BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Tatting Beginning to tat

I come from a family full of hobbies and talents. One being shuttle tatting. My grandmother tatted for years and years and years, and she taught my uncle how to tat years ago as well. Sad to say, my uncle died in February to an aggressive form of cancer, and my grandma just died this past Thursday. No one else in my family tats, although my mom said she tried way back when and wasn't successful as she didn't have the patience for it. So, I'm teaching myself to tat so that I can continue the tatting legacy in my family. I must say, I'm loving it so far! I find myself looking up new patterns that I can't even tat yet. lol I bought a book that has different lessons in it for tatting, and I'm slowly working my way through it. I want to make sure I take my time so that I am very successful with learning how to tat. As far back as I can remember, I can see my grandma sitting in her chair in the den tatting gorgeous creations. I jus can't let the talent die with her. All of that being said - do you have any tips for me? :)

The most important tip that I can give you is to just keep tatting. You're doing the smart thing by taking your time and not rushing through your book. Always make sure that you have one point down pat before you go on to something new. That being said...

1) Never tat when you're tired or sick.
2) Always tat in a well-lit area.
3) Don't allow yourself to be distracted by TV or conversations while tatting.
4) ALWAYS check your rings before closing them. It's bad enough to have to UNKNOT a chain but, even worse when working with a ring that's already closed.
5) Don't use black or dark colored threads until you're an accomplished tatter (and even at that make sure you have plenty of good lighting).

There are plenty of good tips online. Many people offer good free patterns, online classes...check out Georgia Seitz's online classes. And, above all else, keep up with your newsletters and articles, right here, at BellaOnline.