be a very short post to let you know I am still here.

This is motif 10 in the 25 motif challenge.

I really do love Jon's Quanti design! Another Perle 8. I really like the colours in this one.

When I got home from work tonight, I found this little surprise in the post.

2 x wax painting ATCs by Don Vickers in the U.K.

Are they not the most darling cards?

I think so!

I can only assume that these are a part of the ATC exchange I took part in some time back...still looking for a couple of takers :)

Told you it would be short :) but please feel free to drop a line...I love hearing from friends.

Warm hugs and lots of smiles,

Where has the time gone?!?

2009-07-13T09:05:00.004+10:00

Wow, I cannot believe that more than a month has passed since I last blogged :( What a busy month it has been! Apart from quite a bit of work, I have managed a few crafty bits too.

Here is my completed cross stitch - a Gumlace Secret Pals gift from Janette in Canberra. On Saturday night I won a gift voucher from a framing business at our local Scouting Entertainment night, so this little kitty will have a lovely frame very soon. I love this pic because the kitty looks like my Sox about 15 years ago. When I get my own classroom, I intend to hang the pic there to remind students to "hang in there".

Speaking of Secret Pals - the final round of my second foray into this delightful pastime arrived last week. My Arachne package contained 2 months of gifts, so I really did feel very spoiled :) This May package had so many treasures! I have started tatting a collar with the Seashells coloured Lizbeth thread, using the silver tatting shuttle. The booklet has lots of information about Nottingham machine-made lace and is a very interesting read.

This gorgeous pewter plate, depicting a lacemaker was the June installment. I have never seen anything like this before, and will treasure it always. Many thanks to my pal Pat Hallam in Nottingham!

I have really enjoyed both rounds of Secret Pals. Finding or making just the right gift for my recipients was terrific fun, and I have made 2 new lacey friends with each round :) And I did not manage to guess either of my pals prior to the reveal, but have learned a little something interesting about each.

On the same day, Diane's parcel with threads to complete my Lizbeth doily arrived! 2 balls of thread will enable me to complete the big doily and make a pair of matching small ones. (The other ball is attached to the shuttle, but not the doily yet.) Diane purchased 2 pair of bobbins at a Lace Day she attended, then split them and shared with me - am I lucky or what! I just love the unusual shape of the bobbins and cannot wait to try them out. Thank you Diane, a little something for you will be winging it's way your way by this afternoon.

In my last post, I shared some French Beading with you. Now I have bunches of wildflowers :)

These are quite quick to make, so I have short stems to wear on my clothing or long stems to put in a vase.
I have made all the bits for the Rose, but am still in the process of lacing the leaves and petals before construction can take place. This project is taking much longer!

Apart from winding many, many bobbins for the children at school, the only bobbin lace I have on the go is this little Bucks edging. In November I will see how long it is and use it to decorate some baby goodies for my first grandbaby :) There is not much to show just yet but it does grow fast.

Enough from me for now! I have managed to drop in on a few friends over the past weeks, and have enjoyed your stories and sharing.

For now, stay well, happy and able to make and share your lace adventures.

Warm hugs.

Treasures

2009-06-09T12:46:00.002+10:00

Dear friends,

Please allow me to share some treasures with you.

Here are Quanti snowflakes number 6 (with a new edge), 7, 8 and 9 toward the 25 motif challenge! The blue, white and gold combos are cotton and candlelight metallics. The green is perle 8 reel left overs.

Porty is also making progress! The children at school will be pleased to see he now has a beak and will soon have eyes. It will then be up to them to complete the right flipper, body and filling. He has an appointment for the 7th of August, but I will only be at the school on Fridays so I hope he makes it!

On Saturday, the calender ticked over another year for me :)

Apart from the usual (and very yummy) chocolates and meal out - counter meal at the local pub - the best in Lonnie for sure :) and text messages from a couple of my children, here are the treasures that came my way. LOML bought me the Pandora style bracelet - he knows I love these, and as I helped him pick a plain bracelet for his DD's birthday a month or so ago, he decided I could have the same :) The book is from his sister and family. She decided to have a change from lace books this year, but I am not complaining :)

So, after a rummage through the markets over the weekend I had enough materials to go to work!
Here is lesson 1 x 2 from the above book!

And up close!

The next lesson is my signature rose - I am really looking forward to that one!!

Also at the markets I found this pair of bobbins. The Wood Turners Guild of Tasmania meet at the Exeter Showgrounds and coincide with the local market. Members demonstrate the skill of wood turning throughout the day, and each turner may sell items to the public. There was a lovely bucket full of bobbins, but I fell in love with these ones! After some discussion, I found the gent who made the bobbins and he showed me how to make the loose rings. Our conversation was very interesting, and I was invited to go back, maybe join the Guild and get some more tips for my bobbin making :)

That's enough waffle from me! Thank you for reading, and don't forget to share your thoughts too. I love reading what my bloggy friends have to say!

Hugs,

Rainy holidays

2009-06-04T18:31:00.003+10:00

Welcome friends,

As the rain falls and the temps drop for the school holidays, the lace grows :) Here are 2 more samples of bucks point lace. The bottom one is called sheeps head, but LOML and I think it looks more like an alien face - must be our Star Trek influence coming through LOL. The top design is honeycombe rings. I love this design, but still need to practice. I think I will fully wind some bobbins and make a worthwhile length - I do have a great excuse, but best not share at the moment :)

Last post I promised to show you my hardanger, so here 'tis! We had a workshop at our last Lace Day and I had to have a go, although I have not really aspired to this form of needlework. I have actually enjoyed this piece so far and am thinking about a larger sampler. The next step on this piece is the cutwork, but I will wait til the next meeting before tackling that.
The Lisbeth doily is also growing quickly. There is a small problem - I don't have enough thread to do the last round :(

What to do, what to do???

Order more of the same shade and hope they are very close, or use a different colour or leave it at the end of this round? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Leave a comment and let me know what you think :) And keep watching to find out what is decided :) Stay warm (or cool) til next time.

Starts and finishes

2009-05-30T14:26:00.003+10:00

A warm welcome to one and all.

Some finishes first!

The Bedfordshire letter C is ready to display! Hopfully, there will be many better places than my kitchen/craft table!!

And the set looks great too! Their first booking may be at the Tasmanian Craft Fair in Hobart in June...I will send them down and see what happens. They will then be displayed at school for the month of August!

Ebonee has been working hard, showing her classmates how to make bobbin lace. Her hairband arrived back this weekend, just a little longer than I expected :) We went shopping this morning for a piece of ribbon to thread through. Here is the result!

With the elastic attached, it makes a very pretty accessory.And now for the starts!

One of my goals for this year was to learn Bucks Point bobbin lace! I borrowed some books a while back and last weekend I made a start! This "little fan" pattern grew very quickly (especially once I worked out I was reading the instructions wrong for the footside). This is about 5 hours work!

On Wednesday night I started lesson 2 - honeycomb stitch!

Just another 3 or 4 hours here too - I really like this lace - so fast!!

