Tatting dates back to the early 19th century. It is a kind of lace making where half hitch knots are formed on a base thread using a small shuttle. Little picots are formed by simply spacing the knot groups and then closing the gaps.
It is a most graceful craft, one that mesmerized and inspired me at age 12 to learn tatting by watching my mother tat. It wasn't until decades later that I began to see beautiful tatted jewelry made with fine thread or even fine silver. It's not just for edging tablecloths and napkins anymore!
Marilee Rockley is a (shuttle) tatting jewelry expert who has been working on her craft since 1975! She has written a number of tatting books and recently sent me her Tatting with Beads Jewelry book for review. It is also available on Annie's Catalog (publisher also offers pdf format).
It is more a booklet as there are just 4 jewelry set patterns in this beautiful but slim publication. Like beaded crochet, the beads have to be strung on the thread before the work begins. Size 10 crochet cotton thread is used for all 4 projects.
Note :Some of you may be aware of the alternative needle tatting method where long blunt needles are used. Needle tatting can be fast but you will have to buy different needle sizes for different thread thicknesses - whereas any thread can be used with shuttles. There aren't as many needle tatting specific patterns either - although you can adapt some shuttle tatting ones. So I recommend learning how to shuttle tat which is a more versatile tool.
What I liked about the book is how the instructor has patterns for different skill levels. The Beaded Path jewelry set above is an easy one to start with. Students learn how to add beads in the tatting process and to use a simple paperclip to help in keeping small loops open at the top of beads and crystals.
One of the designs, Dazzling Debut (shown below), is a lovely multi-colored layered pendant design where 2 shuttles have to be used.
Marilee does recommend steam blocking completed projects. I also suggest you consider adding a fabric stiffener like this one to make it a little more rigid (but not overly) for jewelry. Worked quite well with my own tatted earrings which my mother made for me.
Marilee also sells her hand dyed cotton threads for tatting and crochet through her very popular Etsy store called Yarnplayer. Take a peek at her hand dying process in her blog post here. I also liked her tutorial page where she shows some basics like how to make the classic double stitch - the first half and the second half.
Giveaway
If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Tatting with Beads Jewelry, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, January 9, 2017. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links which are provided as resource information for readers. This goes towards the support of this blog. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
It is a most graceful craft, one that mesmerized and inspired me at age 12 to learn tatting by watching my mother tat. It wasn't until decades later that I began to see beautiful tatted jewelry made with fine thread or even fine silver. It's not just for edging tablecloths and napkins anymore!
Cool Circles |
Marilee Rockley is a (shuttle) tatting jewelry expert who has been working on her craft since 1975! She has written a number of tatting books and recently sent me her Tatting with Beads Jewelry book for review. It is also available on Annie's Catalog (publisher also offers pdf format).
It is more a booklet as there are just 4 jewelry set patterns in this beautiful but slim publication. Like beaded crochet, the beads have to be strung on the thread before the work begins. Size 10 crochet cotton thread is used for all 4 projects.
Note :Some of you may be aware of the alternative needle tatting method where long blunt needles are used. Needle tatting can be fast but you will have to buy different needle sizes for different thread thicknesses - whereas any thread can be used with shuttles. There aren't as many needle tatting specific patterns either - although you can adapt some shuttle tatting ones. So I recommend learning how to shuttle tat which is a more versatile tool.
Beaded Path |
Beatrice |
Marilee does recommend steam blocking completed projects. I also suggest you consider adding a fabric stiffener like this one to make it a little more rigid (but not overly) for jewelry. Worked quite well with my own tatted earrings which my mother made for me.
Dazzling Debut |
Marilee also sells her hand dyed cotton threads for tatting and crochet through her very popular Etsy store called Yarnplayer. Take a peek at her hand dying process in her blog post here. I also liked her tutorial page where she shows some basics like how to make the classic double stitch - the first half and the second half.
Giveaway
If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of Tatting with Beads Jewelry, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, January 9, 2017. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links which are provided as resource information for readers. This goes towards the support of this blog. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
- Learn to Needle Tat with Totus Mel
- How to Make Tatted Jewelry Tutorials
- Fine Silver Tatted Jewelry by The Joyful Tatter
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
Now this is something I can really get into! I love the look of tatted jewelry!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this. I'very crocheted and knitted and made jewelry and would love to learn this technique. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteReally lovely jewelry! I also subscribe via bloglovin.
ReplyDeletekatrynkaATgmailDOTcom
wow : this is a super giveaway to start the new year ! Thank you again! I love the lace look of these jewelries !
ReplyDeleteAlways wanted to learn tatting...this book looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove the look of these too, n never tried tatting just yet. Be a great new skill to learn for the new year! Blog follower, Facebook fan & subscriber, can be reached at retro-grrl@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe looks are lovely. I would have to learn to tat from the beginning, though.
ReplyDeleteWould love this - been want to learn how to tat
ReplyDeleteI've always admired the art of tatting.
ReplyDeleteWhen I owned my wool store there was a real fear that this would become a lost Art as so few people knew or cared about carrying it on. I noticed that this talk helped motivate a small movement to get more people interested in the art and more patterns and books came out to tweak people's interest.
To see tatting crossing into the jewelry realm and coming on strong is absolutely heartening to those of us who feared it would go the way of the Dodo bird.
