I learned tatting when I was 11 or 12 years old. I watched an elderly lady tatting and she asked me whether I would like to learn. I wouldn’t say I had “lessons” but I think we might have met a couple of times and she showed me what to do. I practiced a lot when in was young then didn’t do much until recently.
It’s an excellent hobby, requiring little initial financial outlay – very “portable” taking up little space and packs up well to take on holiday as a pastime.
My personal opinion is that tatting is not difficult to learn. Like all skills it requires practice and some time dedicated to learning. While some people find the initial process difficult, others get the hang of things very quickly. There are different techniques to learn but once the tatter has mastered “flipping the stitch”, chains and rings, patterns can be attempted.
Since I first learned, different techniques have developed, I’m still learning and improving.
Tastes change and tatting might be considered a bit “vintage” or “retro” though there are young artists developing new patterns.
I confess I prefer vintage and antique patterns, (easily obtained through the internet). I like working in fine white mercerised cotton, but try to expand my use of colour. There are some excellent ranges of variegated threads and colours available.
Hand tatted booties make a beautiful and unique gift to celebrate a new baby or Christening.
These will be available to purchase during the Art Trail.
Hand Tatted Lace Garters.
Something Old – vintage cotton
Something New – a hand tatted garter
Something Borrowed – this delightful garter could be gifted a Bride for her wedding day.
Something Blue – ribbon