Next post I will share my 1st attempt at hardanger! I am on holidays for 2 weeks now and looking forward to lots of lace, some ATC's - and a little cleaning, but for now, off to teach Ebonee how to make shepherd's pie and caramel dumplings! I will post again soon, but til then, feel free to share a thought or 2 :)

Happy Feet

2009-05-19T17:02:00.002+10:00

Hi All,

Just a quick pic :) I had to bring Porty home tonight to add some more bobbins. The children are all keen to have a go so he is progressing well. I could even get a few bobbins going in the middle for the filling now!
I am off to wind bobbins for another starter tomorrow, then a little on Porty and then homework! And you all thought I only do loooonnnnngggggggg posts :)))
Til next time, have fun, but don't forget to leave a comment before you go :)

6 pins, 3 rings

2009-05-17T15:47:00.005+10:00

Greetings Friends,

Last post, I promised some bobbin pics, so here they are!

The bobbin on the left is from Guzziesue in Nottingham. Ebonee picked the spangle beads on her last visit, so the bobbin has been dancing with the rest in the Letter C :) The next pair are from my Arachne Secret Pal in the U.K. I find out who she is in the June exchange, and I can't wait! The black bobbin has Christmas 2008 scripted on the back and the other has a matching needle case - just beautiful! The last pair are made from Purplewood by Eddie Giesaitis. Judy and Eddie visited our lace meeting on their Tasmanian holiday last month. Ebonee also picked a pair of the Purplewood, although she had her eye on the painted bobbins and I was facinated by the diamondwood ones...maybe next time :)

And the C dance is progressing well! I had a couple of unexpected days off last week, and put one of them to good use, along with another solid 8 hours yesterday! I would really like to finish this by next weekend, so that the Guild can use the letters in a lace display in June if they wish.
Ebonee is staying again this weekend and also put her 6 pins in. I moved the hairband up the pricking this morning to give her room to move the bobbins. She has been showing her classmates this site, and will be taking the pillow to school tomorrow so they can see the real thing. Hope you like it class :) At the moment there are 8 repeats done and 5 or 6 to go!

My Lizbeth doily is also growing. The pattern only has 1 more round after this one, but I think I am going to add another repeat of this pattern to make the doily a bit larger. It is an interesting design, and pretty quick to tat. BTW, the pattern can be found in Tatting Doilies & Edgings edited by Rita Weiss. Some terrific patterns - I have made 5 or 6 of the doilies and several edgings from this book.

I have a full week of work ahead, so I doubt I will get time to post before next weekend, but fully intend to get a bit a lace done :) I will take a pic of Porty when I get to school - he is also growing well. As a snake was finished on Friday, there will be some excitement about again, and I am thinking of taking an extra (round) pillow to get one of the 2nd timers going...they are choosing some interesting projects and the round pillow will suit the tape lace pic needs better than a square one I think! Should be lots of fun to get something different happening :)

Don't forget to have your say in the comments section - keep me amused this week my friends :)

Hugs to all, stay safe and happy

Bobbins, shuttles, ATCs and more

2009-05-11T14:07:00.006+10:00

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,

Do U C what I C?

2009-05-05T20:08:00.002+10:00

Greetings Friends,

Here is the beginning of the end :) Yes, it is the final letter of the set! ... Well a start anyhow. The pattern is from Barbara Underwood - Floral Bedfordshire in 20 lessons. The pattern was scaned, then transfered to Publisher and finally elongated to the required size. This method of adapting a pattern would probably be frowned upon by traditionalists, but it has given me the required dimensions. I am using DMC Perle 12 - not a traditional Beds thread, but will compliment the other letters.
I did take a close up, but blogger does not want to talk now :( so watch this space in my next post :)

Now, let me introduce Porty! The school logo is starting to take shape...tomorrow, I will invite a lace student or 2 to make a contribution ... keep watching to find out who Porty is :)

Finally, here is an example of the key rings my Joey Scouts made last night. It is a simple 4 bobbin plait, made on the pillow. 2 of the boys were not that impressed, but the mum and the other 3 Joeys really enjoyed making this little gift to add to a small collection for their mums. We used a 12 ply multi coloured wool for this project.

Thanks for dropping by, hope you found something of interest here. Please feel free to leave a comment ... I am hoping to have the time to drop in on some bloggy friends in the next day or so, but for now I must get some work done so have fun, and be healthy :)

Cheers

Tagged, Torchon and Tatting

2009-05-02T16:14:00.006+10:00

I've been tagged! Hi Tatting Chic, I am happy to take your challenge.

So....folder 5, photo 5 is...

This fountain, which is situated in Launceston's Civic Square and often a target for pranksters. A little detergent gives the fountain an "icy feel". While it looks rather fantastic in real life, the detergent does damage the pumps. I took this pic 18 months ago, so it is probably about due to 'happen' again :)

Now, to choose 5 Bloggy friends to tag :)

1. http://tatsakoolchallenge.blogspot.com/

2. http://stitchety-grub.blogspot.com/

3. http://randa-handmadelace.blogspot.com/

4. http://trayna.blogspot.com/

5. http://normasneedlez.blogspot.com/

Here is your mission should you choose to accept it:
The rules are:

1. go to your documents/pictures.

2. go to your 5th file.

3. go to your 5th picture.

4. blog about it.

5. tag 5 people.

If you choose to do it, have fun ladies! :)

Now, to the Torchon :)
Here is my completed Letter L, taken off the pillow this morning. The pricking was my first attempt at designing - at least I adapted a design from Rosemary Shepherd.
Here are the 3 completed letters together...only the C to go!
The pricking is made so I just need to decide on a colour and get into it :) I have also made a pricking for the Porty Penguin - school logo - to go with the letters in the school display, which will happen sometime in second term (June - September) probably. I am hoping to let the children have a go at helping me complete Porty, then I will present it in a frame for the school to keep.

Ebonee's hairband is growing slowly :)

Right now she is peeling the vegies for tea, and then she wants to make an apple crumble for dessert:)

Lamb Roast with homemade gravy, fresh vegies and crispy roast potatoes, followed by homemade apple crumble
MMMMM mmmmmmm
And finally, some tatting - Lisbeth is progressing slowly!

Another long post - making up for the once a week opportunity, so if you have made it to here, thanks for reading! Please leave a comment, Ebonee and I appreciate the thoughts of like minded crafty people and encouragement is a tip top compliment :)

Have a wonderful day and keep smiling ... it is most catching :)

Progress

2009-04-26T19:54:00.003+10:00

Welcome Friends,

I have finally finished my show doily, but cannot post a pic here just yet :)

This Lisbeth doily is also moving along well. The next round or 2 are quick ones so progress will seem fast. I took this pic on a yellow background so you can see the colour better. I love the shuttle too...feels great in the hand and is weighted perfectly :)
And it was a great week at school too. Here are the 2 bookmarks, completed by my senior students. They are delighted with the results of their hard work over the past few weeks and now looking forward to their next project. One of the juniors also finished his snake bookmark, but the pic I have includes the student and cannot be shared here.

