happiness thy name is lace

I had a different post in mind for ITD (designed/sketched a doodle as well), but this day coincides with personally important celebrations and I’ve been busy with other stuff. Nevertheless, I am equally excited to share my first real size 80 lace and in very happy spring colours. More aptly, ‘Tatting Sharing’ as the doily is called, captures the spirit of our tatting community.

As most of us know, Daniela Mendola has been cleverly creating a bonanza of free doilies from permutations and combinations of 10 design rounds of which the first round is the same so far. I voted each time, but didn’t tat along.

Since some charming readers look for lessons in my posts, I won't disappoint ;-P.

My Notes on Round 1 and Lizbeth size 80

1. TIP : Should have started with only one twin ring (the right one) followed by chain, thus ending the round with the missing twin. Accessibility is easier. And if one wants to climb out, make that last ring a SR and continue to round 2. 
   
2. One thrown ring (look closely at the last ring in above pic) didn't close fully, and afraid of breaking the thread by tugging too hard, I made an under-over ‘join’ at base of ring.
3. Had to use a black background to 'see' threads better.
4. My years of tatting, with a few different threads, paid off – muscle memory takes over even without being able to 'see' stitches clearly.
5. A couple of times distraction made me lose count. Had to use my book light or magnifier to confirm.
6. Hook on pony shuttle is too large and tends to snag the picot thread. Size 11 crochet hook works great in joining.
7. After the first 2 repeats,  I even managed Ninetta’s blipless join when needed, including with a down loop! As usual, I counted it as 1 stitch.
   
8. I've done a bit of experimental tatting with silk/rayon thread, and even sewing thread and swore off them. But absolutely love working with this brand, thread and colour range.

 International Tatting Day, 2020 

I have since started the 2^nd round in pink as you can see above. Wonder if Daniela can guess which one I am making?! All details & links when I complete.

In consolidation with a special tatting friend, I won’t be serving or eating chocolate today. But serving threads and lace in a chocolate box is happiness personified, happiness multiplied!
 A couple of years back, when Ninetta told me she kept her threads in this box, hubby immediately ordered 2 (I have another unopened one in my fridge right now). Little did we realise only size 80 balls fit in. Finally time for the threads to claim the boxes!

happy tatting always with a muskaan :-)