Novice Tatter

[wind-lass.livejournal.com]

Two weeks ago I started needle tatting. My first project is tatting a two-round oval frame with ecru thread. When it's done I plan to mount it on an oval mauve photo mat that will surround a mirror in a gilded frame. It should make a nice valentine gift.

I enjoy tatting because I can finish a project quickly. I also do counted cross stitch and I hope to use tatting as edging for place mats I plan to stitch this summer. Have you tried combining tatting and counted cross stitch?

I thought I'd like to share a tip with those of you who do needle work on airplanes. Since scissors are no longer permitted, I purchased a thread-cutting tool at a craft store. It is a square piece of plastic, about one inch square, that has a slot in one side. In the slot is a tiny sharp edge. It works great.

Comments

[rustymarble.livejournal.com]

I wonder if those cheap-plastic letter openers (with the little razor in em) would be banned on the airplane? Seems to me if you couldn't find one of those cutting tools, the letter opener could work in a pinch too.

Question about Needle Tatting:
How do you keep tension with the needles? I've never seen needle tatting and am very curious about it. Any resources or pictures of the process?

I've been working on cross stitch stockings for me and my family. I'm planning on edging them in tatting. It's a project stuck though... having trouble finding time for completion! :-)

[moniqueleigh]

Lovely idea! I do cross-stitch too (well, I did before the tatting addiction kicked in...).

On thread-cutters: many craft stores (including Michaels) have something that looks like a round medallion with squarish notches all the way round (generally a floral motif stamped on the medallion - both sides). Inside the medallion is a round razor. I seem to recall that this is supposed to be a reproduction from either very late 19th century (doubtful IMO) or early-mid 20th (much more likely). It doesn't come with it's on chain, but you can use just about any sort you like (mine's on a long black cord). Reports from other needle-crafters say that most airlines think it's just a necklace (they don't notice the razor) & won't bother you over it.

necklace thread cutter

[gannet.livejournal.com]

That's the Clover Thread Cutter Pendant.

I have seen *one* report of one of these being confiscated by an airline security guard. It's not as if you could cut a person with it! Go figure.

I think you can carry a self-addressed stamped envelope, and mail anything small to yourself that they won't let you take through security.

Reply from wind_lass to rustymarble

[wind-lass.livejournal.com]

I know how it is to need more time. I did a counted cross stitch for my sister's Christmas gift. It ended up going out FedEx overnight to get there in time.

I started with Learn Needle Tatting Step-by-Step, by Barbara Foster ($12.99). I bought it at Hobby Lobby. It has very good illustrations and directions. I'm a left-handed person and on page 24 there are directions for those of us so blessed. The book also came with a needle to get started. It describes both the ring and thread and off the ball methods.

Thread Cutter

[wind-lass.livejournal.com]

So far I've made it through security at airports about 30 times with the thread cutter I have. I even flew to London and back with it. So far my needles have not caused comment either.

However, my daughter bought a small (4" in height) figure of a knight in England. It had a tiny detachable sword in its hand. In Chicago security took it out of the box and felt the edge to see if it was sharp. Fortunately they didn't confiscate it.