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Progress on the book so far

October 1, 2013, 7:56 am
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It's going slowly, but now the tatting basics refresher section of the book is done, and I'm working on adding the patterns. The photo shown above is one that went "viral" on my Facebook Page, - it's not Ankars technique, but yes, the pattern will be in the book.

So now October is here, and for me that means no more royalties from my Tatted Jewelry book. My contract with the publisher provided royalties for 2 years, and it has been 2 years already. The publishers are very nice folks and did a lovely job on that book, but since I can actually make more money by self-publishing, that's why I plan on self-publishing this next book that I'm working on. It's because tatting is a niche market (aka underground movement, lol :) that a designer can make more money self-publishing, I'm sure that with more well-known crafts such as knitting or quilting, they are better off with a publisher.

By the way, I just read  Diane's article! It's a terrific review of the different types of tatting shuttles.

Well, I guess that is all I have to report for now, so I'll get back to work on the book.
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Progress on the book: the days fly by

October 10, 2013, 10:30 am
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The days fly by at an alarming rate of speed, but the book of my original beaded tatting patterns is coming along. So far I have the basic how-to section of the book done, 3 patterns fully completed, and 2 more partially completed. I expect to put a total of about 15 of my original designs into the book. This will probably make it a little thicker than my previous books.

Photo at left shows a bead being added to the project thread via a wide-eye beading needle and a bit of sewing thread. Occasionally that's a method needed for slipping a bead over a doubled size 10 thread. I prefer to just hook the beads on using a small crochet hook, but it doesn't always work with size 10. From my experience with both Czech beads and Swarovski crystal pearls, I've discovered that the Czech beads have slightly larger holes, so I'm going to use those when I can.

If I don't stay focused on the book, the rest of life may take over, and the book wouldn't get done for a long time. So, don't be concerned if my Etsy shop is sort of "left fallow" for a short while.
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Next round

October 15, 2013, 9:26 am
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Thanks to all who voted for my blog in the first round of the Craftsy blog awards, I'm happy to announce that my blog has made it into the next round of the Craftsy Blogger Awards in the Best Craftsy Instructor Blog category! 

So, to get entered to win a free Craftsy class of your choice, click on this link http://craftsy.com/ext/bloggerawards and scroll down a bit until you see the "Knitting - Best Craftsy Instructor's Blog" (yeah, I know, knitting...but it's okay :) and you'll recognize my blog's banner as one of the choices. Click on the "Vote" button under my blog's banner and provide your email address on the form. You'll be entered for a chance to win a free Craftsy class of your choice.
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Some ways of stringing beads onto thread for tatting projects

October 25, 2013, 10:16 am
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Some tatting projects call for beads to be strung onto the thread before starting to tat. There are various ways of getting the beads on, here are three methods that I use. 
To download a free PDF file of this tutorial, CLICK HERE.



Crochet hook:
Put the beads onto the shaft of a small steel crochet hook, and “hook” them onto the thread.
A crochet hook up to size 12/1.00mm can accommodate size 8° seed beads.
A crochet hook size 14/0.75mm usually works for size 11° seed beads.
For beads with very small holes, try a tiny size 15/0.5mm or 16/0.4mm crochet hook.  (Note: beads with very small holes might not fit on size 10 crochet cotton. Size 20 crochet cotton usually can accommodate most beads.)
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Wide eye beading needle:

A wide eye beading needle has a flexible large eye that flattens as the beads pass over it. A plastic “floss threader” (a tool made for dental care) works in the same way. With any of these needles, insert the thread for your project through the wide eye, pick up the beads onto the shaft of the needle, and slide the beads onto the thread.


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Standard needle and sewing thread:
A hand sewing or standard beading needle, in combination with a small piece of sewing thread, will also work to get beads onto your project thread. The needle has to be thin enough for the beads to pass over it. Thread the needle with the sewing thread, catch the project thread by passing the sewing thread around it, and thread the sewing thread through the needle again. Pick up the beads onto the shaft of the needle; slide them down the sewing thread, and onto the project thread. When all of the beads needed are strung onto the project thread, remove the needle and sewing thread.



