tatting for a cause

On the 15th of August my world fell apart when my partner was diagnosed with eosophagus cancer.

I have made very little lace, although I have a collar to show when I get around to downloading the camera and the doll length is slowly growing.

In the meantime, while waiting for treatments at the hospital, I tried tatting.  At first I tried to continue a doily I was working on when this all started, but although the pattern was simple enough, the task was just too much.

I dug out this stumpy pattern...I will have to find the link for you as it is not my design. It is quick and simple and I can manage almost a full bookmark at each treatment session.  I have found that each time a patient, carer or staff member smiles in grateful thanks, I feel just that little bit better and can return the smile.  I have already given away a full ball of verigated yellow stumpies.

Tomorrow is the last chemo treatment, but in a little over 3 weeks, Colin has to undergo a major surgery.  I have asked if I can continue to make the bookmarks and the reception ladies will distribute the bookmarks for me.  They think it is a great idea! 

Doll progress

The doll lace is almost 1 meter...only 2 to go :)

 This doll was made by the lady who introduced me to lace drapping.

I am not sure but I think this is doll number 21 or 22!

This is what I intend to do with my lace, but my doll will be standing...

Happy lacemaking :)

Old and some new

I have been trying something new :)

I was given the marble with a delicious swirl in thanks for a lace lesson.

What do I do with a marble?!?!?

I found the instructions for this wire wrapping in one of my magazines and thought it would be perfect!

Ok, so I have some room for improvement, but I am happy with the finished product :)

An old project now...

the dolls lace is currently at around 83cm...will work on it again this evening... 

 I went in search of some Pooh fabric when the craft fair came to Tassie, to no avail.

When I mentioned on Gumlace (Aussie email ring) what I had been looking for, a member offered me some of her fabric...it is just what the new Grandaddy ordered :)

Progress is being made, and the best bit - the quilting is happening at the same time as the pieceing!!!

I love it!!!

I really must block some of my tatting...2 doilies to boast about, but no pics yet...

Hang in there tatters!!  It will get done!!

Happy lacemaking and thanks for reading :)

A rare Sunday off!

First of all, I would like to share the work of one of the ladies who comes to my home a couple of times a week.

Our local Lace Guild group had a workshop recently with a tutor from Hobart.  Each student had to pick a pattern they wanted help with.  Several girls picked patterns from Jenny Ree's Lace from the Australian Bush.  I didn't make the workshop because there was just not enough time!

This is Sue's completed bookmark!

 I had the pleasure of a visit from my grandsons today.  They came for a roast lunch.  2 1/2 year old Travis helped me make a self saucing chocolate pudding. 

Then he helped me decorate these cupcakes. 

The silicon cups come from Avon and are shaped like bugs and flowers.  Although the cook in me said only fill them 3/4 of the way up with batter, the packet suggested they get filled.  Should have stuck to the cook's advice!!  And bought some more cups!!

However, the cakes are yummy, and the boys are looking forward to a feast when they get home!

 Finally, I completed the butterfly for my shirt :)

I have not stitched it completely, and will maybe add a couple of tatted butterflies to complete the picture...depends on time :)

The doll lace is around 55 cms now, the beds ring pillow is almost at the next corner and the 3rd pillow made lots of progress yesterday too.  I think I should make myself a wire butterfly too...

Until next time, I look forward to hearing from you :)

Happy lacemaking....

Another pillow

The Beds edging has made a little more progress, 

The doll length has a target - a whopping 3 meters minimum!! It is currently hovering at a tad over 40 cm...

My other project has made a little progress, and I am almost at the "I think I know what I'm doing" stage!!

So....I started another project today :)

I will be heading North in October to attend the Australian Lace Guild conference week.  I have made a couple of skirts and aim to be able to wear lace each day at the conference.

Here is a butterfly - I intend to stitch it to a top to wear with one of my new skirts :)

The thread is Moriva Linen 40/2.  The pattern comes from a Bridgitte Bellon book - mental note to self...when borrowing books from the library  write the reference on the pricking copy!!

Ok, I NEVER have 4 pillows on the go at once...I swear I have been invaded by aliens...but I am enjoying the variety!!!

What's on my pillow?

This was one of the past year's projects...I used Bokens Linen to make a length...maybe I will stitch it to a towel one day...

 This is a close up of the finished lace.

 I currently have 3 pillows in use.  Number 1 cannot be shared just yet.

This is the only piece of lace to ever grace my pillow for more than a year! 

It is not hard.

I love making Tallies and leaves.

There is simply not enough time in each day to get to this one :(

But I have made 3 flowers this week, so there is finally a little progress...and it is over half way now :)

The winter sun shining through the window also makes it the best spot in the house :)

 This is my take-with-me piece.

I am using my travel pillow, although there are really too many bobbins on the pillow.

I am using up scraps of cotton as the colour will make no difference in the finished lace.

 I made the purple piece several years ago, and had no idea what I was going to do with it.

One of my new students does lace drapped dolls, and told me she wanted to make her lace to burn.

At first I admit I was surprised, and after mentioning the amount of time spent making the lace, I decided each to their own...after all it was her time and her lace!

Then I saw her dolls!!

I thought the purple length would be perfect, but there is not enough of it.

I am looking forward to November, when I will be starting to construct my doll!

Check back later for progress reports :)

A taste of this year...

Something a little special for post 100!!

Here is some of what I have been working on over the past 12 months.

These are all my own designs so I hope you enjoy :)

I may be able to share a little more later :)