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Thursday, July 31, 2014

What's in the box?

Do you have a place where you store your completed projects? I've been putting all of my small motifs into an acid free photo box that I purchased at a local craft store. Since I've only been tatting for a few years (and have taken month long breaks in between), I don't have many items in there yet:

One of the patterns I've made a lot of is Mary Konior's Corn and Chaff from Tatting in Lace.
I first saw this pattern on Frivole's blog, and liked it so much that I found the book through Interlibrary loan. At the time, I was still very new to tatting and found this pattern to be perfect for practicing making rings. It's also a one shuttle pattern so it travels well.

I used Lizbeth size 20 and made the edging into bookmarks, many of which have been gifted. I also found it a great way to preview the different colors of thread.

Eventually, I did find Tatting in Lace, and paid around $30 for it. I don't remember if it was from eBay or Amazon:
It's a difficult book to find, as it's been out of print for many years. However, if you live in the United States, go to your local library and ask them about Interlibrary loan. I've acquired a copy this way and I've also seen someone else post about it on their blog.

As for current tatting, I am taking a small break from the Stawasz Tat-along. I've been so busy apartment searching that I've had a really hard time keeping up with blogs and the tatting forum. Everything is in place now, so hopefully I will have some Mega Doily progress photos to show next week.

14 comments:

God's Kid said...

Gorgeous bookmarks and tatted items in the box!!! :) What a fabulous display for all those colors on those bookmarks!!! :)

Sally Kerson said...

Looking at how neat and tidy you are storing your tatting has pushed me a little further to finding a lasting solution of how to store mine. Been thinking about it for a couple of months now, but my problem is that most of my tatting varies in size shape and thickness, especially where buttons are concerned so it means loads of boxes/containers. Those bookmarks are so so pretty

Robin Perfetti said...

Hi Sally,
In my search for acid free storage, I believe I came across larger boxes meant to store garments such as wedding dresses and antique clothing items. The only drawback is that it would take up a lot more storage space. At the moment, all of my larger projects have become abandoned works in progress, being pressed between card stock inside of books. If I ever do finish them, I will have to figure out where they will go.

Madtatter80 said...

you box look beautiful and I too have one,it is smaller, when I really want to store something in a smaller place I purchase acid free tissue paper and seal if up. I love the bookmark pattern too it is great!

muskaan said...

Your neatness & precision shows in everything, Robin :-))) In storage, as well as the lovely bookmarks you've tatted.
I store mine in transparent plastic box(s). One of these is a large box, & there's another within that holds my smaller 3D doodads. They look nice & neat *Until* I need to pick one out & then, poof .... there goes the entire collection !!! Every one wants to jump out - it's as if they all hold hands & want to go out for a stroll ;-/
I think Carollyn's idea of tissue paper is good ! It should keep them apart, while still being visible & easily handled.

Robin Perfetti said...

You know, having them all together in the same box actually feels sloppy to me? :)

My snowflakes for the Christmas tree get stored in acid free tissue paper, which sounds good in theory. Haven't had enough time to see how the tatting will hold up over the years.

Unknown said...

Do you have a pattern for the bookmarks?

Robin Perfetti said...

This one's still under copyright, so I'm afraid I can't distribute the pattern. You can find it in Mary Konior's Tatting in Lace, which sometimes pops up for a reasonable price on Amazon or eBay.

Paula said...

I know you cannot share the pattern, but I would LOVE to know how you ended it and made that knot and fringe. I am checking into getting the book and so want to make this!! :D

Robin Perfetti said...

To finish the bookmark, I made one final (larger) ring and connected it to the two previous rings of the pattern.

My tassel is super basic. I wound a bunch of thread around an index card and cut the bottom to make a fringe. I used a crochet hook to pull the uncut (folded over) portion through the final tatted ring, forming a loop. I wove the tail ends through this loop, tightened the knot, and trimmed the excess to make everything even.

Gloria Mosley said...

I bought the Mary Konior's book on your recommendation because I loved the bookmarks! And I might say paid a BIG price for the book but thought it would be worth it to have the bookmark pattern. I have only been tatting for a couple of months---and I can seem to make this pattern work. They don't lay and connect as the pattern shows. I have tatted a number of different bookmarks and have done a lot of "reverse work" tatting. Feel like that is where I am going wrong. Any tips?

Robin Perfetti said...

I used a slightly different stitch count than the one in the book. Send me a message on my Blogger Contact Form so I can get your email and give you more information about the pattern, and the numbers that I used.

siamkitty said...

I have to add, if you do not have this book in your library, go ahead and pay the price - it is worth every penny! I've been tatting since 1976, and treasure my copy. There are many wonderful patterns in it that can be turned into bookmarks.

Unknown said...

Hi! Sadly i live in Portugal and don't have acess to that book. I would love to have the pattern and try it out... ��
Yours looks beautiful!!!