fairylacefromelena Archives

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Elena — 90 Comments

Easier done than said

Easier done than said, or a new competition for tatters.

Hello everyone! Of course, you know the expression “Easier said than done”. So I’ll tell you honestly, this is not about me! It’s easier for me to do than to come up with words to describe my work. I mean, it’s easier for me to do than say! LOL

Besides, I don’t speak English well enough. I have already asked my friends on social networks and subscribers for help several times. I need a nice name for my new doily. Help! And I just remembered the competition that I held for my followers. What wonderful names you came up with for my doily Honeycomb . I was impressed by your imagination. I promise I couldn’t have come up with a better name! I wrote about this competition and the winners on my blog. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/2020/06/

I am sure you will be happy to take part in the new competition for the best name for this doily! After all, the winner will receive a doily pattern as a gift. And the first 20 participants will receive a discount on the purchase of this pattern in my store.

Easier done than said — Easier said than done

And I will definitely add a video lesson on my YouTube channel, as well as a video report on choosing the winner. So don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated! https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaKozinenko

So, the conditions of the competition:

Subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already.
Come up with a name for my new doily and write it in the comments to this post. ATTENTION! Only titles written on the blog, not on social networks, will participate in the competition!
The winner will be announced on September 15th.

I wish you all good luck and look forward to your wonderful doily names!

Posted on August 17, 2023August 17, 2023 by Elena — 2 Comments

Once I caught a fish alive

Once I caught a fish alive, or how to quickly and easily wind the threads in several layers.

All plans go to hell when the air raid signal goes off…
It scares me terribly. Because the consequences of the bombing are always unpredictable and terrible. And every time I seem to crumble into small pieces. This is a very unpleasant feeling, believe me. Each time it becomes more and more difficult “to collect yourself as a whole”. But your kind words, your prayers and thoughts about me and my country help me.
Today, the third time, an air alert has been declared throughout Ukraine. Everyone get to cover now! I managed to shoot material for the video in my studio. And I can mount the video and write an article anywhere (even sitting in the basement, which I don’t have, unfortunately…).
Sorry for such a sad start. I thought for a long time if I could write about the war in my needlework blog. Tatting, sewing, embroidery, knitting, macrame, all my creativity is my life. But this terrible reality is now also my life, alas.

I caught a fish alive

So, I wanted to remind you of a nursery rhyme. Probably, in every language, children count one-two-three-four-five, read a poem or sing a song.

One, two, three, four, five,
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.

Why did you let it go?
Because he bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on my right.

Surely you will be surprised and ask me: why a nursery rhyme? We’ve come to wind the threads! The fact is that winding threads in 2, 3, 4, 5 and even 6 layers is as easy as singing a song.

So, all you need is a ball of thread that you need to rewind, and an empty spool from the sewing machine. I was lucky, on my Bernina the bobbin reel is enlarged. Therefore, more thread is wound on this bobbin. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t like working with multiple layers of thread. But sometimes I just don’t have threads of the right color with the right thickness. For example, for jewelry set Danuta, I wound metal embroidery threads in three layers. The pattern for this set is available in my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/tatting-pattern-set-danuta/

So, step one:

Wind the threads from the ball onto the spool. I do this on a sewing machine.

Two layers

It’s elementary, Watson! Two threads in one.

Three layers

You only need a ball. Make a loop, forming three strands. Tie the end of the thread and loop to the shuttle. Gradually winding three threads on the hook, thread the ball of thread into the loop. Ah, I’m not sure I can explain clearly. Therefore, it is better to watch the video, please (link at the end of the article).

Four layers

In this case, you need to go back to winding in three layers and simply add thread from the spool. Thus, in one step you get 4 layers at once, hooray!

Five layers

You only need a ball threads. We do the same as winding in three layers. But now we need two loops of different lengths. Oh, I won’t even try to write how to do it. And again, I suggest watching the video.

Accordingly, for six layers, you need a winding option for five layers plus one thread from the spool. And this “song” can go on forever!

I am very grateful to you for your patience! Now finally a link to the video. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel. And also I will be very grateful for following my blog and comments. https://youtu.be/q53Ejc9gI60

Thanks!

Posted on April 22, 2023April 22, 2023 by Elena — Leave a comment

Cro-tatting Lesson 5

Cro-tatting Lesson 5, or how to dispose of leftover threads of different colors.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 4 . Therefore, follow the link if you have not read or watched the video of the previous lesson: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-4-how-to-make-a-split-chain-in-cro-tatting-technique/

I really enjoy reading your comments and questions on my posts. Because in this way you help me to make my blog useful and interesting. The idea of today’s lesson came to me after the publication of one of my old works – a coaster from the remnants of threads. You asked to make a video tutorial on how to make such a coaster. Of course I did this tutorial ! The link to the video is at the end of the post.

