Tatting

“Tatting” 

with Karen Negus from Tatting for Spirit

By: Joan Beswick

The art of Karen Negus offers testimony to the power of tatting to transform yarn into beautiful creations, both decorative and functional. 

Apricot Curls Cowl

Karen’s work will be on display at Bella’s Cafe in Amherst beginning in September and continuing through the week of the festival. This exhibit will include examples of needle tatting with yarn in varied fibres, and will undoubtedly be an inspiration to many.

Runner

Shawl

And for those who want to act on that inspiration, Karen will offer instruction during the festival from 1:00 to 4:00 on Thursday, Oct. 17, and from 9:00 to 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 19.  The venue is the Cumberland County Museum, 150 Church Street, Amherst.

Red, Black and White Shawl

Participants will learn:

• a little history of needle tatting;
• the important relationship between needle size and thread thickness/gauge;
• how to make a double stitch and picot;
• how to read patterns to make chains and rings with double stitches;
• how to join rings, chains and separate pieces together;
• how to hide loose ends for a nice clean look; and,
• how to add thread if you run out.

All instruction can be applied to the traditional tatting needles and fine cotton tatting threads.

To register, contact Karen at tattingforspirit@eastlink.ca . The cost of the workshop is $50 and it includes all necessary supplies:

• photographic instructions;
• a pattern for a versatile hexagon; 
• a handmade tatting needle; and
• yarn. 

Karen will be there to demonstrate, encourage and inspire. This is a fine opportunity to learn a creative art that combines a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and shapes to make all sorts of treasures.

Enjoy the workshop, and 'Happy Tatting'.