Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)
by Elwy Persson, Gun Blomqvist

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Book Reviews of Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)

Book Review: Enduring and endearing.
Summary: 5 Stars

The introduction of the book has a short history of tatting and some illustrations of antique shuttles and samples of 19th and early 20th century laces. Chapter 1 is a brief discussion of materials. Although chapter 2 provides probably one of the most lucid illustrations of tatting technique I've seen, I suspect the beginner will still need the assistance of an experienced tatter to really make the knotting process apparent; I know I did. Generally speaking for most who are right handed, it comes naturally to use this hand in an active way. In tatting that will get one a lot of knots, but not slip knots. In tatting it is the non-dominant hand that does the work of wrapping the thread, while the dominant hand stabilizes the base thread. Like I said, advice from an experienced lace maker will help. Once shown, it will make complete sense.

One of the things I like most about tatted as opposed to knitted or crocheted lace is that it produces the most charming results with the least effort. There are essentially two stitches, the slipknot and picot, and these with the joining technique produce all the results. Furthermore, gaining skill progresses rapidly. Probably the most difficult part of the process is figuring out the stitch codes. Here the book can be somewhat more difficult to follow than others I've read. Persistence, however, will provide great rewards.

Tatting Patterns and Designs provides both the beginner and the advanced lace maker with some very lovely patterns. I've used the clover leaf designs of "Astrid" (p. 22) and "Boel" (p. 26) for edgings on collars and cuffs and did almost 200 diamond shaped medallions like star #4 on page 37 for a wedding gown. I've decorated my Christmas tree with 30 sugar-starched snowflakes using 5 different star patterns chosen from among the 45 included in the book. The mobile shown in the book using the same patterns would be fun to make, although I have to admit I`ve never done one.

For those who like a challenge there are several patterns for runners, mats and doilies, and for those who do lace for weddings there are two tatted cross bookmarks for bibles, and several patterns that would make nice bridal or 1st communion crowns. I've been tempted to try them, but have yet to do so. Perhaps when my friend Ann`s little girls do their communions, I`ll finally find motivation.

This is truly a book that is enduring and endearing.

Summary of Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)

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