Three Cheers for the Irish!

Plus - the Ides of March and thoughts of - Hawaii ?

It's that time of year for me to honor my Irish ancestors - the Flanagans on my maternal grandmother's side – as well as my English/Irish ancestors on my maternal grandfather’s side, who lived in Ireland.

When I was growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, my Irish aunts, uncles and cousins all lived in New England - 600 miles away - so I missed out on 'family' St. Patrick’s celebrations. They LOVED to sing all the Irish songs! Although my mother missed living near her family, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a large Irish population and it has one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day parades, so she felt ‘at home’ here also! My husband and I were in the parade a couple of times back in the '80s in our GTO convertible.

Hearts to Shamrocks - Motif #15 (Second Round)




It was fun to learn in elementary school art class that three green heart shapes can form a shamrock!

Here is a representation of a shamrock, which I recently made using three heart motifs (by Monica Hahn) and a ‘stem’ which I added.

These tatted hearts have almost a Celtic look to them!





In the future I'd like to join the hearts and stem at the appropriate places to make a one-piece motif.




The 'heart' pattern is actually a section of a 'Grapevine' edging from page 31 of Monica Hahn's popular book , "Christmas Angels and Other Tatting Patterns."




In looking over this book again, I was amazed how many items I've made from it.






Below is how I’m showcasing the Shamrock – in a ceramic Celtic frame, which matches my newly purchased Irish cup and saucer!







The motifs are lightly attached
(with glue stick) to velvet
paper.

(Glue-stick adhesive can easily be washed out of the tatting.)


I’ve added gold stickers in the corners for an extra effect



Although I'm not a big tea drinker, I'll have some green tea on Wednesday, St. Patrick's Day!

The popular "Shamrock" plant (called oxalis regnelli) in the background (difficult to see here), with the straight-sided leaves and sweet white flowers , is actually not native to Ireland at all, but to South America!


I'm not known for my 'green thumb', so I'm pleased that this plant has survived for the last three years. I bring it inside during the winter months, and it continues to bloom. It always folds up its leaves overnight!

The 'real' Irish shamrock plant is actually similar to the clover that grows in our yards here in America. I spent many hours of my youth hunting for the elusive 'four-leaf clover' - the symbol of good luck!

March 15 - Ides of March (meaning middle of the month)
Speaking of luck, today happens to be the “Ides of March”, which wasn’t a lucky day for Julius Ceasar in 44 B.C., but WAS a lucky day for me in 1971 A.D. I was 27 years old, and after being in the work force since 1962, it was my first day on my new exciting job at a major corporation, where I was hired as a private secretary to a patent attorney, who happened to be - Irish! He was a great boss with a wonderful sense of humor, and I felt lucky indeed to work for him for the next 14 years.

To celebrate my 10th anniversary at the company in 1981, my boss and his lovely wife took my husband and me to dinner, which was so nice of them!

Then as icing on the cake, DH and I boarded a plane the next day for our first trip to – Hawaii (!) where to my surprise and great delight on the 17th, we were amazed to see a rather large St. Patrick’s Day parade! There we were, under palm trees and in the vicinity of fabulous Diamond Head volcano, hearing - Irish music!

Our luck continued the next year, as we had the opportunity to return to Hawaii on a charter flight, at a very nice price!
Wonderful memories of those two trips!
We've been to Oahu and Maui.

As a reminder of those lovely Hawiian trips, I have an hibiscus plant, which keeps my shamrock plant company in the dining room during the winter months!



It rewards me with beautiful red blooms, which seem to pop out unexpectedly! This photo was taken between one of those goofy snowstorms in February this year!

One little side note:

On our return to work from that first Hawaiian trip in 1981, I was greeted with the news that the company was going to make a major investment in some 'new equipment', which turned out to be monitors (called CRTs), keyboards, and ink-jet printers the size of washing machines)!

I was among the first secretaries in Pittsburgh to use this ‘futuristic’ Word Processing equipment! Little did I realize that it would lead to the end of the secretarial profession as I knew it (which at that time included lots of shorthand and typing).

Of course, it did lead to the internet and something called ‘blogging’, which I never could have imagined back then!

Wishing you a 'little bit o' luck' and an enjoyable St. Patrick's Day 2010 !

