No one knows, of course, but we can speculate. If we go way back in time, stone age era, we know that hunter gathers were also fishermen. Fish traps were woven from reeds and sturdy plants, vines, and perhaps animal sinew? So the concept of making knots would have been known to them as well.
Thankfully, our selection of working materials became better as we became farmers, too, and were able to process cotton, wool and flax into thread. Adding beads must have begun naturally. Children attracted to shiny rocks, shells or feathers gathered them up. Next thing is to display them, so necklaces must have been born. And threads helped to add decoration to clothes as well.
However, as we learned to work with precious metals, gold jewelry became coveted over simple string necklaces. So, needle workers learned to add beads and balls and metal and shells to their work. It is known that knotting is an ancient art form. Crochet is more recent, perhaps beginning around the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Bobbin lace began to spread in the 15th century. Older still is netted lace, also called lacis or filet lace, stemming probably from the 13th century. But tatting?? This new lace on the block can only be traced back to the early 19th century. So far.
There are several tatting historians searching for the origins of tatting. We have documented tatting in books and references back to 1843. "The Ladies Handbook of Millinery, Dressmaking and Tatting" was published in 1843. "The Lady's Assistant for Executing Useful and Fancy Designs in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work" was printed between 1840 - 1846. There is a quote in it by Mrs. Jane Gaugain in the 1842 vol. II on pg. 411 about "Common Tatting Edging." On pg. 412 is this note: "If the Tatting has not been properly worked, this scollop (sic) will not draw. All Tatting stitches must be formed with the loop around the fingers." Tatting has come a long way since then.
And tatting will continue into the future.
So, what shall we tat during 2016? More beautiful jewelry like:
Saundra Hameed Bracelet
Necklace by Susan Phillipo
Brooch by Rachel Jackson
Earrings by Sharon Briggs
So, here's wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Here's the latest article from the Tatting site at BellaOnline.com.
Miniature Tatting for Dollhouses
A Guide to Measurements for Miniature Linens and Household Item;
PIECEWORK magazine contained an announcement of a contest for miniatures. They are offering 5 categories, knitting/crochet, needlework, beading, quilting, and (my favorite) lacemaking/tatting. The entry deadline is April 1, 2016.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art302237.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
