Fine Tuning the ‘Little Bird’ Tatting Shuttle
July 27, 2008 by Noreen Crone-Findlay
Filed under jewelry, tatting
I think it was watching all the birds in the hollyhocks outside my studio window:
That inspired me to design and make my new tatting shuttles:
The Little Bird Tatting Shuttle
I’ve been fine tuning the ergonomics of the Little Bird tatting shuttle. I’ve been adjusting the shaping so that the tatting shuttle moves smoothly and fits the hand in a pleasing way.
If it doesn’t feel good, then it doesn’t work right….. so fine tuning is essential.
I am really happy with the subtlety of the shaping. I know, I know, it looks super simple, but it is sculpted!
Then, I started playing with the notches……
Little Bird #1 was the first one I made. I just intuited where to place them.
Little Bird tatting shuttle #2: I decided to reverse the notches, and burned a celtic interlace heart on it. Ooh, love the heart… going to stick with that!
Little Bird Tatting shuttle #3: I wanted to see what it would look like in walnut. I like it!
I also like the new placement on the notches better. But…. I wonder…..
Little Bird Tatting Shuttle #4: Hmmmm…. let’s see how the notches work with both of them at the lower edge…. yes! I think I like this best of all!
And, of course, while I was test tatting all the shuttles, I had to try some new designs.
I designed a very simple tatted dragonfly…. Click on the link to see!
Image source: Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
I can see how the notches on the lower edge would make it easier to wind. They are so adorable.
The lady bird shuttle is soo cute
Those are just to neat. Great job.
HI Tattingchic
It is my favorite style, but just by a hairs’ breadth…. I do like it with the back notch on top, too.
BUT, I do find having the lower notches make is glide through the loops more sleekly.
It’s a fun shuttle to work with, and I love it!
)
Thank you so much, Deana and Elizabeth!
What a beautiful design! The walnut one is gorgeous. Esthetically, I like the #2/#3 notch placement but of course functionality is the main thing.
Hi Judy
Thank you so much!
I really like the walnut one, too…. luckily, I have more walnut, so I am going to make more of them.
I find the #2 and #3 to be really workable, too, so I am quite fond of both.
They are a treat to use! I’ll be tatting up a LOT of Christmas presies this year! LOL!
) Isn’t tatting bliss?
TattingChic sent me over to visit you. These
are LOVELY. Is the tail set up to work like a pic?
Please keep me in mind when you’ve perfected your birdies and have them ready to share, I’d love to try one.
These are so cute. Are they easy to use?
Noreen:
Very beautiful their shuttle , congratulations !!!!!!!!
Thank you so much, Mama Tejedora! I am really delighted with them!
)
These are stunning. Do you sell them at all?
Hello Lace Heart
)
Yes I do,and thank you!
They are $19.95 + shipping, and it’s all through paypal.
this suttle is a very interesting shape.
Oh HOW CLEVER!!!! Those look like they would be REAL neat to work with! GREAT IDEA Noreen!!!
Thanks so much, Connie
)
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Yes, they are a pleasure to tat with, and they also work beautifully as a necklace, too!
See:
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/blending-threads