I’m sure many of you have stocks of thread. Well, how can I stop if I see threads of a beautiful color on sale?! And sometimes, for a specific project, I specifically buy threads of a very specific size and color. And in this case, I always buy a little more thread than required. You probably know how disappointing it is if a few meters of thread are not enough to complete the product. Therefore, I have there are ALWAYS leftovers threads! Of course, you can rewind the rest of the thread on smaller spools …

But it still takes up a lot of space.

So, I decided to get rid of the remnants of the thread. To do this, I needed to combine threads of two colors in small coasters.

Simple coaster from thread of two colors

Note! We add a new thread before the ring or after the ring. In this case, it is very easy to hide both tails on both sides of the ring. And the chain is neat. I did the work with thread of one color until the thread ran out. As you can see, the thread can end anywhere, haha! By the way, I was lucky twice – two coasters turned out to be the same color!

How many words! Where is Cro-tatting Lesson 5, you ask? You can download the pattern by clicking on the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i7TlPsECywGl5j-y81wuiV4_NvMEwmlA/view?usp=share_link Or just take a screenshot.

Watch an additional video for the lesson here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ggzsan6n3g&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

By the way, pay attention to the connection of rings of different colors. How to make the perfect connection, I will tell in the next lesson. So do not forget to subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel, so as “not to be late” for the lesson!

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Elena — Leave a comment

Cro-tatting Lesson 4

Cro-tatting Lesson 4 , or how to make a split chain in cro-tatting technique.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 3 . Therefore, follow the link if you have not read or watched the video of the previous lesson: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-3/

Ah, I tried my best in the previous lesson! I sought to convince all my readers of the need to master the reception of the split ring. By the way, this is necessary not only for cro-tatting, but also for the tatting shuttle and for the tatting needle. I hope many tatters will “follow me” in this matter, haha! And today I want to suggest that you use a split chain too as often as possible as well. But alas, I have no new arguments. I’m just sure that we must develop, improve and look for new ways and methods. Do you agree with me? Then you will benefit from my new video, I hope.

I use two methods to perform a split chain.

First method

So, fhe first method is good when you move from row to row through chains. You hide the tail of the thread at the beginning of work and, as the second part of the split chain, perform a double crochet. The number of yarn overs should be 1 less than the number of loops in the first half of the split chain. In my video, this is 5sc and Triple Treble Crochet ( or Double Treble Crochet ). Here again I ask for your help. How is this element correctly indicated in English. Write to me in the comments, please.

Second method

But the second method is ideal if you are going to the next row through a split chain + split ring combination. So, in the video, you will see two threads after the split chain is completed. First thread – ball, and the second – long tail of the thread, which I left at the beginning of work. Therefore we can use these two threads to make a split ring.

Wow! I can imagine how tired you are of reading this! Of course, it’s better to watch the video. Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe to my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvR8NaB1-c4&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Posted on April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 by Elena — 2 Comments

Cro-tatting Lesson 3

Cro-tatting Lesson 3 , or why master the split ring.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 2 . Please check the link: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-2/

My regular readers know I’m lazy! Haha! Because I don’t like to hide the ends of the threads. Oh, it’s almost as terrible as unraveling the threads in a finished tatting. I’m sure a lot of tatters understand me. If you agree, please write in the comments. After all, each of your comments helps to make my blog more interesting and useful. In addition, in this way you will raise this article higher in the search and give more readers the opportunity to get acquainted with useful material. (Oh, I hope this is helpful!)

Why you need a split ring

Firstly, the use of a split ring helps us to move from one row to another WITHOUT cutting the thread. I like to use this trick. In this way, I get much less tails of threads, which have to be hidden with great pain. By the way, you can not hide polyester threads. You can cut them short and melt them with a lighter. But be careful, otherwise you can ruin the product!

Secondly, the split ring helps in creating very original patterns. By the way, the split rings bookmark looks pretty cute, doesn’t it!

Thirdly, the split ring can be made with a shuttle, needle or crochet. For all these three tatting tools, I have already published videos on my You Tube channel. Thank you in advance for all the likes, comments and subscriptions! Today I added a separate video for cro-tatting. I hope Cro-tatting Lesson 3 was interesting and useful for you. You can watch all the videos on Split Ring by clicking on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM5ONjnKNOI&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

The topic of my next lesson is a split chain for cro-tatting. I’m sure you’ll like it! Also you will enjoy visiting my store, please check! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Elena — 2 Comments

Work on bugs

Work on bugs, or never fall into despair.