All of this means I have more bobbins to wind and the list of students will get shorter for all of 3 minutes, until word gets around that there was an empty pillow!

Enjoy your week, hug someone close and stay safe :)

Hairbands, stands and L's

2009-04-19T14:37:00.004+10:00

Greetings All,

Yesterday was the April Lace Day meeting for our little group. Unfortunately, I confess to not making 1 twist, crossing or knot :( I did enjoy looking at what other members were up to for a change. Besides, we had a couple of visitors from interstate - DH had some beautiful bobbins and both Ebonee and I helped to lighten the load for the homeward journey - and another visitor from the North West Tassie lace group. As well as helping Ebonee on with her little piece, the chat and friendship was, as usual, full of fun and laughter. Here is the work that Ebonee accomplished.

And up close, you can see the lovely candlelight white glittery thread teamed with a perle 8 verigated pink.

These are her decorated beginner bobbins. The 3 pair on the left are painted, then coated with a clear varnish. The next pair are simply coated with the clear varnish. 2nd from the right have small, torn tissue pieces glued on with the varnish, then a final coat over the top when dry. The right hand pair have the same pink verigated thread as her work wound around the smooth part of the handle, then also finished with a coat of varnish. The pillow, cover cloth, bobbins and spangle beads were part of her birthday present last year.

When she got up this morning, she put in another 6 pins or so. When she is finished, we are going to add a ribbon, a piece of elastic and she will have a pretty hairband to impress her friends with :)Here is the adjustable table DS made for me to make lace on. Well.... actually he made me a cross stitch stand, but when I began making lace, he made a new piece to put in the top so I could put my pillow on. When I want to cross stitch, I can take the table piece out, and put the old cross stitch frame holder back, using the 2 lengths that are folded down here. He even added some stenciled silver roses, coz he knows his mum loves them :) Isn't he a clever lad?!
This is what it looks like with the pillow on top. Everything is adjustable so you can fit it to (almost) any chair/working height and angle. Ok, ok! Yes I have also done a little :) Here is the beginnings of my L.A.C.E. letter L. I am using the leftover Oliver Twist thread from my hankie (isn't it a gorgeous colour) and the pattern is my first ever attempt at design. It is an adaption of a Rosemary Shepherd design from her Introduction to Bobbin Lace book. I needed to widen the insertion, add corners and cut and shut to fit a bubble frame. I added a cross stitch of LOML's 3 children and presented it to their Nanna for her birthday a couple of years ago. This time, I will just make a long and short leg and....bingo - my L!

If you made it this far, thanks for reading :) I really do hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to have your say in the comments section - Ebonee read every single comment earlier - wow there have been lots of new friends made here :)

Have a wonderful day!!

Motifs

2009-04-16T09:19:00.003+10:00

Welcome All,

The rain is beating on the tin roof (somewhat more gentle than yesterday morning's storm)...a very welcome sound, (even though I have bucket loads of washing to do :()

Here are a couple more Quanti snowflakes. I have chosen to make 25 of these in one year...actually I would need to aim for more like 40 for my Christmas cards this year, but we will see! I thought the gold on the left on was Butterfly metallic, but I now don't think it is. The blue in the centre is Candlelight metallic and the white is Coats crotchet cotton No 20. The other is Perle 8, the verigated is by Anchor (shade 1344) and the solid colour one is a DMC (shade 211). I have not blocked either - thought I would wait for a few more - so they look a bit off. They will be stored until close to Christmas, and it is important they look great then so I will take more pics of groups of snowflakes - blocked and ready to find new homes :) In the meantime, these count as 5 and 6 towards my challenge.

Just before Easter, Diane (Lace Lovin' Librarian) suggested a thread swap ... you know, foster world wide friendship through lace and blogging. As my access to nice threads is limited to mail order much of the time (we do have a great local shop who will source lots, but the time involved is 3 projects long at times) I decided to send her some tools for her new adventure in bobbin lace in exchange for the threads. This was mutually very pleasing! Here is the first 3 rounds of a doily using the gorgeous Lisbeth No 20 thread in shade 632. Those of you lucky enough to be familiar with this thread will know the colour has not been done a justice in this pic! My parcel also included Lisbeth shades 651 (a lovely pale blue) and 660 (a delicious olde world minty green), 3 reels of size 70/80 tatting thread (white, pale blue and verigated yellow) and a hank of Ladyshuttlemaker's hand dyed rain forest. 2 shuttles from Lacis (1 purple [in use for this little project] and a grassy green one) and the delightful book - Tatting by Myra Piper also tumbled out of this little treasure package. Now I really do need more hands!!

I have not forgotten the bobbin lace readers either! This morning I unpinned my Maltese Tape Lace A. This is the first time I have attempted this lace so although there are glaring mistakes, I am rather pleased with the result. The final leg has the Arches stitch, and although a pain to tension nicely I feel I would love to do some more. The basket weave has not shown up so well in the pic, but gives a neat texture to the straight leg and I simply love the ovals stitch in the cross bar.

I am off to join my Oliver Twists hankie...it has been 'resting' for over a week now so should be ready to remove from the pillow. Tomorrow I am going bushwalking with my Joey Scouts (if the rain stops) so that will test the Physio I have endured this week :) Saturday at lace we have a mainland visitor coming along so that should be fun too!

Enough waffle on my part, but your comments are always welcome here :) Until next time, take lots of care, make lots of lace and as always - have lots and lots of fun :)

Bear Garden ATCs

2009-04-13T13:34:00.003+10:00

Greetings All,

Hope you had a wonderful Easter and that you and yours are all safe and happy!

I have finally finished my wash painted teddy ATCs on calico, trimmed with a little tatting. Guzzie Sue...what do you think? If there is one from here or my last ATC post that you like, let me know so I can pop it in the post with the other 7 :)
If you have a favorite and would love to trade, please leave a comment. Better yet...how about that exchange :) Just let me know in the comments box please. I love having visitors who enjoy a chat!

Off to make a hovercraft skirt - yes, another one! This time for a much smaller 1 person craft so should be easier .................. I hope!! Then I may be able to focus on the next round of ATC ideas, a little more of the A or even sample a small piece of the macadamia nut chocolate bar awaiting my indulgence ...MMmmmmmmmmm

Hugs to all

A few lace tools

2009-04-11T11:01:00.004+10:00

Greetings All,
This little lady has ruled my home for the past 15 years. Her name is Sox, but we may call her "Your Highness"! We moved 6 months ago, and she still thinks she can boss all the cats in the neighbourhood around ... mostly still fairs well, however, she has come home on the receiving end several times recently :( This morning she veiwed her loyal subjects from atop this very shaky fence post as I denied her the pleasure of playing with my bobbins. The only time she will grace my lap with her company is when I am tatting... she loves to chase the shuttle!
O.K. Now some lace... here are the tools I could not do without... aside from pillows, pins, prickings and bobbins of course! Left to right - A nail punch, stolen from the shed for pushing pins into the pillow, some curve bladed scissors for threads - could be sharper, but I will eventually find a good quality pair :), a pricker - made from dowel with a needle pushed into the end, a lazy susan - made the same as the pricker, but point end in the handle (made from a broken bobbin) and a bend close to the eye, threaded ready for use, a pin puller - made by a local bobbin maker and a small crotchet hook - especially made for tatting by milward shuttles (no longer available).