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Progress on the book: in the zone

November 4, 2013, 8:08 am
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At this point in time I have completed the how-to review section and 7 patterns. Planning to add 7 more patterns, which should bring the book up to about 40 pages. I'm drawing diagrams for each, which is time-consuming, but should help make the designs easier to follow. Also including many in-progress photos such as the one above (it shows a self-closing mock ring in progress, with a bead being added to the center).

My tentative title for the book is "Marilee's Beaded Tatting Favorites", unless I think of something better.

All the patterns will be for tatted jewelry, including pendants, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. None of these designs have been published before, although some of the finished items have been seen in my Etsy shop, such as the Boomerang earrings. They're all my own original designs. I'm not putting the current models for the book into my Etsy shop until I'm done photographing for the book. Also no new hand dyed thread until I'm done with the book. No anything until I'm done with the book...(except the essentials of daily life, of course). So, online, I'll be boring for at least another month :)

Still, there are a couple of public events coming up that I'll be participating in: 
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Progress on the book: looking at January

November 25, 2013, 8:05 am
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 Since I still have 4 patterns to do, it looks like the book, which will be entitled "Marilee's Beaded Tatting Finery" should be finished in January 2014. Sorry to disappoint those who were planning to buy it as a gift for the holidays, but hey, now you know where to spend that cash someone presents you with :)

The blue necklace above will be one of the patterns in the book. I've decided to call that design "Fiesta". It's a little tricky, but people who've seen my other patterns know that I do my best to explain things. The medallion of the necklace is really crowded with beads and doesn't lay perfectly flat, even after blocking, but so many people have asked for the pattern, I've decided that when perfect is impossible, fabulous is acceptable. 

Last week I enjoyed demonstrating tatting at the Milwaukee Domes. That's me with my display in the photo below. I handed out loads of Greater Milwaukee Tatting Guild flyers as well as one-ring tatted butterflies. So, expecting a big turn-out at the next Guild meeting, which will be December 9. Gotta remember to bring name tags!

Marilee with tatted jewelry at the Domes

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If you enjoy a challenge

December 2, 2013, 8:20 am
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 There will be challenging patterns in my new book, Marilee's Beaded Tatting Finery, which I hope to have finished and up for sale in January 2014. The photo above gives a sneak peek!

Something else I want to talk about today isn't tatting, but just as cool. It's a website that has challenging games that actually make you smarter and while you're having fun playing the games, you're also helping children in need, all for FREE: http://freerice.com/ 

The screenshots below help to give an idea of how it works. There are a variety of subjects to choose from, including English vocabulary, World landmarks, Geography, Math, Language learning for 5 languages, Human anatomy, Famous paintings, Chemistry, and more. You don't need to be a geek, the questions start out on an easy level and go to more challenging levels if you get a lot of the easy ones right. Questions that you got wrong are shown with the correct answer so that you can get it right next time. Each time you get an answer right, 10 grains of rice are donated through the United Nations World Food Programme. The rice is paid for by the advertisers on the site.

My profile name there is my own name, Marilee Rockley. If you are on Free Rice please look me up and "follow" me to add me to your friends list there. The "Search for your friends" box is found on the page where you edit your profile.


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Down to the last few

December 26, 2013, 8:57 am
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 At this point in time, I've gotten as far as starting to write up the last 2 patterns that I intend to include. This morning I had a fleeting moment of starting to lose confidence that the last pattern, "Toccata Necklace" was any good, and briefly considered leaving it out. Then, I realized that the finished necklace was already included in the photo montage of projects on the inside front cover. So, it's staying in. I attribute the fleeting moment of feeling inadequate to "holiday overload".

Will keep plodding away on the book, which will be all tatted jewelry patterns, and hope to finish it in early 2014!


