A recent article on tatting shuttles (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4200.asp) generated several questions from the BellaOnline.com tatting newsletter subscribers. I mentioned some historical information I have learned over the years. But I also mentioned that I did not know the origins of many of them. There are two good sources for those tatters interested in the history of tatting shuttles.
"Tatting Shuttles of American Collectors" by Heidi Nakayama

This book covers tatting shuttles in the collection of American tatting shuttle collectors. The dates range from the late 1800's to the present day. The materials used range from metal to precious metals, from painted to enameled, from etched to engraved. All sorts of natural materials, bone, ivory, antler, horn, shell, and wood were made into shuttles as well as celluloid, plastic, and vulcanized rubber. Nearly any material that can be shaped to hold thread has been used over the years.

Rachel Mohler's early metal shuttle by Boye with the removable bobbin and retractable arm is described on page 45 of the book. (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4200.asp) And Heidi also included a brief history of the Seitz shuttles, too, on page 89-90.

Pam Palmer's 2003 book, "Tatting Shuttles - Related Tools & Accessories" is a well-researched historical reference for information on European and other tatting shuttles. The range of styles represented is fascinating. The full color photos showcase the beautiful paintings, engravings, inlays, and enameling.

A photo of a rare Meissen porcelain shuttle graces the cover of the book on the top left corner. I was so surprised to learn that shuttles had been made from porcelain let alone by such a world famous manufacturer as Meissen. I continue to search for this elusive shuttle for my own collection.

I welcome photos and information about tatting shuttles to share.

Here's the latest article from the Tatting site at BellaOnline.com.

Shuttle Collecting Tatting shuttles from the collection of Rachel Mohler, Georgia Seitz and historic sources.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4200.asp

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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

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