To use the lazy susan to make a sewing - first remove the pin and push the needle through the pinhole. Pull the thread to make a loop.

Next, pass 1 bobbin of the pair to be sewn through the loop. It is easier to pass the bobbin spangle first if you are using spangled bobbins. Here, I am sewing 2 pair, so I have passed 2 bobbins through the loop.
Pulling on the handle AND the thread tails, gently ease the bobbin threads through the hole to form loops with the bobbin threads.

Pass one of the remaining bobbins through each loop. Gently ease the threads up to remove the unwanted loops and ensure that they sit neat with the hole where the sewing was made. If finishing off a piece, you can tie a reef knot before trimming the excess thread. Darning the ends may also be necessary. When making a sewing to join pieces of lace together (as here) replace the pin and continue on.

Here is my A with the first leg completed. I used basket weave stitch for this leg.

This afternoon I plan on completing some more ATCs so there should be another post soon. Are you interested in taking part in a round robin swap for ATCs? Please leave a comment!

From Sox and I...happy days :)

A little tape lace

2009-04-10T15:25:00.005+10:00

Here is the beginning of my tape lace A. I am using Milanese style tape lace to construct this letter as part of my L.A.C.E. set. I am using a rather thick Finca 20 thread and following some instructions from The Lace Guild publication An Introduction to Milanese Lace. Although I have not completed any of the sample bands, I figure if I muck up totally, I can always re make the A and then keep this one for a sampler. For now it will have to do :) This stitch is called ovals and for a first up, Blind Freddie would be glad to see it :D Now for the basket weave straight leg...

Here is a peek at my only other attempt at a tape lace. This design is from 75 Quick and Easy Patterns by Veronica Sorenson - although this design was not that easy for this little beginner 15 months ago! The loopy tape was made first complete with an outside boarder. The ground was then filled in and a length made to make the frill, which is stitched on afterwards. It was fun to make although very challenging as I had only been making lace for 3 months or so at that point. I think I used No 80 tatting cotton...not really sure.
Here is the finished product! Needless to say the Bride was thrilled! I took it to her the day before the wedding and she later gave me some pics of her wearing it.

Please feel free to leave a comment...I love reading what you have to say :) Stay well and healthy and for those who do...have a great Easter Break.

A little traveller.

2009-04-04T19:46:00.004+11:00

Greetings one and all,

There is not a lot of lace I can show you, but I have been working hard :) I have 3 more centres made (2 rounds each) toward the 25 motif challenge...still awaiting thread for the outside. I only have 1 edge to go on the Oliver Twist hankie. Today I made the patterns for the A and the C for my L.A.C.E. letters...will show you once I get started on the lace. I am still working on the Porty Penguin lace...investigating an easy way out - who me?!?!? I made a pair of bobbins which are on their way to their new home as I type. There are 6 new ATCs drying in the porch - hand painting seems such a long time ago, but I think they will be passable. The tatting has included a gift for my secret pal - so of course I cannot share just yet, besides it is a W.I.P. still, some small bits for the ATCs and another motif or 2 on the doily....pheww...and I even managed a day at work and fitting in my lace students too on Friday. My seniors (14 year olds) are working on this bookmark and feeling a little lack of confidence....a classroom full of noisy 6 year olds and a furious thunderstorm just prior to class did not help!

Meanwhile I promised someone (Diane??) that I would post pics of my travel pillow, so here 'tis.

The roll is polystyrofoam cut to a diameter of 4" or 10 cm and 8" or 20 cm long. I have covered it with 1 layer of old blanket, then 1 layer of cotton drill. A 31 cm or 12 1/2" pricking will join up, but getting the pattern to match can be tricky to say the least...I was fortunate enough that this one did! Here is the box without the roll. First I made the outside box in seperate sections, each consisting of cardbaord from a TV box covered with a pocket made from the outside fabric (a rubber backed curtain) and the inside fabric (printed cotton). I made the 2 dividers and covered them in the inside fabric. This was all stitched together. To make the flaps, I cut the form from the TV box and made the pocket from an inside piece and an outside piece of fabric. Before I inserted the card, I used a repositionable spray glue to attach some quilting batting to the inside. This gives a padded surface to work on. After enclosing the card, these were stitched to the box section. I made a pin cusion from a hankie to put in one small section and spare bobbins, thread, rollers and tie down ribbons reside in the other small section. The box measures 35 cm or 14" end to end and 4 1/2" or 11 1/2 cm deep. It is 3" or 8 cm high. The flaps are 14" x 10" or 25 cm.
Rollers pined to the back flap keep the completed lace clean and out of the way. The ribbon on the front flap is used to secure the bobbins for travel. I thread it through the spangles and pin them close in, then fold the leftover ribbon across the bobbins and pin again. Not pretty, but it works well. Sometimes I put a piece of cloth against the completed lace to stop it being pulled by the pins in the pillow...not always necessary, it depends on the openess of the lace and the need to keep extra pins in.
Here you can see the ribbon that is glued to the outside, forming a loop on one flap and loose ends on the other. The loose ends can be tied around the loop piece to secure for travel. Here you can see the second one I made in action
These pillows are great for going to Lace Days - so why do I always seem to only have lace on my very large square or cookie pillows?? Lengths of lace are perfect because you just keep turning the roll. If your pattern does not join up perfectly, have 2 prickings and just pin the new one as the previous pricking runs out :)

Enough waffle and more than enough computer! Time to put my feet up.

Thank you

2009-03-31T18:47:00.004+11:00

So.... I hear you all ask ... Just what is it that has made me smile for 2 days straight?? After all, I was just cruising along, minding my own business, checking out some of my favorite blogs when I come across my name :) Well, as there are several Laura's out there in blog land, no excitement just yet! I clicked on the name and found myself on my own site!

I did hit the back button rather quickly to see what it was all about!

Let me show you...

Ta Da!! Many, many thanks Adriana! If you visit her blog you will see why I am smiling :)

Such awesome company!!

I hope this means I get to also pass this on...

Yes or no, I am going to anyways :)

Just let me work out how to do this...

Britt - Thanks for helping me get started!

Singtatter - Such inspiring work!

Diane - Beautiful work and such fun!

Jenny - I just love your ideas!

There are soooo many great blogs out there, and I know I have only just visited a very small handful, but every time I find a new blog, I find new inspiration!

Next time I will show you my travel pillow, but for tonight, I must go do a little decreasing with a hot impliment, then settle down with DB for some R & R... a little tatting maybe ...

Warm hugs to all my blogging friends...

