Hello, Lovely Tatters!
I've been thinking I'd like to be more pro-active in posting things that aren't so much about MY day-to-day life but more helpful to those of us that maybe don't have access to, or don't know about, resources and information that are intended to help.
There are lots of videos and tutorials out there, and I don't have the time or the space to list all of them, not even in subsequent blogs. I'm going to post them as I find ones that I find or have found to be particularly helpful. For a new tatter, this can mean the difference between learning a new technique and using it with confidence or throwing your hands up in frustration and using words that are not knotty, but definitely naughty!
The first resource to which I'd like to introduce you is from an established tatter named Gloria Nelson. You may remember her as one of the first "interviewees" from a few months back. She's a self-taught needle tatter and has made it her mission in this art to ensure that artists new to this tool have as much support and access to resources and information as possible. While using a needle might not be the first tool you might think of when thinking of tatting, it's definitely on the rise in popularity in the tatting community and many shuttle-tatting folks who SWORE they would never learn to use it are now realizing that to be a fully "rounded" instructor, they need to at least be passing familiar with both tools. It's definitely worth learning. This is the link to her Sparkling Light Creation Studio - Tatting by Gloria Nelson Facebook page, where she frequently posts tidbits that prove useful:
A complete list of what she has researched and prepared is located here (and she's always adding more):
She is also an administrator in the Facebook Group Needle Tatting: for Beginners. It's a closed group and you do need to acknowledge you know what tatted lace is before you are granted entry to the group, but this kind of "gate" is required. You'd be amazed how many folks think "needle tatting" is some kind of tattooing ink page. Hmm...nope, sorry, wrong kind of tatting.
So, I spoke with Gloria and asked her how she would prefer to have her information presented. I asked if I could post references to individual articles or posts. She asked that I post a link to her page in general, and to her Tips and Tricks list. Her logic, with which I have to agree, is very sound. Her words were:
"If I update or modify them, then people can easily see the new version on my Page."
"If I update or modify them, then people can easily see the new version on my Page."
If you're looking for advice, especially for needle tatting, Gloria is amenable to answering questions and will answer you confidently and knowledgeably. She is a dedicated individual that knows her stuff and is very happy to share.
Please don't look at this as a "Needle versus Shuttle" discussion. As I have stated before and will continue to state, your choice of tatting tool is your own for whatever reason you choose to use it. I firmly believe there should be no right or wrong tool choice. Sorry, correction: The only wrong tool is one that is not right for you. My reasons for showcasing Gloria's work here is because I happen to know this lady personally. She is dedicated to the art of tatting, she is very well-educated in what thread will work for what project, she is an award-winning designer and artist, and she is very good at explaining what she wants you to know. She also agrees strongly that the only wrong tatting tool is the one that you are having difficulty using. She might prefer a needle, but that's because it's comfortable for her. She and I have lots of very serious discussions about the uses and benefits of both tools, but the discussions always involve lots of laughter, teasing, and all-round good feelings and that is exactly what tatting is supposed to do; make you feel good!
Give her a look-see! You won't be sorry!
Happy Tatting!
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