The Easy Way to Attach Tatting

babes-in-blue-collar
This little dress is created using a vintage baby dress from my vast and ever-growing collection of vintage baby clothes. The original was made of broadcloth, as most of the dresses from the 50s, but I chose to make it from linen. The project features Madeira Applique, Granitos, Drawn-thread, Buttonhole scalloped edging, and Satin Dots. I will cover all these stitches in my upcoming posts.

Have you ever wondered how some sewists are able to attach tatting to a garment without having the header showing? I know I did until I figured out how to remove the chain-stitched header entirely.

The technique I’m referring to pertains to tatting that has a chain-stitched header. The very narrow tatting has a thread that trails from one loop to the next. If you cut that header, the tatting will come apart, so choose carefully. If you make your own tatting (jealous me!), just leave the header off. You can often find handmade tatting on ebay and those usually never have a header. Finding vintage well-made tatting is certainly like finding hidden treasure so scoop it up for your stash.

Most of the tatting I use is made in China and it is very good quality and is available in many styles and widths. It is cost effective but only available in white or ecru. Oh how I wish I had learned to tat from my grandmother, who sat on her porch and needle tatted all afternoon while rocking in her favorite chair.

babes-in-blue-handout

babes-in-blue-dress
Babes in Blue is available as a project lesson. The pattern is included in one size only, Size 9-12mo. Please contact me via email if you are interested in purchasing a copy. Email: we********@ao*.com

babes-in-blue-header

 

 

 

Shadow Worked Bird with Looped Bullions

If you are at all familiar with my embroidery designs, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that shadow work is my all-time favorite technique. I began working on perfecting my technique of the art sometime in the mid-1990s. The basic love of the technique grew into an obsession which later resulted in the publishing of my fifth book, “Perfecting the Art of Shadow Work,” published by F+W Media.

The project with which I am demonstrating the technique is from my long ago ceased Wendy’s Embroidery Club. Although the Embroidery Club is no longer being published, the individual projects are still available by email request.

Shadow stitching animal shapes can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, anyone can master it. The little flowers add dimension and enhance the shadow work images.
Shadow stitching animal shapes can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, anyone can master it. The little flowers add dimension and enhance the shadow work images.
I usually provide a color key in my project directions to provide a visual of the completed design.
I usually provide a color key in my project directions to provide a visual of the completed design.

stitching-the-bird

 

looped-bullion-flower

The dress pattern includes a matching bonnet and features sizes 6 months, 1, 2, and 3.
The dress pattern includes a matching bonnet and features sizes 6 months, 1, 2, and 3.

The featured Embroidery Club project, (Volume 5; Number 1) is available via email to we********@ao*.com for $18.00 plus $2.00 shipping. The enclosed pattern includes sizes 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 and is tissue printed. Wendy’s Mastering Shadow Work is only available from Wendy’s Sewing Studio  in limited quantities for $25.00 plus shipping. Please inquire.