Big Thread Bookmark

I've been making bookmarks lately. I have taken this project as a good opportunity to use up some spools of sample threads that I received in the past from Handy Hands.

This bookmark was done in Lizbeth thread size #3. (I believe the color is Ocean Sunset. Please correct me if I'm wrong.) With such a large thread I finally got a chance to use a larger tatting needle. The piece tatted up rather quickly.

I will admit that I really do like tatting with larger thread. A couple of years back I received a generous gift of ten cones of size #10 cotton crochet threads. No one wanted it, as most tatters prefer size #40. I have enjoyed every minute of tatting with the thread and have even gone out to buy more in various colors.

While the smaller threads make gorgeous work with the tatting looking as if it were made by angels, from time to time I do like the "wow" factor that comes from larger scale pieces. A dainty doily that is normally tatted in size #40 thread, becomes this larger then life show-stopper when tatted in size #10.

So, this bookmark will be added to my ever growing collection. I'll fill you in on why all the bookmarks soon. But for now enjoy the final pic:

Bookmarking In the New Ride

My Boy Toy was in town for a few days on leave. Besides taking care of me as I recovered from a recent stint in the hospital, he also traded in my car, who's lease was about to expire, and got me a nice upgrade.

I was still too weak to enjoy my new ride so Boy Toy drove me around to my various appointments. I took the opportunity to enjoy my new heated seats and tat a lovely little bookmark.

Thread used is Lizbeth 113-Jewels size 20. The pattern was a free one found in the Handy Hands catalog.

The Fox Says Two Color Tatting

Sunday found me again confined to my bed as I continued to suffer through my Sickle Cell crisis. I took my pain meds like a good girl, praying hard that this bout would not result in another stay at the hospital.

As much as I enjoy the free food, stronger medications and unlimited movies available to me during my hospital stays, I could really do without the IV's, blood transfusions and 2a.m. blood draws. So the hope is that I will be able to manage this episode at home.

While confined to my sick bed, I tried to make the most of the hours that I was awake. I've been reading Fox's Tat-ology blog, starting with her very first post and working my way forward. I always do that when I find a blog that I really like. I enjoy seeing the growth a person goes through- both in their blogging style and in their craft. Fox's personality is much like my husband's, (very OCD and Type-A). She makes me laugh with her tatting pitfalls and the visuals are lovely.

I was on the blog post about the tatting in Piecework magazine, when I decided to try my hand at the sample shown. It is two-color tatting, which I had never done before. I quickly went in search of a tutoral on two-color needle tatting. This Youtube video by TotusMel helped get me started.

I made a small, yet very cute sample. Enough for me to understand the structure and method. I do not normally think of working with two colors this way, but it is nice to know that I can should the need ever arise.

As I spent time doing a Google search through tatted lace images I also got an itch to make this little motif. Just a sweet little Cherry Blossom Heart from Grace Tats done up just to make my day.

Now I'm on the search for another bookmark pattern. I plan to make one for my daughter's teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Letting Go Bookmark

I spent this Saturday stuck in bed with a Sickle Cell crisis. Not how I had hoped to spend my weekend. The up side to being ill was that in between my Oxycodone induced slumber I was able to finish a bookmark that I had been working on.

This bookmark will go to a social worker. If you knew what my family has been through fighting with CPS for the last five years, that sentence would shock you. I never thought I would ever get to a point where I would even entertain the idea of giving anything, (other than a middle finger), to a social worker.

But now the struggles I have faced have shown to me the true measure of God's love and has surprised me with my own ability to forgive. So I have made this bookmark to give to a social worker on the day our case will finally and forever be closed.

This bit of tatting is my small way of releasing negativity, letting it go and allowing it to be transformed into something beautiful.  It is a wonderful gift to see how far my faith has come and I give this bookmark with the blessing of mercy and grace.

Bookmark was made using size 20 Lizbeth thread in color #125 Sea Scape.