Teresa's Crafting Stuff

On the way home

2009-07-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

It was really good to see Gary Houtz this year and to finally meet his lovely wife, Vera. We all had missed Gary last year but are certainly glad he felt well enough to make the trip. Irene and her husband had all kinds of issues with their "new" motorhome ... but the dealership will really take care of the issues when they return to OKC. I know I certainly wouldn't want Irene on my case as she is TENACIOUS!! Good to see Deb from CoSprings again and to meet several new folks and tat again along beside old friends.

I was finally (about time, too) to make a decent looking tatted bauble. I can hardly wait to get down with a couple of other small projects and then 'tackle' the bag pattern from Bobbie. The pattern is a re-creation of a bag Bobbie had found thrown away, probably because the silk lining had been riped. The original bag had crocheted baubles but the one I want to make will, of course, use tatted baubles.

I left Bobbie's on Monday morning and stopped at Casper, WY. I had once visited an aunt and uncle, along with their children, many years ago ... probably somewhere between 45 and 50 years. I don't remember much of the town but I remember how long it took us to drive from our home in the Texas panhandle.

I drive into my sister's in Amarillo last night arriving about 8:30 PM CDT. I hadn't told them I was coming. She and her husband are hosting a mortgage-burning party on the 4th (this Saturday). I won't get to stay as I still have two days driving before I get home and I have to be at work on the 6th. I'll also get to surprise my mother when she arrives at the Amarillo airport on the 3rd. She has no idea I'm here either. Since I missed her 80th birthday dinner in April, I thought this might be a good surprise as well.

Since I'll be here several days, I do have a couple of friends to try to see and also to see my aunt and uncle while I'm here. I haven't seen their new place so I hope I can catch up with them but I know my aunt is busy and my uncle has had some health issues this year.

Greetings from Western Montana

2009-06-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

Arrived at my westward most destination about 4:30 PM MDT. Really enjoyed the drive ... well except for all the road construction. Road construction however has to be done during the summer months in the more northern states because concrete and other paving materials just are not maleable during other times of the year.

Our lacing conference this weekend is a full house but it will be lots of fun. There will be tatters from Washington, Oklahoma, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and North Carolina. It's always great fun and inspirational. New techniques, technique improvements, new designs are just the start!

Montana ... well, nearly!

2009-06-23T21:21:00.003-05:00

I'm really bushed ... left Omaha, NE about 7:30 AM CDT and arrived at Sheridan, WY at 7:00 PM MDT. The day started out in Omaha rush hour drive and of course, I didn't listen to Gypsy (my GPS co-pilot) and made one wrong turn. Didn't take us long though to get back onto the correct road. I did go through a very bad thunderstorm as I approached Sioux Falls, IA on US Interstate 29 North. No hail but heavy rain, lightening and lots of wind!

It was a really lovely drive though after going through the thunderstorm. I was under cloud cover until about half-way across South Dakota on US Interstate 90. I drove out from underneath the clouds and the sky was magnificent. There must have been a couple of years (DH & I haven't made the drive since 2006) of good winter/spring moisture because the fields, pastures and foot hills in South Dakota were absolutely GORGEOUS ... I don't remember ever seeing them as green and lush as they are now. I can really tell that I'm in cottonwood country too as the cotton is flying all through the air ... I've also got some hay fever.

One more day and I'll be at my destination until Sunday or Monday and then it's back in the car and the journey to North Carolina as I have to be back at work on the 6th. More later!!

Westward HO

2009-06-21T20:12:00.002-05:00

My vacation has started and I've begun my annual trek to Montana. This year I'm driving and look forward to a number of days in the car, listening to several new books on CD. Tonight, I'm in southern Illinois and will travel to the Omaha area to spend tomorrow night with a relative. I also look forward to seeing all the Western US tatting friends who will gather for a great weekend of tatting later this week.

New Stuff -- FINALLY

2009-05-30T10:51:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Karey Solomon, Palmetto Tatters will be teaching her beaded body dragon fly during a couple of meetings. For the June meeting, we'll create the wings using the pearl tatting and monofilament (fishing line) as the core thread. Monofilament used as the core thread creates a stiff wing ... pearl tatting helps too ... without stiffening.

Karey is teaching at the 2009 PTG Tat Days and the technique for the beaded body is one of the classes she is doing. With that in mind, Guild members attending the September meeting will go other that technique and finish their dragonfly.

