Tatting patterns were first shared by individuals showing one pattern at a time. Often ladies would meet and teach each other a pattern which was saved in homemade sample albums. The cover of the July/August PIECEWORK magazine recently featured a similar album for crocheted items. During the latter part of the 19th century needle artists such as Mlles. Riego and Dillmont began putting out little booklets of patterns. Newspapers and ladies' magazines carried patterns in the early part of the 20th century. Publications dedicated to the individual needle arts soon followed. Not even two world wars and paper shortages prevented the spread of our treasured ten-cent publications.

For decades tatters clipped and saved patterns, collected booklets and marveled at the occasional hardback books of patterns published. Then, in 1989 the world wide web spread its tentacles around the globe and the network of tatters online was securely fastened to the firmament. The click of the shuttle is rivaled now only by the click of the mouse as tatting techniques, patterns, and tips are shared by one and all. Sharing, caring and tatting are synonyms in today's world. With new websites forming daily, one can learn the basics of tatting in cyberspace and even attend classes to study with the online tatting class. Patterns to print and share; books, supplies, threads, and shuttles all are available online.

For tatters in the UK and around the world, the Ring of Tatters has a wonderful journal filled with patterns and teaching lessons. Membership dues payable anytime but should be paid by paypal prior to Feb. 28 annually to be included in the ROT register. Be sure to check their list of free tatting patterns when you visit the site.

Karey Solomon, editor of TATTING TIMES, has posted a free tatted tree with buttons patterns. Check out her publications on the home page. Her petite books are packed full of easy tatting projects.

And when you have reached the stage in your tatting experience where you are ready to be certified, please contact Bobbie Demmer with the "Tatters Across Time" project.