Official May Challenge - Finish your TAT! [Archive]

Krystledawne

25-04-2009, 04:16 AM

Alright. I know you are out there. You have the binder for phase one of the Tatters Across Time (http://www.tattersacrosstime.org/) proficiency program tucked away amongst various books and patterns.....gathering dust.

Some of you have even commented on my blog. So, I know who you are!

The challenge is-----(bet you can't guess!)

FINISH PHASE 1!

I know we can do it if we all encourage eachother.
Are you with me?

CindyK

26-04-2009, 06:02 PM

You mean I'm not the only one???
:thmbup: Thanks for this challenge. I am soooo with you! I have been taking the binder out and then setting it aside for (embarrassed to admit) 3 years in June. I'm in, and I'm going to finish Phase I by May 31st.

Kersti

26-04-2009, 06:09 PM

LOL! I keep meaning to start, but haven't gotten around to getting a binder yet!

Kersti

26-04-2009, 06:10 PM

How about everyone post their progress here? Would be good inspiration

Krystledawne

26-04-2009, 08:55 PM

great! This will be fun.

I got mine a few weeks ago, unfortuanately it hit some delays getting to me. I had hoped to have it about 6 weeks ago and have plenty of time before baby is born to finish........

Now we have two weeks to go! AAAhhhhh! I'll do my darndest to finish by May 31, but if I dissappear for a few weeks you'll forgive me right!

Anyway, I've finished the first two projects, except for the explaining opening a ring thing, and I'm working on the first bookmark.

Angela

26-04-2009, 10:35 PM

I have had my binder for a year. I will get it out and do my best to complete it along with the rest of you.

jenO

26-04-2009, 11:20 PM

i'm going to get one. i'm recently self taught, so this will be good for me.

Lace-lovin' Librarian

27-04-2009, 12:05 AM

I'll go look for mine... I'm not sure I can finish in May, but I can sure get a good start on it!

needledreams

27-04-2009, 04:32 AM

I got mine in the first year of the program. Lost it. I wonder if they can send me a second one...

Bonnie

27-04-2009, 10:13 AM

Okay I'll try to be in with this one also. Lace Lovin' Librarian and I started the TAT last summer together with the intent to encourage each other to get thru it. But we were to easy on each other and let it slip away from us. I have 3 pretty big life things I must get done in May, so I can't promise to be done in one month but I'll try to get close. I'm in BUT will need all of the encouragement you all are willing to shell out to me.
:-) Bonnie

MitzyG

27-04-2009, 12:23 PM

Oh! I want to do this!
I am looking at their website right now. Will get back to you all.

Krystledawne

27-04-2009, 09:06 PM

Warning for those wanting to start- it may take a few weeks for your packet to arrive. So we may need to extend the challenge into June to be fair :-)

PattyD

27-04-2009, 09:20 PM

I'm IN! I am about half done. I think I can ... , I think I can ... , I think I can ..., I will! I will! I will!

CindyK

29-04-2009, 10:46 PM

OK, I'm almost ready to start the last project so I can submit my binder for grading. I'm a little nervous - I always have trouble starting a new project because I'm afraid to mess up. Not so confident about re-attaching thread, etc. yet. Are all tatters such perfectionists? I WILL get this . . . but it will probably take me all of May.

Krystledawne

02-05-2009, 12:59 AM

Alrighty. I've posted some snippets of my progress on my blog

http://krystledawnetats.blogspot.com/2009/04/fruit-of-myermmmlabor.html

I started project five, but honestly all those SRs are getting tedious....and I had some HDT on hand that was calling my name so I'm taking a day off of TAT.

CindyK

02-05-2009, 02:31 AM

Krystledawne - your tatting for the TAT projects looks so perfect and neat! Congrats on that progress. I'm a little discouraged with not being able to finish and hide thread ends well. I'm still trying though! I agree about those SRs . . .

