Tag: handmade

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Tatting lace collars

Tatting lace collars, or 2023 fashion trends.

Tatting lace collars
Tatting lace collars

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.

Tatting lace collars for the dress

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.

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Split ring again

Split ring again, or how to embrace the immensity.

Hello, everyone! I was very pleasantly surprised by the popularity of my post and video on the topic How to make a split ring. Thank you all for your comments, kind words and questions. Therefore, your support helps keep my blog useful and interesting, I hope!

You may ask why there are so many different ways of weaving a split ring. Of course, all the time we can weave patterns only a ring and a chain in different combinations. I do not want to offend anyone, in any case. Of course, there is a special charm and appeal in simple patterns. But what about the desire for development and improvement? Don’t be afraid to learn and master new techniques. Perhaps you are not planning to make special lace right now. But the more techniques you master, the wider your range of possibilities will be. Therefore, you will be able to perform work of any complexity.

So what’s in my second split ring video. Hope you find it interesting!

1. Two shuttles for ring

First, you will see how to make a split ring with two shuttles and threads in two different colors. And I could not deny myself the pleasure of showing once again how I hide the threads at the beginning of work. Oh yes, I hate thread tails! In addition, you can swap the threads of the first and second shuttles. In this case, you will end up with a colored “snake”.

2. One shuttle

Then I decided to show Dora Young’s absolutely unique method for one shuttle. I really liked this method. Because the application of a split chain for the second half of a split ring is very interesting! Many thanks to the talented tatting master Muskaan. She told me where I can get acquainted with this method.

3. Shuttle and ball

The next method I call “false split ring”. Oh, just don’t throw stones at me! Ha ha! Perhaps I am far from the first master who applies this method. But maybe there is a special term in English for this method. It’s very easy! You will be surprised. I used arcs instead of rings, that’s all! You just need extra paper clips.

Split ring again
Split ring again

4. Tatting needle

And at the end of the video, you will see another way for tatting needles. In the comments on FB, I was asked to show how to make a two-color split ring with a needle. I am always happy to help! By the way, pay attention to this nuance: You can get identical rings or mirrored ones. It depends on whether you are making a knot when closing a ring or not.

Subscribe to my blog to keep abreast of updates. Also don’t forget to visit my store, I’ve made some new patterns! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/
Like my video, comment and subscribe, please! Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nOMsstL15w&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

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How much does handmade cost

How much does handmade cost, or how to calculate the cost of a finished product.

Hello everyone! I know a lot of my readers are in the business of making amazing handcrafted items for sale. Of course, you know how to evaluate your work. And I’m absolutely sure each of you has heard these terrible words: why is it so expensive? I understand that we must be patient and tolerant with customers. And so I don’t want to answer: if this is dear to you, then do it yourself. (Ha ha!) But let’s calculate together how much any handmade product actually costs.

How much does handmade
How much does handmade

How much materials and tools cost

For example, you are knitting a sweater. Do you remember how much money you paid for threads of such a beautiful color and for the set of knitting needles that are most comfortable for you? I remember, but not always! LOL Therefore, you can take the average cost at the moment. Do you agree? And also don’t forget to add the shipping cost. Or the cost of gasoline, if you yourself went to the posh Hobby Lobby store (this is not an advertisement, but a metaphor!). Likewise, you can calculate how much money you spent on thread and embroidery fabric. Or how much does clay and glaze for ceramics cost. Etc. Sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, painting, tatting and much more … Well, you get the point, I hope.

How to pay for work time handmade correctly

I remember how 10 years ago, on a large internet site for selling handmade products, managers instructed us: you must value your work and “pay yourself” at least $ 40 for every hour. But this is absolutely the wrong approach. After all, you want your products to be sold, and not lying at home, creating a warehouse. Did I guess? Of course, you can pay yourself $ 600 an hour. But will such a price be competitive? In this case, I suggest taking into account the average wage in your country. Or the salary that you want to receive.

How to evaluate the creativity of a handmade product

This is the most difficult thing, it seems to me. How can I appreciate the “pangs of creativity”? Or how much is originality worth? How interesting is the technique I used to bring my idea to life? And here we must also take into account the latest fashion trends. Oh, fashion is such a windy lady! But I hasten to assure you that handmade are always in fashion. In evaluating this criterion, you will have to “follow the competition”. It’s a shame if you see that a similar brooch (ring, dress, painting …) has already been made by another master. And then you have two choices: either abandon your idea, or make your brooch even cooler! That is, think of how your product can stand out from the crowd. Ah, you and I have come to the concept of a brand, a master’s handwriting, a recognizable style. Right?

How recognizable and distinctive is your master’s handwriting? Unfortunately, I do not have an exact formula for calculating this component. But if you constantly improve your skills, and master new methods, you will definitely gain your admirers and regular customers! Consequently, your brand rating will increase as well!

