Catholic Family Vignettes

Looking for a new meatless recipe for Lent? Check out my recipe for Shrimp with Penne Pasta and Vegetables in Fast Food!

Check out the latest project in the Needle Tatting Gallery! Read more!

Today I was given the singular privilege of teaching a young woman a new skill...needle tatting. As a relatively new "tatter", it was quite an honor to pass this skill on to my dear friend, Krislynne. As a dear friend had taught me, so now I must teach.

"Each one teach one..."

It is imperative that the "gentle arts" be passed on, from woman to woman, generation to generation. A few years ago, tatting, lacework, knitting, etc. were slipping into obscurity. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the very young, not to mention an incredible array of resources, the image of "granny" in her rocker with her knitting/sewing basket has been dispelled forever.

The needle arts are hip...whether you are male or female, old or young. The desire to create and the meditative aspect of the gentle arts appeals to this fast paced society of ours. You can't multi-task and tat, thank heavens!

Make a list of things you want to learn and set out to learn them! Find a teacher, read a book, study online tutorials.

Then pass it on. The delight in the eyes of your students will be all the reward you'll ever need...
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I'm getting it...the mental block is gone, and I'm finally making sense of the needle tatting patterns.

Yippee!

Why am I so excited? Well, it is certainly nice to learn something new...I'm walking proof that you can teach and old dog, new tricks!

My excitement, however, is spawned more by information given by an FSSP seminarian that this new craft can serve my Church. It is extremely difficult for priests serving the Traditional Latin Mass to find high quality surplices, altar cloths, purificators and other necessities, all of which are embellished with lace. Lace is both a symbol of joy and purity, and what greater joy than to embellish the surplice of a holy priest of God.

I'm going to try. I'm completing projects very quickly now, learning the more difficult aspects of pattern reading. I'll keep you posted...St. Sebastian, patron of lacemakers and the saint who chose me for 2008, pray for me! Read more!

Here is an update on this post.

I did it! I'm actually needle tatting! I followed a pattern and created something which is actually recognizable...a butterfly!

Thank you again, my dear Sandra. What a splendid gift. The butterfly is yours--my first project and a gift to my teacher.

If needle tatting intrigues you, check out this website. It is a lovely skill to acquire, all you need is a needle, thread and a good deal of patience.

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