Posted on 6 Comments

Languages of the world

Black engraving of Babel Tower, symbol of world languages and FairyLacefromElena blog translation

Languages of the world, or why I chose English for tatting patterns.

Hello, everyone!

You will certainly agree with me that 2020 was not the kindest year for everyone, alas. But there are also pluses. We can devote more time to our own self-education, right? I enjoy reading wikipedia articles. Because this way I can learn a lot of new and interesting things!

It turns out, there are 7174 languages on Earth for 2020. Do you know this?

Some statistics

About 2/3 of the world’s people speak the 40 most spoken languages. Most people speak Chinese, Hindi, English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian and French. So it is written in the Russian version of Wikipedia. But in the English version of the same Wikipedia, the following is written: English is the foremost—and by some accounts only—world language. In sociolinguistics, a world language (sometimes global language, rarely international language) is a language that extends far beyond its national boundaries and makes it possible for members of different language communities to communicate. Beyond that, there is no academic consensus about which languages qualify; Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili are other possible world languages.

Yes, I have read many different articles on the subject of World Languages. Of course, it is difficult to calculate exactly how many people in the world speak a particular language. Statistical data should be based on population censuses. Therefore, the numbers in different publications do not match. It is much easier to count the official languages of the countries of the world. In 56 countries the official language is English. Ah, that’s probably why I chose English for the instructions for my tatting patterns!

To write or not to write

At first, I couldn’t decide if detailed descriptions were needed. Because it was easier for me to just draw a graphical diagram with numbers. I have asked many tatters if a graphical diagram is enough for them. And the majority told me unanimously – no. You know that a person assimilates a visual picture better than just text. And detailed description helps to understand difficult points. I’m talking about pivot points of work or changing work’s and shuttle’s threads, for example. Besides, I do not always create the patterns are simple and easy. I love to surprise sometimes! I worked as a teacher for many years. And so I understand how important it is to explain the lesson correctly. Only then will the students be able to perform the task perfectly.

So I decided to combine the visual range with a detailed description. But what language should I write? You have read carefully, I hope. Therefore, you will immediately understand me. Yes, I chose English. 🙂

However, gradually I decided to translate my instructions into other languages. And I started with Italian. I cannot explain my choice. Probably because Italian sounds beautiful, like a song. But perhaps because I really like the country of Italy. And also because I am a member of the Italian-speaking group of tatting masters on FB. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my FB friend, group administrator Ninetta Caruso. Ninetta is an unusually talented and experienced tatting master. You will understand my admiration for her work if you visit Ninetta Caruso’s blog: https://ninettacaruso.blogspot.com/

English, Italian, and …

So, I’m starting a new stage of working on patterns. My goal is to create new master classes in English and Italian. And, if possible – a translation of my previous lessons.
Now you can check out my new bilingual pattern, Easter Egg Bouquet. This is very important because Easter is coming soon. Welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/easter-egg-bouquet-pattern/

Languages of the world

But maybe two languages are not enough? And what language would you advise me to translate the patterns into? Please write in the comments.

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips! Welcome!

Posted on 4 Comments

Happy New Year 2021!

Transparent resin coaster with green tatted lace Christmas tree and blue snowflakes, handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Happy New Year 2021!

Hello everyone! The new year 2021 has come! I want to congratulate all of you on this long-awaited holiday! May this year bring health, happiness, peace and prosperity to all of us. Love and kindness!

Happy New Year
Happy New Year

I thank all of you for your support and kind words! Believe me, this is very valuable for every master. Your feedbacks helps me feel needed and talented. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This is our Christmas tree with my husband. We always try to combine old rare toys with new ones. Our Ded Moroz (Santa Claus) is 65 years old this year. Wow, this is a family heirloom! I am making some new Christmas tree decor myself. There are simply tatting, there are also tatting snowflakes in the resin. What are your family heirloom New Year? Perhaps you have interesting family traditions. Write in the comments, please. It is very interesting.

And, as always, I have a lot of new ideas. New year, new plans, new lace! The new project has already started. And I plan to finish the two designs I started (jewelry box and new earrings) in January. Therefore, subscribe to my blog, write your tips and questions in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer and help, as always! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/blog/

Happy New Year 2021 and do not forget to visit my pages on social networks: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

https://twitter.com/ElenaKozinenko1

https://www.instagram.com/elenakozinenko/

https://www.pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/_created/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uaLkTHdZ7Y&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=36

Posted on 8 Comments

Instant Christmas Gift for tatters

Christmas tree, Santa Claus and fireplace, festive mood for Instant Christmas Gift for tatters by FairyLacefromElena

Instant Christmas gift for tatters, or one question and one piece of advice.

 Hello everyone! In this post I want to ask you one question and also give you one good advice (so it seems to me)!

First a question. Perhaps you will find it strange to hear this question: cheaper or more detailed?

