Truth and Reconciliation Day

In Canada today it is National Truth and Reconciliation Day.  This is a day that is dedicated to remembering the atrocities and multigenerational effects of the Canadian Indian Residential School System.  It was originally known as Orange Shirt Day and is inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad when she was 6 years old attending a residential school for the first time.  Her clothing was taken on her first day and never returned.  This included the new orange shirt that her grandmother had bought her.  You can find out more about Phyllis Webstad and Irange shirt day here: https://orangeshirtday.org/.

In honour of Phyllis and all those that experienced the Indian Residential School System I invite you to tat this Orange Short Pattern with me today.

 https://victats.blogspot.com/2021/06/every-child-matters-day-1.html?m=0

https://victats.blogspot.com/2021/06/every-child-matters-day-2.html?m=0

Autumn tatting foiled!

 So it was my plan to continue working on the doily below.  The idea was to add another round of sunflowers.  Unfortunately that plan has come to a premature ending due to some interference.  It’s now on hold until I pick up more thread.

The likely culprit 

The doily 

The thread

My poor shuttle 

I wish I was at Palmetto Tatdays 2025

This weekend Tatters from all over will come together in Ridgecrest North Carolina for the Palmetto Tatters Guild Tatdays 2025.  The theme this year is Rhapsody in Tatting and it promises to be an amazing weekend.  

While those of us not attending are definitely missing out, I hope that we can all join together to tat in our own spaces.  That way we can still be part of this awesome weekend.  To help you find an appropriate pattern I’m sharing the pattern I sent you for the grab bags.  The pattern is called Tuba Time.  

Vicki Clarke 2025

Victats@gmail.com

Materials

6 yards size 20 thread

Shuttle or needle

Crochet hook

Terms

R- ring

C- chain

vsp- very small picot

lj- lock join

rw- reverse work

slt- shoe lace trick

SCMR- self closing mock ring

Tw- turn work

To start wind 3 yards onto a shuttle CTM

Tuba horn

R 6 vsp 6 vsp 6 vsp 6

C *4 vsp 4 vsp 4 lj (next vsp)* around center

Round 2

C 4 lj (1st vsp) 4 lj (next vsp) 8 lj (next vsp) rw slt 4

R 2 vsp 2

C 7 +(next vsp) 7 +(next vsp) 7

R 2 vsp 2

C 4 +(next vsp) rw slt 8 lj (next vsp) 4 lj (next vsp)

Rest of Tuba (the coiled bits)

C 10

R 6 vsp 6

C 10

R 6 vsp 6

C 12

R 5 vsp 5

C 14

R 4 vsp 4

C 12

R 3 vsp 3

C 15

SCMR 2 vsp 2

SCMR 2 vsp 2

C tw 12 + (vsp on last R made) 8 + (vsp on

next R) 2 + (vsp on next R) 2 +(vsp on next R)

C 8 + ( vsp in the 1st join to R a er the SCMR

and the vsp on the next R at the same me) 8 join

to space above 1st lj made in round 2, hide ends

 

Tulips and Maple part 7

In case I didn’t mention it on part 6 this is the last round.  I might revisit the motif in the spring but right now I’m shifting to fall tatting.  I’m hoping to finish some other things.

Tulips and Maple Part 7

You are starting this part where you ended off on the last post.

C 7 p 7 p 7

R 4 +(1st p on end tulip) 4

C 7 p 7 

R 4 +(next p on end tulip) 4

C 4 p 4 p 4

R 4 +(same p as previous) 4

C 7 p 7

R 4 +(next p on tulip) 4

C 7 p 7

R 4 +(p on next tulip) 4

C 7 p 7

R 4 + (next p) 4

C 6 p 6 p 6

R 4 +(same p) 4

C 7 p 7

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 7 p 7 

R 4 +(1st P on next tulip) 4

C 7 p 7

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 4 p 4 p 4

R 4+(same p) 4

C 7 p 7

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 7 p 7 p 7 go back to beginning of part 6 and start tatting from that point.

