Tatting

I learned how (shuttle tatting) several years ago. I'm not very good at it, and don't do it as much as I'd like, but I can knock a bit out in a pinch.

Karen E.

Yes, I occasionally tat. I have made edgings for antique handkerchiefs, a couple of collars, and a collection of snowflakes and stars used on the Christmas tree.

That was what I found, it's application is a little limited. I learned from an old gaffer at the Atlantic Winter Fair which is held in Halifax in the fall. Quite the character, his mother taught him because he was a sickly child who spent a lot of time under her feet lol

If you are trying to learn, he had a good trick of starting you off with different coloured threads because the object is to get the knack of making a knot over the other thread. The minute you get that right, you're away.

I have seen some very beautiful shuttles, they are very collectible and can really enlarge the stash. It is also a good travelling thing to do, easily popped into a purse.

I used to - can`t do it since I lost the use of one hand though. You DEFINITELY need both hands - I really miss it though.

If you`ve never done it before, don`t let your best friend teach you, as it may well be the end of a beautiful friendship! It can be VERY frustrating until you have the knack of it. Once you have got that, you realise how very simple it is - and very satisfying!

Pat

I did learn to tat many years ago, and got the knot down pat. My problem is the spacing for the loops, I haven't been able to get them to be a consistent size, so finally gave up.

take care, Linda D. in B.C., Canada