Hello everyone! Today I want to thank everyone who thinks of me, prays for my country and supports us in this terrible time. So I just can’t imagine how one can cope with depression or despair alone.

Yesterday I had a psychologically very difficult day. 400th day of open occupation, bombing and destruction of my country. Yes, my nerves can not stand it, alas. Although I try to do my favorite thing – tatting. But this is impossible. After all, creativity requires a special state of mind. Do you agree?

Ah, I had to reach out to FB tatting group members for support and prayers. My dears! I am extremely touched by your words and prayers. Also I low bow to everyone for not letting me fall into despair!

Fixing the bug connecting picots

Unfortunately, circumstances do not always give me the opportunity to be an active participant in social networks. But I’m trying! Recently I saw a post with a photo of an error in the finished tatting product and the question is whether it can be fixed. Of cource, all needleworkers know how much time, work, focus and diligence we put into each of our handmade products. And then, finally, when you can with delight say “tadaaam!” , you discover an unfortunate mistake. Ah, I forgot to connect the two elements with picots according to the scheme. What to do? How to fix? Throw everything away and start over? Well, how can you not fall into despair.

But my article today is titled: Work on bugs, or never fall into despair. So, the main thing is not to succumb to negative emotions. As you know, there are two ways out of any situation, one of which is correct, ha ha! So what can we do? First, you can throw away this work and do it all over again. But that would be just the wrong way out. Therefore, I suggest taking a sewing needle and a thin thread of the same color as our product. This way you simply sew each missing picot to the ring (or chain, if it fits the pattern). Of course, it is difficult to explain this process in words. However, we have an assistant – YouTube channel! My new video on this topic is ready to watch, welcome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2waGQ_elnk8&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Please subscribe to my blog, comment and share on social networks. And also check my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Thank you!

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Elena — Leave a comment

Cro-tatting lesson 2

Cro-tatting lesson 2, or how easy and simple it is to make a closed motive.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 1. Please check the link: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-1/

Today I want to show you how to make a simple closed motif. After all, tatters are constantly faced with such elements! Of course, you use flowers, medallions, rosettes, small squares or triangles in your work. I know it’s not always easy to connect the last element to the first one in such fragments. Especially often this question worries novice needleworkers. By the way, I advise you to start mastering the closed motif with a piece that contains at least 5-6 Rings. You ask why? Becouse in this case It is more convenient to rotate the finished part of the work for joining.

Of course, I made a short video. Although I made this video using a tatting hook, the principle of connecting the rings into a closed motif will be interesting and useful for lovers of the shuttle and the needle also. I’m sure words can’t explain everything. It’s good that there is an opportunity to find a video on YouTube that you will like and be useful to you! The Internet has brought into our lives the opportunity to learn whatever your heart desires. But be careful! I urge everyone not to get completely dependent on the World Wide Web! Haha! Sorry, I digress.

So, today I suggest you make a small motif of eight rings and eight chains. For beginners, I advise choosing high-quality #10 threads. And it is better if you take threads of light shades. Oh, believe me, dark threads (especially black ones) are very tiring for the eyes.

This is a graphic diagram and instructions. You can easily copy this picture (this is JPG file).

And I will be glad for your comments, wishes and subscriptions here and on my YouTube channel. You can watch the video Cro-tatting lesson 2 here, welcome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmClyW-P0gM&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Posted on March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by Elena — Leave a comment

Tatting lace collars

Tatting lace collars, or 2023 fashion trends.

Hello everyone! Today I found an interesting article about collars on Wikipedia. And I want to share with you for sure! So:

In clothing, a collar is the part of a shirt, dress, coat or blouse that fastens around or frames the neck.
A collar may be permanently attaced to the main body of the garment (e.g. by stitching) or detachable. Oh, I love detachable collars! Because by changing the collars, you can get several different outfits from one dress!

Collars shapes

I also found a table on Wikipedia with the names and descriptions of 66 types of collars, wow! For example, a Peter Pan collar. But I’m sure you all know that collars name. Or, zero collar. This is neckline of shirt without band and collar. Or, zero collar. This is neckline of shirt without band and collar. By the way, it is on such a zero neckline that detachable collars look best.

By the way, you can use a brooch to fasten the collar around the neck. This will add even more chic and elegance to your image.

