My mother was a great teacher, seamstress and a master with a crochet hook.
She was always crocheting. She made these beautiful shawls and sweaters, my
favorites had these shell shaped forms. I haven't seen these in over 30
years.
She tried to teach me crochet while I was in elementary school. But growing
up as one of those (male) in South Texas there was a lot of pressure not to
pursue this craft. But she helped dad teach me model building and wood
carving. And they both helped as I learned knots and lashing in Boy Scouts.
They both more that just financially supported my leather work.
When I went off to University (we did not get along) I found that I had
enough skill to patch my blue jeans using embroidered flowers and shapes.
Eventually I took up macramé and embroidery (again). My passion became
counted cross stitch and needlepoint.
I remember back in 2005 I was waiting for my son's after school choir
rehearsal to end. I watched this lady sitting on the floor with her hand
going back and forth so fast I could not see what she was doing beyond the
"ribbon" coming out of her other had. We started talking and by the end of
the year I started tatting.
While looking at Half Price Books (in Austin) for tatting books I did pick
up three or four books on bobbin lace. Every time I looked into the craft I
was whelmed. Then last August my middle son's God Mother and a good friend
asked if I wanted to join her at a Bobbin Lace class put on by the Lifetime
Learning Institute. Now approaching a year later I am wanting to specialize
in my studies. Though I am torn between Idrija and Bedfordshire, but I may
just make another pillow and go back and forth.
I feel fickle sometimes though. I remember how much in love with tatting I
was (am) and now all I can think of is Bobbin Lace. Well with crafts I guess
this is not too evil.
TTFN
Pat T. in warm but mostly dry Austin, Texas, USA
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