Gifts and Things

 Recently, I participated in a secret "get mugged" exchange with the ladies from the devotions group I'm in. Each of us filled out a short questionnaire about likes and allergies and such, then drew names. The gift was built around a mug, tumbler, or cup, and then a few miscellaneous things, nothing very expensive. Until the time of the exchange, the recipient did not know who the gift would be from. 

I drew a lady whose favorite color was green but did not specify a specific shade. Along with a few other items, such as large dark chocolate candy bar, I made a cross bookmark in two shades of green from my pattern, Split Ring Cross to include in the gift. 

We had just finished a book on Philippians, so I included this cute notebook, as well as a pretty cup, the chocolate, and a few miscellaneous items.

The day of the exchange I put everything in a gift bag and away I went. Without the bookmark or the notebook. I had to give them to her later. This was a week later after church service when everyone was busy going home. She didn't have time to look at it, I'm hoping she likes it.

I've been doing a lot of running around lately, with some time to tat but not anything that takes concentration. I've started taking a few buttons with me to tat around as I go places. They are easy, don't take up much space, can be done in any color, and can be used later.

I've been trying to decide what I'm doing for Christmas ornaments this year but haven't come up with an answer yet. My sister is already working on hers, and they look great! I think my problem is I always try and come up with a new pattern of some sort. This takes a bit longer than using something that is already out there. I guess it's only October. I still have time, right?

The Lacemakers Guild of Oklahoma had a Lace Embrace event October 4. As it is only a few hours away I had hoped to go this year. Their theme was "Teatime with Lace and Pearls." My sister and I even had our hats picked out - what's a tea party with pearls but no hats? But it was not to be. Family things came up for both of us, making it impossible for us to go. It sounded like so much fun! I love the theme! I'll be looking for it next year. If you'd like to see what they did at the event, check out their Facebook page.

We have had a lot of moisture this year, and milder temperatures than the last several years. We've had so much rain that my plants - and the weeds - have bloomed more and longer than I've ever seen them! I had seven or eight Hen and Chicks plants bloom, and one is still blooming!

Up until a few years ago I didn't even know they bloomed! I guess I'm doing something right.

Can you believe that October is half over? The year has flown by. I haven't done any fall tatting at all yet. I may or may not get any done, I should be working on Christmas stuff. Let's see what I end up doing.

"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up."  Allen Klein

Another Use for Tatting

 I don't know about you, but I've been asked (usually by those who don't craft) what do you do with tatting? You know, the little things like doodads, ice drops, the little bits and pieces that use new - to - you techniques but look cute, that type of thing. Kind of like the sea turtle I designed for the Tatting Corner cruise a couple of years ago. It's cute and fun to make but doesn't exactly shout what it might be used for.  There are some people that think everything must have a purpose - besides being fun to make. My husband came up with something for it.

When my husband retired a couple of years ago, he joined the local senior pool (billiards) league where they play 8-ball. The only ball you have to call the pocket on is the 8 ball. Up until this year you had to not only call the pocket but mark it with something. My husband has been using one of my sea turtles as his pocket marker. Even though you only have to call the pocket now, making sure your opponent knows where you plan to put it - most still use something to mark it as well. So, he still carries it in his pocket and uses it to mark where he plans to put the 8 ball. 

For the last year and a half, I've been taking score for the local club. I have listened to my husband tell other players about his turtle and that I made it. It's fun to listen to. 

This summer I decided to join the league as a player. I've been practicing since June and have participated in the first two tournaments this fall. The first tournament I used a quarter to mark my pocket - the couple of times I needed to. Last week during the second tournament I hadn't yet remembered to take anything to mark pockets, but I had a thought. I had my tatting bag in my purse (of course!) and decided to use a shuttle.

It worked great! I actually had to use it several times, too! I also demonstrated how it is used when I was asked about what it was. 

I've been giving some thought to making something specific to use as a marker for myself, but I haven't figured out just what I want. Until then, I'll keep using a shuttle. I'm hoping I have to use it a lot more!

What unusual things have you used tatting for?

"Miniature golf, like billiards, is a game of angles. And, like billiards, most of the fun is in pretending you know what the hell you're doing. The worse you do, the more you have to laugh."

                                                                                                              Victor LaValle