How much does handmade
How much does handmade

This is not knitting, this is tatting!

Finally, I want to explain why tatting is so much more expensive than knitting. There is such a definition. The fewer people can do a certain job, the more valuable that job is. Therefore, for example, the work of Leonardo da Vinci is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, in contrast to the primitive oil stains of a beginning artist. And do you know how many people in the world know the tatting technique? Have you heard about The Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts? You can read an article on this topic on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HCA_Red_List_of_Endangered_Crafts

Hooray, tatting has ceased to be considered an endangered type of needlework. But the danger has not passed, unfortunately. Take a look at this page.

I don’t want to offend knitters in any way, but sooooo many people knit, even tough bikers!

How much does handmade
How much does handmade

And on the contrary, very few people know about the art of tatting, alas. Following the theory I just wrote about, tatting should be valued far more than other currently viable crafts. I think this is fair. Thanks to all experienced and budding tatters for promoting and reviving this amazing art! I really hope that my modest contribution to this cause will not go unnoticed.

Subscribe to my blog, comment, ask questions. I’m always happy to help.
Welcome to my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Best name for tatting doily
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Difficult week

Difficult week, or when you need help from friends.

Hello everyone! Oh, really, I went through a rather difficult week. I have not visited social networks. Also I haven’t written anything on the blog. I couldn’t even make a new pattern. I was very busy, excited and upset. My husband had a complicated heart surgery two years ago. He was examined last week. Alas, things are not very good. Of course, we will fulfill all the doctor’s orders. I hope in the Lord and in you, my dear friends! We need your prayers.

In this difficult time tatting is my salvation. This is my meditation and relaxation. Now I calmed down a bit and was able to finish the pattern with my new square doily. Do you remember my collection Summer mood? This is my collection of long picot patterns. You can see samples of Summer Mood here: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

I cannot deny myself the pleasure of “extending the summer”!  This doily is called “Just a square”. And the peculiarity of this pattern lies in the use of chains ONLY. So a new doily took its place among them: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/just-a-square-pattern/

But that’s not all! I made another square doily. Because I really like this shape. But, as usual, I can’t think of a name for the new doily. Help, help, help! What does it look like?


Please write your name options in the comments.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, please. I hope you enjoy my videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTRzbOJEfc&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=2

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips! Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/blog/

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How to improve Karma

How to improve karma, or why I am making patterns.

Hello everyone! Recently I read an excellent treatise on the structure of the world, society and the role of man in it. Yes, do not be surprised, because I am fond of philosophy and esotericism. Of course, only after class tatting! I will not tire you with long quotes. Just a few important thoughts, I think. Of course, you know what Karma is. This is a person’s destiny, a task that he must fulfill in his life. How to improve Karma? Of course, a person must do good deeds, be honest, kind. But the most important human task is creativity. This is what this clever book says. And I agree with that.

Creativity surrounds us everywhere. Is not it? The seamstress made a dress. The artist painted a picture. The manicurist made an incredible drawing on your nails. Mom cooked lunch and added a new ingredient to the salad – very tasty and new! Now tell me, are you tatting – is it a craft or creativity? This is creativity and art – I am sure you will agree with me – I believe that any activity can become a real art if you treat the work creatively.

And I really like to fantasize. Therefore, I create tatting patterns. Oh, how many ideas are running in my head! I also love it infinitely when my ideas take on a new look. By the way, this is how my customers improve their karma! After all, they do not just make a tatting from a drawing. They show their creativity! I love getting photos of your work. This makes me happy and inspires me for further creativity, of course.

Products according to my patterns

See how Elena added large beads to the pattern. Of course, the collar is great. Right?

And this slave bracelet ring Shakti was made by Marianne. She took white thread and got the perfect wedding accessory! Do you agree?

And these absolutely cute 3D bows were made by Christie for her daughter. Incredible creativity! I’m sure you will appreciate it too!

Recently Dawn stunned me. Yes, I did not expect such an amazing embodiment of my Mandala. Because it turned out to be a Dreamcatcher!

Thank you, thank you, thank you my creative buyers! And I really hope that new buyers will also show their creativity! After all, it improves our common karma 🙂

And you can find an object for your creativity in my store. Discount for all patterns is 10%. Coupon code: off10happypattern

Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/

Also don’t forget to check my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTRzbOJEfc&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=2

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. 

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Tatting is my passion!

Tatting is my passion, or why I love tatting.

Hello everyone!

First, tatting is very mobile. I can make lace anywhere. Secondly, this is a rather rare occupation. And it’s intriguing. Third, tatting allows you to constantly improve. Yes, I do not stop in search of new techniques and methods. Fourth, when creating new patterns, I express my creativity and feel like an artist. This is very flattering! Surely there are more – fifths, sixths and so on! But the main thing is the manifestation of one’s own creativity, I think. Therefore, tatting is my passion!

