Thanks and Happy New Year

 Thanks very much to the people who followed, read and commented on this blog through 2013. I appreciate your support! And wish you all a splendid year in 2014.

The 'carnation' is hyperbolic tatting. It's tatted in Milford size 40 thread, with tiny beads on the outer row. The beads look as though they're sprinkled over the flower, which just goes to show how convoluted the final row is. There's a loop at the back that the ribbon threads through.

Smooth as Satin? I don't think so.

 The satin stitch leaves in my Schwalm embroidery were really a mess. I'm redoing them. I think there is an improvement. The leaf on the left in the picture has been redone, while the one on the right is the original. But how to achieve that satin smooth look is still eluding me.

Off to School

 Not me, of course, but my grandson. A year ago I made a book bag and pencil case for my granddaughter. Now it's her brother's turn to start school, so he needs a book bag and pencil case too. I hope the fabric is  not too flamboyant for school! It should be distinctive anyway.

Outfit Complete

 I finished this shorts and shirt set for my granddaughter. Now to post it to New Zealand for her birthday, keeping fingers crossed that it will fit!

Earrings

I was asked to make earrings to match this bracelet.  Adding seed beads to the chains gives them a good weight as well as sparkle. The rainbow earrings are hyperbolic tatting. There's a link to instructions for hyperbolic tatting on the sidebar. I've added beads to the outer row, but kept them as tiny as possible, otherwise they can weigh down the hyperbolic tatting and spoil the spiralling effect.

Sally's Snowflake

 Yesterday I tatted Sally Kerson's snowflake and hung it on my little tree.  I've been meaning to tat this snowflake ever since Sally posted it on the 11th December. I made a mistake, tatting the second round in the wrong direction, but I didn't realise that until I reached the end of the round, so I left it. I like the look the lock chains make. Thanks for the pattern Sally.

Merry Christmas

 Wishing a very merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate Christmas. Peace, harmony and plenty of tatting time!