Karen Bovard's tatting work has always fascinated me. (See the motorcycle below.) So I was very pleased to see this second book. As with Karen's first tatting book, FUN With SPLIT RING TATTING (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3851.asp), the new book has wonderfully illustrated instructions for the basic split ring as well as illustrations to cover many of its uses in tatting. Through these pages the tatter will gain a greater understanding of tatting construction. It will "give you an understanding of the uniqueness of the technique, how to manipulate it, and various ways to work it." (Karen Bovard.)

There are 45 designs and 63 pages of patterns in this 8" x 10" (20.5cm x 25.5cm) full-color book ©2013. The patterns include: doilies, motifs, crosses, edgings and bookmarks. Many patterns are geometric shapes which when tatted in multiples will lend themselves to creating really large pieces, such as tablecloths and even wearable accessories. There is an intriguing list of celtic type patterns which intertwine, too. All the patterns are given with full color photos of the lace and color coordinated diagrams. Even tutorials about the joins and floating rings are two-tone for easier understanding. It is modestly priced and available directly from Karen Bovard (www.theShuttleSmith.com)

Karen is also well-known as a shuttle maker, The ShuttleSmith. Her shuttles were created in sterling silver and engraved and remain highly prized. She is an excellent designer and teacher as well. Check with your local lace guild to see where she might be teaching next.

In the photo above you can see a sample of the tatted lace, a diagram with the stitch count numbered and directional notation. The directional notation sets this book apart from others as it leaves no doubt in which direction the tatting proceeds. At the bottom is a sample of the style of the tutorial illustrations.








I highly recommend this book which I was delighted to receive as a gift for my personal tatting reference library. G. Seitz.