Victorian Lady's Slipper - Pattern in the works

I have a Computer question (below) about the Antique Pattern Library.
Also: Upcoming Maple Festival

Victorian Lady's Slipper - and Parasol

Recently I received some requests for the pattern for the Lady's Slipper shown at the top of my blog, and I'm certainly flattered by the interest! I've also had inquiries about the parasol shown with my handkerchief doll last May.

(Motifs #13 and #14 – Second Round)

The slipper and parasol make a nice 'set' hanging on my Victorian tree

These are both now at least 17 years old!

The slipper was the last of the 3-D items I created between 1991 and 1993. I also made 3-D bells, an egg, a ball ornament, birdcage, and heart.

I’ve always wanted to publish the slipper pattern, but every time I got out the draft notes and drawings I made back in 1993, I promptly put them back because I didn't have the patience to re-do them.

And, until I started my blog, I had no reason to re-draw the pattern. However, it is now time to get the pattern into readable form so I can finally share it.

I’d be delighted to know that it is being tatted and enjoyed by others out there in Tatland!

The 3-D aspect involves different views, and I also have to re-interpret my 'side' notes. Of course, I’ll also tat a new model.

The slipper isn't difficult to tat - it's a matter of paying attention to the joins, although it gets a little tricky under the arch and heel. It measures 3-1/2 inches long, 2-1/2” high. and 1-1/4” wide.

I don't want to set a deadline, but I'm hoping I can accomplish this by April or May. And because I know I will be putting in some time on it, I hope you’ll understand that I’ll want to charge a small amount for the pattern.

I'll also include my parasol pattern, which is easy to tat, but the finishing work is a little 'fussy', so I'll give tips on how to do that.

Vicary House last August (2009)

This is one corner of the lovely parlor room at Vicary House. This large room is furnished in Victorian style, which is perfect for my Victorian-themed tree and tree skirt.

I’ll feature more about the Vicary House in future posts.

I have many photos and stories of our demonstration experiences to share. I’ve seriously thought about opening another blog, so I can go into more detail about our tatting demo adventures, for those who are interested. I feel privileged to have been a member of the Beaver County Tatters since 1990. (I promise to share the whole story of this group in the future!) Evelyn, Peg (Carol Lawecki’s mom) and I are presently the ‘core’ of the group, and we are often joined by a newer member, Pam, and also Carol Lawecki on some occasions!

Upcoming Maple Festival (April 10-11 this year)
We now have only one outdoor event each year, the Maple Festival at Brady’s Run (Beaver, PA), where thousands of visitors come to have “all-you-can-eat” pancakes and sausage. We are in an enclosed pavilion, which we share with other crafters, including bobbin lacers and quilters.

It’s a rustic setting, so I wear what I call my ‘prairie outfit’ with a fringed black suede jacket and long black skirt with a gathered ruffle at the bottom (also boots and a black felt bolero hat) My ‘folk art’ quilted vest has tatting on it, of course! Wearing costumes is so much fun for me!

The weather in April is always ‘interesting’, and has ranged from 80 degrees to freezing with snow! There was one memorable occasion where everyone had to evacuate the park when the ‘babbling brook’ (after a heavy rain) started to rise over the vehicle bridge and pedestrian bridge road surfaces! Then there was the time when many cars (including mine) got stuck in the mud in the parking area. However, we’ve also had many weekends of perfect weather, and it’s a marvelous family event.

Fortunately, I've kept a diary of all our events, because after 20 years they all kind of blend together! I can’t believe how quickly time has passed, and I’ve gone from 46 to 66, seemingly ‘overnight’!!!

Antique Pattern Library - Problem with Adobe Reader
I was a little frustrated recently to discover that I couldn’t open PDF files in the Antique Pattern Library http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/completelist.htm

Apparently the Library was updated recently (Feb 2010) and I guess they did something to change access to the files. I have Adobe 7 and 8 in my computer and laptop, respectively, and never had problems before, but now neither one opens the files.

It seems that I need Adobe 9. What I'm concerned about is that there are ‘warnings’ on the internet about adding the ‘9’ upgrade (even though it’s free). And some 'forums' state you should use some ‘other’ software that doesn’t take up so much ‘space’ as Adobe. I just wanted to check with those of you who are more familiar with these ‘computer’ things than I am. Thanks!!!

Hearts - New and Old

Motifs #8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 - Second Round

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m posting FIVE different heart patterns. One is newly tatted, and the other four were made in the 1990s.