Tulips and Maple Part 6

Tulips and Maple Doily Part 6

Materials

Size 20 thread on shuttle CTM, needle tatters normal tail

Terms

1st join is at the 1st ring of the part 5 and you are heading across the long side of the doily

R  8 +(1st ring on end section of previous round) 8

C  6  p 6 p 6

R 4 +(1st p of tulip) 4

C 6 p 6 

R 4 + (next p of tulip) 4

C 6 p 4 p 6

R 4 +(same p of tulip) 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(next p of tulip) 4

 C 6 p 6

R 4 p 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(p on previous R)

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(p on next tulip) 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 6 p 6 p 6

R 4 +(same p) 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 p 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(p on previous R) 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 +(1st p of next tulip) 4

C 6 p 6 

R 4 + (next p of tulip) 4

C 6 p 4 p 6

R 4 +(same p of tulip) 4

C 6 p 6

R 4 + (next p of tulip) 4

C 6 p 6 p 6

R 8 +(p on r on end section on previous round) 8

Do not cut the next section will come in the next few days

Tulips and Maple Doily Part 5

Tulips and Maple Doily part 5

Terms

R ring 

C chain

P picot

SCMR self closing mock ring

lj lock join

+ join

rw reverse work

Materials

Size 20 thread (I used green)

2 tulip bunches (see last post)

R 8 p 8

C 6 p 8 + (see picture) rw 

C 6 p 6 lj(next p) 5 p 5 lj(next p) 4 p 4 lj(next p) rw

C 8 p 8 lj(base of 1st tulip)  6 p 6 p 4 lj( base of next tulip) 4 p 6 p 6 lj (base of last tulip) 8 p 8 + (3rd p from last lj to doily) rw

C 4 p 4 lj(next p) 5 p 5 lj(next p) 6 p 6 lj(next p) rw

C 8 p 6

R 8 P 8

Cut thread and Hide ends 

Do the same with the opposite side of the doily and the 2nd tulip bunch

More Tulips and Maple Doily part 4

Today we are going to make more tulips!  I’m sure you’re shocked lol.  This time it’s a grouping of tulips, you will need 2 groups.

Terms

R ring 

C chain

P picot

SCMR self closing mock ring

lj lock join

+ join

Tulip 1

To start wind 2 yards on a shuttle CTM with ball

Round 1

R 6 vsp 6 vsp 6 vsp 6

*C 4 p 4 p 4 lj (p on ring)* repeat from * to * around R until you are back at the beginning. Do not cut threads.  Move to round 2 which is below the pictures.

Round 2

C 4 lj (next p) 4 lj (next p) 8 

R  3 + (next p) 3

C 8

SCMR 2 p 2

C 6 lj(next p) 4 

SCMR 2 p 2

C 4 lj (next p) 6

SCMR 2 p 2

C 8

R 3 +(next p) 3

C 6 p 2 lj(next p) 4 lj(next p) 4 join to beginning.  Hide threads

Tulip 2

To start wind 2 yards on a shuttle CTM with ball

Round 1

R 6 vsp 6 vsp 6 vsp 6

*C 4 p 4 p 4 lj (p on ring)* repeat from * to * around R until you are back at the beginning. Do not cut threads.  Move to round 2 which is below the pictures.

Round 2

C 4 lj (next p) 4 lj (next p) 2 +(p on 1st tulip) 6

R  3 + (next p) 3

C 8

SCMR 2 p 2

C 6 lj(next p) 4 

SCMR 2 p 2

C 4 lj (next p) 6

SCMR 2 p 2

C 8

R 3 +(next p) 3

C 6 p 2 lj(next p) 4 lj(next p) 4 join to beginning.  Hide threads

Tulip 3

To start wind 2 yards on a shuttle CTM with ball

Round 1

R 6 vsp 6 vsp 6 vsp 6

*C 4 p 4 p 4 lj (p on ring)* repeat from * to * around R until you are back at the beginning. Do not cut threads.  Move to round 2 which is below the pictures.

Round 2

C 4 lj (next p) 4 lj (next p) 2 +(p on tulip 2) 6

R  3 + (next p) 3

C 8

SCMR 2 p 2

C 6 lj(next p) 4 

SCMR 2 p 2

C 4 lj (next p) 6

SCMR 2 p 2

C 8

R 3 +(next p) 3

C 8 lj(next p) 4 lj(next p) 4 join to beginning.  Hide threads

Maple and Tulips continued…

Hello and happy long weekend!

For this part of the Tulips and maple doily you will need 6 tulips and green thread.l

Materials 

6 tatted tulips (3 for each side)

Green thread size 20 (the same size you have been using)

Terms 

c- chain

Lj- lock join

R ring

+ join

rw Reverse work

slt- shoe lace trick

You need 3 tulips for each side. 