There is also a type of collar worn as part of clerical clothing called Clerical collar. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that the shape of chokers is very similar to this type of collar.

Also I find collar Pussy Bow very interesting and unusually feminine. This collar tied in a large bow under the wearer’s chin. Particularly associated with Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. I was very surprised to learn this fact today. Because about 10 years ago I created a little collar with a little bow and named it Pussycat! Haha!

Collars material

I’m afraid you won’t have the patience to read a list of all the materials from which the collars were made.

These are the golden collars-necklaces of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.

Or the finest handmade lace in the collars of French kings. It’s a Medici collar.

Also a combination of silk fabric and the finest lace is used.
Nowadays, cotton, denim, guipure, leather various threads are used for collars. Add embroidery, embossing, beads. Of course, the list is far from complete!

In 2023, lace is back in fashion. Probably, not all ladies will want to wear a lace dress. But everyone wants to be at the peak of fashion, I’m sure! So be sure to add some lace collars to your wardrobe. Including tatting collars. It is for the manufacture of tatting or bobbin lace that threads are used. Because they are light and extremely chic.

You can buy ready-made collars for every taste or make your own according to my master classes. Welcome to my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/?s=collar&post_type=product

Please write your wishes, feedback and comments in the comments. To do this, go to the BEGINNING of the article and click the “Leave a comment” button.

I hope you enjoy my video on YouTube. Like and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbPXyJwRHFw&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=45

And in conclusion, a small gift – a tatting collar pattern from Project Gutenberg’s Beeton’s Book of Needlework, by Isabella Beeton.

Posted on January 24, 2022January 24, 2022 by Elena — Leave a comment

To do or not to do, that is the question

To do or not to do, that is the question! Or again about the front and back sides of tatting.

Hello, everyone! Today I want to touch again on the topic of front and back side of tatting. Ah, don’t get angry and don’t throw slippers at me! This dispute reminded me of the dispute between midgets from the novel by Jonathan Swift. On which side should the egg be cracked? I don’t think it matters. Because it is important to get to the delicious middle! Of course, every tatter is free to do as you like. But how I always want to get a “delicious”, beautiful, tender and perfect result!

I personally prefer to always distinguish between the front and back of my work. It’s probably a habit. This is especially true when you need to connect rows of different colors. I am sure you will agree with me, because if the connection is wrong, the product may not look very beautiful. But we strive for perfection, don’t we?

By the way, I was inspired to write this post by my new pattern, in which I connect the rows of white and red: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/fish-heart-tatting-pattern/

To do or not to do the front and back sides of tatting

So, look closely at the photo.

In the first case, the connection is correct. Light threads do not peek out between the green ones.

And in the second case, the light thread is a small strip between the green ones.

But sometimes, you may need just such “wrong” strokes. After all, the fantasy of tatters is limitless and who knows what else we can come up with! So, decide for yourself, to do or not to do the front or back side of tatting! And as another argument, watch my video, please. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my blog, welcome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98FYbzTfzZE&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Posted on January 17, 2022January 18, 2022 by Elena — 6 Comments

Our family fireplace parties.

Our family fireplace parties, or my granddaughter’s amazing tatting ideas.

Hello, everyone! Oh, what a pity that the Holidays end so quickly! Our children and grandchildren are returning to their homes. But we look forward to their new visits and fondly remember our family “Fireplace Parties”. Look how fun the fire is blazing in the fireplace! You can look at the flames for an infinitely long time. Do you agree?

My granddaughter loves these evenings the most. And sometimes I wonder what ideas come to her mind! Once, looking at the Christmas tree outside the window (yes, spruces grow near our house!), My Maria said: “Grandma, can you make a wreath for the Christmas tree? But I want it to look like my braided pigtails!” “Ah, nothing is impossible!” Grandma replied.

The next time the fire in the fireplace inspired my Angel. She wanted to get a bracelet that looked like a flame. I tried hard! Do you think it looks like fire?

And of course, I wanted you to be able by the fireplace, feeling cozy and weaving a beautiful fiery-colored bracelet for your loved ones, to give a piece of your heart warmth along with a “fiery” bracelet! Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can always turn on internet videos! A detailed tutorial check in my store, please: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/pattern-celtic-bracelet-fireplace-party/

By the way, Maria shared with me another idea. But for now, it’s a secret! I need time to fulfill her fantasies with my tatting, as always.

What family traditions do you have? Share in the comments, please. After all, it is incredibly interesting and fun!

Cozy and creative evenings to you!
I also invite you to visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fn-Urybu_A&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ
Subscribe to my blog to stay updated!