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Proofreading

January 8, 2014, 4:11 pm
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Doing the final proofreading of my new book before publishing, and so far I've found an errant "the", a redundant "ing" and 2 double stitches that went missing. Will continue to check it over carefully, and then when I'm satisfied it's correct, will take it to the printer. I'll also make the digital eBook available for purchase soon. I won't know what to price it at until I find out how much it will cost to print it. This book has 48 pages, which is 20 more pages than Up and Tat 'Em, and is crammed with good stuff - at least I think so :) The title of my new book is Marilee's Beaded Tatting Finery, and here's a sneak peak at the cover:
I just counted the photos in the book and there are over 190, plus a diagram for each of the 15 patterns. So, must get back to proofreading for now, but wanted to keep you posted that it's coming very soon!
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Digital is available, printed book coming soon!

January 11, 2014, 11:55 am
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As of January 10, I went ahead and put the PDF version of my new book out for sale. It's available as an instant download both in my Etsy shop, and also in my Craftsy pattern store.
There will be a printed book coming soon! It's currently at the print shop getting put together.

I worked very hard on this book, and have to admit that I'm pleased with it - and actually amazed that it got done! I hope those who buy it will enjoy it.

As with all my patterns, I'm totally happy when people post pictures of the things they've made from my designs. BUT, please respect my copyright and do not post my files or pictures of the inside pages of my book ANYWHERE. Just mentioning this, because occasionally I've seen some copyrighted work posted on places like Google+ and Pinterest. This is piracy and hurts the designer because they depend on sales of their patterns to make a living. If designers are not respected, they will stop sharing their designs, and the whole craft will be poorer as a result.

It's okay to "pin" the covers of the book, though - that's free advertising.

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Snowflake and Android

January 17, 2014, 2:02 pm
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 Getting back to life after writing a pattern book - whew! There's lots of laundry piled up and cleaning that got put off while I was focusing my energies on the book. Feeling a bit more normal now, and looking forward to seeing the printed book, which is still in queue at the print shop. I'll let you know when it's done - for sure!

Meanwhile, I've discovered that my Android-based smartphone and tablet (mine's a Nook) don't like to download files from a link, such as the download link on Etsy. It's easier to download the file on a computer first, and then transfer to the mobile device, either by usb cable, or simply by emailing the file to yourself, then opening the email attachment and saving it to your device that way. By the way, I discovered that my Nook didn't have Adobe Reader when I tried to view the file. No problem, Adobe Reader is a free app, installs quickly, and displays PDF files perfectly, complete with page index to get to the page you want quickly. I like how the pictures can be zoomed for a closer look and that I can have my patterns with me wherever I happen to be tatting.

I've started on a white and sky blue set using patterns from my new book - the photo below shows my progress so far. And, oh yes, I hand dyed some thread this week! That's the "Snowflake" colorway in the top photo.

For those looking for posts on how the Greater Milwaukee Tatting Guild is doing, they've had their own blog for a while, and you can see the guild posts at http://greatermilwaukeetattingguild.blogspot.com/

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It's printed!

January 24, 2014, 3:10 pm
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 My new book is printed! So exciting to see it as an actual book to hold and page through. It weighs close to 7 ounces; heavier than my other self-published books, since there are 48 pages as opposed to 28. My writing style is about the same, but this book has actual drawn diagrams so I am hopeful those will help people with following the patterns.

The designs are all for tatted jewelry with beads. I used Lizbeth thread in size 20 for many of the projects, but some are done in size 10. There is a supply list given with each project. Tatted jewelry with beads is more particular about thread size than most other tatting. For instance, you can tat a doily pattern in any thread size that you want, and you'll get a larger or smaller doily, but the pattern still works, regardless. With tatted jewelry that includes beads in the design, you need to be thinking more like a jeweler than a lace-maker. The sizes of the beads and the tatting need to fit together well. Have fun choosing any color combos you like for your projects!

