Over the past couple of years I have approached many experienced and expert or domain tatters for some explanation or confirmation and feedback, or even to ask for a pic of their work ... all in the cause of the book/glossary. Not only have I learned a lot, but everybody has been very cooperative!
Late last year I had approached Nina Libin regarding her BEANILe tatting and if she would share a pic of one of her models for the book (I didn't like any of the beaded models I had tatted till then). Despite her ailment, she willingly obliged with both an explanation and a pic. However, she was adamant on one point - do NOT call it Beanile or BEANILe lace! Shocked, I asked her why and she said it was merely her 'arrogance' for wanting her name associated with the term. She told me in no uncertain terms to call it Bead Tatting instead.
Bead Tatting (formerly known as Beanile lace) is tatted lace decorated with lots of beads that are incorporated during the tatting process itself. Earlier the beads used to be strung on the ball thread so that they would embellish the picots. Nina was instrumental in stringing the beads in the shuttle thread as well, in order to position them in beautiful arrangements.
I am uncertain about beads being used in single shuttle tatting before the introduction of chains (or 2nd thread). Did they use beads to cover bare thread between rings? Do you have any idea?
Nina differentiated this from Beaded Tatting, where beads are sewn into finished lace, as in ANKARS.
Tatting with Beads is another common term. This would mean that beads are used in lace either during tatting, pre-strung or free, or stitched in later .... any which way(s). Thus this term encompasses both Bead and Beaded tatting and any other method (for instance pinning down beads on a foam ornament covered with tatted lace).
It would be great if you leave a comment with your thoughts on the matter or any other input you may have.
Wonderful samples, I look forward to hearing more about them. I've done a fair bit of beaded tatting, prestringing the beads on ball and/or shuttle, but have never used the term Beanile as I supposed that would encroach on Nina's sphere of influence, infringe copyright even.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Jane. I had always wondered how Beanile was different from tatting with beads and over the years I'd asked several experienced tatters but never got a convincing answer.
DeleteI revere Nina Libin. I use her patterns alot. Mostly for inspiration, but often for earrings I give away or enjoy for years. I wish I lived close enough to have met her. Learning from her through her patterns and books has been a highlight of my time in Tatland.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of her designs, too, Mel. She has always been very kind and patient with me and even invited me to do some collaborative work back in the OTC days. I wasn't up to snuff at the time.
DeleteI have not heard of the term Beanile tatting, I like to use some beads but when there are so many beads in one design I tend to shy away, These are lovely examples of tatting with beads, I would love to try some of her patterns, I do like to tat with my beads either on ther shttle or thread, and not sew thenm in afterwards. A very interesting post thank you Muskaan
ReplyDeleteI came across the term in the Online Tatting Class and also got to converse with Nina in class and in private, Margaret. However, I agree that using beads slows me down immensely.
DeleteI rarely tat with beads, mostly because they usually run away, all over the floor, and in-between the cushions, under tables and chairs. I do like the look of tatting with beads, though I've never done Beanile tatting.
ReplyDeleteWhat an image your words have conjured up, Wanda, ;-D Pre-stringing beads and tatting with beads, both slow me down considerably even though I the bling works out nicely at times.
DeleteLast summer at the Finnish tatters meeting we worked with beads of different sizes and tried using my bead spinner for small beads. Several tatters were interested in seed beads. I forgot to mention Nina Libin at the time.
ReplyDeleteIts so nice that you are spreading the joy of tatting with your group, Marja! Seed beads look great but take time to string ;-D
DeleteŚliczne rzeczy, a bransoletka urocza. :)
ReplyDeletePozdrawiam ciepło.
Thanks, splocik! In one of my future posts I will reveal how it was done ;-D
DeleteFor me the term immediately identifies a type of beadwork with tatting used as the foundation, I learned it from the OTC and I use the term. She published many booklets with the term in the title, I'm lucky to have had the chance to buy her book with all the basics, Beanile Lace, I love it, her work is a great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, you yourself use beads in a myriad different and attractive ways, Ninetta!
DeleteI like bead enhanced tatting, but not what I consider bead overload where you can't see the tatting, or much of the tatting. I want tatting to show so you know it's tatting. ;) Your beaded tatting looks great! :)
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point, Sue! How would one know if the lace beneath the bead overload is tatted, crochet, knit, or something else!
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