November 20, 2008

Tatting

This week I will share Mom’s tatting with you. This photo is a picture of Mom’s last project – she was 88 when she slid the shuttles around the threads, creating these beautiful knots. One day this was set aside and never finished. That was a rare moment, as Mom finished everything.

I can still see my Mom, sitting quietly in a chair, the shuttles silently moving. I always wondered what Mom was thinking. She came from that era when people did not talk much and none of us children could get her to say much about her past. We were, however, very blessed with the products of her hands.

Few of the family learned how to tat. However, it is not a lost art and the shuttles can still be found if you do a search for tatting shuttles. It is difficult to find anything appropriate under a search for just 'tatting'. If you search for 'tatting instructions' you can still find a few patterns.

You can fill your home with beautiful tatting if you are willing to make the effort. While some would think only of doilies, I like them mounted in frames, or shadow boxes and used as wall decor. My favorite, however, is small designs used for Christmas tree ornaments. Anyone who has lots of her ornaments considers themselves very lucky.

Maybe it is time for you to think about a talent which has the potential for gifts which can become heirlooms - something tatted.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am thankful to have several of my mother's tatting pieces. Seldom do I see handmade tatting as exquisite as hers. I have seen many machine-tatted doilies, but they are just not the same. Zella

Anonymous said...

This piece is beautiful! Such amazing intricate work. I have always been intrigued by Grandma's tatting. The delicate work amazes me and this has been a skill I have wanted to learn. I think I will add it to my list of "must-learn-crafts"! Thank you for sharing! This piece, unfinished, is an absolute treasure - Dorene

Unknown said...

What a lovely doily. You know, tatting is one of those things that looks so pretty even while it is in progress. That would look lovely in a frame just as it is...shuttles and all!