"But, really, why does anyone create? You feel a... a restlessness inside, a need to make something new, something no one has ever seen before. You want to add to the beauty and the richness of the world with a gift, an offering that is uniquely yours. It's an act of selfishness and generosity, all rolled into one."

-- Bruce Coville, The Last Hunt

Monday, February 7, 2011

Future Tatting Addict

While I was tatting at the coffee shop yesterday, I met a family that really liked what I was doing. The mom was very interested, but the daughter was downright ecstatic about it, practically glued herself to my shoulder. She was literally bouncing up and down as she watched me. I showed her how to make the double stitch, gave the mom a couple of websites and my e-mail address, and let the little girl pick a motif from my grab bag. I really think they might follow up and learn tatting together.

If they do contact me, I'd like to be ready with some ideas. Teaching the mechanics of tatting is not a problem. What I want is suggestions for patterns for a young girl; I think she's about 7. I have a few ideas, a basic 4-ring butterfly, a ring and chain flower, a simple bookmark. Can anyone recommend a book of very simple patterns, ball and shuttle only for now, that would hold a kid's attention and is written at a level she can understand?
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4 comments:

  1. God's KidFebruary 7, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Learn to Tat by Janette Baker
    Easy Tatting by Rozella Linden

    I checked these out from out local library when I started learning tatting last year. I hope they help! :)
    Have an awesome day!!!

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  2. Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ DianeFebruary 7, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    What about Kaye Judt's Oh My Stars? It teaches lots of techniques, and the motifs are small.

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  3. FoxFebruary 7, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Kaye's book is pretty sophisticated for a seven year old, I think.

    There are some tricky techniques in it, but you definitely could use one or two.

    I would suggest giving the little girl copies of simple patterns, rather than suggesting a book, as she is likely to only need a couple to practice with.

    Hmm - just thought of Easy Tatting by Rozella Linden (Ruth Perry)? It is pretty simple.
    Fox : )

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  4. Margarets designer cardsFebruary 8, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    I think if you print some easy patterns out for her, like a butterflies and flowers, and then build her up as she learns, I leanrt from a book called teach yourself tatting by coats, I dont know if they still publish it but they were very easy patterns,
    Hope that helps, nice to think someone is that interested in learning it would be a shame if the mother does not let her, it would open up a new world of craft to her.
    Margaret

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