Happy New Year 2015

Just realized I made this but hadn't posted it. Dillon will be 2 years old next month but still looks like a puppy in this pic. The kitten, Jingles, 'adopted' us last month. He was so tiny and scared it took 3 weeks to tame him enough to let us touch him and then another week before we could get him inside. I had towel padded kennel crates set up for him outside to keep him warm. He's fitting in really well and loves to play with Dillon. Guess someone dumped him in the neighborhood since no one claimed missing a kitten. He's made Jack happy so he's very welcome here. For those keeping track of my husband's illness, he has 2 more cancer treatments so we're hoping and praying for the best! Please keep us in your prayers.

Happy New Year 2015! New decorated shuttles at Etsy

This is one of the new tatting shuttle I've decorated. It's up at my Etsy store. You get the matching mini bag and pin cushion, too.

Here's another shuttle and bag set I've put up at Etsy. The shuttle has the clock pattern on one side and the gold pattern on the other.

I haven't gotten this set up yest but look for it soon. The fabric is a pattern designed by Mary Englebreict. LOVE her work!

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy new year! I know we could use a better one than last year.

Tatted Quilt Squares Published by Handy Hands available now!

This is the cover of Handy Hands version of my Tatting Old Fashioned Mini Quilts Pattern. Granted you don't get the extra directions I had in the original and Barb had me redo the charts by rows since she feels it's easier for needle tatters to follow them that way but the thin book is gorgeous. The glossy pages and large full color charts make it easy to start wherever you want. Below is the back of the book.

One suggestion is to add a border around the 4patch piece. It looks unfinished now that I see it printed. When I made the original I used just black and white threads; sewed it to the checked fabric; then to yellow, black and white bee print fabric: and finally to white felt to make a small trading card. Being sewn to fabric I didn't think it needed a border. Here's a photo so you can see what I did.

Here's a photo of the original pattern in case you never saw it. I have to admit the new samples made with Lizbeth thread are much more eyecatching. The new Lizbeth version of Trip Around the World is soooo much better. With this photo you can get ideas of what to do with the finished pieces. Small pieces were made into jewelry and a tag. The teal spinning spools is glued to a card blank while the single square in square is glued to a paper bag.

Look for the Fall and Winter tatting Patterns at my etsy store and at patternmart. Due to a severe shoulder injury I haven't finished the spring pattern. I only had 1 pattern to finish. The directions were done except for that pattern but now I'n in too much pain to tat for very long. Hopefully my doctor will have me back to tatting soon.

Preview of Spring Tatting Pattern

Thought I'd give you a peek at one of the 5 patterns that will be in my next tatting mini quilts pattern. This one is for spring! I have the directions for 3 of the 5 done but I'm still finishing pattern #5. I did have 5 done but changed my mind about one pattern. I think those who have been buying my patterns will really like this one.

Also news about the original tatting mini quilts pattern. Handy Hands has finally published it! It should be ready for sale at the end of the month.