If asked why they tat, knit, crochet or stitch, the vast majority of needleworkers would likely respond that it is an excellent form of relaxation. We cannot control, or indeed maintain perfect order among, the many moving parts that comprise our life but, in craft, we can. Each little stitch or bead that slips neatly into place within a whole is not only a means of creative expression, but also a manifestation of our control over the medium. This, in and of itself, is extremely satisfying and empowering.
It might be hard to believe (sometimes I hardly believe it myself) by I am still here and still tatting. The weeks since the fire have been spent in upheaval as I divide my time between Idaho and Santa Barbara, living out of a carry-on bag, while we figure out the logistics of moving the remainder of the beef herd to summer pasture. There were many obstacles to overcome, and now it is almost too late, as temperatures soar to the triple digits in the Central Valley. Do I dare hope that it will all finally come together?
The only tatting that seemed to soothe my agitated psyche was T.A.T. related and I cannot show it to you here. You’ll just have to take my word for it that my split chains are now beautiful and seamless links between one round and the next. Somehow the intense focus required to master the phase II curriculum, which is presented in the form of small sampler projects, was the right thing for this dislocated time.
A small observation for those of you who joined Krystledawne in the May challenge to finish phase I: the Apprentice phase is about completing projects to demonstrate basic skills; Artisan is about fully assimilating more advanced techniques into one’s repertoire. Fox and I started phase II at the same time, and I intended to do my best to keep pace with her as she worked through the projects. As usual, she pulled ahead of me quite quickly. Somehow, around the sixth project, I changed my approach to the work. All of a sudden, it occurred to me that I wanted to make a second version of most of the samples and that, invariably, the second one was better – a lot better – which gave me great satisfaction. Then I added further experiments with the techniques involved, and had even more fun. Those of you who choose to tackle the second phase will obviously find your own rhythm (that is the whole point of a program without time limits), but I thought it might be useful to point out that Fox had a small crisis of confidence right after completing the program, while I have had, and transcended, mine in the course of the work (as early as the second project). Not that this will be the last time I hit the wall in tatting… This is, without a doubt, the most challenging and frustrating form of fiber manipulation that I have tried thus far.
In between T.A.T. projects, there has been more AT thread doodling. Working with two colors at once is actually very addictive. Now ordinary rings seem terribly blah.
Of course, I could not resist tossing in a split chain and three single shuttle split rings (two used as a color-bearing bridge between elements, the other to hide ends). Can you spot them?
Off to the airport again…
10 comments
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July 26, 2009 at 12:03 pm
suzanneme
I do not tat, knit, crochet or stitch. Nor do I know know what a split chain or single shuttle slip ring is. I do however paint and draw and that is also a form of art, craft, order and beauty. So I understood your comment “We cannot control, or indeed maintain perfect order among, the many moving parts that comprise our life but, in craft, we can”. Nicely said.
July 26, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Jane
Your posts are always so interesting and thought provoking. What intrigues me most at this particular point in time is your ability to hop on and off planes. I have internal flights booked in September and with one of them I have to hop off one and then onto another – just for a short haul!!!! Frightens me to bits!!! You do it as a matter of course!! I’m impressed.
July 26, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Fox
Suzanne,
‘Fox had a small crisis of confidence right after completing the program, ‘ is entirely true, but keep in mind, I am always in a crisis of confidence! Over everything – tatting is no different.
Because I am a bit ADD, as well as a dyslexic fumbler at the best of times. I have to plow through challenges at breakneck speed. Then afterward, when the thing is in the mail, (so to speak) I seem to relax and enjoy the delayed benefit of the course, or lesson or whatever it was that sent me galloping off in a learning, blundering frenzy. The results of my struggle for excellence seem to manifest long after the initial challenge has presented itself.
Now I am biting my nails, worrying that the first go-around for TAT was a disaster and fearing that I will have to re-tat the entire course!
However, what I learned is becoming evident in my current projects and I do take satisfaction in that!
Oh yah – the small crisis was actually HUGE!
I enjoyed this last post..
Cheers, Fox : )
July 27, 2009 at 12:13 am
Elizabeth
That is amazing! I had no idea all of that could be done with tatting. What and where is this course you are taking? I want to learn to tat like that!
July 27, 2009 at 7:20 am
Suzanne
Welcome, Elizabeth! Thanks for stopping by. T.A.T. is a three phase proficiency program that leads to a master’s certificate in tatting, offered by Tatters Across Time. The colorful flowers are from the Shuttle Brothers’ latest book on alternate thread techniques. There is a whole lot more than this that one can do with tatting and no reason at all to limit oneself to rings and chains.
July 27, 2009 at 11:36 am
ladyshuttlemaker
Good on you…it looks like you have mastered the maltese ring and I do see a daisy picot in there and your split chains are indeed meticulous! I am hoping the best for your situation. I am interested to hear how it all works out!
July 28, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Susanne
I enjoyed visiting your site here and I am so impressed by all the stuff you have mastered in less than 2 years of tatting. Very well done in deed.
July 29, 2009 at 5:36 am
Suzanne
Thank you, Susanne, for the visit and the compliment. I am a fan of your work too!
August 6, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Vicki
I’m starting the TAT phase II as well. On the first one I did 2 copies of everything- things always go better the 2nd time around. I love the AT thread doodling!
August 14, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Jon Yusoff
Stopping bye to say thank you for entering my giveaway. Good luck to you in the drawing.