Hector Tatting Days.....

Well, well the Hector Tatting Days were awesome this year! I had such a good time and really
enjoyed myself. I left home on Friday and got to visit family in NY, which was so nice. My family is doing well and it is good to hear. I then went to Audry's house where I stayed for the weekend and let me tell you she is an excellent host. I would highly recommend her B&B. She really does not have a B&B, however it feels like you are in one, without the high cost of a B&B. I so appreciate her letting me stay over.... it was a blast and those strawberry-banana smooties were to die for... I bet you all can taste them.. I can!

Then off to Hector we went for Saturday classes... Kay Judt taught my first class, beaded block tatting heart. She is a great teacher and so patient.. I really enjoyed taking this class. I have to finish my piece and then I will post a picture. Below are the pictures of her test pieces.. aren't they cute!

Next was Nina Libin's beaded pendant-necklace. This piece was just magnificent; as Nina alway designs really intricate and acquisitive pieces. I choose to do the earring which was smaller and more achievable. Nina was such a good teacher too, as she made sure I got some individual instruction and help. Thank you! I have one earring done and when I get the other one done I will post them to my blog.

There was lots of conversing, chatting, and sharing of tatting related items. I loved seeing Sherry Townsend's tatted teapots from Martha's book. That inspired me to buy the book, as I was thinking about it and when I saw them done, boy I had to have it! Other tatters brought tatted necklaces, earrings, pins, hats, doilies, and other tatted goodies. It was so nice to see all the tatting that is done. Midge Richards made some tatted earrings that were lovely and a tatted pin that was so spring like. She had designed some doilies that she brought too. Below are some of the tatting that was on display at Hector. Apparrently there was a thread challenge last year and this is what was produced... oh, la, la... drooling over it.. aren't ya?! I love that tatted tissue box cover.. that was so beautiful! I got to see old friends and meet new ones.. I met some lovely ladies from Upstate NY that I had Saturday class with and some other tatters from PA, how neat. It was nice seeing old faces and catching up and everyone was so happy for us with the Little Walsh coming. I am blessed to be part of such a lovely tatting community.

Below is a picture of my goodie bag.. I just love goodie bags! Information on AHA; women and heart attacks, some tea bags, towel holder, necklace to add tatting to, container with pin and earring backs, some beads, a hankerchief, teapot charm, and teapot coaster. It was a nice assortment of goodies this year.

On Sunday I took Martha Ess's Maltase teapot class.. she is a great teacher also! All of our teachers were wonderful! I bought her book as I mentioned and she signed it for me.. yippee! I started the maltase ring and had some trouble so I started over and you can see the difference..

Lastly I bought some threads and I wonder which ones I bought?? Hm, Hm.. let me think.. LizBeth.. oh are the colors beyond description.. they are just fabalous... I love the colors. They are so spring like and cheerful!! See my stash below.. I also bought a ball of the Omega in varigated green.. good for leaves and spring time tatting. I also got some silk embroidery thread in the more lush colors too.

Karey, Kathy and the gang in NY really did a lovely job putting together Hector Tatting Days this year! Kudos to you all. It was one of the best times I have had at Hector in a long time, so thank you! I really had quite a lovely trip to NY and really did not want to come home, however Little Walsh and myself were missing our DH and DD. He was so happy to hear we had a good time and actually offered to watch the little one next year so I can go to Hector... wow! What a DH I have, I am blessed!! So watch out Hector tatters.. I will be planning for next year.. seeing ya soon...

Here are some pictures of the baby bonnet I have been working on.. it is getting there.. slowly. I did work on it today and will work on it later in the week. There was lots to catch up on at home when I got home last night and lucky I have been able to tat and unpack from my lovely tatting adventure.... until we meet again.. happy tatting to all!!!