"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

Sunday, September 18, 2011

How the Sale Went

My mom just e-mailed me to let me know how the sale went. Not everything sold, of course; I didn't expect that it would, considering how much I made. But she estimates that the tatting brought in about $200-250, which I think is pretty good. It also brought attention to some of the other jewelry and increased jewelry sales overall. The small earrings-- hummingbirds, dragonflies, treble clefs-- did really well, as did bookmarks. My ornaments also did well, but I'm not sure if that really counts, since my mom bought most of them!

Here's the story of how one of the pendants sold, in my mom's words:
My very favorite, the pale lavender with silver and purple beads, was purchased by a woman with a young daughter---probably around 4-ish---who is going to be receiving the necklace as a Christmas present. The mother did a lot of whispering over the kid's head while she distracted her with a cheap felt ornament, and I had to sneak the necklace out of the display, then in to the mother's purse!
Correction: This pendant, not the one made from Jane's pattern, is the one she was talking about.


It is Marilee Rockley's "Belle" pattern, from the book Up and Tat 'Em. Although it looks a bit pinkish in the photo, it is really shades of lavender.

Several tatted items were purchased by people I have known all my life, including a couple of women whose fiber arts skills are really top-notch, so it's nice to think that they like my work.

As you've probably noticed, I've been taking a bit of a break from tatting the last couple of weeks. However, I am already making plans for next year's sale. I'll make some more of the small earrings since they did so well, some ornaments that I wanted to make for this year but didn't have time for, plus, since I have a whole year, some doilies.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Look What I Found on Etsy!

Browsing Etsy this morning, I came across this unique butter dish made by madhatterceramics:


The individual listing is here. The same potter also has a small tray and a soap dish made from the same piece of tatting. I didn't buy any of these pieces, as they don't go with any of my other stuff, but I thought I should let the tatting world know about them!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A Brief Diversion

I needed a retirement gift for my boss; due to a combination of politics within the organization and her health, this was a very sudden retirement, so I only had a couple of days' notice before the retirement party. I therefore took a break from Ineke's pattern to whip up a pair of earrings.


The pattern is Marilee Rockley's "Lacy Treasure", which works up very quickly; and the thread is Krystledawne's "Sea Glass". The seed beads are Miyuki delicas in "Bronze Luster" and "Green Iris." The larger brass beads are off an old choker I got for cheap at a yard sale, and the findings are also brass plated to match.

I'll be able to get back to Ineke's pattern soon. For the moment, however, I need to go to bed, as I am literally falling asleep as I write this.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Just Briefly...

I know it's been a few days, so I just wanted to give a quick update. I'm about halfway through the next bit of Ineke's pattern. It's taking a while because I couldn't tat at all for a couple of days due to work. I don't understand why nobody will pay me to just sit at home and tat! I'll post again when it's done.