This and That

2009-03-30T22:12:00.003+11:00

Salutations one and all,

First I would like to share some ATCs with you. The top 4 are made from a length of textured ribbon - hand dyed I think by Jane in the UK. Along with my ATC, Jane sent me some wonderful "scrappy bits" and here is what I did with some of them. The tatting is my work, but the 'garden gate' is a piece of machine made lace, the 'flower' hearts are sequins and such. The bottom 2 are left over from my first effort so I thought I would include them again. Hope you like them, and if you would like to trade, you know the drill - just leave a comment :) I have lots of ideas, but as you can see, I am easily distracted :D
I was not as impressed as I thought I would be by my first efforts at needle lace- see http://lauraslace.blogspot.com/2009/01/1st-lace-day-of-year.html However, I am determined not to be beaten by what could eventually be a beautiful form of lace so here is the beginnings of my needle lace scarecrow. I am still working on laying the cordonette? I will keep you posted :)

Here is the completed miniture hankerchief, made especially for my friend Frank. Frank is an antique bear who has the most exciting adventures. He was surprised at receiving such a special gift, but very quickly put it in his vest pocket in case I changed my mind. He was looking forward to school on Monday so he could show his friends his new hankie! I hope they liked it!

These books are my bedtime (and daytime) reading at present. The goal I have set myself is to

learn Bucks Point Lace this year. I am nearly ready to have a go at the basic patterns :) I am also in the process of designing a Penguin School logo using Lace R-XP...the workshop is beginning to pay off already. Porty the Penguin will be crafted by the children who are eager to make a bit of lace, but happy to not have something to take home right now. He will then be displayed along with the lace letters - if I get them all done in time that is as begun in an earlier post :) The Oliver Twist Edging is progressing swiftly...only 11 fans left in the headside! The thread has finally been ordered for my 25 motif challenge project and I have made several centres in preparation.

Enough, enough...I talk too much...thanks for stopping by, hope you found something of interest. BTW I was visiting blogs from my list at the side and found the most wonderful surprise...I will save that story for tomorrow as it is bed time :) Sweet dreams all!

A hankerchief story

2009-03-17T09:49:00.004+11:00

Hi All,
Thanks for the suggestions for the Beds piece ... the frame is on order and for now I may just put a backing mat in behind.
This is the piece of lace I made last year to donate to our local show society for their annual raffle. I am not sure how long it actually took to make the lace, but it seemed to take forever to mount it onto the hankie! The design is from 101 Torchon Patterns by Robin S. Lewis. I messed up the second corner - found the pricking very hard to follow - so I made the forth corner the same as the second.

Here is the finished product after it had been handed around at a lace day. One of our members folded the hankie for presentation and it looked great if I may say so :)The photos are dated 2 months apart, but I had finished well before the meeting, so 2 months or so sounds about right for a full sized hankie Diane. The one I am working on at present has been going just over two weeks. I am a little over half way through making the lace. That does include several full days though, as work has been a little scarce. I generally attach my tatting edges directly to the hankie - use cheaper readymades for the purpose. Having spent a couple of days sorting my lace pictures, I have realized that I do not have a single photo of a tatted hankie OMG :( What better excuse could there be to make another! For today, I am going to do some finishing off so that little project may just have to wait a while. Have a great day and thanks for taking the time to visit and leave a comment :)

Lacey weekend

2009-03-15T18:10:00.002+11:00

The Beds mat is finished! All ends are sewn in and it has done the rounds at State Lace Day :) Now I have until May to decide how best to display it. The 2 ideas I have are 'glueing' it to a tile with resin (but a bit worried about discolouration) or placing it in a small frame with a pic of DB and myself. It fits with our display theme of gardens for the upcoming craft fair and all members have been asked to contribute to the display so I better make a decision soon :) (The pic here is a little dark. So sorry, but I could not get a better light)

Here is the letter E all tatted and nearly ready for display. I am thinking of adding some flowers and leaves to embelish - tatted of course! Not sure if that will happen before the display at school, but I am content to put the idea on my (very long) tuit list for now. I also need to block the lace and sew in the ends. BTW...thanks for the link Tatting Chic, your GUILD letters look great...the real thing must have been wonderful to see! http://tattingchic.blogspot.com/2008/11/lace-day-in-la.html

Here is the little mat I mentioned in my last post. I did not finish the lace at the meeting, but when I got home last night. I was planning to put it in my brag book, around a photo, replacing the one I gave away. Early this morning I decided to mount it and give it to a teddy friend of mine. I am staying with his mum and dad next weekend when I attend a Lace R-XP workshop, so I thought this might be a neat gift. I have made Frank (the teddy) and his mum and dad a bookmark each in the past. This teddy sized hankie seems just the thing to tuck into his Sunday Vest Pocket. I am almost 3/4 of the way around the first row of stitching. Good practice for the next lifesized hankie :)

This is about what it will look like when complete!

We intended to spend some time playing on the hovercraft today but as we got to the beach, the (much needed) rain tumbled down in bucket fulls! It was forecast, but blue skies gave us confidence to go anyway! The good news is that we have found a better launching spot so next time should be fun...and there is no repair work to do meanwhile...yippppeeeeeee!

Hugs til next time :)

L.A.C.E.

2009-03-11T09:24:00.002+11:00

Here is a peek at my next project. I have been thinking about this one for a little while as I was asked to do a display in the foyer at school later in the year. I intend to make each of the letters in the word lace in a different kind of lace. My aim is to make a Torchon L, a tape lace A, a Bedfordshire C and here is the beginning of a tatted E. Each letter will fit on an A4 backing card, labeled with the type of lace. I am hoping that once it is surrounded by children's photos, snakes, hearts and other bookmarks it will look stunning. I can then use the letters when I go to demonstrations too :)
Later on I may even make the letters in "handmade" - there are plenty of kinds of lace left to try :)

For more info on ATCs, have a look at my last comment in that post. Thanks for visiting and have a fun day:)

Another T model and progress

2009-03-09T10:46:00.006+11:00

Yesterday, we had a family fun day at Steamfest. Sheffield is a small country town on the North West of Tassie. They hold this annual fun day to help raise the much needed funds to continue restoring part of our steam heritage. There is a short rail ride, tractor pulling, machinery displays, lace and spinning demonstrations and food, food and more food! Although I did not demonstrate, of course I went and cheered our rep on :) (I did have my tatting in my bag, but with 2 children in tow, there was little chance to sit and play). 'Pop' went along with this restored 1913 T model truck...the first of the collection - the blue car in my Feb post is number 3! This one is the pride of the fleet, as it is driven by a rare Smith's Chain drive mechanism.

I started this simple - at least it is this time! edging on Saturday evening. The pattern is in Rosemary Shepherd's Introduction to Lacemaking book and it is the first lesson in going around corners and joining. I made it 2 years ago, but gave it away to a scrapbooking friend as part of her christmas gift. This time I am making it in Finca 20 which seems like rope after the Beds mat! I will probably finish it at next weekend's Lace Day at Ulverstone. I don't want to take the 'other' piece to show at this point. The bobbins are all 'homemade' in myrtle, blackwood and silky oak.

This is the progress after just an hour or two, so I will save the rest for next weekend. Last time I did it, there was no way I would have tried to continue with all the chat that seems compulsory at a Lace Day...does that mean I have made some progress?