Tatting Treats

2009-02-11T21:44:00.003-05:00

When I got home from the office tonight, I had some pleasant treats.

First, the 2nd book from the Shuttle Brothers has finally arrived. Aptly named, Tatting the Self-closing Mock Ring for GR-8 Design, it is truly inspirational. I think Gary and Randy have done their usual excellent process of taking the individual tatter beyond where he/she thinks they can go. Having been in classes that they've taught and sat with them during other classes, their minds are always racing ahead.

While the book is black and white, all the diagrams are excellent. There are pattern diagrams as well as drawings of hand positions. The photographs of the tatted models are extremely well done. It is the perfect companion book to their 1999 book entitled, Tatting the GR-8 Self-closing Mock Ring. The three-page discussion of Front side / Backside Tatting is probably the clearest explanation I have ever seen in writing and they included a number of drawings illustrating the discussion (you know, the old "a picture is worth a 1000 words" kind of thing).

Secondly, I received that shuttle I had won on some of the Ebay auctions. This one is from Dublin, Ireland. The wood is described as "Bocote" and is a beautiful shuttle. The pictures on the item (see 330302222643) do not do this work of art justice. I'm very pleased with the shuttle as I like smaller shuttles (length-wise) but I think it will hold a lot of thread because of the design.

Last week I also received the ceramic shuttle I ordered from LadyShuttleMaker. It is very nice as well; I can't believe how light it is. Thanks, Sherry!

TAT - Intarsia Star

2009-02-01T10:57:00.009-05:00

I have learned (through the Tat Across Time Tatting Proficiency program) many new techniques and appreciate all the hours that must have gone into designing the program, creating the phase manuals, and producing samples/diagrams. There are many talented designers who graciously gave permission to the TAT group to use their designs and techniques.

I have learned that my biggest challenge in my tatting is to complete the project. It wasn't until I did this program that I realized there are many items that really need to be blocked. Once the tatting is complete blocking really shows effectively all the time, effort and love of our lace that we all invest in our craft. This is especially true if you are creating a piece that could become a family heirloom.

One piece uses a technique termed as "Intarsia." In the TAT glossary: "series of even or uneven split rings with two colors incorporated to create a design, often with 2 core threads." I know the term is sometimes used in knitting but my knitting is so simplistic, it's never been anything I've encountered.

In this case on the split ring rows that are the first and last of the piece are the only ones which are not padded. This design from Nan Alsbrooks of Texas is really more of a challenge in following the directions to obtain the look ... in my case, an orange, five-pointed star on a field of blue. The second row of the design introduces the thread color for the star and the rings become padded as a second core thread has been introduced.

Another challenge of this technique is to remember to NOT to flip the stitch on some of the rings with the secondary color is used ... has to be direct tatted or the guess what ... the ring WON'T close.

I really enjoyed the technique though it is a bit fussy at times. As a native of the great state of Texas, I have considered tatting a Lone Star Flag using this technique ... just haven't gotten a 'roun-tuit.'

Update on Gary - SB1 and the NEW BOOK!

2009-01-22T23:40:00.006-05:00

I just spoke with Randy (SB2) and got an update on Gary. Randy says that Gary retired both the walker and wheel chair just before Christmas. Gary is using the walking stick that Randy carved him to get around ... well, unless the snow is too deep and then it's time for the crutches. He's working as best he can and still doing rehab. Gary is expecting to have more surgery and will wind up meeting with his doctors probably in May to continue moving forward on his rehab. He's still not driving yet but his spirit and determination are unflappable!

I'm sending a check to Randy tomorrow for their new book. I was privileged to see one of the final drafts last summer while at Bobbie Demmer's. It is a wonderful addition to their first book. Randy says that he hopes that the third book, currently in the works, won't take so long to put it together.

Speaking of new books ... I usually buy my own Christmas and birthday presents because DH says, "I don't know what to get you but I know you want some more tatting ' stuff ' so have at it. DS#1 and his girlfriend gave me Jon Yusoff's "Tatted Snowflake Collection" for Christmas and then an original "Priscilla #1" book for my birthday last week. The Priscilla book is more than 100 years old and WILL not go onto my bookshelf but will have a more protected place to reside. It will stay in the armoire where I keep the books I refer to most often.

I also purchased a really first-class reproduction of "eThe ART of Tatting and Netting" originally published by The Butterick Publishing Co. I have seen bits and pieces of this book reproduced through the years but never the entire collection in a single binding and the quality is excellent. Kudoes to Iva Rose Vintage Reproductions!

