What will I do with the Tatting??

Many of you have asked what I will use all that tatting for. Well here are a few examples of what I do with it. I love the texture it adds to my work, but still allows the fabric colour to show through, which you don't tend to get as much with crochet.
You can see tatting here...
...and here...
...and here...
...and here...
...and here...
I am afraid to say that I do cut it up and 're-purpose' it. Although not all of these will go that way. some of them are stunning and I am thinking about how I can display them. I don't do doilies, and my kids would destroy cushions. I would like to put some on the wall. I have seen embroideries displayed in their hoops. I could mount them on canvas. I have had an idea for some bags. Much of it will be passed on in baggies. Would you believe that the guy I bought it off said he could fill another box that size easily!! We are "in negotiations".
So, while I do cringe a little when I cut into tatting, I comfort myself with the fact that I am using it to create something that people enjoy looking at, and touching, and it didn't end up in a dump because someone didn't appreciate it as much as I do.

If you have any fabulous ideas for mounting these as wall art, I would love to hear from you.

14 comments:

Karen 's World said...

Lucky you on your tatting purchase. I also love tatting and when I do cut it apart I'm careful to save all of it to add to my work. It's great to see what you have done with yours.

Jane Eborall said...

Why not use large brass rings (like they use for making lampshades) and tie the doillies into those with invisible thread? They then become fantastic suncatchers which I'm sure you could sell on if you wish. I use netting in large rings as window coverings as we live in a house where the windows are very close to the road and I don't like net curtains. I cringed when you say you cut the tatting but agree that at least it's being used (and I must say beautifully) and not thrown in the dump.
Jane Eborall

Marty52 said...

You could get a square frame, wrap the backing in fabric to match your room, then attach the doily to the fabric and put the frame back on. In other words, pick a fabric to match your decor and mount the doily on it, then frame it. Make sense??

LindaSonia said...

You could mount them into shadow boxes. I think they are really really pretty. LindaSonia

Kathy Raker said...

They are fantastic!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Maybe shadow boxes lined with black velvet to really set off the tatting? I can envision beautiful purses made from either velvet or dupioni silk with a doily as a focal point. Yum!!

Umintsuru said...

What you have created is absolutely fabulous. Gives a another dimension to your work. It is just beautiful.

Melissa said...

Well I'm all for using stuff, but I also think some of those large outstanding museum quality ones might be better not cut into. So I would sort the cut-able ones from the keep in mint condition ones. I think they would look lovely framed with a fabric background as art as others have suggested. To me the defining line for cut-able is if they are stained, ripped, or not of the best quality thread, and not too large. The larger and more fine the thread the more "high quality" they are in my brain. Hope that helps ya! I'm so jealous that you got a whole box full!!! Wish I could find some like that!!!

Marie Alton said...

Jo ... love the beautiful project you've shown using tatting...I love stark contrast like the black one with the white against it...and blends that compliment too. You've had some pretty good suggestions for display...I like the suncatcher idea...but I'd take it a step further...and turn several of these into a mobile. Also think the framed pieces backed with fabric would look awesome.

I have a feeling that the old guy would be thrilled to know that so many people have now seen his fabulous work and respect how much talent went into the creation...and I'm sure he'd forgive the cutting apart thing...knowing that they are being used to create things of beauty.

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE what you have been doing with tatting! Your embellishments and stitching are all so beautiful and complement the beauty of the tatted pieces and vice-a-versa. Beautiful, beautiful work! Frame-able pieces for sure!

Unknown said...

jeepers Jo, you've been busy havnt you, interesting to see all you work on the net, great stuff, you were always were creative when i knew you many moons ago in the Roberts rd days and for a few years after, good to see. G.R

Jo in NZ said...

OMG!! Is that you Roly?? You are shitting me? Come on, you've seen my blog, show me yours! Fair's fair.

Unknown said...

haha, sure is, wouldnt have a clue how i came across your blog but there you are, dont have a blog of my own but here's my website, dont laugh ive only just built it really
www.269s.webs.com

Jo in NZ said...

Me thinks google doesn't type in it's own searches??
left a comment in your guest book. Site looks great.
Anyway, my email is public on my profile, if you want take this off my blog...