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Class 1: Friday at 1
Folded Rings-Rings Don’t Have to be Round Anymore
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate, Mini-Projects

Description
This class will show how to create interesting shapes by making rings with sections that fold inward.  About a dozen small patterns to practice the technique will be provided, including flowers, angels, cat, bunny, owl, and shamrock We will make a few sample rings together to learn the concept and then you may begin on one of the small patterns.

Project
One or more of the items listed above. Good for note cards, earrings, mini-ornaments, etc.

Techniques
“Folded rings”, rings, chains, half stitches. The angels use split rings and the cat and bunny use self-closing mock rings.

Skill Level
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate. The tatter needs to be comfortable with making rings and chains and should be able to read written patterns. A few of the practice patterns use split rings or self-closing mock rings.

Supplies
Thread: Size range 10 - 30 recommended. Refer to illustration and choose colors for one or two of  the practice patterns.  Shuttles: Most of the patterns require one shuttle, but the angels, cat and bunny require two.  The angels use sequins, and the cat and owl use beads.  I will bring some beads and sequins to share.

Class 2: Saturday at 8:30
Maltese Ring Bookmark
Intermediate to Advanced, Project

Description
The Maltese ring, (the ring form of pearl tatting), is an exquisite technique featured in some of Mlle. Riego’s groundbreaking tatting manuals of the 1860’s, but appeared in patterns only sparingly since then until the recent upswing in interest.  The Maltese ring may appear intimidating, but the underlying concept is actually fairly simple. I will teach the Maltese ring using a method that does not require removing the ring thread from the hand so that the work proceeds more quickly than the original Riego method.

Project
A bookmark adapted from an edging by Mlle. Riego

Techniques
Maltese rings, rings, chains.

Skill Level
Intermediate/Advanced.  The tatter should be adept with rings and chains.  Prior experience with split rings or other wrapping techniques very helpful.

Supplies
Thread in two colors; size range 20 - 40 recommended.  Two shuttles.  Note:  high quality thread is essential.  Six ply cordonnet style thread is best and some of the better three ply brands will do.  A rough or hairy thread that does not close rings easily may be liable to break. 

Homework
Please bring your shuttles already wound.

Class 3: Saturday at 3:30
Watering Can and Flower Pot in 3-D Block Tatting
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate, Projects

Description
Block tatting has come a long way from its original use as a way to add little squares to edgings and doilies.  Here we will use block tatting “in the round” to create a 3-D watering can.  (For those who prefer a quicker or simpler project, a flower pot pattern is also provided.) 

Project
Watering can or flower pot

Techniques
Block tatting, rings, chains, lock joins.

Skill Level
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate. The tatter should be comfortable with making rings and chains. Prior experience with lock joins helpful.

Supplies
Thread: One color, size range 10 - 20 recommended.  One shuttle.  A steel crochet hook for joins if your shuttle does not have a built in hook.

Homework
Optional: Instructions for the first round (rings and chains forming the base) are here for anyone wishing to get a head start.