Don't forget to check out the ATCs in my last post! If one takes your fancy, please just leave a comment and we can organise a trade. May your threads never break and your pins never bend :)

Cheers

ATC's

2009-03-05T10:31:00.004+11:00

Hi All,

It seems ages since I posted last, and there is still not much to report! I am working on several pieces of lace, but unfortunately I cannot share for 1 reason and another.

Progress report:

Tatting - 14 of 30 outside motifs complete on the doily...will share after early October!
- waiting on thread for the next lot of quanti's for the 25 motif challenge.

Bobbin lace - Beds mat...only about 20 ends to sew in...new pic when done.
- Just started - hankie edging, own design in Oliver Twists thread...coming up sooooo well, I intend to enter it in the local show in October - hence no pics, sorry :(

And the quilts are also coming along...126 dingies awaiting being turned into sailboats and hexagons forming flowers at top speed!

So, something I can share is my newfound passion for ATCs...Artist Trading Cards!

What fun! You make a 3 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inch card using whatever artistic medium turns you on, then trade them with fellow artists! No selling - trade only! Here are my first 4 attempts...the only way to improve is make more. Besides, it is such an interesting way to use up all the false starts and scrappy bits :)

The bottom right hand corner is winging it's way to Western Australia as I type! The rest are currently residing with it's replacement in the newly labeled album, wondering where they may find a home. If you are interested, please leave a comment! If you want more info, also please leave a comment or click the stitchety-grub logo on the right! I'm just getting started and looking forward to many new ideas, to add to the ones popping into my head during all hours :)

Don't forget to smile today...someone having a bad day just might see it and feel heaps better!

Cheers:)

Back to the Beds :)

2009-02-25T15:37:00.004+11:00

Greetings All,
After spending some time at the sewing machine making our new hovercraft skirt yesterday, I was finally able to get back to the Beds ring :) This was the progress at 11 pm!

Yup! The lace is finished...yippppeeeeeeeeeee! It was time for bed so a very good excuse to allow the lace to rest too :D

There were 26 pairs to join up, and that was completed this morning...an easier task than I envisaged as 2 pair went into each pin hole. So, here 'tis! Slightly smaller than a CD and only about 80 "furry bits" to sew in :)

The bunch on the right are going to be threaded through the leaf. I was not happy with the result after throwing so many back. I was trying not to need them all thrown back at once, but the result is that the threads are bare on the bottom half of the leaf. I will stitch them through with a fine needle, and hopfully that will sort out the problem...lesson learned for next time :) The left hand lot are the finishing off line...will be able to darn through the cloth stitch bits to finish off nicely I think.

This little parcel arrived in the post this morning...my Arachne secret pals gift all the way from the U.K. Am I a lucky Gal or what!! Last month there was a reel of green Oliver Twists thread, and my friends below are eagerly awaiting me to choose a pricking and get started...I am thinking torchon hankie edge to complete the white Batiste here...then I will have a gorgeous gift in my pocket, all from somewhere in the U.K :)
These little "pillow pals" keep me company whilst lace making. The mouse pin cushion and the horse shoe were gifts from my Gumlace secret pal and have become very welcome on this pillow...made themselves right at home in no time at all :) The 5 divider pins on the right are handmade glass pins, made by one of our Tassie lace makers. I think my favorite is still the ladybird, but I love them all.

My quilt blocks are safely in the post and should be winging their way somewhere near Alice Springs by now. I have made a "piece" to be chopped into my first ever ATC's, once they are adorned with a little fancy needle work and some lacey bits. But first...many bobbins to wind...lace starts at school on Friday!

Enjoy :)

A quilt little lace break

2009-02-22T15:01:00.003+11:00

Despite the children at school pleading with me to finish the Bedfordshire mat this weekend, I really felt I needed to spend some time on this little project. These stars are being sought for the Victorian Bushfire Victims and one very, very brave lady has sent out the plea for quilters to get together. Here is the link to the flickr site: http://flickr.com/groups/bushfirequiltproject/ I'm not sure how to actually make it work from here, but if you are a quilter, please copy and paste the link to your browser if it does not work, and take a peek at the work being done!
This link will take you to a great tutorial to make the stars, if you are like me and cannot work it out :) http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/2009/02/wonky-star-tutorial.html

I found this site to be most helpful!! As I do all my quilting by hand, I found this a challenge, but have managed 3 stars to send. I would love to think that three little boys could wrap a quilt around themselves and get some small comfort from the little dragonflies and bright colours. This is only a very small contribution, but if we all do the same, many victims will know the warmth and love being shared. And I must say a HUGH THANK YOU to the wonderful person or people (as I believe several have offered to help) who put in the time to sew the quilts together and finish them off!! Now all I have to do is find an address to send them to :)

Many thanks

2009-02-19T21:21:00.000+11:00

Hi All, Thank you again. This is a B.U workshop design...expected to follow on from her 20 lessons book. I had only completed 6 of the lesson before the workshop! All I can say is Barbara was FANTASTIC!! I have used Finca 80 thread, Tanne 50/2 is recommended. It is about the same size as a CD. I'm hoping it will be finished next week...fingers crossed :) Will post when done.

Nearly done :)

2009-02-18T20:11:00.004+11:00

Thanks everyone for the interest in this piece of Beds...here is a pic of the whole thing so far...
As I had to move the cover cloth, I thought just 1 more pic before it is finished :) Just 1 cloth leaf and then a half st with an overlaid tallie and 8 leaf tallies to go...yippeeeeeee.

It is not going to happen for a few days...I am a working girl for the rest of the week, so watch this space next week :) Hugs

Challenge motifs 3 and 4

2009-02-16T14:19:00.004+11:00

Thank you for your kind words Diane and Tatting Chic...I have visited both your blogs and am in awe of your work so it is high praise indeed!Here are my Quanti motifs 3 and 4. Again they are in the gold and white...a theme for a small group of friends, but each one is slightly different, just as a snowflake should be. I can't wait to see if I can get a pic of at least 25 of these on this tree before Christmas...I have a feeling it will make a stunning Christmas Card :)

I have spent a couple of days on the Beds mat...not wanting to bore you all to tears, but this one is the main focus at present. I have now exposed a flower and a leaf...along with my first ever overlaid Tallie - just poking out from the pins :) For the first time since September I feel like this project might actually make it to completion. I then intend going back to the lesson book and working through some of the lessons that were meant to be completed *before* undertaking this one :) I am thrilled with how it is all coming together, so please bear with me over the next little while :)) There are 2 flowers and a leaf to go, along with the filling bits and bobs.

This is part of my other *distraction*. I have made a quilt for DD to be presented on her wedding day. It is made up of hexagon flowers from the scraps left over from my dressmaking efforts over the past 20 odd years. DS1 will also receive a hex quilt, but although it is started, who knows when it will be completed! DS2 is into sailing, so here are lots of little dingies floating on bright little oceans, waiting to be made into sail boats and a few fishes to keep the sailors happy. There will be 3 kinds of sailboats (42 of each, along with 42 fishy squares) when I get that far, but all in good time :D My quilts are sewn entirely by hand...tacked onto card, then pieced together in an overhand stitch before the backing and wadding is tacked on. I finish the quilting using a stabbing stitch with invisible thread. The first 2 took about 10 years each...the first was donated to our Scout group and raffled to help get a bunch of Joey Scouts on an interstate trip - a first for Australian Joey Scouts! This one (and the other hex one) were started together last February.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you have enjoyed.