Motif #8 - Second Round

Lyn Mortons “Hearts and Flowers”

I was recently searching for books written by Mary Konior, and I came across Lyn Morton’s “Tatting and Designs” website, which has this free pattern in it. It is also in her “Tatting Patterns” book from 1993.

This is 3” in diameter,

DMC perle cotton, size 8, #498

Lyn’s pattern can be found at http://www.tatting.co.uk/pattern.htm

* * *

The next hearts are from my early days of tatting in the 1990s.

Motif #9 - Second Round

Gold Heart (now in Paper Weight)

Designer: Kim Goetz
Victorian Hearts & Flowers
magazine (Better Homes and Gardens – 1995)

Size 12 DMC perle cotton

Next are pins I wear on my costumes. They are called “Strawberries” in the Workbasket magazine, but they make a nice ‘heart’ shape, too

Motif #10a - Second Round
Coral pin

Designer: Cindy Polfer
Workbasket, June-July 1995, Labeled as “Tatted Strawberry

Motif #10b - Second Round
Burgundy Pin

Each pin is about 2” x 2”
and is made with
perle cotton, size 8

The next two motifs are on my ‘crazy quilt’ Victorian Christmas stocking (shown on my Dec. 24, 2008 post). I finally found the sources of these two patterns.

Motif #11 - Second Round
‘Large Heart’

Designer: Kim Goetz
Victorian Hearts and Flowers magazine
(Better Homes and Gardens - 1995)

Related to gold heart above,

from the same magazine

Possibly size 30 thread

Motif #12 - Second round
‘Quilt Show’ Heart (designer?)

I finally found the ‘source’ of this pattern, but not the designer (see below)

Tatted with size 50 thread

There is supposed to be one more ring on the outer round, left side, to match the one on the right side.

The above motif is an example of a heart shape made from three motifs which form a triangle, then an outer round that connects them together.

1994 Quilt Show - Inspiration for Motif #12

When I posted my Victorian Christmas stocking a whole year ago, I could not remember where I saw this pattern. Then it dawned on me that I saw it on a quilt at a Quilt Show around 1994 (can’t believe that’s 16 years ago!).

I also recalled that I made an attempt to ‘copy’ the heart from a somewhat blurry photo I took of the quilt square. I finally found that photo AND one of the entire quilt, plus some other squares. Those photos reminded me that the quilt had a LOT of tatting on it, which amazed me! The quilt (mostly appliqued motifs) had 49 squares, all different, and most of the squares had tatting in them!

Yet the card that accompanied the quilt made no mention of the tatting or the tatter! Unfortunately, the quilter was not at the show that day, so I couldn’t ask her about it. If she also did the tatting, she did an excellent job, as it has free-form tatting as well as delicate edgings and tatted motifs, done in fine thread. Just sewing all that tatting on would have been a big task.

I very much regret that I did not make an attempt to contact her, especially if she was a local gal. Today I would have made the effort!

* * *

The Winter Olympics has started in Vancouver, Canada, and it’s ironic that they are having an unusually mild winter and desperately need snow! (I’d be happy to send them ours!!)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !!

SNOWED IN !! Working on Sherry's Treble Clef

Pittsburgh wasn’t so lucky this time in avoiding the Feb 5-6 storm that pounded the mid-Atlantic states, and we’re not out of the woods yet, as more snow started falling again yesterday and today (Feb. 9-10). Because we’re retired we no longer have to struggle to get out to go to work, and we’re very thankful we haven’t lost power. We also share a plowing service with the neighbors to keep our driveways clear, and that has been a major blessing. There’s a photo at the end of this post which shows the depth of the snow last weekend.

I tried to keep my mind off the snowstorm on Saturday by working on Sherry’s excellent Treble Clef pattern on her Feb. 1 post at http://ladyshuttlemaker.blogspot.com

Motif #7 – Second Round
Sherry’s Treble Clef

It took several attempts to work out the “folded ring”, which kind of forms the letter “D”. The idea is to get 5 knots in the ring to ‘fold over’ and to face the same direction as the outer edge of the ring

This is the first time I’ve ever heard of a ‘folded’ ring!

I’m VERY pleased with the way the heavier gold thread worked out - DMC’s size 5, which comes in a skein.

The clef (2” high) fits nicely into this little 4” x 3” frame from the dollar store.

