Tatting

It all started with a hankie I had purchased at an auction and around the hankie was a delicate lace-like edging I had never seen before. I started asking everyone I knew, “what is it?” My sister then told me she knew someone who does this thing called, “tatting.” I was amazed by that! Tatting is a Victorian lace art created by a shuttle and thread and lots of patience. Grandmothers and generations before knew of tatting – today very few people know what it is or know how to do tatting. So, I called Mrs. H and we began our little lesson in the summer heat. One day a week I’d go to her home and we’d tat & chat. Mrs. H was confined to her wheelchair as she had MS. Oh, but she knew how to tat! Mrs. H was so very patient with me as it took me a few lessons to get the technique – it kind of looks like cat-in-the cradle when you begin. But, making a slipknot not knot was a trick in itself!! After a while it clicked and ever since then I have been tatting. I love to give away tatting as gifts to family and friends and now I want to do a few select pieces for my online store to keep the dying art alive. I hope you all enjoy the look of tatting and will want a pair of earrings! They’re definitely handmade by me and what a decorative touch to the ear, neck or arm!