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| Tatting |
| Tatting is a form of lacemaking made up mostly of knots done over a carrier thread. The height of tatting's popularity was during the Victorian times and it became very fashionable to be able to tat. Over the years tatting lost some of it's appeal but it experinced a small revival during the 1920's and early '30s. Until tatting has remained a fairly obscure form of lacemaking but seems to be gaining in poularity once again. I love to tat and it is one of the first forms of lacemaking I learned. Tatting is a series of knots done over a carrier thread. Once you have master the knot, or doublestitch, then you can form rings and chains with the carrier thread. Most tatting is done with a shuttle, this is traditonal, however new forms are being developed that are done with one's own fingers or needles. The tatting shuttle is a special kind of bobbin, and there is one pictured at the top of the page; it is the fish-shaped object. Most shuttles today are around four to eight centimeters long and plastic. I've noticed tatting shuttles and tatting thread is realatively hard to find. Thankfully, I inhereited some tatting shuttles from my great grandmothers, a small metal one and one carved out of bone. You can also find custom shuttle shops online which sell shuttles made from wood, silver, bone, horn, metal, and all sorts of other materials however they can be costly. Shuttles from the 18th century are rather large and very decorated. During this time tatting was usually done with thick cord and ribbon and the big shuttles were decorated with precious stones and made from very expensive materials. Some wealthy ladies even have their portraits painted with such tatting shuttles. The tatting done today isn't very old. Chains were invented in the mid-19th century and split rings were invented in the 20th century. There are still new ways and methods of tatting being invented today. Most new developments are easier or faster than the old traditonal methods because while it looks simple it is a bit diffitcult. (It took me ages to get it right.) If you keep at it, and really enjoy it, it'll come. I also had help from a wonderful teacher via the internet to which I am very greatful. |