I'm reviewing Rosemarie Peel's newest book for a publication so I took the opportunity last night to tat some of the beginning motifs which also permitted me to empty a few shuttles. I don't think I'll tat any of the bigger motifs at this point and actually started on Martha's celtic teapot instead. Rosemarie's book is largely a beginner's book and all the patterns are very simple so there's not really a reason for me to tat more. This gave me what I needed in describing terms, diagrams and clarity. Her books are always good. I just need to highlight the best parts of it and any drawbacks that might be crucial. I really am not too fond of the how-to-tat sheet of instructions that is separate from the book itself. It might not be a problem in an individual's collection, but I imagine in a shared library that it will easily be lost. Her books are small enough to tuck into a bag so the idea of simply taking the fold out with you isn't as much of a convenience as it seems to be at first.

These little things tatted up really fast, for me. How fast will they be for a beginner? I'm always surprised at how I've forgotten how long it takes to make a single stitch when you are a beginner. Getting the fingers to work together nicely, keeping the thread and shuttle under control, going in the right direction....

I did fumble. My tension sucked. It took weeks and months of practice to even begin to feel I was making something pretty. I thought I was doing pretty good and then I'd get something in an exchange that was exquisite. It just made me try harder. So never give up - it just takes practice, lots of practice!

“It is difficult to see why lace should be so expensive; it is mostly holes.” ~ Mary Wilson Little