And the problem continues...and gifts

Sigh

Well, just as I was starting the last ring in a new Windmill, whadaknow?

The thread breaks again! I know I tat tight, but I've never had a thread break this much. Why Lizbeth, why?
So I had to add thread all just to finish the last ring. I haven't ironed it yet, so it's wavy. I can't figure out if that means I need to make my picots longer or shorter. Anyone know the answer?

And for xmas:

3 Lizbeth in size 40 (I've only ever worked w/ size 20 b/c that's what's available at the local store here)
3 Lizbeth in size 20 (to mach other variegateds I have)
Shiny shiny beads and Swarovski crystals

Also, some beautiful Kopper Patina size 50 from LadyShuttleMaker.

Almost Finished!

I started a doily pattern from a '78 workbasket. It takes a while because none of these patterns use split rings/chains, so in order to not have to constantly c+t I have to essentially re-write the pattern. Just 2 more repeats on the last row to go! ...and then *lots* of blocking.

Beginnings and an Awesome Acquisition

I've been thinking about starting a blog for a bit now, flip-flopping around "should I"? "shouldn't I"? but it's time. And while I'd like to promise to keep this strictly to my fiber arts hobbies, I don't think I'll be able to keep my other geeky interests away. :) While living in Seattle over a year ago a friend of mine headed up her church's knitting group. A lady donated some items to the group, and my friend immediately called me up and asked if she could come over. I said, "Of course"! She brought me these! (not the shuttle or finished tatting) 6 boxes of DMC sz 40 thread! 10 balls in each box! That's (carry the five) 14,940 yds of thread! Also a little book of angel patterns, but that's packed away in a box somewhere. So, what to do with all this thread? I mean, I have to go for something huge, something that will take years. And then I found Jon's pattern here. It's perfect! I am going to change the small motif on the two ends, just so there's more of a line. And when I'm finished, I'll have a huge piece of tatting to hang on a wall, or as curtains, cover a couch or small bed.... It was a little frustrating starting this piece...I do wish there was an easy way to not have to c + t so much between all the motif, but that's not something I can change. It helped a lot when I figured out how to properly hold the huge shuttle :) The shuttle I won from Diane here. It's the perfect thing for this long project. I've got about 1' x ~4" of the piece done.