I used double knitting cotton yarn to try to persuade a group of 34 women that tatting is really quite simple. I had just started talking when someone called out, 'You can speak English', which was a bit disconcerting as I'd psyched myself up to speak Afrikaans! I carried on in Afrikaans with the odd English word thrown in for good measure. I concentrated on the basics of tatting, rather than the requirements for next year's tatting competition.There was a lot of interest in my doilies, which were passed around. I had attached notes to them, such as 'this one won't do for the competition because it uses variegated thread' and 'this one is too small for the competition'. I've made loose arrangements to give lessons to two ladies in the future, so that's a good sign.
Once I'd given my talk I could enjoy the demonstrations of other crafts, from pewter work to weaving.
It must have been difficult to give your talk in a second language, but it was worth the effort if you got through to two people! Did you show them your wonderful African doily?
ReplyDeleteYes, and we had a bit of discussion about whether tatting would be better revived by keeping to traditional tatting or using more modern techniques. Hopefully gave some food for thought!
DeleteHow fascinating and congratulations! I am so happy for you it is a big task just to talk in front of others, and you gave demo! I am curious what did you do with pewter?
ReplyDeleteChristine showed us how to make a wooden cross covered with pewter. I won't be making that though - it involves glue, which I avoid as much as possible!
DeleteWell done on your talk, I like the idea of using wool to demo tatting stitches. If your talk gets two people tatting than its worth it.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
So good to spread the word and skill of tatting! Using wool is a good idea for beginners....
ReplyDeleteCongratulations with your talk (sorry for the delay had a really busy week). I am struggling to teach someone to tat and have plenty of wool but thought that it would be too soft to use for tatting, but willing to give it a try - thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe yarn I used is a cotton yarn that's quite firmly spun. But it's worth trying different threads. I tried to teach someone using size 10 that was a bit soft and think I made things more difficult instead of easier!
DeleteYes of course if it is a cotton yarn it will be quite firm, difficult finding the right sort of thread/yarn for teaching must look around - thanks
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