Archive for the ‘Tatting’ Category
For Love of Tatting
I don’t want anyone to think Paul is working for nothing. I am teaching him Yiddish Slang. This way he can shlep to Glasgow, get some gelt, maybe meet a Shikseh, and have a nosh. 
I got my domain name through my server. But you can buy a domain name from lots of places like Go Daddy. WordPress is easier to use then Blogger and has more options. At least so far.
Tatting shuttles are one of the most complex needle work tools around. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are basically sticks with either a hook at the end or a point at the end. Even Bobbin Lace bobbins are just weighted sticks. They are primitive compared to the simple tatting shuttle.
A tatting shuttle holds thread. That is all it does. Shaped like an oval with a block inside so the thread can be wound. The outer material must go over the block and curve down so it just touches the opposite side. The ends must just touch. To tight and not only can’t the thread be unwound, but it will fray the thread. Too loose and the thread will unwind when the shuttle is allowed to drop, and untwist the thread. It must fit easily between the index and thumb of the right hand. It should hold a fair amount of thread. It shouldn’t be heavy or bulky.
Tatting shuttles can and have been made of almost any material. Wood, shells, metals, plastics. As long as the material can hold its shape. Old shuttles which show up on Ebay of ivory and heavily carved were never meant to be used. Tortoiseshell shuttles also show up. If you can get past the tortoises being boiled alive for their shells they are very pretty. ugh Most old shuttles are only good as collectors items, as the points no long touch. A sprung shuttle can’t be repaired. Once that tension is gone, it is gone forever.
Over the years I have collected some tatting shuttles. And I have tatted with most of them. My favorite shuttle is a inexpensive plastic shuttle from France. Costing a whooping $2.00
This post is mostly eye candy. Some of the shuttles were gifts from my Mom. Some are from tatting conventions I went to. The sparkly ones are made in Alaska. The fish shaped one, and the one with the carved openings are from India. Carved by children. If I had known, I would never had bought them.