Please look at the picture to see where to startthe lock joins.

Start by joining to a tulip at the base (where you started and stopped the tulip)

C 10  + (p on doily)  rw slt

C 6 p 6 p 6 lj (3rd p from previous)

C 6 p 6 lj (2nd p from previous) 

C 6 p 6 lj (next p) rw slt 

C 12 lj (base of 2nd tulip) 12 lj (3rd p from previous on doily) rw slt

C 6 p 6 lj (next p)

C 6 p 6 lj  (2nd p from previous) 

C 6 p 6 p 6 lj (3rd p from previous) rw slt

C 10 end by joining to the base of the 3rd tulip 

Hide ends

Do the same on the opposite side of the doily.

As you can see, I’ve committed to a larger doily.  I hope you’re not sick of tulips.  I’m definitely not. lol

There will be at least 3 more instalments coming.  Cheers!

Tulips and Maple Small Doily Part 2

 

Tulips and Maple Doily Part 2

2025 Vicki Clarke victats@gmail.com

 Terms

R-Ring

C- Chain

lj- lock join

p- picot

 Materials

size 20 thread

Fyi this round will start at the 1^st picot at the top corner of the outlined maple leaf 

R          3 p 3 + (1^st picot at the top corner) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p moving across the top of the outlined maple leaf) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5

R          3 p 3 + (next p) 3 p 3

C          5 p 5 p 5 p 5 join to beginning tie and hide ends

This was the original ending to the doily.  However if you are still interested in tatting more then tat 6 more tulips for the next section.  You do not need to make the side picots on the tulips, tat 8 double stitches instead of 4 p 4.

If you choose to carry on tatting with me I plan on posting the next sections over the coming weekend.  It’s a long weekend here in Ontario, Canada.

Cheers!

 

Tulips and Maple Small Doily Part 1

 So here we are at the design concept that became too long for a simple tat-a-long.  I would like to let you know that in the process of writing out this pattern I continued my bad behavior.  So there are additional rounds to come.  

The things you need for this part of the pattern includes 2 maple leaves and 2 tulips.  This first bit will be a variation using a portion from the previous design where we tat around the maple leaf found here:

https://victats.blogspot.com/2025/07/following-up.html?m=1

The difference is that you will join to the tulips as you tat around each maple leaf.

Tulips and Maple small doily Part 1

Materials

2 tulips (see link below)

2 maple leaves (see link below)

Desired color of thread.  I used size 20 white

Terms

R ring 

C chain

P picot

lj lock join

+ join

Wind 2 yards of thread on a shuttle CTM.  I used white size twenty

Start by making a lock join to the top of the maple leaf.

C 5 p 5 

R 4 + (next p) 4 

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 + (same p) 4 

C 5 p 5

R 4 + (next p) 4 

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 + (above next lock join between chains) 4

C 5 p 5 lj (next p) 5 p 5 + (side p on tulip 1) 5 p 5 lj (p on stem)

C 5 p 5 + (side p on tulip 2) 5 p 5 lj (next p) 5 p 5

R 4 + ( above next lock join between chains)

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 +(next picot) 4

C 5 p 5

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 +(same p) 4

C 5 p 5 join to beginning and hide ends

Do the same with the other maple leaf, joining in the opposite of the tulip.

I’ll post the next part of the pattern in a few days 

Links:

Tulips

https://victats.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-2.html?m=1

Maple leaves 

https://victats.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-1.html?m=0

https://victats.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-2.html?m=0

Tulips and Maple Balloon

 Tulips and Maple- Need a ride?

Vicki Clarke 2025

R ring

C chain

P picot

+ join

CTM continuous thread method 

Wind 2 yards into a shuttle CTM 

Please note that when I thought it would be difficult to explain where to join I refer to the picture.  

R 3 p 3 +(see picture) 3 p 3

C 8

R 2 +(p on tip of tulip) 2

C 12

R 2 + (space above next ring)  2

C 6

R 2 + (next p) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (space above next ring) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (space above next ring) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (space above next ring) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (space above next ring) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (space above next ring) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (next p) 2

C 6 

R 2 + (space above next ring) 2

C 12

R 2 +(p on tip of tulip) 2

C 8 

R 3 p 3 +(see picture) 3 p 3

Cut and hide ends

Thank you for joining me in this tat-a-long.  Sometime in the next little while I hoping to share one more pattern based of the Tulips and Maple theme.