Summer will be over soon. My Summer Mood project should be ready. This collection is based on the use of long picots. You can watch a short video on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWPPlAbps5I&t=6s

I was thinking about which doily to add to complete this collection. Why not make something square? Round, pentagonal, 12 rays are already there. I think the square is exactly what I need! Of course, I tried variations, drew patterns. And I made a doily finally. But I’m not sure if she’s perfect, alas. Of course, I have another idea. But for now, I ask your advice. Please write in the comments your assessment of this pattern. Would you like to make a square like this? Plus, there is one mistake. This is what happens when I weave at night! Have you noticed?

Tatting is my passion
Tatting is my passion

But during the day I was busy. I had interesting projects. Here is one of them – an embroidered picture. I needed to prepare a present for a wonderful lady.
I first chose a design (I have over 40,000 embroidery designs so choosing is hard work, ha!) Well well! I choose a painting measuring 30 x 17 cm, 29 thread colors and over 83,000 stitches. I like to do paintings on bulky fabrics. It gives the composition solidity, doesn’t it? But this kind of fabric requires a lot of fixation, so I used three different stabilizers. Okay, my embroidery is neat, hurray!

I had to embroider at a slow speed. Because I used glow-in-the-dark threads for some of the fragments. It looks impressive (if the photo did not scare you, you will understand me!)

Three days of work and the embroidery is finished. I took a humble frame. After all, the main focus should be on the picture, I think. I hope my friend will like the gift!

I was completely off topic. Back to tatting! You know many reasons why you can love this type of needlework. (By the way, you can write about this in the comments). But I realized that thanks to my favorite pastime, I learn a lot of new and useful things. I searched the internet for articles about the square, it just came to my mind because of the square doily. And I was surprised when I found out about A Square Poem! Of course, I’ve read Lewis Carroll. But I read it translated into Russian. Because I don’t speak English well enough, unfortunately. See how symmetrically-squarely -logically all words are arranged! Reading this poem vertically (the first word of each line, then the second word of each line and so on) yields the same poem as reading it in the normal way. Wow!

I often wondered when I cursed,
Often feared where I would be—
Wondered where she’d yield her love,
When I yield, so will she.
I would her will be pitied!
Cursed be love! She pitied me …

So, I learned something new and extremely interesting!

Thanks for reading! As a reward, I declare a 15% discount on any patterns in my store. The discount is valid until September 1. Coupon Code: 1TAT4YOU
Welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

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What to do at home

What to do at home. Or what kinds of handicrafts can you do?

What to do at home
What to do at home

Hello everyone!

I haven’t written an article on my blog for a long time. Some bloggers try to do this every day! But I will not bore you with my constant “presence”! Moreover, I have so little time to create content, alas.

First of all, I create tatting patterns. And I really love doing projects of other tatting masters. I like intricate and original patterns.

Secondly, I love sewing. I sew clothes for my family. This is one of my works.

These are dresses and denim bags for my daughter-in-law and eldest granddaughter.

Thirdly, I love to sew quilts with embroidery. And I make blocks in the hoop on an embroidery computer. This is an exciting activity! Because I like coming up with designs and creating compositions.

Do you like my big embroidered patchwork quilt?

This photo clearly shows the embroidered elements.

I also like to do macrame, knitting, crocheting, luma weaving, kumihimo. I have not forgotten anything? Also string-art.

But I do my drawings without nails. I do this on recycle DVD discs.

Oh, what a mess it is in my workshop when I sew or embroider.

Let’s call this a creative mess. Ha ha!

But in any case, I always keep one special place in my workshop in order. This is my “tatting corner”.

I pamper my back with this soft sofa.

This is my new doily from the Summer Mood collection. As usual, I need some time to describe and draw this in a computer program. But I will try to do it soon. Until then, you can check my patterns. Perhaps you will find a fairly interesting pattern for yourself. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

What to do at home
What to do at home

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. And also join me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

Write in the comments what types of needlework you are doing. Perhaps you are not limited to just tatting. Because now the question is especially acute: What to do at home. 😀

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Name like song

Name like song

Name like song or Interesting facts about the song “Mr. Sun , Mr. Moon”.

Hello everyone!

My work on the Summer Mood collection continues. I finished third doily. You can buy PDF instruction and video tutorial here: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/mr-sun-mr-moon-pattern/

Oh, where can I get a name for my creation? I like the rays radiating from the center of the doily. It looks very much like a warm summer sun. But in the center is the real moon. The middle is perfectly round. How to combine the sun and the moon in one name? And then I found a very interesting article on the Internet.

“Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon” is a song by the American rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders written by Mark Lindsay. This song originally released as a single in 1969. Then on the album Hard ‘N’ Heavy (with Marshmallow) later that year. The song peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 15 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart, and at number 8 on the RPM Top Singles chart.
The song was ranked by both Billboard and RPM as the number 95 song of 1969 on their year-end charts. Also the song was featured on the soundtrack album to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. By the way, my husband and I recently watched this film by Quentin Tarantino. The ingenious play of actors Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio!

But listen to the words of the song:

Life is bringing you so down

You don’t think you can make it

Every night is a show down

Every day is just fake it

Let me show you a new place

If you follow directions

You’ll be wearing a new face

Add it to your collection.

How this is in tune with our environment. The unreality of life due to quarantine. Everything has changed and will not be the same, it seems. But don’t be discouraged! I invite everyone to immerse themselves in creativity. And yes, with my new pattern You’ll be wearing a new face (sorry, new doily) add it to your collection!

By the way, let me remind you that you can watch a video on how to connect a chain to a long picot on my YouTube channel. Welcome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWPPlAbps5I

So, the name like song for my new doily is fine. Do you agree? Write in the comments, ask questions. Subscribe to my blog. And don’t forget to visit my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

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Long picot in a new doily

Long picot in a new doily

Hello everyone!

I try very hard to create a new project every week, do you remember? And now I am very interested in the possibility of combining long picot. Because, this is extremely exciting, believe me!

I plan to create a small collection of patterns using long picots. So, I wrote in a previous post about the first pattern in this series. I called this napkin “Mandala.”

And the Mandala pattern is already on sale, welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/tatting-pattern-doily-mandala/

In the next model, I combined picot of different lengths. It turned out interesting. This pattern is not for beginner tatters, of course. But we must always evolve, right? I simply have to try new tricks, new methods. Because I feel how each new knowledge increases my self-esteem. Yes, don’t be surprised. I am also sure that the long picot in the new doily creates lightness and airiness. You know that these properties are especially appreciated in lace. Do you agree with me?

I hope you appreciate my new job. And I would like to know if it is worth creating a collection of such napkins? If you write your opinion in the comments, I will be glad 🙂

So, this is what my new doily looks like. Again, I am at a loss in choosing a name, alas 🙂 I will try to make instructions as soon as possible (maybe by the end of the week). By this time I should come up with a name as well.

Long picot in a new doily

Also you can watch the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel, welcome: https://youtu.be/qWPPlAbps5I

Join my blog to stay informed. Comment and ask questions.

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Perfect join tatting

Perfect join tatting

Hello everyone!

Every week I try to make a new project. Alas, this does not always work out. If the project is small, it is quite possible to create a tutorial in one week. But I need to try very hard, I assure you!

Sometimes, to fulfill an idea, I need to come up with new ways, new methods. I also try new unusual tools with pleasure! This week’s project is a small Mandala doily. I recalled all the methods that I know to do perfect join. The lack of extra knots gives this doily absolute openwork and airiness. Do you agree? https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/tatting-pattern-doily-mandala/

Perfect join tatting

So, 12 ways to connect a chain with a long picot. You can watch the video on my YouTube channel. Perhaps I am not entirely accurate in terminology. If you know the exact name of each parameter, leave a comment on the post. Also share if you know any other method. It will be interesting and useful! https://youtu.be/qWPPlAbps5I

Method 1, for the shuttle.


This is the easiest way. You pull shuttle thread into a long picot. Pass the shuttle into the new loop and tighten the thread. But the node that is formed by this method, alas, does not suit me.

Method 2, for the shuttle.

This method is similar to the first, but in this case, a loop creates a thread ball.

Method 3, for two shuttles.

I use this method for tat Onion Ring. For example, doily “Honeycomb”: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/honeycomb-doily-pattern/

Method 4, embroidery needle is used instead of a shuttle.

I think every tatter used this method at least once. Because it is a perfect join (in my opinion, of course).

Method 5, for needle.

This method repeats the first method for the shuttle. Only you use the tatting needle in this case. This method does not suit me either.

Method 6, for needle.

This method repeats the second method for the shuttle.

Method 7, for needle.

This method is convenient to use if you have a small ball. Because the ball will need to be passed through the loop.

Method 8, for needle.

This method without knots – perfect join. Yes?

Method 9, for netting needle.

I am delighted with this method! Netting needle is an ideal tool in this case.

Method 10, for cro-tatting.

You use CH (Chain Stitch) for the connection with this method.

Method 11, for cro-tatting.

You use SC (Single Crochet) for the connection with this method.

Method 12, for cro-tatting.

You use DC (Double Crochet) for the connection with this method.

You can choose any method for joining a long picot and chain. And try to create your perfect “Mandala” doily!