So, I’ve been busy in the last year. It started over 15 months ago in 2018 when I was asked to tatting teach at the 2019 IOLI Convention. This is something that I relish, not only for the fact that I get to go to the convention but mostly because it gives me a reason to get ‘the creative juices flowing’. Patti Duff, the local arrangements coordinator for the convention and I put our heads together and came up with a plan for the two classes. One would be a series of 4 different projects, a new one each of the four days of classes. It was titled ‘Modern Tatting for Modern Tatters’. Classes included: 1. Karen’s Keltic Tatting–I’ve never seen anyone else design Celtic designs like mine– my approach is very simple; 2. 3-D Split Ring Tatted Boxes; 3. Mignonnette Pouch; 4. Greek Key Design utilizing 2 methods in Split Ring Tatting.

Class Number Two was based upon a ‘Cornucopia’ design that I ‘dusted-off’ from an old workshop I taught it at in 2003. I called the class “A Bounty of Tatted Delights” for several reasons: 1. a cornucopia represents ‘bounty’; 2. the host state of Washington is the leading producer of many fruits and vegetables. The cornucopia was unique in that it utilized ‘Interlocking Ring’ and ‘Interlocking Chains’ to give it a dimensional effect (hopefully) reminiscent of a basket.

In addition to the cornucopia, the class included the ‘Spokane Beauty Apple’ series in Split Ring Tatting. The convention was held in Spokane, WA and there really is a Spokane Beauty Apple variety. Using this design series I was able to introduce a new technical level to Split Ring Tatting by manipulating multiple colors of thread. I call the technique ‘Painting with Thread in Tatting’.  

In addition to the Spokane Beauty Apple, we also tatted a three-dimensional ‘grape’ or ‘cherry’ as well as a three-dimensional ‘hop cone’. All to celebrate Washington state’s rich agricultural offerings. (I’m not sure where my photo of the grape is….)  

PS. I’m a fan of hoppy and dark beers.

Watch for the Walla Walla Sweet (Tatted) Onion in Painting with Thread Technique. The Walla Walla Sweet Lacers were the co-hosts (along with the Shuttlebirds Tatting Guild) of the convention. I’m still typing out the pattern–each ring has it’s own pattern!