Here is a new tatting pattern book from Japan. It is a paper bound book, 8.25 x 8.25", and it has 80 pages nearly half of which are in full color. There are designs from several different tatting designers included. (I have requested a list of the tatters' names in Romaji so that we can look for their work in future publications, too.) It is published by Lady Boutique (boutique-sha.co.jp) which appears to have a long list of needlework publications. I intend to research their catalog further for additional tatting books.

The charming accessories presented are all small projects for jewelry, bracelets, earrings and beaded necklaces, hair pins and combs. There are pin brooches with the cutest tiny dangles such a sea horses, shells, umbrellas, stars and flowers. Also included is an Alice band decorated with tatting, however, the thread used is very large.

The use of the large thread is found in several places in the photos and a careful examination shows that these pieces are created neither by shuttle tatting nor needle tatting. This is finger tatting using macramé techniques. There are four special tutorials explaining this fusion of macramé and tatting. Nine photo layouts for special "knots" are given. The diagrams are very detailed and clear giving not only the double stitch count but also the order of working. The tatter need only examine the construction and use basic tatting techniques to create nearly every one of the designs.

Fortunately for those of us new to tatted jewelry making, several how to sections are included in attaching jewelry findings such as clasps, interrupted chains for adding central pendants and earring loops. I was very intrigued by the technique of pearl tatting which used the core thread to tat over the opposing ends creating a slide closure. This slide opens to allow the bracelet to be placed on the arm and then slides into a comfortable position for wearing.







Note: I acquired this book for my personal tatting reference library. G. Seitz.