Customizing Shuttles

As I mentioned below I purchased a couple shuttles from La Cossette on Etsy. She alters the areo-type shuttles for tatting. They are so pretty and of course I had to have more than one. They are a bit pricey though and for me at least, just having two wasn't quite enough.

Soooo, I thought perhaps I would take a stab at altering a few of my own. There are lots of "how to" posts. One on Decoromana's blog, and again on Knitpick's blog . They were a good place to start.

What do you think? Frankly I think I almost nailed it, that is all except the area at the top. that's where I can do better. that area was tricky I didn't go quite as tapered. As with all new things there is a bit of trial and error, but overall I am pleased with the results.

Okay lets see what you think, In the photo above the La Cossette shuttle is on top, mine below.......

In the above photo my shuttle on top, the La Cossette shuttle is below.....(I added a swarovski crystal to the center). Not to shabby, if I must say so myself. Although being a little OCD I will still want to fine tune it a bit. I think I can do better. I did the clover (post type) for my swap partner (post below), and I think I want to decorate a couple of my post shuttles next.

I am enjoying tatting and now have these pretty shuttles to tat with.

Tatting along

Yes, finished the bag, although it is small and needs to be pressed (I will post then). Decided to try a doily. The one here is now done and I have actually completed two other small coaster size doilies, and the one above, and a yellow variegated one for my sister. This one and the variegated are 8" doilies.

I am currently working on a variegated fall colored one for another sister. The pattern is from Marilee Rockley called Arches. Starting the final row.

I am also doing a shuttle exchange and just sent out the package. It is on its way to Russia. Since no one really reads my blog I thought I might post the picture here of what I sent:

I have purchased a couple bobbin shuttled from La Cossette on Etsy. They are so pretty. I have been trying my hand at decorating shuttles and even did a few of my own (will post another time). I made one for the exchange but the person I am sending to wanted a post shuttle not a bobbin, and nothing bright or "acid" colored (her words). Soooo off to find a shuttle. Luckily I found the tortoise shuttles and applied a vintage image. A little holographic bling and wa-la. We only had a week to prepare and it was dicey, I would have preferred a few more days for the finish to completely dry to the hard stage, still it turned out quite pretty. Now I am thinking, I may need to do one for myself :)

We were also to send something from where we lived? This was too difficult and I had no time to search out something. Instead I opted to send one of the charm necklaces I make. I also was to send 10 meters of thread (any weight). My swap partner wanted 80w thread, which is very thin so I sent the entire reel. I picked a golden variegated to match the shuttle. I wish I could have found a variegated thread that had gold, mossy green, and rust. That would have been a good match to the shuttle.