UPDATE: Pat in TX is our winner.
by Maribel Hernandez
Readers familiar with the Trivium method of learning, as described in Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style, already know to follow three simple stages — grammar, logic and lastly rhetoric. Those not familiar with the Trivium will benefit from reading the book that explains all one needs to know about this outstanding way of learning any subject.
Once you learn the Trivium stages, they become your portable teacher you take with you on demand. The Trivium is not strictly limited to reading, writing and arithmetic. The applications are impressive. Use it to learn a new art, like tatting.
What is tatting? (Grammar Stage)
Tatting is a series of knots (over hitch and under hitch) and loops using a shuttle, which can form your own delicate custom lace, doily, bookmarkers, earrings, bracelets and more. Tatted projects are durable and well constructed. Tatting threads range in color, quality, size and thickness — the higher the number, the finer the thread. Here is a handy tatting dictionary.
According to ABC Tatting Patterns, the queen of Roumania, Carmen Sylva, tatted original and inventive pieces. These reflected her intelligence. Together with Lady Katharin Hoare they produced a book called The Art of Tatting. Her work reveals a tour de force in tatting.
Why tat?
Here are a few reasons why you might want to invest time and money in learning how to tat:
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–adorn your linens
–fill your hope chest with one-of-a-kind lace work
–make custom lace for others as gifts or sell them
–add tatting to a favorite piece of clothing
–add tatting lace to a denim skirt or jean pockets
–Tat wedding and baby shower gifts
–Tat earrings
–Tat bracelets
–Tat necklace
How can I learn to tat? (Logic Stage)
Basic tatting supplies you’ll need are:
Tatting thread – 100% Egyptian cotton, this thread adds a delicate sheen to your finish work.
Shuttle – the shuttle’s job is to carry the thread in a convenient bobbin that winds in the center.
Learn to Tat by Janette Baker has clear instructions and is well illustrated for the beginner.
Here is a great pictorial guide on tatting for beginners.
When can I practice tatting? (Rhetoric Stage)
The rhetoric stage is when you practice something. In this case, it is tatting. By following Marilee Rockley’s instructions in this tutorial accompanied by pictures of each step, the reader will be able to practice a series of tatting knots and loops. After practicing you will be ready to actually tat a small project like a book marker or use your tatting skills in a different knot application like knot-making for boys or mending nets.
Here are a few pictures of tatted bookmarkers with tiny glass beads made by Ivy H.
Where can I learn to tat?
If you are looking for someone to teach you how to tat, check the directory at Tatting Corner.
Ivy H’s tatted bookmarkers are carried by Nancy Antommarchi at Party Theme Palace and Tatting Corner will be posting a giveaway on three tatted bookmarkers.
Tatted Bookmark Giveaway
Ivy H. has donated to Trivium Pursuit Blog readers one tatted bookmark. We will give that bookmark away to one of the people who comment on this blog post. Please be sure to leave your name and email address (U.S. addresses only) with your comment.
Hi Maribel,
Thanks for the wonderful tatting post! I give it two thumbs up.
I had not heard about the Trivium Pursuit before, but I definitely agree with you that teachers are teaching to the tests rather than teaching students how to think independently. Good for you!
Laura
I have always wanted to try tatting! Thanks for the inspiration…maybe I’ll give it a try this fall!
Those are beautiful! I love the colors. Nice job, Ivy.
These are beautiful! My mother knows how to tat, but I’ve never learned. Maybe I will ask her to show me when I see her next. And thank you for all the ideas for using the finished product! – Robin
I love these bookmarkers! All I can really do well is cross-stitch, and I’ve done some single- and double-stitch crocheting, but I have not tried tatting – it looks like fun! Thank you for this blog!
I would love to learn tatting and also for my 2 daughters to learn (13 and 11). Your examples are absolutely beautiful. The colors are so fun and refreshing, too! Thank you for sharing your talent! Our address for the drawing is:
Michele Smit
6383 East E Avenue
Richland, MI 49083
Best wishes for a blessed day!
Michele
So pretty! I love those!
What beautiful work! I imagine I have seen tatting without realizing what it was. I learned to crochet when I turned 40; now I have something new to learn:-)
This reminds me of Grandma and her beautiful work. There are so many things I wish I had learned from her. When I was 17, she was 85. I still thought she’d live forever. Thanks for the memories.
This is so interesting! I think I am about to embark on a new hobby. Beautiful!
Very well-organized introduction to tatting with beautiful photos! Thanks for the link to my blog 🙂
I’ve added a link to the Tatting Corner shop on the “Links” tab of my blog, too.
Those examples are so pretty!
We tried tatting once and want to get back to it. Thank you for all the information
I have always loved items that are tatted, recently invested in a shuttle. Thank you so much for the lovely information, I am starting to get brave enough to give it a try, Also, thank for the chance to win a bookmark. Have my fingers crossed!