I've been trying to teach myself to tat, and it took a lot of tries to do a bookmark; I think a small project like earrings would be a great learning tool and it would be satisfying to be able to do something that doesn't take hours and hours.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great lesson in patience, but the results are beautiful. Thank you Pearl. E-mail subscriber: zoowatcher10@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteI feel Marilee Rockley is an excellent Tatter , artist and writer. Her books are well written and illustrated. It is a pleasure to have her books and thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have this book. I have all her others, and they are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love Marilee's work. What a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteMarilee's books are very well-written and her patterns are clear and easy to follow. Please enter me in your giveaway. I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeletetrompeter914 (at) gmail (dot) com
StephanieW
Beautiful jewelry. I tried shuttle tatting and couldn't get the hang of it. I learned needle instead. Maybe someday I'll figure out the shuttle.
ReplyDeleteJodie Harsh jharsh9603@yahoo.com
I too would love to win this book! I have Marilee's Craftsy classes and want to do more tatting in the new year.
ReplyDeleteI have both of Marilee's classes on Craftsy and have learned a lot. I love her designs! Would love to win this book! jjswegener at msn dot com
ReplyDeleteJoni W.
I've been tatting since 1979 and am constantly impressed with Marilee's designs. Please enter me in your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful jewelry, would really love to learn the technique, Cindy Spong
ReplyDeleteSuch a treat to participate in this opportunity. LOVE Marilee Rockley's gorgeous designs!
ReplyDeletekatie at r-v-r dot com
I learned to tat(shuttle) back in the 70's-80's. Since then I have raised a family and forgot all about it. Now that I am retired, I would love to re-start. Thanks for giving me this opportunity. tcardillo@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteTheresa Cardillo
Hi Pearl, I would love to win this very interesting design tatting ebook -- thanks heaps - jill norman www.beadbugs@ihug.co.nz
ReplyDeleteWow...Pearl I have been wanting to try this forever. I knit and crochet and my aunts in Puerto Rico do something so similar to this but they make complete dresses, etc. I would love to be entered into this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteginhuntoon@comcast.net
Would love to win, this looks like another good tatting book
ReplyDeleteI've met Marilee at tatting groups, and I enjoy both her designs and her hand dyed thread!
ReplyDeleteWould like be to add this feature o my collection
I've wanted to learn tatting since I found an antique shuttle in my grandmother's sewing box. Adding beads just takes it over the top!
ReplyDeleteI have done needle tatting to make doilies but would love to make some jewelry.
ReplyDeletedragonswing15137@yahoo.com
Well this is awesome! Something I've never tried yet too
ReplyDeletevia FB
THis looks like wonderful projects to start in the new year.
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti(at) yahoo (dot) com
I've tried tatting in the past but need a little incentive to tough out the learning curve. This would certainly do it!
ReplyDeletealikat2004 on Ravelry.com
Would love a chance to win Marilee's book - thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteThis is a super New Year giveaway. I would love a copy of this book
ReplyDeleteHave never tatted with beads..a new challenge..
ReplyDeleteRuby
Marilee's designs are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have briefly tired tatting and it is something I want to get back to. This book wold be a great help. ekennedy0906@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo, I have 2 of her, other books. I would love to win this.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have this book. I have just recently taught myself to tat (shuttle & needle). So I would expect jewelry to be the next logical step for me.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win gjordan0609@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJust have to enter.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth at LeVert92@aol.com
I have purchased both of Marilee's classes on Craftsy. Excellent! Please enter me in this drawing. sandyxstitcher@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe first pattern I tatted was by Marilee and her patterns are so easy to follow. Thanks for writing amother great book Marilee
ReplyDeleteLove your books Marilee and thus one looks amazing too
ReplyDeleteI would love the chance to look through this book. hknitarty@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for this giveaway and a happy new year !
ReplyDeletevoltzia@gmail.com
Would love to win this...Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. Marilee's jewelry takes my breath away. I made many Christmas gifts this year using her patterns. I would love the opportunity to win this giveaway. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI would love a chance to win this book! I started tatting ~30 years ago but took a 10 year break until this last December - I'm learning there are a lot of new ideas for tatting since the last time I picked up a shuttle...
ReplyDeleteThis would be a wonderful addition to my library!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to do some tatted jewelry. Would love to purchase the digital format otherwise!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful and it would be fun to learn how to do this! Thanks for the giveaway. Deborah.collyar@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank-you Pearl for yet another wonderful article on jewlery-making. I am largely hous-bound recovering from recent abdominal surgery. I will have major abdominal surgery in the next few weeks. I make and sell jewelry from home. However in the last few months I have not felt motivated or well enough to do make any jewelry. I think that inspiration would greatly increase my motivation and help distract me from physical pain. Well, your article on tatting did the trick. I would sincerely love to learn this skill and make beautiful jewelry pieces like those of Marilee. Her creations are amazing. This is a wonderful give-away opportunity. Thank-you again. I truly hope I can win this tatting book. I will definitely check out Marilee's Etsy site. I am a big fan of Etsy and purchase supplies and finished items from them regularly.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping you will require quickly from your surgery and make jewelry again. It is, as you say, not just a good distraction but will give you joie de vivre again!
DeletePearl, thank-you for your good wishes. I really appreciate it.
DeleteBest wishes
Sounds like a lovely book :)
ReplyDeletemmyheartishere@gmail.com