[QUOTE=Krystledawne;2922]Alrighty. I've posted some snippets of my progress on my blog

http://krystledawnetats.blogspot.com/2009/04/fruit-of-myermmmlabor.html

Ridgewoman

03-05-2009, 03:24 AM

I've thought about sending in an application; but, after I read the requirements and the re tatting fees (in case it doesn't pass muster) I was just too intimidated. Perhaps if I had more years of tatting under my belt, I might give it a go. But although I know how to do Intermediate techniques, I don't think my basic tatting would be good enough to meet their standards.
Cluck Cluck I know, I'm chicken. I have the daily time to tat...don't know about the years (?) it might take me to finish. LOL
I do admire those of you who have self confidence to try and Krystledawn's tatting is very nice...consistent...Happy Tatting.

Selena

04-05-2009, 02:18 PM

Anyone know if one wants to do the patterns but not submit it for evaluation will they still send the booklet out anyway? (Cost $40)

CindyK

05-05-2009, 03:54 PM

Anyone know if one wants to do the patterns but not submit it for evaluation will they still send the booklet out anyway? (Cost $40)

Selena - Not sure if they would care as long as you don't share their lesson information and patterns. I think you should contact the TAT program coordinator with your question - her email is listed on the website. http://www.tattersacrosstime.org/

TeresaW

05-05-2009, 05:47 PM

Don't be discouraged ... regardless of how long you've had your book. I do know some who had their books more than 5 years before completing the Apprentice phase. Remember, if you get stuck, you can always ask your mentor. If you don't have a mentor, contact Bobbie through http://www.tattersacrosstime.org/ and she'll be glad to get one for you!

OwenJulesMommy

07-05-2009, 04:54 PM

Well after printing the TAT form like 10 times over the past year or so, I'm proud to say that I've mailed my form in!! I just hope I'm not in over my head here - we'll see I guess.

Thanks for the encouragement to do this!!!

Quirkyk

07-05-2009, 08:36 PM

can complete beginners do this?? Or should I wait :)

TeresaW

08-05-2009, 01:13 AM

can complete beginners do this?? Or should I wait :)

Sometimes it would depend on what you define as beginner. If you can do split rings, you can probably complete the six projects without too much trouble. Just remember, there is no time limit and you can always request a mentor.

The Apprentice binder comes with a very, very good glossary of terms/instructions. The project patterns are written in modified modern terminology and have excellent photographs of finished pieces and working diagrams.

Quirkyk

08-05-2009, 03:00 AM

lol....well I guess I need to wait..I'm an EXTREME beginner!! :) Thanks for letting me know...hopefully once I know what a split ring is they will still be doing these :)

CindyK

08-05-2009, 08:20 PM

lol....well I guess I need to wait..I'm an EXTREME beginner!! :) Thanks for letting me know...hopefully once I know what a split ring is they will still be doing these :)

You could do it! :thmbup: I think the instructions for the projects in the program are a really good learning tool. I ordered the binder so I could learn before I picked up too many bad habits, and with some online tutorials I've finished the split rings project. I'm still waaaaaay new at tatting, though I learned the basic ring and chain years ago. Go for it!

Quirkyk

08-05-2009, 08:45 PM

You could do it! :thmbup: I think the instructions for the projects in the program are a really good learning tool. I ordered the binder so I could learn before I picked up too many bad habits, and with some online tutorials I've finished the split rings project. I'm still waaaaaay new at tatting, though I learned the basic ring and chain years ago. Go for it!

I have emailed the Coordinator to see what they have to say as for advising to try it or not..I'd really like to learn the right way first as well...Habits are soooo hard to break! and coming from teaching myself knitting I know what it is like to learn something then a year later realize you've been doing it all wrong! :) Thanks for the encouragement I'll def. be excitedly awaiting a response from them! I may just join up :)

Krystledawne

08-05-2009, 11:15 PM

The more the merrier!~

They give the specific criteria that they are looking at for each project, so it's easy to know what to concentrate on. And, if you are not ready for a certain project you can try some other things until you can tackle it. And, sometimes you don't know what you should work on improving with technique, until something points it out for you. So I say anyone who can do a ring and chain can benefit from it.

CindyK

10-05-2009, 12:07 AM

And don't forget about that "no time limit". (Thank heavens!) You can learn at your own pace. The TAT ladies encouraged me to just enjoy tatting and not make it strict and stressful - which I can do to myself very easily!

I am finally to the last project - but taking a little break to play with some new thread I couldn't resist ordering after seeing some of the beautiful photos here!