These frames come in a 4-pack usually found with wedding items (in the larger stores).

This a VERY clever pattern, and my hat is off to Sherry for coming up with it! It almost looks as if it’s made with a continuous chain; but instead it’s constructed with rings and chains going in different directions than you would expect, without weaving over and under. Amazing

Here is the small table it will sit on, next to my piano. PERFECT

Thanks so much, Sherry!

* * * * *

SNOW PIC - Feb 6, 2010

This is a table on our balcony after the snow finally stopped on the 6th. Total was about 21", although this looks deeper for some reason.

We keep pushing the snow off the balcony onto the back yard, and we have no idea when THAT snow will melt!

Happy New Year (Belated!) from the Victorian Snow Ladies - and Me!!

Victorian Snow Ladies -
Motif #6 (Second Round)

Here is my rendition of two “Victorian snow ladies”, copying an idea from Linda at
http://quayceetatter.blogspot.com/

As soon as I saw Linda’s cute snow people on her December 6 post, I knew I was going to make them, adding floppy Victorian hats, similar to her “Red Hat Mrs. Clause” (post of Dec. 3), which I still chuckle over when I look at her! THANKS SO MUCH, LINDA!

I somewhat followed the pattern in Rebecca Jones’ book, but kept it simple by just doing two circles (body and head) and joining only four picots to connect them.

At first I made a smaller head (the “pink” lady), with 10 rings and chains, but for the red one, I made the head a little larger (12 rings and chains – same as the first round of the body) Makes it easier to add eyes and nose!

I attached silk ribbon roses at the neck and even added pearls! I used Lizbeth size 20 thread, and stiffened them using Aleene’s fabric stiffener. I used tiny rhinestones for the eyes and nose.

I gave these ornaments to my sweet nieces (21 and 18) for Christmas, who are attending the same University here in the area ( both studying pharmacy ). They always appreciate my handmade gifts, and have quite a collection of items – mostly knitted things to wear, like caps or socks, plus different ornaments of all kinds. Seems like yesterday they were in elementary school!

The ‘snow ladies’ might like this cold snowy weather, but I’m looking forward to temperatures finally getting above freezing this weekend!

* * *

Computer Note: I was without the internet for almost a week(!) due to a router problem. starting New Year’s Eve! I felt totally ‘disconnected’ from the world, and was not a happy camper. It’s taken me awhile to get caught up on all the blogs and e-mails! It proved to me what I already knew - that I am totally addicted to the internet and can’t function without it!

'Angels We Have Heard on High' - plus Sharon's Merry Christmas Snowflake

On this Christmas Eve 2009, I am wishing everyone a wonderful holiday!

Below are some angels I made back in the early 1990’s.

Also below is my latest tatted piece – Sharon Briggs’ newly designed Merry Christmas Snowflake! (I'll count it as Motif #5 - Second Round.)

Straw Angel with Tatted Wings

This stand-alone centerpiece angel (9” high) is part of my traveling Christmas display

Straw angel forms were prevalent in the craft stores in the early ‘90s. I removed the straw wings and gave her tatted wings, which are two fans .

Unfortunately, I still can’t find the designer of the fan. It’s the same pattern I used for my 3-D heart, Feb.14 post. Possibly it’s Mary McCarthy's.

I also added maribou around the bottom of her skirt, which gives an added effect.

I used size 30 ecru thread, and stiffened the wings with Alene’s fabric stiffener

My Christmas card from 1993

This is my Christmas card from 1993, on which I received many compliments.

The ‘model’ is a flat 4” straw angel, with the same fan (only one was needed).

I added the gold ribbon and flower, and some small gold beads around her head. I also used gold glitter on her wings, so that she sparkles on the tree!

The photo was taken with a 35 mm camera, with a macro lens borrowed from my brother-in-law. It was a very sophisticated piece of equipment back then! I mounted the photo onto a gold sheet, giving the effect of a gold border , and then attached it to white card stock.

The back view of the angel (taken recently with my digital camera) shows the fan design.

I used a glue-gun (sparingly) to securely anchor the ‘wings’ to the body (under the ‘pony tail.)

Back when I had more energy and ambition, I not only made my cards (about 60) but addressed them in calligraphy. I no longer am that crazy! However, many of you actually send tatted snowflakes with your cards. Amazing!

Speaking of snowflakes . . .