Challenge motif 2

2009-02-10T16:41:00.003+11:00

Hi tatting chic - when the lace is all together on one page like that it does seem a lot, but in actual fact the hearts were made over 3 months ... I nearly always have a shuttle in my pocket, and I especially love those small motif type designs for this purpose. Jon, I am glad you like my colour combo on your snowflake! I prefer this white and gold, so I hope you like it too. Having explored a few more of your designs, I have a feeling there may be 1 or 2 more featured here :) Welcome Diane, and thank you for your kind comments too. Those collars have been popular at school and kept me busy for the 2nd half of last year, with something to get started on this year too :) For motif number 2 I have used a No. 20 crotchet cotton with a gold metallic ... I must remember to keep the ends with the real details - this one disappeared at school because I used it for the snake workers with the children. Later, they preferred the brighter metallic colours that were donated through the Australian email chat list for their workers, so I am lucky to have a small amount of this thread left. I must see if the local thread shop has some more ... and then I can pass on the details :)

I took another pic of the Beds piece because I was delighted to find the daisies emerging from the pins! It seems such a long time ago that I made these and I had almost forgotten that this part of the pattern existed! As you can see, I am now half way around. It is by far the most advanced piece I have made and is certainly taking the longest, but despite all the glaring mistakes I love it! I was going to plant it in my 'brag folder' of samples and bits, but I might just find a photo to chop and mount it in a frame ... or I may even find some inspiring means of displaying it on one of the exciting blogs I have visited lately. Hmmmmm - best I get of the 'puter and go finish it before the brain melts with all the ideas :D Stay safe, and don't forget to hug a friend today :)

25 motifs

2009-02-08T14:30:00.004+11:00

Hi all, hoping the weather is kind, the fingers are nimble and the lace is flowing...

I have seen this gorgeous "Quantiesque Snowflake" on a number of blogs and love it...thanks so much for sharing the pattern Jon of Jon's Pattern Page! I have made this practice one in No 8 perle cotton...shade numbers are long gone. It was quick and very easy, so I started again, using some crotchet cotton - I perfer the crisper threads for tatting - and have added an extra repeat...I like the number 7 for stars and snowflakes :) I will aim for 25 motifs within a year - more than that - as last year I made about 45 "Abby's Hearts" for friends...so here is motif 1, ready for Christmas '09. Now I just have to work out how to go about posting to the 25 motif challenge page! But to Jon's first, me thinks!

This is a small selection of the Abbys Hearts. I scanned this first lot and made the scan into a Christmas card. Then I simply attached a heart and sent it off to it's new home. Both the snowflake pattern and the heart can be found easily with a google search...when I learn how, I will return to this post and attach the links, but til then...have fun searching.

Here are my work shirts for the next year. All but the lillac on white have already survived a year of classroom and laundry punishment...just a few very careful snips of the scissors and they were ready to be stitched onto my new shirts! The other is the length that is featured on my first post. The pale blue tatting is a Rebecca Jones design, the ones on the yellow shirts both come from Monica Hahn's Christmas Angels and Other Tatting Patterns. The bobbin lace in the centre is from Veronica Sorenson. Hmmmm....maybe I should take a close up of that 1, it's a bit hard to see, but the design is rather neat.
I am still working on my tatted mat and the Beds piece...and now I am preparing to start the lace again at school. Although posts are not as regular, I am checking in most days, so please leave a comment if you wish, and I will get back to you...I love how the world has suddenly got smaller...visitors from 3 different countries is about as far as I would get in my loungeroom, but in my virtual lounge...most extraordinary!

Vehicles, students and WIPs

2009-02-02T10:36:00.009+11:00

Hi All,

Thanks for your kind comments, Jenny, the baubles were fun to make, if rushed at the last minute...all recipients were thrilled to bits too :)
I cannot share a lot of the lace I have been making at the moment for 1 reason and another, but on Saturday, we got to ride in this restored 1915 Model T Ford on (one of) it's first excursions out of the garage. This has been a 12 month project and came home from Newcastle (Australia) as a trailer load of rust!

And whilst Father laboured over the 1st vehicle, Son (aka DB) has been 6 years labouring over this bag full of fun...and stubbornness...and frustration...and did I mention fun?? Although we played 2 years ago, there has been some major reconstruction work and yesterday was the "new" maiden voyage. Heaps of fun, sand...and repair work! But it was worth it...even if he is threatening to sell it again - over my dead body! :)

OK, OK, what about the lace? The pic on the bottom is the full lace story of a new friend. She came to stay for a week, on a visit to renew old acquaintances (DB being 1 of them). As I have been working flat out on lace, she became interested and after completing the snake (a Christine Springett design) she was eager to go again. From my collection, the bookmark was chosen...and completed! One very happy and enthusiastic new lace maker is born!

My floral beds piece was started in September on a visit from Barbara Underwood...the workshop was challenging and heaps of fun...I learned soooooo much! I took the pillow to school to show my students what I was working on and despite being asked not to touch please, one lass decided to 'rearrange the bobbins and divider pins for me .... Grrrrrr. Tis OK...no harm done and the bobbins are finally untangled and work is progressing...all be it very slowly!

Happy lace making and thanks for visiting :)

Key ring inspiration

2009-01-26T09:18:00.000+11:00

Hi Guzzisue, and everyone

Yes we threaded the passives through the small ring attached to the keyring by passing the centre loop up through the ring and then threading the bobbins through the loop. The workers started on the first pin, so that they don't pull oddly. You can work the leaf in any stitches you please...I used a smaller size to decorate my Christmas baubles...then gave them to friends as gifts. I put 4 leaves on each ring and worked opposing leaves the same...1 set in half stitch and the other in cloth, cloth and twist. You could also use 3 leaves all the same or all different...so many possibilities :) Once the leaves are complete, bundle the whole lot together under the bauble, wrap a few times with a pair of workers and tie off. Just measure the circumference on your bauble, divide in half then make a leaf shape to suit! Enlage to a suitable size on the photocopier to make the keyring.

A word of warning though...for the Christmas baubles, make sure your metal ring fits snugly under the hanging attachment so that you can replace the hanger to complete your bauble. Also, be very careful of the join in the ring...it will snag the thread very easily or slip off the loops if you do not take care.

1st Lace Day of the year

2009-01-24T20:26:00.000+11:00

I would like to send a warm welcome to all the visitors to this blog...I hope you are finding something of interest here.

A Lace Day with some work done!! Yes it does happen occasionally. 10 year old Ebonee started and completed her project number 4... a keyring leaf made in perle 8 cotton thread using cloth and twist and cloth stitches. She completed this project with very little input from me at her first visit to my lace meetings. She is eager to go back again and almost ready to start on her next project...a half stitch flower that one of our juniors was making today.

