Welcome to The ShuttleSmith's Test Tatting Site

This is the somewhat temporary and private site created by me, Karen Bovard (The ShuttleSmith), to solicit help in finding talented tatters to test tat my designs into thread.

Up this point, I have been able to tat all the designs in my two published books (Fun with Split Ring Tatting & MORE Fun with Split Ring Tatting).  However, I can no longer keep up with tatting all the designs for inclusions in my upcoming books (no matter how much I would love to be able to do so!!!).  I have found that my available time for physically tatting my designs needs to be spent in other ways: pattern design, physical pattern creation, book layout, editing, photography, etc.  SOOOO, I need help from talented tatters to physically tat my patterns, noting any errors, and allowing my to photograph their piece(s) for possible inclusion in my published books of designs.

This project right now is part of 2 books that I plan to have published by the end of July, 2015.  I will be teaching a class on the subject at the IOLI Convention in Coralville, Iowa (first week in August) and plan to have the book published/printed by that time.

The titles/subject will be:   Quilt-Inspired Fun with Split Ring Tatting.

The project I am primarily asking for test tatting help with right now are my 'Patchwork Series' in Volume 1.   These designs mimic traditional quilt-blocks and utilize numerous blocks of different colors--a unique look/approach to tatted design.

The quilt-inspired designs are quite unique to the tatting world.  They utilize color--coordinated blocks to create the illusion of classic quilt blocks and designs.  The designs are completely composed of Split Rings (SR's) and Take-Off Ring (TOR's).  There are no chains in these patterns.

If you (or someone you know) would like to participate in this project, please read carefully the following information.  At the bottom of this page is directions as to how to participate.  By participating, you agree to the following information:

Your role in this project:

• You tat the piece in whatever color your choose, keeping in mind some guidelines that I have for color, etc.
• You send the piece to me, via regular mail and allow me to photograph it.
• You keep the piece!
• You agree not to publish the pattern of a photo of the piece on the internet or other media.  You can show your work to friends...but keep in mind that the design is copyrighted by me, Karen Bovard/The ShuttleSmith.
• Some thread is available for use (see below).  If you choose to use this donated thread, you commit to completing the project.  This is only fair to Handy Hands for their donation of the thread and for its inclusion and credit in my book.
  
• If donated thread is not available, you supply the thread.  Any size is OK, though I prefer the larger size of 20 (for photography)
• Return the piece to me by June 15th, 2015.  Earlier return that that deadline would be sincerely appreciatied--so I can the photography/photo editing done and laid out in the book manuscript.
• You choose which patterns/designs you want to work on.  
• You may share access to this website and project with friends who may be interested in participating in this project, but please do not post the address to this site publicly on the internet.
• Report back to me any errors or questions you may have regarding the pattern.

The ShuttleSmith's responsibilities/role in this project:

• I pay postage for shipping the piece to me--I will reimburse you any mailing expense.
• I return the piece to you after I photograph it.
• If I use the photo of your piece in my book and if you should be agreeable, I will publish your name as a credit to the picture.  EG.  "Tatted by: your name here"
• I retain the right to use/not use the photo of your piece in my book.
• I reserve the right to possibly block the piece, if necessary.
• I will supply the patten, either digitally (PDF file) or a printed copy via snail mail.
• If you tat several pieces (or one big piece) in which your total number of rings tatted equals 600 or more, I will give you a free copy of the book (Quilt-Inspired Fun with Split Ring Tatting: Volume 1) when it is published (god-willing: August 2015).
• Please choose/complete one pattern at a time.
• Upon completion of one pattern you may choose another pattern towards your goal of 600 tatted rings goal.
• Don't worry about me running out of patterns towards your 600-tatted ring goal, I have many patterns available for test-tatting (not yet published to this website) for Volume 2 or several more books of patterns. 

Guidelines for Thread/Color Used

• The pieces need to be made with thread that matches in size between colors. Various colors (usually 3 or 4) are used are used in one piece.  
• Variegated threads can be used (they mimic 'printed fabrics' of real fabric quilts) as long as they change color quite quickly.  The best variegated thread will change colors within a single ring. 
• I have found that the threads need to be all of the same manufacturer.
• Some thread colors (even those of the same manufacturer) will not match in size.  I have found this to be especially true of the very saturated colors of reds and blacks.  
• If at all possible avoid the use of the intensely saturated colors (such as black, reds, dark colors of blue, purple, and greens)--these do not photograph well.
• Choose colors that contrast sharply with one another in the piece.  I want the design elements (individual blocks) to stand out. 

FREE THREAD to Use in your projects
Barbara Foster of Handy Hands has gratiously donated LizBeth Thread, Size 20 to this project.  The LizBeth threads are of high interest because they have such a large selection/variety of colors including variegated colors that change quite quickly.

If you choose to use these thread combinations, I will send the threads to you.

Please commit to the completion of the piece if you do choose to use this donated thread.  Because Handy Hands donated the thread to this book/project, it is only right/fair that the pieces are completed and included in the book so that credit  can be given and the thread colors are documented.

You choose how the colors are used in the piece--eg. use of dark, medium, light colors.

If you could create/tat more than one piece from the donated threads, it would be sincerely appreciated by me and Handy Hands.

These threads are available on a first come-first served basis.

My preferences are for tatting that matches my quality of tatting:

• Tightly closed rings that are all the same size
• Use of Frontside/Back Tatting Technique---especially regarding joins of one color rings to another.
• Clean
• Use of tiny 'joining' picots to facilitate joins that are invisible--to create the illusion of rings stacked one upon another.
• Use of other techniques such as:   
• Dropping the shuttle through the ring on 'frontside' rings before closing the ring.
• Adding an extra half stitch to the transferred-stitches portion of a split ring and to a regularly-tatted ring.

How to participate in this project

• Email me at:  k.bovard@yahoo.com your intention to participate in the project with the following information:
• Your name
• Address
• Phone number (just in case)
• email address
• Choice of pattern:  1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. choice.
• Donated thread choice  (if any):  1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. choice.

Any questions:  email me at the above address or call me (preferably evenings or weekends--I work full-time days which is why I need your help) at 402-960-7370

THE DESIGNS

Available "First to email me, gets it"
I will try to remove the designs as they are spoken for/chosen.