Now These Colors I Like!

Here's Jan Stawasz's Flower Pot again, this time sewn down onto the backing fabric.

I've always liked the look of white on royal blue. I'm extremely happy with this piece (although I have to admit, my double picots could use a little more practice).

Tatted in size 20, this is mounted on a 5x7 inch card. If you're interested in doing something like this, here's the card I used:

Jo-Ann's carries it in several sizes in the stitchery section, and I'm sure the other major craft stores would have it as well.

As with any sewing project, you'll need to make sure your fabric is well-ironed first. Then I recommend using an embroidery hoop to give you better control. Align your tatting with the grain of the fabric. I didn't pin it down, as I wanted to be able to make small adjustments to the placement as I went along. I used invisible thread, which is nice because you can take it right over the tatting. The only thing about invisible thread is it's nylon monofilament, which doesn't always behave as nicely as cotton, so make sure you knot your first and last stitches securely. Don't be afraid to use big stitches; one or two stitches per ring is plenty, then carry the thread to the next ring. As long as you don't pull it too tightly, it won't be a problem.

Once you have the tatting sewn down to your satisfaction, peel the paper backing off the card to expose the adhesive surface. Place the fabric on the card, but don't press it down all the way till you're sure you have it straight and centered. Once it's positioned how you want it, just press the fabric with your fingers onto the card, working from the middle out in all directions. Trim the fabric down to about an inch beyond the edge of the card, fold the edges to the back (mitre the corners), and glue them down. Your tatting is now ready for framing!

I did actually tat something else yesterday, but I'm not ready to show it yet.