I love to laugh!

We had been asked to post today something about Gina and share pictures of her or something you made from one of her patterns. I had already posted earlier something with a  picture which  reminded me Gina had an infectious smile that was warm and sincere. I know she laughed and I know she was kind. So my tribute to her is the words of a song that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir always uses to close out their broadcast.

 God Be With You Till We Meet Again
"God be with you till we meet again, by His counsels guide uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you, God be with till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus' feet,
Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again."

These are a pair of earrings using Marilee Rockley 's pattern 'Vision' found in her book "Boutique Tatting" made with hdt "Roses" size 20 also Marilee's. I think they remind me that Gina always looked at the positive side even when it was hard to do.  She loved life and loved to learn and shared her knowledge with anyone who asked.  So with that I say lets be happy and smile for all the good Gina did here on earth and that our lives are better for having known her! I look forward to one day renewing our friendship on the other side .

A Tatting Angel

Gina and Marilee.

It is with a sad heart that I say the Heavens have another angel tatting and watching over us. I received an email from Jane Eborall on the untimely death of Gina Brummett aka Tatting Goddess.
I only met her once last June at Lace Days in Downers Grove. She was gracious, encouraging, and a great lady. I enjoyed our email chats and all her comments on my blog. My prayers are with her family at this time. Gina, I will miss you and your beautiful smile.

My New Years With Jane Eborall's TIAS.

For several January's Jane Eborall has run a fun tatting game called "Tat It And See" TIAS. Blog here . And many, many people from all over the globe play. I have played for three years and was completely stumped by this years. It wasn't until day 8 that I knew.  As we don't know what it will be some color choices are very interesting, mine included.

The process is always the same, bug Jane when are you going to start, choose thread and beads(this process can take a week for me I change my mind several time) choose which shuttles to use (wood color and type that is) and wait for directions on how many shuttles, how many beads, if any, and when first day comes! Below are my pictures as it came to life!

In the beginning it looks like it could be anything.

Then we know it is square, but what is it??!!

The plot thickens.

At this point I know.I call him Billy Goat Gruff.

And here is my Mark the Billy Goat Gruff!
Jane thank you so much for the game. It was great to read others guesses and see their work.
Next time I have to tell you the update on the tale of the shuttles! *Sigh* You might loose faith in the postal system somewhat, though. Until next time( and not so long).

Passing of a friend

sideways Oz

I uncovered my birds Monday morning and found Ozzy had passed during the night. His buddy Harry misses him and so do I. He was only 4 1/2 years old and the only clue anything was wrong is he didn't eat and was very quiet. So not like him. I believe there is a place in Heaven for pets that the angels watch them and play with them. Bye Ozzy you where loved and will be greatly missed.

October birthday Celeberties!

The fall is a beautiful time of the year in Northern Illinois. Before the grey snow, ice and bare trees the Midwest dazzles us with the beautiful colors of the fall leaves. There are cooler temps and fewer misquotes so you can go for a walk and actually enjoy it! It is also the time of the year for the birthdays of two super stars in my book, Jane Eborall and my daughter-Becki! Surprisingly they are a day apart! (OK there are a few years difference in their ages too- lol)
Happy birthday to all the super stars born in October!
Then there is my tatting round robin. I finished my round, blocked it and have it ready for the next person.

Round 4 on the 4th doily I have done!

 I seem to have a theme with rings and chains. lol. But I think it works and it sets a good foundation for the last two rounds. I think  I see doilies more traditional so this has been good for me. I need to learn to think outside the box!
Now I know Yarnplayer has mentioned her new book available from Annie's Attic, well they have it on the web site as coming soon !  I am excited and it does look like a great book to add to my tatting collection,the web site ishere. Check it out! Anyone who has met Marilee or done any of her patterns knows her jewelry is unique and beautiful! Her patterns can be a challenge sometimes, but the result is worth it!
Well happy birthday Jane and happy birthday tomorrow Becki! :)

A Shuttle's Tale!

original packet

Let me tell you a tale that started over a month ago across the pond. Sweet little shuttles were egarly awaiting to go to their new "mom" and be lovingly put to good use. Their "aunt Jane" kissed them good bye and put them in their mailer for their journey.(" Oh yes we were so happy, but the packet was dark. Aunt Jane told use it wouldn't be long and we would be at our new mommy!!!") Alas poor shuttles huddled together in their cold dark packet waited, and waited put they sat on a shelf in some sorting office. Then they found themelves not with their new home but back with their Aunt Jane with all sort of scribbles on their packet like not a small packet, not enough postage and it needed to go back to Canada. Canada? Yes Canada. Someone in the sorting office must think UK and USA and Canada are the same place. So sweet Aunt Jane put them in a new packet and sent them on their way . ("And we hope we make it to our new home soon") And now we wait.
Yes the shuttle tale continues only time will tell.
On a tatting note I did my 3rd round of our round robin. Pic below. I have never done these before and it takes a little design challege that I am learning as I go. I keep telling myself this suppose to be fun. It is and very educational.

Third round of round robin.

 On a personal note my sister in law has been home for almost a month and does therapy 5 days a week. She is talking great and still has a little swallowing issue. Her balance gets better every day. She can walk with a little help and does stairs. We feel she will make a full recovery. Thanks for all the prayers! Until next time. :)

Life Happens

Like Diane (lace lovin librarian) I have had school start and have been busy with that. Also I have had a little tragedy hit my own family. Nothing severe but enough to shake up my life some. My sister in law who is very active and in great shape suffered a mild stroke while running in a 10k race. She is doing better but it is hard on her young family and us. As you can see by the picture her girls are adorable, but they are lively!

The Scribner girls!

The youngest one is 3 and does not understand why mommy isn't there when she wakes up in the morning. The next youngest started kindergarten this year and the oldest middle school.
Life will change for everyone when mommy does come home, but I have faith she will be completely healed. It is only going to take time!
On a tatting note I am working on several things. Below I did and wrote down my center for the doily and made a snowflake out of it. I did it in 'Rhubarb Pie' size 20 by Marilee aka Yarnplayer.

Motif center.

I changed the  stitch count on this version and it is too close to the start of one of Jon Yusoff's patterns that I don't feel comfortable writing it down here to share without talking to her first. That is fair to her and me. I don't need to make enemies with anyone.
I am helping a friend with her pattern and need to work a little harder this week on it. It has been fun to do. Hope to get back to her next week with all my comments.
So this has been the week of break downs too. Son's car died just helped out with buying new car. Ouch. My car needs to be replaced so does husbands. It is like when it rains it pours. lol.
Oh well it all works out in the end.

New motif that I am to do 3rd round.

So here is a pic of my next project. I get to design the third round for this doily. I'm thinking maybe a little Celtic thing with it . We shall see. Well time to run :)