bookmarks, snowflakes or stars -nuntium trecesimum duodecimum

Here's a bit more of the "craft fair" tatting.  I can't decide what these are but I like them!  They are Frivole's Twinkle, Twinkle pattern.

The big reveal (or done, done, done) - nuntium trecesimum sextum

I've finished!  Wahoo!

Here it is:

 What could it be?  Well, of course it's a tatted beaded bag for my straw!  About two years ago, I swore off plastic straws (environmental reasons) but the problem was that I LOVE straws, always have.  I loved them as a kid- back when they were made of paper. I made the conversion to plastic with the rest of the world.  I know it won't change everything but this could be a small thing I can do.  A friend showed me her metal straw but I couldn't wrap my brain around drinking through metal.  But then...

then....

I found glass straws!  They are made of pyrex and super tough. But just carrying it in my purse loose was too much.  To the rescue Marie's beaded bag which I spotted on Frivole's blog.

I had to modify it a bit (not my forte) and undo several inches (more than once) but finally today- success! 

beaded something - - nuntium trecesimum tertium

I have long admired and wanted to do this little project.  It's a beaded bag which I spotted on Le blog de Frivole.  This isn't originally Frivole's pattern but with permission, she shared her version here.  I wanted to make it but I just couldn't think of what to do with the little bag except to put in a shuttle.  Yes but no.  But finally I have the perfect use!  I had to modify the pattern a bit to make my bag be the perfect size.  And then I couldn't decide on beads and color so I went with black (huge groan) and these wonderful beads I bought years ago when I first tried beads at all.

What could it possibly be used for?  I shall let you guess.

P.S.  Tatting with two old Tatsy shuttles is not my idea of fun but they do hold a lot of beads.  I shall have to get my paws on two Starlits, even though I really love bobbin shuttles.  If only there were Starlit sized with bobbins, I would be so happy.

Étoile du Nord - nuntium duocentesimum quadrigesimum tertium

Recently (well, not so recently) I test-tatted the Étoile du Nord pattern for Joëlle.  As usual, it's a wonderful pattern.  This one has an unusual method for adding in the beads down the "arms" of the star which I really like.  When finished, both daughters claimed it instantly so I had to make a second. (poor me!)

My execution was better on the second one but it has disappeared into my daughter's bedroom and could need an archeologist to find it again.  I foresee this as a big seller next year.  Interestingly, Étoile du Nord is the motto of Minnesota- completely unrelated though.

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