©2010

Gathering Basket

Level 1

Ttatting with less usual materials – students will use a Tatsy or finger and tat using thicker cord to create a dimensional piece that’s actually useful.

Knotted chains (that is, chains where a knot is tied in the chain before it’s joined to the body of the basket) will also be a feature of this pattern, Tthe design used for this event will differ slightly from the photo. I’ve used this technique but I haven’t seen it used elsewhere much.

Materials
Hemp is a relatively soft and hand-friendly material to tat with. It is soft, smalls nice and makes a great basket! Alternative materials include size 3 cable cotton, many strands of thread held together, or soft macramé thread.

A Tatsy shuttle or other large capacity post shuttle is needed.

In Vending
Gathering Basket Hemp yarn will be available in Vending from Karey in a selection of colors and prices, varying from $4 to $8 a spool. Or, less expensive hemp is a natural/undyed thread may of course be used. But, the colors are lovely, so people may want to consider their options in person before committing!

Preparation
Wind your shuttle 3/4 to nearly full and leave attached to the ball.

Wind Swept Tree

Level 3

Fun with Floating Chains – Floating Chains are the main technique taught. This is free-form tatting – every tree will be different. The trunk uses four threads in a padded split ring where secondary threads are carried up through the split ring. This is a technique-oriented class; long enough for students to become familiar with the methods but no one will be expected to finish. Collage techniques and sewing down a mostly-chain pattern will also be covered.

Materials & Prep
Bring a backing fabric and pins; wind shuttles with 2-3 colors of brown and leave at least one of these attached to the ball,

©2010

©2010

Level 2

The idea came to me when I should have been cleaning for house guests for the Hector conference – but inspiration hit.

Materials
For this prototype, I used size 20 thread in orange and green and Mill Hill Petite beads, which I’m guessing are a size 13 seed bead. A crochet hook is needed to move threads through the bead picots without distortion. For the “real” one, I realized I could use those tiny mini-gems to fill the inside of the pumpkin.

KIT
For $5 the kit includes threads, beads and findings. Students only need to bring shuttles and the usual tatting supplies.The kit will include orange thread pre-strung with beads, 2 gems, 2 jumprings, 2 Shepherd’s hook earrings.

Oak Leaf

Level 1

Preparation
Wind a shuttle and leave attached to the ball

Mary Fitch Poplar Leaf (Early Bird-All Invited)

Level 1

This is a re-visioning/adaptation of a 1916 pattern by Mary Fitch. It’s an exercise in climb-outs; it easily lends itself to more adaptation (half-closed Rs, for instance) and it’s also a great way to use up partial shuttles. This leaf is in my “Tree of Life” book.

Materials
One shuttle (not attached to a ball) at least half filled with the color of your choice.

©2010