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Hair clips, feathers, boomerangs

February 4, 2014, 9:54 am
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 Currently I'm in a hair clip frenzy. First off, I should mention that the flower design for these hair clips is NOT in any of my books. But, similar 3D tatted flower patterns are pretty common on the Internet, so you don't have to wait to get started on your own tatted flowers, should seeing this photo awaken a frenzy within you as well :) 

The flowers nearest the front are in my own hand dyed from the "Roses" batch, the ones to the left are in Lizbeth #100, and the yellow that I've started in the back is Lizbeth #180, all are size 10.
 Eventually this pair of tatted yellow feather earrings will be done! The feather pattern IS in my latest book, "Marilee's Beaded Tatting Finery", although this yellow pair in progress is an elongated version of the book's pattern.
The boomerang pattern is in the book as well. This is a recently completed pair of earrings that's listed in my Etsy Shop.

Hand dyed thread is always on my to-do list, and since I will be moving on to shamrocks very soon, I expect that some greens will be needed!
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Bright greens

February 8, 2014, 3:58 pm
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New batch of hand dyed thread, Bright Greens. The flower hairclip is tatted from the same thread.

A reminder that I hand dye in small batches, and preparation begins with winding the thread into skeins. For those who aren't familiar with the word, skeins are big circles of thread, a form that prevents tangling and provides maximum surface area so the dye can reach all of the thread.

Then, I prepare the dye, and paint it onto the thread using a brush. I wrap it in plastic and let it "cure"(the thread and dye react together for a while). Then, I rinse the thread, let it dry, and twist the skeins so they'll look pretty to sell.

Since it's just me doing all the work, each batch is small, unique, and when it's gone...it's gone.


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Mardi Gras and 1800's Tatting

February 17, 2014, 9:25 am
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On Saturday I listed Mardi Gras hand dyed thread in my Etsy shop. 

This morning there were questions about 1800's tatting patterns in my Craftsy class, which required some research on my part.

A wonderfully detailed article about Mid-19th Century Tatting written by Virginia Mescher posted on the website of Georgia Seitz provided me with many of the answers that I was looking for. 
Then, I challenged myself to decipher the Lily of the Valley pattern in The Royal Tatting Book by Riego, written in 1867. I think I've figured it out, as seen in the photo above - though, of course, tatters of that era would have probably used white or ecru colored thread. The longer picots at the top will be joined to a crocheted heading later.  Perhaps another day I'll have time to write the pattern out in modern tatting terms; it's really a pretty design. 

If you like antique tatting patterns, one of many sources is the Antique Pattern Library, run by the non-profit group New Media Arts, Inc.
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Extremely Very Early Spring Giveaway

February 28, 2014, 1:03 pm
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Very little sign of spring today where I live, but to give it a little push, I'm having a giveaway!
The giveaway prize is my new book plus 3 skeins of hand dyed thread!
I'm giving away 2 of these prize packages on March 5.

For a chance to win, leave one comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. Two winners will be chosen at random on Wednesday, March 5. Be sure there's a way for me to contact you if you win, either a blog I.D., or an email address.
Readers of this blog from outside of the U.S. are welcome to enter this giveaway. The package will be marked "gift".
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The Winners!

March 5, 2014, 9:21 am
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The winners of my Extremely Very Early Spring Giveaway are Chiara Milleidee and Sara of Saras handarbetsgomma blog. Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments, I enjoyed reading them so much! Truly tatters are some of the nicest people in the world! I wish it were possible to give everyone a prize :)
Oh, I guess I could point out my free patterns page for that. If you didn't notice the "Free Patterns" tab at the top of my blog, here's the link: http://yarnplayertats.blogspot.com/p/my-free-patterns.html

By the way, the photo of the snow was taken this morning, showing that as of today, still very little sign of spring here in Southeastern Wisconsin. The winners were chosen using a random number generator after I deleted some duplicate comments. Morning temperature here was 16 degrees Fahrenheit. 
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Steampunk tatted belt

March 10, 2014, 9:12 am
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Size 3 thread makes big, bold tatting
 Motivated by a desire to wow the visitors to my vendor's booth at the Concinnity Convention, April 5, 2014, I have come up with a tatted belt. I used size 3 Lizbeth thread, and worked at the design until I was satisfied that it was sturdy enough. I used metal beads, antiqued copper wheel buttons, and satin ribbon lacing in the front for my little attempt at steampunk detailing. The belt ties like a sash with ribbon in the back. The ribbon end feature saves the work of tatting an entire length of a belt, and also makes it one size fits all.