And I also made some progress! I was very keen to have a go at needle lace before Christmas and participated in a workshop held by a couple of our members. At the next meeting, I proudly showed my flower, only to be told it was not complete :( Not to be put off in any way, I tried again...with full instructions on how to finish off my flower. I have made several attempts, but have not been happy with the result of the final cover stitches. I have to admit that I was almost ready to give up and stick to bobbin lace and tatting. I know there is much practice required, but these are the first time:) I think I might try a butterfly next! And finer thread. And some bobbin lace too. Here is the final lead up lesson for my school students. This bookmark features spiders, trails and ground. Now all I have to do is the lesson notes! One of the juniors in our lace group wishes to have a go at the fan when the notes are complete. She will soon let me know if she thinks something is not right.

Bobbins

2009-01-21T17:44:00.001+11:00

I was asked this morning about the bobbins that I have made, so here goes. I have heard it said that need breeds invention...well the need to learn to make lace, and therefore the need to increase my bobbin selection was a raging fire that was not satisfied with access to beginner bobbins once a month:) A friend of DB(eloved) owns a lathe, and having a heap of Huon Pine offcuts, I had the timber. My last experience on a lathe was 25 years ago...I made a sugar bowl that was supposed to be a goblet, but never let a little thing like lack of experience stand in the way! DB's mate left the workshop so he did not have to sort out severed fingers and I whittled away...by the end of the afternoon, I had broken 3 hardwood attemps (2 oh so close) and joy of joys - was the proud owner of a fine Huon Pine bobbin! (Not a cut finger in sight!) DB built me a lathe for my birthday :D The first 5 above are all Huon Pine, the 2 outside ones being travellers - well the end broke off, but they are still great to use, right? The next 2 are believed to be Myrtle - scrap timber that fell my way. The next is made from a piece of Cedar...it's life is interesting...tree to church pew, then a scout hall feature, next part prop for hovercraft and this small piece of leftover was made into a bobbin, affectionately known as "the cricket bat's mate". The 4 on the right really were born of desperation! They are 8mm wooden beads, threaded onto skewers...I needed 60 odd bobbins in less than a week at school and these are the result. The kids love them. I have also used some Blackwood, Silky Oak and Tas Oak hardwood. I love working with the Mytle and Silky Oak, and the smell of the Houn Pine is wonderful.

This pic shows the bobbins I made for a birthday gift. All the painted bobbins are made of Tas Oak and depict favorite things of the recipient...pets, occassions, flowers, etc. The wooden look bobbins are Huon Pine, each pair representing a family member or special occassion...birthdays, wedding etc. Each of these has been spangled with beads that represent the person marked on the bobbin...favorite colours and that sort of thing.

I do still collect the odd bobbin made by 'real bobbin makers', but I am somewhat proud of my little collection and continue to slowly add to them. Not counting the 16 pair on this pillow, I have about 40 pair that I have made I think.

Bobbin winders and fish tails

2009-01-18T16:41:00.000+11:00

With a broken shaft, balance out the window and unwanted holes in the skirt, yesterday proved to be rather sad for our hovercraft :( The mood last night was somewhat sombre to say the least!

I was able to take my frustration out on my tatted doily, completing 1 and a half motifes for the final round. Progress is slow but it is progress :)

I also spent my lace time in the morning rewinding bobbins for my next lesson, so I thought I would show you my handmade bobbin winder mark II. The nylon shaft, driven by a posties rubber band provides a 2 for 1 return, so bobbins wind rather quickly. Simply sit the bobbin under the rubber band and in the grove, attach the thread and wind away...quiet, quick and efficient! Next time I fire up the lathe, I intend to make a wooden handle to put in the shaft, as the aluminium makes my fingers dirty...I am sure I will have no problems breaking a bobbin or two for the job!

And here is the next lesson...introducing a fish tail fan and using the cloth stitch to make a trail...and we now have 3 elements together :) I am still using up the left over thread from the fan (the goal of the tuition sessions), but thought this one would look great with a pale green worker pair in the trail...would look a bit like flowers, don't you think...

Again, I made up the design in Lace R-XP, and in the working, I have filled out the trail with an extra pair of passives, given that the same element in the fan looked a bit sparse.

One question that is really starting to bug me...How on earth do you know if someone else has already come up with this design??? It is so simple, surely it must be 'out there'.

The good news for the hovercraft is that a new shaft (in stronger materials) can be made by tomorrow night, the holes in the skirt have been fixed neatly and the balance is not so bad as we first thought...at working puff, the skirt is full and the deck is balanced after all :) Now we just have to make the issue that broke the shaft go away...that may involve a bit of work as we have (sort of) differing opinions and should sort out both at once to save having to purchase yet another shaft!

Today's 6 pins :)

2009-01-16T14:27:00.000+11:00

A busy morning, doing some of that dreaded h********k stuff...not too much mind :), then a little paint splashed onto the hovercraft...the upside being I will be lucky to be allowed to splash some on the house any time soon :D, then joy of joys - my 6 pins (and then some).

Lace is a passion I wear on my sleeve (well around my neck as collars and in my ears as earrings really). My job as a relief teacher enables me to 'play' with many children, and occassionally I even get invited back...such has happened at a school in the north of our beautiful state. The students know of my lace making (I have been invited back often for a little over a year) and when I recently spent 4 weeks on the same class, the request was "Can we make some lace please Miss?"

36 children experienced what a joy lace is to make :)

Now I find myself planning lessons to teach some more...well for some of the older students anyhow. This bookmark has (known) cloth stitch diamonds with introduced ground, and puts the 2 elements together...the first step toward the fan on my first post!

There are several great teaching books out there, and I do not aim to replace them, but my audience are 7 to 14 year old students who have taken to lace with (almost) as much passion as I have :) My goal was to provide an experience in which they would encounter some success...I believe I have acheived this beyond my wildest imagination!

The first post.

2009-01-15T14:32:00.000+11:00

Please bear with me...this is the first time :)

I started tatting in June 2006. While many of my projects have been quite small, I am almost finished my third doily. This is No 2...as entered in the Royal Launceston Show in 2007. Although only a small regional show with few lace entries, I am very proud of the blue ribbon decoration :)

I have been making bobbin lace since October 2006 and I love it. Whilst I have tried Torchon and Bedfordshire lace, there are many more I would like to have a go at in the future. My present focii are a Bedfordshire ring designed by Barbara Underwood, and the development of some of my own Torchon designs. In the (near) future I am looking to try out Buckinghamshire lace for the first time, but until then...

My Torchon flowers, designed by Rosemary Sheperd and found in the book Fantasy Flowers by Rosemary Sheperd...a Christmas gift made in December 2008...

And my own designs, a fan and a length...my first foray into Lace R-XP, a design program for lacemakers.

There are many fabulous Lacemakers out there, and my humble offerings are the beginning of my lacey story. You are welcome to stay tuned and watch my progress.