Ben Fikkert has just published his third book of tatting patterns and I must say that the patterns are absolutely delightful. Most of the projects are fairly large and not for the beginner, and Ben also specialises in using rather fine threads so this book is really aimed at the more experienced worker who enjoys taking a lot of time to finish each piece.

That said, the book is a delight to look at. It is published by Handy Hands Tatting and is produced in their standard format, which is softback in similar style to the Dover reprints of old tatting books. A clear photograph accompanies each pattern and there are full diagrams and text to describe the work.

The patterns in the book are as follows:-

• Ferns is a large doily which includes node stitch tatting and two shuttle work.
• Adelaide is an exquisite handkerchief edging worked in mignonette style tatting.
• Wreathe is a pretty edging using shuttle and ball thread techniques and which also makes good use of the technique of working rings round a centre ring and locking the bare thread between each ring to the picots on the centre ring.
• Chinese Lanterns is a more elaborate edging which contains two shuttle work and onion ring techniques.
• Hearts is a pretty edging which again is more elaborate and includes long picots and onion ring style work.
• Romance is a lovely little doily which includes node stitch tatting in some of the rows of chains.
• Buttercups is a larger oval doily which includes SCMR and mignonette work.
• Pinecones is a circular doily which is enhanced by a good deal of two shuttle work and tatted net.
• Eglise is an elaborate circular doily which includes a lot of long picot and some two shuttle work.
• Tequila Sunrise is a lovely circular doily using some two shuttle work but it is less elaborate than some of the other pieces in the book.
• Fall is a square doily built up of triangular motifs and edgings and it can be made to any size you wish.
• Triangle is a pretty piece worked in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
• Snow Crystal is a lovely small doily which includes some long picot work and two shuttle techniques and this completes the book.

I recommend this beautiful book as most people will enjoy at least some of the pieces in it. Ben Fikkert's designs will certainly provide anyone who attempts them with a challenge, and then with an exquisite object when finished.