Cheers!

Following up

 So I have to confess that this year the Very Canadian tat-a-long spiraled out of control.  I blame it on the fact that I had strep throat and I decided my original idea was too simple.  So that’s why I ended up asking you for 2 tulips and maple leaves instead of 1 of each.  I thought that the bookmark was too simple and boring.  My judgement was kinda off.  Either way I have 2 more projects based on the tulip and maple leaf combo that I’m sharing here.

Tulips and Maple leaf-  Need a Ride?

Vicki Clarke 2025

You will need one tulip and one maple leaf.  The patterns can be found here:

https://victats.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-1.html?m=0

https://victats.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-2.html?m=0

https://victats.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-2.html?m=1

Terms

R ring 

C chain

P picot

lj lock join

+ join

Wind 2 yards of thread on a shuttle CTM.  I used white size twenty

First we will start by tatting around the maple leaf.

Start by making a lock join to the top of the maple leaf.

C 5 p 5 

R 4 + (next p) 4 

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 + (same p) 4 

C 5 p 5

R 4 + (next p) 4 

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 + (above next lock join between chains) 4

C 5 p 5 lj (next p) 5 p 5 p 5 p 5 lj (p on stem)

C 5 p 5 p 5 p 5 lj (next p) 5 p 5

R 4 + ( above next lock join between chains)

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 +(next picot) 4

C 5 p 5

R 4 +(next p) 4

C 5 p 5 p 5

R 4 +(same p) 4

C 5 p 5 join to beginning and hide ends

I’ll post the next part of the pattern in a few days 

Cheers!

Happy 4th of July!!!

 Happy Independence Day!

Wishing you and your families a terrific day with lots of good food, fun and fireworks.

Day 3

mlj- modified lock join (include the ball thread in the lock join 

C chain 

R ring 

lj lock join

Wind 1 yard of thread ( I used red) onto a shuttle CTM

Join to a corner picot, you will be tatting across the short side.

C 4 vsp  4 vsp 2 lj (next p) 2 vsp 4 vsp 4 mlj turn work

C 5 lj (next p) 4 lj (next p) 2 p 2 lj (next p) 4 lj (next p) 5

Join to beginning, cut and hide ends.

Change to white 

LSC lj ( to Center P of previous section) 20

R 20

Hide ends

Now it maybe obvious that this is intended to be a firecracker.  So to light your firecracker you will add a red tassel.  Or you can skip the ring and just cut at the LSC then add a bit of red colour to the ends.  Or change the ring count to 7 vsp 1 vsp 1 vsp 1 vsp 1 vsp 7  then add bits of red thread to the vsp.

Thank you for doing this tat-a-long with me and I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!!!

4th of July Tat-a-long Day 2

Welcome to Day 2!

4th of July tat-a-long

R ring

C chain

+ join

P picot

 Day 2

Round 2

C 4 p 4 p 4

R 3 + (skip a p join to the next one) 3

C 4 p 4

R 3 +(same p) 3

C 4 p 4

R 3 + (next p) 3

C 4 p 4

R 3 + (same p) 3

C 4 p 4 p 4 lj (space between chains- see picture) 4 p 4 p 4

R 3 + (skip a p, join to the next p) 3

C 4 p 4

R 3 +(same p)

C 4 p 4

R 3 + (next p) 3

C 4 p 4 

R 3 + (same p)

C 4 p 4 p 4 join to beginning of round 

Cut and hide threads

See you tomorrow!

4th of July Tat-a-long 2025!

Just like the Very Canadian tat-a-long I will post a part of a pattern a day leading up to the 4th of July.  I promise that it’s not going to take very long each day.  

Day 1

I used size 20 thread for the model.

R ring

C chain

+ join

P picot

R 4 p 4 p 4 p 4 p 4 p 4 p 4 p 4

C 4 p 4 lj (next p) 4 p 4

R 3 + (next p) 3

C 4 p 4 lj (next p) 4 p 4 lj (next p) 4 p 4 lj (next p) 4 p 4

R 3 +(next p) 3

C 4 p 4 lj (next p) 4 p 4 lj to beginning

Do not cut thread 

See you tomorrow 

A Very Canadian Tat-a-long Day 3 2025!