But I will try to explain. You may remember my lace jewelry box. I finally took the time to create a tutorial about this box. Trust me, it takes time and effort. Moreover, I personally do the entire process of creating a pattern. I invent it myself, draw a graphical diagram myself and test the created product myself. Yes, I don’t invite testers! This is a very delicate topic for me. Because I want to be 100% sure of the correctness of my plan. And also I am personally responsible for the quality of each of my tutorials. Perhaps someday … 🙂

Instant Christmas Gift for tatters
Instant Christmas Gift for tatters

Ah, I’m distracted. If I only do the pattern for the lid and sides of the box, I won’t spend a lot of time and materials on it. Accordingly, this pattern will not be expensive. But if I do a FULL detailed tutorial on how to make a box from the beginning to the last knot (this is a lid, sides, bottom, fasteners), then, of course, I will spend a lot of time and materials on it. Here’s my question. Which option do you prefer, cheap or detailed? It is very important for me to find out. Write in the comments, please.

Now my one piece of advice. I hope you enjoy my thought. Although (I’m sure) this idea is not new.

Christmas is near! And the issue with the delivery of parcels is especially acute. Have you made your Christmas orders online? Awful workload of postal warehouses in different countries. If you haven’t taken care of this beforehand, then your package might be here (I’m sorry):

But there is a good way out. I think the best gift for a tatter is threads, tools and patterns! Do you agree? Unfortunately, the threads and tools will not arrive before Christmas. Therefore, remains INSTANTLY LOADED pattern ! Show the next paragraph to your friends and family (ha ha!).

I suggest you buy any pattern, or a whole set. Of course you can do it at any store, but check mine first, please! Moreover, the 10% discount on all patterns continues until December 31st! Coupon code OFF10HAPPYPATTERN https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

And print the purchased pattern. Moreover, all my patterns are created in PDF format and you can easily print them on your home printer. For this purpose, in addition to the pattern, I created a cute picture. See how cute your gift will look! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/additional-file-for-tatting-pattern/

Do not forget to wear a protective mask before giving your gift! Believe me, this is a nice and very useful gift. But if you are very strict in quarantine, I can send your purchase to any email address you specify. To do this, just contact me before buying by email fish20085@gmail.com or FB: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

I look forward to your comments and questions! Happy Holidays!

Posted on 6 Comments

Measuring sticks or picot gauge

White tatting lace doily fragment with long picots of various lengths on black background, handmade by #FairyLacefromElena

Measuring sticks or picot gauge. How to make neat long picots. What tool is better to use for this.

Hello everyone! In early autumn, I finished creating my Summer Mood collection. After the blog post, many readers asked me which measuring sticks for long picots I used. Therefore, I decided to talk in detail on this topic. So, measuring sticks or picot gauge. I will share my experience and my opinion. Your opinion may be different, of course. Therefore, I ask you to share your opinion in the comments, please.

First, by tradition, I must start with history. But I don’t want to waste your time on long historical sentences. It is absolutely clear to me that tatting measuring sticks have been used for a long time. The next photo confirms this.

Photo signed: Antique bone tatting spatulas.

Very interesting, measuring sticks were called spatulas ?!

There are a wide variety of picot tools out there these days.

There is a variant of combining gauge for tatting needles and picots . I don’t like this kind of tool. In my opinion, it is too uncomfortable and cumbersome for weaving picot. Possibly just for measurement.

In my opinion, such sets are much more convenient. But these sticks are handy for tatting shuttles. For tatting with a needle, the wide ends get in the way. Anyway, for me.

The ideal option is straight plastic sticks of different widths. I found this picture on the Internet.

My measuring sticks for long picot

When I bought a set of mesh needles, I was very happy. Because this set includes three plastic sticks. They are long enough, smooth, comfortable. But only three sizes. And the package went sooooo long. And I need a lot of picot gauge of different sizes and urgently! To you too?

For example, to create this collar, I used 10 strips of different widths.

I took thick cardboard and cut out 10 strips of the desired width. The length of the stripes is whatever is convenient for you. I have signed a number on each strip. This number indicates the width of the strip in millimeters. Then I covered each strip with scotch tape for better glide. This method is perfect! You can make as many measuring sticks as you like, quickly and easily. Is not it?

Another option is to make spatulas (haha) from used plastic cards. But you have to try, because cutting such a card neatly and neatly is not very easy. But you get a graceful, smooth and durable strip.

Also, I don’t throw away ANY plastic sticks. For example, ice cream sticks. It’s a shame they only have one size.

Helpful advice for use measuring sticks

Pay attention to how the measuring stick is positioned during weaving. The strip can be parallel or perpendicular to the work. This will determine how long the picot will turn out in the finished form.

For example, in this photo, the cardboard strip is located perpendicular to the work. The shuttle and ball threads are located on both sides of the strip. Therefore, in the finished form, the picot will turn out to be two times shorter (in this version, 7, 5 millimeters). By the way, this method is suitable for weaving only one picot at a time.

But if you want to make several picots in a row, you need to position the stick perpendicularly. And in this case, the finished picots will be the same length as the measuring stick is wide.

The same applies to tatting with a needle.

I invite you to check out my pattern patterns using long picots. I hope you will enjoy. Especially, off 10% for you! Coupon code OFF10HAPPYPATTERN is valid until December 31st. Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

I also hope my video will be interesting and useful to you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of-fmKKNp4A&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Subscribe to my blog, comment, ask questions. I will be happy to help.

Posted on 14 Comments

Difficult week

Road sign illustration with a man digging inside a red triangle, symbolizing hard work and tough times, connected with #FairyLacefromElena

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/