I recently reviewed Hiroki Imaizuki's new book "Needle Tatting Lace." There are some cartoon-like characters in it that look like drawings of a double stitch. These helpful characters are seen throughout the book giving tips, encouragement and pointing out spots that needed special attention. All of it designed to build enthusiasm and confidence while learning needle tatting. The back inside cover even has a drawing of a "new tatting student" learning from the "Queen of Tatting", drawn in (Japanese) anime style.
Although this presentation is suitable for anyone of any age to learn the basics of tatting, it would certainly appeal to a mom and daughter (or father and son) seeking quality time together. Working on projects with children is a joy for many. And, yes, father and son duos are not uncommon. Navy men, scout pack leaders have backgrounds in knot making which easily translates in tatted lace. Many men, some famous, such as football great Rosey Grier, worked with threads. Young middle school boys can apply their burgeoning knowledge of computer drawing to make designs, too.
But needle tatting is so perfect for young girls and preteens who are beginning to feel the need for "bling." At that time personal expression comes to the fore and working jewelry designs would thrill teenagers or young adults seeking to stand out in the crowd with lovely jewelry. This foundation in tatting could well inspire hobby tatters to become lace and jewelry crafts business founders in later life.
But the greatest benefit is time spent with family and friends. Hours spent tatting makes life long memories for both tatter and teacher. Working one on one at home, or teaching classes for groups like the Scouts, 4-H, boys and girls club, at the "Y," even for the senior center and continuing education facilities are possibilities. And don't forget teaching at the church youth groups, too. It is often said that tatters say their prayers "one stitch at a time." And the library, the local museum... so many places you can share the love.
I end this note by sharing with you a story I saw online yesterday. Tatter MM's mother came to visit over the holidays and one of the things she wanted to learn to do was learn to tat. Learn to tat! So MM taught her mom to tat. A joy that they will now share forever.
So if you love tatting, share it with someone you love.
Here's the latest article from the Tatting site at BellaOnline.com. Marie Antoinette Hees BK5 Edging 7 Marie Antoinette Hees Book 5 Edging 7 Just follows the shuttle core thread and you will reach the end of this repeat. http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art303787.asp Please visit tatting.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Tatting. To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Tatting located here - http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=39 I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback! Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge! Georgia Seitz, Tatting Editor http://tatting.bellaonline.com One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com
