He knows my name!

My life verse: "I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel." (Isaiah 45:3). For me, "the treasures of darkness" has been the medically-treated depression that I have suffered off and on with for years. More than anything else in my life, I think this has made me realize how much my Savior loves me and has deepened my relationship with God. The "hidden riches of secret places" are my wonderful family and this fabulous craft--tatting! I thank God for both!
I think it is awesome that God knows my name! Did you know that He knows yours?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Lace Embrace 2011






Saturday, October 1 of this year, the Lacemakers Guild of Oklahoma held their Lace Embrace Day in Bartlesville. The theme this year was Beautiful Beaded Lace. There was a wonderful lace exhibit of many types of laces including a fabulous display of tatting. The day started with a talk from Annette Ketchum from the Bartlesville Indian Women's Club. She discussed beadwork and its use in Native American clothing and cultural objects. There were beginning classes in both tatting and bobbin lace offered during the morning. Indian tacos made with Indian fry bread, chili, lettuce and tomatoes were available for lunch. These were prepared by the Bartlesville Indian Women's club for a very reasonable price. During the afternoon, there was a tatting class for those who already knew how to tat. We made these beaded strips--my zipper pulls now adorn my tatting bag. There were also afternoon classes in making beaded sprays or making paper beads and bobbins. The last event of the day was the lacing olympics. My partner and I came in first in synchronized tatting (I worked the left hand, Bridgette worked the right hand.) During the day I was able to pick up another tatting themed t-shirt, and some more tatting books from the vendors. In the secret auction, I won an adorable little bag with 6 balls of some very small Presencia thread (now I really need to learn to work with smaller thread) and a shuttle inside. It was a GREAT way to spend National Lace Day 2011!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Palmetto 3











My health has knocked me for a loop--recovering from pneumonia is not as easy as it sounds. I'm sorry these posts are taking so long.


At the Palmetto Tat Days, two extra classes are offered--and I wanted to take advantage of all the experiences I could. An night owl session (scheduled for 9:30p.m. on Friday--but probably started at around 10:30) with Riet Surtel-Smeulde taught us snowflakes made from lock chains. Lock chains are made by alternating flipped and unflipped stitches. I really enjoyed playing with different combinations and getting different looks to my snowflakes.


An earl bird class (think 6:00 a.m.; on Saturday morning) taught Jane Eborall's Star Motif. This class was taught by Donna Thompson. I love the different looks in this design when you change the center bead and the surrounding beads.


In our goodie bag was a lovely pattern by Vicki Clarke and supplies to make two Button Snowflakes. The thread was size 30--which I promptly broke several times and substituted size 20. I really liked this pattern. I need to work on not to tatting so tightly so that I don't break, shred, and totally destroy smaller threads.


I thoroughly loved my time at the Palmetto Tat Days. The Georgia Baptist Retreat Center is absolutely lovely. The food was delicious, and at the banquet, was elegantly served. Speaking of the banquet, the decorations were so thoughtfully put together and the program was designed to be informative as well as enjoyable and entertaining. I can't wait for a chance to join these lovely ladies for a weekend again!