Tatted Lace at the Monastery of St. Gertrude Museum in Cottonwood Idaho After the Spokane Shuttlebirds Tat Days, April 25-26, 2014, where I was one of many teachers and students enjoying a wonderful tatting event, I was invited down to the Northern Idaho Correctional Facility to teach tatting to a group of young men. (These offenders were not violent criminals but just guys who did something stupid.) The institution was located in Cottonwood, Idaho. Much to my surprise I learned that their next door neighbor was the Monastery of St. Gertrude. I was further surprised to learn that the inhabitants of the monastery were not monks but Benedictine Sisters. And, there was a museum. And, the sisters made lace.

St. Gertrude's Monastery and Chapel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Roman style altar is housed under a 27-foot baldachin ornately carved and imported from Germany. A gift from the family of a Sister. The altar was carried by freight train and at the end by four-horse wagon in 1928. The building begun in 1919 and finished in 1924 was further enhanced with side shrines. It is now a serenely beautiful atmosphere for the Sisters who stop to pray three times a day. There are also extensive grounds with the stations of the cross and a retreat building open to the public. BTW, the Spirit Center Retreat would make an excellent spot for a tatting event.

I was given a personal tour of the Historical Museum by docent Debra Graham accompanied by a volunteer photographer who works at the correctional facility. I admit to overwhelming them both with my enthusiasm but I was so thrilled. Debra opened drawers and unpacked boxes or all kinds of lace. And my photographer, Ms. Thomason, clicked at everything at which I pointed without demur.



Here are a few tatted pieces from the museum.







A tatted edging familiar to all tatters.











A religious theme piece done in single strand embroidery and edged with tatting.







Covering on the old altar, net lace darning and tatting.













Simple lace edging.

Pattern:

R 6 - 8 - 6 clr rw

CH 10 - 2 - 2 - 10 - 10 rw

R 6 - 8 - 6 clr rw

*CH 10 - 10 rw

R 6 + 8 - 6 clr rw Repeat from * for a total of 7 rings.

Join last ring to first ring and new chain to earlier chain opposite.

CH 10 + 10 - 2 - 2 - 10 rw

R 6 + (join to chain opposite) 8 - 6 clr rw









Simple cross bookmark.

Pattern:

Tassel ring has 12 p separated by 1 ds

CH length desired rw

CH with 5 p separated by 2 ds rw
R 4 + (join to the beginning of the previous chain) 4 - 4 - 4 clr rw
CH with 5 p separated by 2 ds rw
R 4 + (join to previous ring) 4 - 4 - 4 clr rw Repeat on arms with 4 ds chain at the elbows joining as shown.







Georgia Seitz with mannequin wearing vintage linen dress with needle lace. (Georgia is on the left :)