Flowers of Lace - Samples

2009-01-21T10:56:00.002-05:00

One of the lovely ladies who is purchasing the Flowers of Lace fundraiser book has asked a question. Judy is wanting to know who has tatted the rose in the book. The photo shows the rose with a spray of tatted Baby's Breath.

If you have tatted the rose, please share a link to the photo and share size of thread used and approximate dimensions. I haven't had time to do anything in the book yet.

January 2009 update

2009-01-10T22:50:00.003-05:00

I always have the best of intentions ... but sometimes the follow through is a bit sketchy. A few more of the fundraiser sets have gone out. Last month, I attended a craft fair with one of our Guild's members. I made 18 pairs of beaded earrings and several dozen angels of which we sold about half of each. We also sold a number of other items that had been made by our guild members so every little bit helps.

In addition to preparing lesson plans for the Guild, I've been test tatting some patterns for a designer who lives in the Western US. Hopefully, her next book will be ready and available soon. The patterns are variations on a theme and the concept is a bit different from anything else I've encountered.

We had a quiet holiday season, with DS#1 spending several days at Christmas. He gave me Jon Yusoff's "Tatted Snowflake Collection" for a gift. I really hope to get to some tatted soon. DH mentioned when we were taking down our Christmas tree that he thought it would be nice to have it decorated something with just tatted items. Snowflakes, Hearts, Angels etc. I think he would also like the tatted "garland" that Dianna Stevenson did some time ago. Don't know if she got her domain back but I think I can find the instructions somewhere in all the printed stuff I've never organized but have printed off the Internet.

DH is scheduled for eye surgery in early February ... cataract removal, replacement lens and corneal transplant on the right eye. Recovery from surgery is expected to take a bit of time and DH has never been known for his patience. Well, better get back to doing something.

Wish all of you a prosperous 2009!

Another update on SB1

2008-10-09T21:06:00.003-05:00

I've also received orders for the small handouts from the following:

Marty from Salt Lake City, UT
Donna from Garnett, KS

Thanks, ladies.

Also had a new update on Gary on one of my other addies and I don't think he will mind if I share. Considering everything I think it's positively MARVELOUS!!

"Hello All,
I tied my shoes today!!!!!!!!
Gary"

Getting a little tatting done but not much. Just working on some bookmarks ... one of my favorite patterns. I am using a lot of my vintage Star threads with newer DMC Tatting Cotton. By winding each thread TOGETHER onto my shuttle, I can create some very interesting colorways. I'll try to get a picture later to show what the way a single, colorway of lavender, white and lime can look when combined with a solid color thread of white, lavender, kelly or black. They are very interesting!!

As October is breast cancer awareness month, I'm currently tatting a bookmark in two shades of pink, pastel and hot. Once I get it finished, I try to post that picture as well. DS#1 is coming home this weekend ... maybe he'll remember his digital camera since it is so much better than mine.

Take care and happy Tatting!!

Last Day in September

2008-09-30T18:36:00.003-05:00

I must say it's been an interesting couple of weeks. I'm mailing a check for $500.00US to the Credit Union in Colorado for Gary Houtz's fund. Thanks to everyone who has participated so far:

Palmetto Tatters Guild participants from TatDays 2008
Heart of England Tatters: Rosemarie Peel
Shuttlebirds (Spokane, WA): Patti Duff
Red Hat Lacers (Chula Vista, CA): Patsy Goodman
Sunflower Lacers (Manhattan, KS): Ronna Robertson
River City Tatting Club (Evansville, IN): Dorcas Newkirk
Marcella Ouzts (Muskogee, OK)

Thank everyone so much who expressed their interest in helping Gary. While it's not much, every little bit helps but mostly, your thoughts, best wishes and prayers go a very long way.

Happy Tatting!!

