This long-running series of tatting books produced by Mani di Fata is a treasure trove of traditional tatting patterns. Some vintage patterns have been used or adapted over the last two decades but much of the work is original tatting designs in the traditional style.
Intended for the European market, the books always include tatting embellished table linens and bed linens. The tatting is photographed in a dressed table setting or similar environment and the photos are in beautiful color. The text is in Italian but there are close up detailed photos of the projects which allow the tatter to follow the pattern. (A list of tatting terms equivalents may be found at http://www.georgiaseitz.com/newtat/italiantat.htm.)
Sadly, I have never found the first three issues of this series, but here are the covers of issues #4 - #16 with a description of some of my favorite patterns from each issue. At the end of the list are three samples showing the style of patterns.
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#5 One centerpiece is composed solely of 8 ring/chains rosettes but arraigned in a checkerboard fashion which gives it a contemporary look.
#6 Among many wonderful pieces, this issue contains a full bedspread and a set of window curtains!
#7 Full tutorial on how to tat in featured here with many versatile edgings and centerpieces.
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#9 The colored tatted lace samples in this issue are a departure from the traditional white, cream and ecru thread featured most often in this series. Several "smaller" projects such as motifs, a fan and a butterfly are included.
#10 Baby clothes in colored tatting vie with tatted lace collages and free-standing flowered branches in a basket in this cheerful spring-themed issue.
#11 Clothing for adults and babies are among the many smaller projects. Fewer huge tablecloths and many ideas for dressing up many household objects with tatting.
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#13 The tatted accent attached to everyday flip flops in this issue are worth a smile.
#14 A charming bonbonniere, a pincushion pattern and a throw pillow are easy projects tucked between many utilitarian household linens made fabulous with tatting.
#15 The tatted Madonna picture overlooks a bedroom graced with bed linens and bath towels all decorated with tatting. But how anyone would dare sleep on those beautiful linens is beyond me.
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#11 sample of style from pg 25
#3 sample of style from pg 19
#4 sample of style from pg 29
ED's note: I acquired all these books for my personal reference library. G. Seitz