Here is Sharon Briggs’ beautiful Merry Christmas showflake (2009).

(My Motif #5 - Second Round)

I think this is a sweet design – so elegant – and yet SO easy to tat. Sharon’s diagram is excellent. I finished tatting it within an hour.

I used only one shuttle and therefore didn’t do the split rings; but it worked fine for me. She gives you the option.

I used white Lizbeth thread, size 20. It doesn't even need to be stiffened!

And as you can see, I added a turquoise rhinestone in the middle (both sides). I love bling!

Sharon works overtime to bring us wonderful designs and tatting ideas, not to mention her tireless work on updating the 25-Motif Challenge Thanks so much, Sharon, for all that you do!

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there!” (The Night Before Christmas – C. Moore)

Collar from 1991 - Motif #4 (Second Round) - Plus Upcoming Christmas Festivals

Sad News about Old Economy (see below)

Motif #4 (Second Round)

This collar was designed by Gloria Crowther from her book “Gloria’s Tatting”. It’s my widest piece of tatting, and is 23 inches longI remember as a ‘new’ tatter in 1991 that it seemed like an endless task to finish it. I kept holding my breath that I didn’t miss any picot connections. I also had to be careful when adding new thread on the shuttle.

However, It’s obvious that I never blocked it.

I believe it’s size 30 thread, although it could be size 50?. I’m amazed how I never wrote these details down anywhere, and I can’t always tell by looking at the item!

Various uses for the collar

I first wore the collar on a turquoise blouse for the christening of my niece back in 1991, and she is now 18!

Then over the years I’ve attached it to various costumes, or just displayed it on a table. One of my favorite costumes is shown below, and you’ll notice I attached the lace ‘collar’ to the fashionable ‘dropped’ waistband of the gown (front only) The Victorian pin on the gown was given to me several years ago by the very niece mentioned above! How sweet was that?

This beautiful gown was expertly hand made by some loving hands – possibly back in the 1980’s. I purchased it at a consignment shop around 2002, and I can only guess that it was made either for a stage production or for a bridesmaid – lucky girl – for a fall or winter wedding. – taffeta skirt and velvet top!

The gown is a timeless design, harkening back to the Victorian era, and I think it could very well garner ‘oohs and aahs’ today for a wedding, even though the strapless look is in fashion.

I’ve worn it a few times to our Christmas festivals, at both Vicary House and Old Economy, but this year I’ll be wearing another one of my favorite outfits, which I plan to show in my next post. It has lots of ‘sparkle’, as did many Edwardian evening dresses.

Two Christmas Festivals on Same Day
News Flash: Last festival for Old Economy?

Our tatting group has to be ‘divided up’ this year in order to attend two festivals, which, unfortunately, are scheduled on the same day (Saturday, Dec. 5). I will be attending the festival at Vicary Mansion in Freedom, PA, and Evelyn and Peg (Carol Lawecki’s mom) will attend the one at Old Economy in Ambridge.

The shocking local news story here is that the Old Economy historic village (circa 1824-1905) will be officially shut down beginning Jan. 2010 ! Incredibly, funding for the large site (17 historic buildings!) has been cut off by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It’s certainly too complicated for me to go into here. Many other historic sites in the State have also been closed due to lack of funding.

Old Economy has been one of our main venues for demonstrating tatted lace. I’m not sure exactly when our group started there (sometime in the 1980’s?), as I didn’t join until October 1990 for their Fall festival. In future posts I intend to go into my complete tatting history (I know, I’ve been saying that forever!) and Old Economy was definitely a major site for us, as they always had several events during the year (spring, summer, fall, and Christmas). In the past few years, however, they’ve cut back on their events, although it was always open to the public as a museum and tour group destination. The last few years, even their Christmas event was cut back to just one day, rather than two days.

Rumors had been floating around about the complete closure of the site, but no one believed that would really happen – however, the official announcement was made on November 17. So we’ll have to see how this will all play out. It has sent a shock-wave through the community, and I’m sure there will be a campaign to rescue it.

My stint at Vicary Mansion will kick off the Holidays for me, and helps to get me in the mood for the season . Even though the weather indicates cold temperatures, snow doesn't seem to be on the horizon, which is good! Only the hale and hearty will venture out in snow!

In my next post I will share my story about visiting Elizabeth Zipay again at one of her shows in November!