Tidbits of information

2008-09-15T13:25:00.002-05:00

The last week, especially since the 10th, has been very eventful. The orders for Gary's Fundraiser have come it at atonishing rate. I have to print more B-U-T I've have a challenge to overcome. Currently I have orders for 55 sets of which 48 more sets have to be generated.
The challenge has been that I had a major breakdown of our home network last week. When I got home Wednesday, our DSL modem was off-line (a doorknob would have been more useful!) which meant waiting until a new one arrived on Friday. When hooking up the new modem on Friday, I discovered that whatever had gotten the modem ALSO got my network card in the computer itself. So off to the PC doctor, but still no connectivity after an hour with "customer service" from my provider.
DH was driving in from Lufkin, TX because good(?) ole Ike had closed the Houston airports. He arrived about 1:40 AM Saturday after being on the road for 14.5 hours. Up early on Saturday and then back to the PC Doctor, tower and DSL modem working okay in the shop. Back to the house, put everything back together and finally got some connectivity around 5:30 PM. Then on the phone with the router manufacturer, then back to my ISP to bridge connections, then back to the router/print server manufacturer to get the rest of the connections operational.
Had planned for a lazy day on Sunday but DH decided to put together the computer armoire he had me purchase in January. The two boxes had been taking up space all this time and he decides he'd had enough. Eight hours later, the armoire is together and we start moving the network. Three hours after that, the network is up and completely operational. Furniture rearranged and even the floor swept (although my poor vacuum needs to visit the shop too). Into bed but the night certainly wasn't long enough.
Hope to get all the printing done tonight then tomorrow night start on making the filament loops for the fundraiser. Wednesday I'll complete the binders and then Thursday, I hope to be able to start mailing packages.

2008 PTG Tat Days & Update on Gary's Fundraiser

2008-09-10T08:56:00.006-05:00

Finally getting my 2nd wind ... why does it seem to take longer every year? I still have the same dilemma each event though, haven't figured how to clone myself so that I can take in all the classes, work the vending room and see EVERYONE!! Hanna didn't come to see us (thank GOODNESS) although several of our usual participants were unable to come (missed Katie and Lorena!) because of her presence along the eastern Carolina shoreline but we still had a good time.

Sales of the Knotless Tatting Fundraiser in the vending room were $133 and with my matching funds, that's already $266. So many of the gentle tatters from around the world have responded so that I need to make up more of the little kits and it looks like I'll be sending at least an additional $150, more than $500 - WOW!! Thank you everyone.

I just sent notes to everyone who had contacted me at tattingteresa@gmail.com about shipping. If you are interested and didn't receive a note directly from me, please use the gmail addy to get me your contact information.

I am really humbled at all of the generosity that all of you have exhibited. It is a real testament to the esteem that the tatting world holds for Gary.

Gary's Fund Raiser - How to Order

2008-08-28T19:48:00.002-05:00

I promised I'd work out the details. After Palmetto Tatter's Tat Days, I'll be ready to print these on an as requested basis (for those of you who haven't already contacted me). While I would prefer a check or money order, I will take PayPal if you are willing to add the minimal cost of the PayPal service to the funds. For a personal check, email me as tattingteresa at gmail dot com, and I'll send you my mailing address.

For example, if you wish to purchase 5 packages at the suggested minimum of $3.00US each, the amount to send via PayPal is $15.74US. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE QUOTES DO NOT INCLUDE POSTAGE, I'll need to quote you at the time of your order. The PayPal fee is 2.9% of the price + $.30. I can then make up any shortfall to ensure that the full $15.00 will be forwarded to the credit union for Gary's account.

Wide Wonderful World of Tatters

2008-08-26T11:45:00.004-05:00

Although not surprised, I am truly and honestly overwhelmed with the responses that I have received about the little fund raiser I had planned. I'll be getting back to the individuals who've requested this information. Some of you I've already answered and will answer everyone else. Just give me a little time.

Today, our area of North Carolina is receiving the remnants of Fay. She has really wandered all over the landscape but we do so need the rain. In fact, some of the rain today has been a real gully washer!!

I do have another treat instore for those of you who are ordering multiple sets of the fundraisers so once we have all the small details worked out and you have received your packages, look for another little thank you from me personally ... it is a surprise ... SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Fund Raiser for G.Houtz

2008-08-24T17:00:00.001-05:00

During the upcoming Palmetto Tatter's Tat Days 2008, a fund raiser is planned.

A special fund rasier will be conducted in the Vending Room during Tat Days 2008. To benefit Gary Houtz, the 'older' Shuttle Brother who was severely injured in a car accident in May, a technique package for "Knotless Tatting" will be offered.

This package consists of three pages of instructions and a package containing two different types of filament loops (two each) bound in a plastic binder that will allow additional techniques to be added. The instructions represent two class handouts from Gary and Randy that were edited by Teresa Woods with pictures from Gina Butler. Diagrams are from Randy Houtz and Ron Butler.