  Happy Canada Day!!!!!

This year’s design was inspired by the Tulip Festival in Ottawa.  You can find the history of the relationship between the Netherlands and Canada here https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+history+of+the+tulip+festivalle+ottawa&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-ca&client=safari

A very Canadian tat-a-long 2025 Day 3

R ring

C chain

LSC lock stitch chain

SR split ring

This part will involve split rings so wind 3 yards on each shuttle CTM.  Needle Tatters make sure to use a longer tail.

I asked you to make 2 of each motif but you will use one Tulip and one maple leaf for this pattern.  See note at bottom of pattern about why I asked for 2.

R  4 p 4 +(where you ended on the Tulip) 4 p 4

SR 4 p 4/ 4 p 4

LSC 6     (Needle Tatter’s may chose the do a spiral chain of 12 half stitches instead)

SR 3 p 3 / 3 p 3

LSC  6 

SR 3 p 3 / 3 P 3

LSC 6 

SR 4 p 4 / 4 p 4

R 4 p 4 +(to the top p on the maple leaf motif) 4 p 4

Hide ends

Special note:  it seems that I greatly misjudged how long the planned day 3 was going to take.  So I altered today to be more time friendly.  However, don’t get rid of your 2nd tulip cause I have a much longer day 3 that I will share after the 4th of July tat-a-long. 

Don’t forget that tomorrow we will start a 4th of July tat-a-long!

A Very Canadian tat-a-long Day 2

 Today we will set aside the maple leaf motifs we made yesterday and change over to blue thread.  You will make 2 of the Tulip motif

Day 2- Tulip

R ring 

C chain

P picot

SCMR self closing mock ring

lj lock join

+ join

To start wind 2 yards on a shuttle CTM with ball

R 6 vsp 6 vsp 6 vsp 6

*C 4 p 4 p 4 lj (p on ring)* repeat from * to * around R until you are back at the beginning. Do not cut threads.  Move to round 2 which is below the pictures.

I apologize that the motif in the pictures is oriented differently. I didn’t realize until now.

Round 2

C 4 lj (next p) 4 lj (next p) 4 p 4 

R  3 + (next p) 3

C 8

SCMR 2 p 2

C 6 lj(next p) 4 

SCMR 2 p 2

C 4 lj (next p) 6

SCMR 2 p 2

C 8

R 3 +(next p) 3

C 4 p 4 lj(next p) 4 lj(next p) 4 join to beginning.  Hide threads

A very Canadian Tat-a-long 2025

 Hello and welcome to A Very Canadian Tat-a-long 2025!

If you have never participated before the tat-a-long is a fun bit of tatting leading up to Canada Day.  It generally has a Canadian theme.  Each day for 3 days I give you a part of the pattern.  This year the first day is perhaps a little time heavy but the overall goal is that you are able to squeeze in a little tatting amongst your other activities. For this project you will need thread in red, white, blue and yellow.  

Day 1

We are revisiting a part of the 2018 tat-a-long. Perhaps I am cheating a bit but feel it will be worth it in the end!  Please go to the links below and tat 2 of the maple leaf

https://victats.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-1.html?m=0

https://victats.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-very-canadian-tat-long-day-2.html?m=0

Doily haul!

 On the Victoria Day weekend I was able to one of the local yards sales.  The Baptist church in Campbellford does a yard sale on Thursday and Friday in the summer.  So whenever there is a long weekend I try to j go o see what they have.  This time I was amazed by what I found-  a whole bag of tatted doilies!  They look like they were done in size 10 thread or a large size 20.  I took a bunch of pictures and you can tell that they’ve been used and cleaned.  On of my favourite things about tatting is its durability.

In a side note sister was puzzled as to why I need to take home the doilies when I make them too! 

Cleaning up...

On Sunday I was in a strange mood.  I wanted to do something but not any crafting and not cleaning my house.  It was also quite cold outside compared to the previous week.  So I decided to go through my google mail and erase the multitude of old, spammy, or unnecessary to keep emails.  I was able to find a few patterns that I thought I lost in the fire and a few other things I had forgot about.  The best part though was the collection of comment notifications from this blog.  I can't tell you how happy it made me to read through the short notes that people wrote.  So I wanted to say thank you for all the insights and appreciation for what I've shared over the years.   Nothing else going on, just a gratitude post.