Friday, September 18, 2009

T-Shirt: Neckline Edging and Butterfly

I finished this T-shirt project before I started Motif #1 and had planned to add this whole section to my post yesterday, but I had some blog problems, so I saved it for today.


Motif #2 (Round 2)
Edging and Butterfly in Lizbeth 'Springtime'




These colors definitely ‘pop’ on a dark background!



After I finished the edging, I sewed down some pieces of tatting to form a ‘butterfly’ – then attached a butterfly pin in the middle.






I wanted a quick project that I could work on at car cruises, and also was curious to see how the Springtime thread (#115) would evolve color-wise, so I used a very easy “edging” pattern. I’m happy with the way it turned out, and I discovered I have a jacket that has these colors in it!


More about Lizbeth Threads – Plus a Question
You may recall that back in April I was very surprised and pleased to find Lizbeth thread at a ‘nearby’ Hobby Lobby store in Boardman, Ohio (an hour away). I went back in August to purchase more colors to add to the three I already had.

To my delight, not only did they have more colors (they now have about 20), but I lucked out by catching the last day of a sale! So, of course, I had to buy 10 more colors!

I’m amazed that Handy Hands now offers Lizbeth in 76 colors in both size 20 and 40! I can’t imagine owning all 76 (152) – or what I would do with them, although I’m delighted they’re out there.

I find I now have to keep track of my Lizbeth ‘stash’ on a chart, much as I used to do with my cross-stitch threads. I’ve never had that ‘problem’ before with tatting threads, since for so many years there weren’t that many colors to choose from. This is a great age we tatters are living in!

Question about Lizbeth names and numbers: For my own convenience, I added a small label (using one of those label machines) to each ball, showing the name of the thread, because the name isn’t on the ball itself, just on the plastic bag it comes in..

What puzzles me, however, is that the Handy Hands chart on their website lists the names of the threads but not the numbers, although they indicate the number(s) that each thread coordinates with!


How do you know what the coordinating colors are if there are no numbers for any of the colors on the chart? Am I missing something? . Maybe there’s another list somewhere?

UPDATE: Laurette (www.knotty-things.blogspot.com/) kindly sent a comment and explained how to read the Lizbeth chart! I had totally ignored the ‘price’ side of the chart where the number of the thread is right next to the size, as in “20-102”! At first the numbers are visible, but later you have to click on the ‘down’ button to see them. But at least I now understand it ! Thanks, Laurette!

* * *

I guess this weekend marks the official end of summer. :-( We’ve been having great weather these last few weeks, and I hope it will continue for awhile.

17 comments:

  1. Hi Kathy, your butterfly motif is fabulously formed, and certainhly brighten up the dark shirt!

    No help on the Lizbeth Threads, I haven't had the chance to own or try it yet. But I know Flora too had more than 70 solid colours in size 20 (and not to mention the shaded and variegated colours) before they stopped some of them. The threads are always indicated with number codes. Don't know if it is the manufacturer or some sellers who will come up with names for the colours so that we can connect the number codes with the colours.

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  2. The edging and butterfly really do pop on the dark background! I love the way your shirt looks!

    I'm no help with the Lizbeth either. I do like the thread, and I have about a dozen colors. Wouldn't it be lovely to own the all! I like to try new patterns with the Lizbeth before digging into my precious HDT.

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  3. Wow! Those colors really stand out on the dark background and look gorgeous. Everyone will really notice your lovely tatting. I'm no help on the Lizbeth thread either, I'm afraid - but I do love it as well. (I already have way too much tatting thread and am trying to limit my buying, however!) :-)

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  4. Springtime is my favorite Lizbeth color. I'm stumped about their coloring/coding system too. I think all manufacturers should put the color name, number and size of thread on that inner core. How many labels have I lost and not even known? Especially white....I cannot tell one size from another unless it's a huge difference, like size 10 and size 70. LOL!

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  5. Hi Kathy! Your tatting is always fabulous! I always love seeing what you're up to next. The embellishment on the shirt are very nice.

    I like the springtime, too! I also love the new one called "spring garden. I know what you mean about the color name vs. number thing. It is frustrating for reordering the Lizbeth threads. For that reason I've taken to tearing off the little corner of the cardboard tag that has the number and name on it and sticking it in the resealable plastic bag they come in because that way I have the name and number and the bag doubles as a thread holder!
    Anyway, I'll bet if you called the phone number on the Handy Hands site and asked Barbara Foster about it she'd see about making a chart available! It would be nice if the color name AND number were on the ball of thread label itself, I agree!

    Happy Tatting!
    ~TattingChic ♥

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  6. P.S. It seems like I recall getting a color chart for the Lizbeth thread in my last Handy Hands Newsletter. I recall making a "wishlist" (that I've since realized) on it with a marker, LOL!

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  7. If you go to the page to order the Lizabeth thread, off to the far right where you choose the size it lists the thread color number.

    For example, on page 1 of the Lizabeth threads the first color is Falling Leaves, at the right it says "Size 20-100 at $3.75 each." The "100" is the color number. Springtime is color number 115.

    I tatted a small ring only doiley in Springtime and it is a beautiful thread, but Carousel (#112) is my favorite of the moment.

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  8. Glad I could help! Thanks for stopping by my blog as well. :)

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  9. Hi Kathy, Oh my, the edging and butterfly look fantastic on the black shirt. Springtime is a lovely colorway1! I see Handy Hands has some new colors of Lizbeth thread in. I have to order some. The colors are all gorgeous!!

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  10. Congratulations Kathy...you are a giveaway winner...Please go see my blog for details.

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  11. Congrats to you Kathy! I see from Lady Shuttlemaker's comment you just won on her giveaway! Woo Hoo!!! Lucky you!

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  12. Hi Kathy, your blog looks interesting!!!! :) I have a busy day ahead, but will be back this weekend... to look longer at your blog, and to answer your questions left on my blog! :) Nice to meet another 'tatting friend" !!!! :)
    Mrs. John

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  13. Hi Kathy, I'm back to 'computer things' now.... If you want to get in touch with me, my email addy is stoutdebbie AT hotmail dot com. I would be very happy to help you with any questions you may have about my blog setup!

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  14. Hi Kathy,
    Thanks for visiting my blog :) I can see you are a Lizbeth thread addict too - soooo lucky to live in the same country as supplies!

    I was disappointed that I did not block my doily in the usual (for me) way, but as I had been told by a previous show judge. The results are much nicer and would have eliminated the problems with picots sitting up.
    2nd place in the tatting, length of lace sections and 1st and 2nd place in the article of bobbin lace were all won by other lace makers - well deserved. I was more than happy with my results, just a little surprised that some even won prizes.

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  15. Hi Kathy
    Love your work.
    Rayanna aka carol (shockling) lawecki's friend

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  16. For my first ever order of tatting threads I purchased one ball each of three different brands, one of them being Lizbeth and the others haven't got a look in. I now have about 15 balls which I love to look at when not in use.

    I like the edging you're making with the Carribbean, very nice indeed. I'll check out your site in more detail later as I'm on my way out the door to work.

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