All materials have been donated by RT Woods Consulting with a suggested donation of $3.00 minimum per binder. In addition to the donation of materials, RT Woods Consulting will match up to $150.00 all sales of the binders for the fund that has been set up for Gary with the Southwest Colorado Federal Credit Union.

The instructions represent a way to use filament and thread loops to start elements in tatting that lend themselves to SECURELY finishing a round of tatting so that knots don't have to be tied and then the ends need to be hidden in various ways. This technique takes a "magic thread" and goes a couple of steps further. Although fussy at first, the end result is well worth the learning curve ... at least that's my personal opinion.

PTG TatDays 2008

2008-08-10T10:36:00.003-05:00

TODAY is the last day to register on line. Click on http://www.palmettotatters.org/events/TatDays2008/TatDays2008.shtml then on "Who's Coming" in the left navigation panel to see everyone who is registered. I had the same dilemma as always ... how can I attend all the class sessions with all the teachers. I don't have the answer yet although with the pattern CD it does help but I miss the instruction of the teacher and the interaction of the class participants. So most often I am found in the vending room.

Our key vendor this year is The Lacemaker from Cortland, OH. Tracy has told me that they will have lots of goodies and better yet some SALE merchandise. See Tracy's website at http://www.lacemakerusa.com/ for more details of the items they carry and will probably be bringing a LOT of the merchandise with them.

We have a number of our teachers and guild members who will also be selling items in the vending room and consignors. Check back here and at the Guild's website for more exciting information about the vending room as will have more ad's for our consignor.

Sheron Goldin has book available that is a good discussion of double bobbin shuttles (DBS). She compares the various types known to be currently available, including pricing. Her book also has patterns, adaptations of patterns and a good primer about using DBSs.

As I've been printing them for her to sell (I do have a small print business that I run on the side), I've also been very impressed with her discussion on color which leads essentially to a design methodology. Although Sheron's own mind is the source of the book, it does represent a collaborative effort in that Jane Eborall has lent her diagramming skills, Georgia Seitz her editing skills. Marie Smith did a lot of the testing and allowed Sheron to incorporate her split chain.

Promised Picture

2008-07-17T21:54:00.007-05:00

Here is the promised picture of Gary's shirt. Randy was taking this back to him. There are a lot of items here that we did at CWT. There are angels on both shoulders (which don't show up very well).
There are a number of hearts where we were playing with Mark Myers Dizzy Double Stitches. There are snails and mystery motifs. The button also holds some of Patti Duff's beaded bookmarks. Any number of SCMR style butterflies had flown in and attached themselves to the shirt. Jack Coen had even carved a Lady Hoare style shuttle and there's thread wound on it and a motif started for Gary to finish.
The green "mass" on the right shoulder (upper left on the picture) was our representation of Gary's bag ... and even sometimes what he does to some of our bags -if we leave them in sight and unprotected. LOL
You can also see a number of Randy's Bumble Bees. The cute little critters using two shuttles tatted in the alternate thread method and the wings are double stitches on picots.
While we did miss Gary, we did get to talk to him briefly on Saturday, the 21st of June. Randy did let us know that Gary is at home now and has been going through all the cards that had been sent. He has a very long road to recovery and would probably appreciate cards through the long months ahead.

A long plane ride back had me playing with techniques. The picture of the butterflies, while not the best quality, was an interesting experiment in double stitches. All have the same stitch count; larger wings are 6 - 6 - 6 - 6 and the smaller wings are 6 - 6 - 6. The one on the left uses standard double stitches (DS).
The one on the right uses the Dizzy Double Stitches (DDS) and the center uses Ruth Perry's Balanced Double stitches (BDS, also described as a sliding square knot). For DS and BDS, there is a very definite crown to each stitch upon completion.
When tatting in either of these two methods and tatting frontside / backside, it is quite easy to glance at the tatting to determine which have of the stitch should be done next. The DDS on the other hand is another story altogether; I also found the tension more difficult to control with the DDS. I want to try to get a paper together, along with better scans of the butterflies as well as some test rings I did. The test rings, like the butterfiles, all have the same stitch count but I hope to show more detail of the stitches on both the front and back sides.

Greetings from Montana

2008-06-23T10:58:00.004-05:00

It's really hard to believe that this is my last half day at Bobbie Demmer's. We have had so much fun since I arrived last Thursday. Yesterday afternoon was the traditional trek to Little Bear's in Thompson Falls for ice cream. I had the Pecan Pie which is hand pressed ice cream (mmmmm!) with chocolate, pecans and Butterfinger candy mixed together. It is nearly decadent.

