Flower Bookmark

I had a flower left over from the first Tischband I did as part of the Tat Along and it was purple--perfect for what I had in mind. I designed the rest of it as I went. I wanted the illusion of a small budded vine climbing the stem. The contrast between the greens is not as great as it appears in the picture. I pearl-tatted the darker  green stem. The lighter-colored vine is blended with light purple size 80 thread. I think I should have added a few picots to the little buds to give them a softer look, but my girls liked it as it is.

This was a retirement gift for a co-worker who has become a friend. I shall miss her smiling face and gentle manner which brightens the work day for all of us, but I know she is going to enjoy extra time with her husband who had already retired. They plan to do some traveling and hiking and visit their children and grandchildren who live farther away. I wish Pam the very best.

Tat Along - Tischband #3

Here it is. The flowers all have leaves now. I used a smaller center picot this time and the result was much better. I think this one is the best one yet. I've really enjoyed this challenge. I'm likely to use Ruth's gorgeous leaves again. It is a great design.

I'm already well into another project--some ideas I've wanted to develop for my Etsy shop for quite a while. I was able to get a little tatting done during my lunch break today which helped me make a good start. I'll tell you all about it when I've gotten a bit more done.

Spring is in the air

The weather here in Arkansas has been warm and lovely. This weekend was to be devoted to filing our income taxes, but I spent the day updating my Etsy shop instead--much more enjoyable. I decided to have a one week sale at Etsy, marking some of my prices down by 15 to 25 percent. Meanwhile I'm working on some new ideas as I finish up the Tischband.

Tat Along, Try #2

Here is my second effort at the Tischband by Ruth Scharf which is the focus of the Tat Along. I kept my tatted chains much looser this time which made for a longer leaf. I also added a large picot to the base of the first leaf for joining the remaining ones. As you can see from the picture, it didn't need to be as large as I made it, but this did work well for me. I'm about to start my third effort. The recipient will get to decide whether it will be the triangle shape of my first effort or the square of my second effort. The flowers are already completed and I'm starting the leaves. I confess I would have trouble choosing. I really like both. The triangle one serves as a coaster on my desk at work and I really enjoy seeing it there every day.

Tat along progress

Looser chain stitches and the center large picot are working well so far.

Tat Along progress

Four flowers are ready for leaves. See my previous post for links to the Tat Along.