yup, I kept this pair for myself. They look better on than in the close ups.

"Like"!

Made some more tatted earrings like I said I would. Some worked out better than others, and I think I'm gonna keep the top pair for myself. The rest will be gifts... may have to look into making some little boxes to sit them in...

Tatting shuttles!

Made some tatting shuttles for my ETSY SHOP. Slightly bigger than they needed to be, but I enjoyed making them so I am going to make some smaller ones next time.

Cousins baby

Well, my cousin had her baby girl on Wednesday. I've had these pattern pieces cut out and ready to sew for 5 months now, so the kid this was for has probably grown out of it... so off to my cousin it goes! I also added a bit of tatting to the collar. Hope she doesn't mind retro! I enjoy giving stuff away.The stuff I make myself doesnt make me happy... giving it away does! In a pretty good mood today. I read a cool blog on frugality. I LOVE being frugal! It really inspired me, so today I put some stewing beef in the slow cooker with veges and herbs from our garden... I made some hokey pokey biscuits and an apple crumble for pudding... and I made this dress. And dont you think something handmade can be much more special than something bought?

Oh yeah. Catherine made herself a robot costume for next weeks drama lesson. "Robots Revenge" its called.

tatting lessons

Had some tatting lessons from an expert tatter - Audrey Lappin, at the Folk Festival, and she liked the shuttle I made myself, so I've gone and made her one too! Hope she likes it.

Here is how I made it.

Guy Fawks and a tatting shuttle

Well, I think there's a new tradition in our house. Ever since I've had a camera with a fireworks setting I get such a kick out making shapes out of sparklers. I couldn't get any real cool shapes, coz I couldn't get Mum to press the shutter and say "NOW" at the same time.... so we had to go random, but still, it was fun. Catherine ended up making some cool ones, and then tried to decided what they were afterwards... ('that ones a monster lying on a bed').

And of old Guy Fawks memories, with my Dad's typical sense of humour, loved telling me as an incredulous child how we cellebrate the guy who tried to blow up the government.
Lastly, look at the tatting shuttle I made.... I wanna make more!! It's sanded, varnished, sanded and varnished again. And it's my own shape too! I think it looks like a bird... I may have to burn a shape into the next one.

Tatting!

Well, I've started learning to tat! My shuttle came in the mail (with an extra two, since postage took a while!)... and the first thing I thought was... I've got the wrong thing! But a browse on the net told me these are called "flat shuttles". In fact, turns out you don't even need a shuttle to tat... but leave that to the pros.

So I started learning, using an online resource (where else?) and this is my first attempt. As you can see, it started out a bit wonky.. but I'm getting the hang of it. As I said before, my grandfather could tat, and it's always been my intention to learn. Luarna's mum, Audry can tat, and she tried sh0wing me breifly, but I didn't get it. I think I needed the thing in my hand. I can't wait to pick her brain next festival!