The weather has been delightful as well. In fact as I write, I'm sitting in the classroom with a long-sleeve denim shirt over my blouse but it nice. We've already had so much hot weather at home. I'll be swinging over to Mead, WA later today to see a girlhood friend I haven't seen in about 40 years so I'm really excited to see her and meet her family tomorrow.

I fly home on Wednesday and it is an all day affair. While I've enjoyed the trip, I'll still be ready to get home to give DH a break from puppy sitting. Pictures from the trip will follow and a picture of the shirt we all decorated for Shuttle Brother #1. We certainly missed his presence but was glad that Shuttle Brother #2 was here to give us an update. We also spoke with Gary during the weekend. He has a long recovery ahead but is filled with good spirits and tremendous determination.

Happy tatting everyone!

Meet Esmeralda - TIAS Day 11

2008-06-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, she's finally decided to have her hair all curled and if the picture were clearer, you could see pearls entwined at the scalp line in eight places to match the pearls at her throat. She's ready for a night on the town ... or wherever else she might want to go.

The curls are made by using slightly fussy method that I first saw in one of Elgiva Nicholls' book in my personal library. I then was reintroduced to it a couple of years while in class with the Shuttle Brothers. They use this method to create "ruffled" picots which adds more of a three dimensional effect. The method is accomplished by a combination of set stitches and 2 sized picots.

If you want to play with this method, try a ruffled wing butterfly. d=1st half of a double stitch and s=2nd half of a double stitch; p is a medium-sized picot and lp is a large-sized picot; + is a join.

Upper right wing:
12ds (lp dd p ss)x4 lp 3ds sp 6ds [Note: there will be 5 longer picots which will layer to the "bottom" while the 4 other picots will layer to the "top" of the wing.]

Lower right wing:
6ds + 6ds p 1ds lp 1ds p 4ds sp 2ds

Lower left wing:
2ds + 4ds p 1ds lp 1ds p 6ds sp 6ds

Upper left wing:
6ds sp 3ds (lp dd p ss)x4 lp 12ds

Tie the thread ends together for the antennae. Optional: tie an overhand knot near the end of each antennae.

TIAS - Day 10

2008-06-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Here is Day 10. I did make one change. The beads that are effectively the eyes I did make a change. I found some slightly larger rocaille-type beads while the beads in the skirt are size 11 irridescent seed beads.

If I didn't have to work tomorrow, I'd just stay up until the Day 11 instructions were posted. I do have a design variation on her left arm ... I think she's had her spinach because the last split ring before the hand has too many stitches. I didn't catch it until I was hiding the ends using the magic thread and just decided I'd have her related to Popeye.

TIAS - Day 9

2008-06-07T23:00:00.001-05:00

Here is Day 9. I used size 8 pearlescent beads for this portion and what I loaded onto the shuttle. Not exactly sure how the color will work - I may wish I had found another color but we'll just have to wait on Jane's next installment!!

TIAS - Day 8

2008-06-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

Here's my finish on Day 8 ... looking pretty good. Still have no idea what we are tatting. It will be hard to wait to see how Jane will introduce the third color!! I have a feeling it will be very creative and once we see the final instructions, we're all going to say DUH!

Catching Up!!

2008-06-05T20:17:00.006-05:00

When things were a bit quiet last weekend, I did the TIAS that Diane Saunders had posted quite a while ago. I know that I'll never see a tulip with all these colors but I'm please with the way it turned out.

The flower is 2 strands, both size 80. One is a pink and the other is one of my favorite pastel variegated threads ... there is pink, lavendar, yellow, green and baby blue. It's a totally different look but I use a lot of "dual" threads to tat bookmarks. It's especially useful to use two-as-one if one of the threads is from my vintage thread and could be slightly weakened from dry rot. Of course, there are some of my vintage threads, really dark and intense colors, that I've just had to toss.

The stem is Olympus 50 but I do a little extra for the split rings. Because I really wanted a "sturdy" look and feel, the split rings are variations from Diane's original although the stitch count is the same. Here is the scheme:

R 1 sp 7 + (base of tulip) 7 sp 1
SR 1 + 6 sp 1 /1 + (previous ring) 6 sp 1 **
**repeat this ring 5 more times; 7 rings total at this point.
R 1 + 14 + 1

The last join is a bit tricky because it is essentially a first to last but it can be easily accomplished with a bit of practice.