First attempt had a structural flaw...
...it folded when pulled - not good for a belt!
My first attempt didn't turn out, so I had to cut it apart and do over - yes, that happens a lot when designing! You don't want your belt to fold over or curl while you're wearing it. So, I changed how I added the beads. Instead of putting them over picots in the exact center, I moved them to picots set at an angle. I got the idea from a TV show that was explaining architecture. The strongest structural shape is a triangle. So, I added picots at an angle for joining the chains, thereby forming a sort of triangle. It works! The belt is nice and sturdy now.

I used big shuttles to tat the belt with, since size 3 thread gets used up very quickly. I wouldn't recommend working with size 3 for beginners, other than for when they need something big to see how the double stitch is made when they're first learning. Size 3 requires more physical effort to work with. But, I feel up to the challenge and wanted to design something suitable for the bold look of big tatting.

I sometimes get asked about needle tatting. Well, I do know how, but I like the firm product produced by shuttle tatting, since most of the time I don't need to bother with any stiffening. I also just simply enjoy the process of shuttle tatting and I appreciate its Victorian roots. If time allows in the future, I may design something specifically for needle tatting, but for sure it won't be anything conventional and won't be shuttle tatting convertible.

Need to figure out a bow tie next....

The finished belt shown on black

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Radiant Orchid, Corsage HDT, Concinnity projects

March 27, 2014, 7:58 am
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Radiant Orchid

Getting my costume ready for Concinnity 2014, using some of my new hand dyed thread in Radiant Orchid. This solid is the Pantone color of the year 2014, and makes a nice accompaniment to my multicolored dye batch, "Corsage". The cool bow tie is for my dear husband to wear - he'll be assisting me at my vendor's table this year. The bow tie was easy to make following the instructions that I found at A Beautiful Mess.

Corsage
I'm tatting a belt (using design from the previous post) to accessorize my black steampunk outfit. I'll also add a plum color "airship jacket" that I purchased on Etsy, and am in the process of tatting a coordinating large flower for my hair.
You can see in the photo below, where I'm posing with a very tall "alien" in a striped suit, the basic black outfit that I'll be wearing. The plum jacket and my Radiant Orchid tatted accessories will really improve it, I think.

In addition to steampunk, Concinnity is sci-fi, gaming, fantasy of all sorts. It is an incredibly fun experience! I'm really looking forward to it, on April 5 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

An "alien" buddy from another world, and me!



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Photos from Concinnity Convention

April 7, 2014, 9:08 am
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That's me with a minion :)

My dear husband Jan, helping with my display of tatted jewelry.

Another view of my display.

My tatted belt in radiant orchid.

The  tatted high collar grabbed a lot of attention from passersby.

View of my rack of tatted earrings from my table, with shoppers in the background.

More shoppers at the Concinnity vendors area.
Concinnity was great fun! My tatted jewelry got lots of admirers, and even some sales! People did take my fliers about the Greater Milwaukee Tatting Guild, so I'm expecting the guild membership to grow. I also had business cards out for the Etsy shop, and Craftsy cards. A few folks remarked that they remembered a grandmother or other relative who used to tat. To the young people this was an entirely new craft they had not heard of before (different from tattooing), and they made remarks like, "Awesome!" and "So cool!". My dear husband, Jan, took breaks from assisting me to attend some of the convention presentations, including Real Victorian Technology, World's Fair, Practical Airships, and 50 Years of Dr. Who. Next time I really will have to teach him how to handle sales alone, so that I can get away to attend some of the fascinating presentations myself!
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