In 1998 Nina Libin brought fresh insight into the art of creating beaded tatting, or as she says, tatted lace of beads. Her first book, "Tatted Lace of Beads The Techniques of Beanile Lace" led us on a journey of discovery and exploration of the many possible combinations of beads, threads, and knots. As a primer for learning the basic stitches in tatting, it offered step by step instructions and detailed illustrations showing the movements of the hands. It examined multiple traditional ways to incorporate beads into shuttle tatting.

Nina has prepared a new book especially designed for the needle tatter. Some beading techniques were not possible to reproduce as the diameter of the tatting needles would not accommodate all sizes of the delicate beads used in tatted beaded jewelry.

"Beads & Knots" Needle Tatted Jewelry by Nina Libin ©2013 is a 65 page full color book available in pdf format on cd. As with all of her books and online patterns, the photography of the tatted lace and the beaded lace is remarkably clear and close up. The details in the jewelry and filigree motifs is outstanding. The definitions used incorporate traditional tatting terms along with abbreviations developed specifically to explain the Beanile Lace techniques. (Please see sample page 12 and note that additional terms and symbols are introduced in the beaded pearl tatting section.) Although some parts of the pattern directions appear algebraic in nature a quick read of the definitions makes it all easy to follow. Beanile Lace will be both challenging and intriguing to both tatters and beaders alike.

As shown on sample pg 12 the diagrams (in black and white as well as color) are easily understood and the project is displayed in great detail.

Included in this book is a subsection on "Beaded Pearl Tatting" How to Needle Tat with Beads on TWO Knotting Threads (helpful hints.") This seven page tutorial shows the method to use two threads with beads and the needle (core) thread and wrap the double stitches using both the left and right hands. This is followed by a section of all original designs utilizing this two handed pearl tatting technique and combining it with the basics of tape lace to create celtic style (interwoven) designs which are just stunning!



Nina! This is a winner!!! Congratulations.



Note: I received my copy of this new book from my friend of 18 years, Nina Libin. I have learned so much from her and I greatly appreciate her time spent in promoting tatting and in supporting both the Online Tatting Class and the Palmetto Tatters Guild Tatting Scholarship Fund. - G. Seitz