Krystledawne

16-05-2009, 08:20 PM

So, any progress? I'm still at the point of wanting to restart the split ring doily. Then I got distracted by some hand dyed thread, and making earrings, and childbirth lol.

So maybe this next week after we get all used to being a family of 4 :-)

CindyK

17-05-2009, 02:44 PM

I finished the split rings doily (after starting over about 4 times). I've been putting off starting the final project, but think I'll start it tonite so I can complete this challenge! (I do not have a good excuse like childbirth - Congratulations on THAT challenge!)

OwenJulesMommy

20-05-2009, 08:00 PM

TeresaW

21-05-2009, 03:59 PM

I got my book and I'm excited to start, but I have no 10 thread and most of the 20 I have is HDT or variegated. So I'll have to order some before I can get going!

Congratulations on your daughter!! I loved seeing your photos on your blog!

Just don't make the "mistake" I did when I submitted my Apprentice projects. I had plenty of 20 ... but it was Opera and while the colors were good for most of the projects, it had just too soft of a "hand." Use a six-cord thread as it will show well and works up like a dream! Also, the instructions are to use medium-value colors. Too light or too dark render the B&W photocopies difficult for the evaluators to see. Their comments have really been helpful for me.

One of these days, I want to redo all my submissions and compare side-to-side with the original submissions ... hopefully the improvement will be obvious but that's for a couple of years down the road yet.

OwenJulesMommy

21-05-2009, 04:11 PM

Thanks for all your advice! I will keep that in mind when I purchase my threads.

Krystledawne

24-05-2009, 03:46 AM

Ooh, I wonder if I'll get in trouble for the lighter pink i used. I didn't even think about that.

AnneB

28-05-2009, 05:26 PM

I did not finish my TAT as I did not have any as this month started. But now I do! Because of this challenge I decided to go through the TAT and the book arrived today :biggrin:

Now; where did I put that spare time?

CindyK

28-05-2009, 08:14 PM

OK, Phase I is mailed off for evaluation. This was just the kick in the pants I needed to get finished. Thanks for the challenge! I hope I pass . . .

Krystledawne

28-05-2009, 09:08 PM

I don't think I'll be quite finished this month......

congrats to those who did though, I'll keep going, and I need to hear how you did as well!

OwenJulesMommy

29-05-2009, 11:59 AM

Good Luck Cindy!!! Please let us know how you do. I've been bad and not started mine yet :cry:

Maybe June!!

Bonnie

30-05-2009, 07:32 PM

I'm not going to get mine done on by the challenage deadline of May 31. I got intiminated at the part where you have to discribe things. I know how to open a closed ring but am having a hard time putting it into words. I started project #2 dimple rings and found I couldn't do it it "perfect" enough for me to feel that I could submit it. I'll keep trying but feel discouraged at this point.

Josie Passell

30-05-2009, 08:48 PM

Dear Bonnie,
I,m not going to finish by the 31st either. As you say, it's the describing of the opening of the ring, not the actual tatting thats tricky. I'm quite pleased with the dimpled rings and the second method is now the one I prefer. I will hopefully be finishing before the end of June. I keep putting off tatting the split ring pattern.
I'm hoping to do the butterfly exchange as light relief:smile:.
best wishes

CindyK

31-05-2009, 12:55 AM

I'm relieved to hear that others have the same intimidation with the TAT program and put off some of the projects like I did - I don't feel so bad that it took me 3 years to complete! A little relief in between projects is necessary :) I am a little worried about how my submission will be evaluated after some "aha" moments today.

TeresaW

31-05-2009, 04:28 AM

CindyK,

Three years is NOT THAT long and you should congratulate yourself upon completing the submission. I do know of some very experienced and talented tatters who have taken much longer. I know first hand of several who had their Apprentice books for more than 5 years.

You'll probably be pleased when you receive your submission and the evaluations back. The comments that the evaluators made on my submission have been extremely helpful to me. I also carried one of my books around for more than three years so that the binder is completely gone and I had to replace it.

I also find myself re-reading all the comments on my submissions whenever I begin a new piece, especially if it's a piece for an exchange or one that I will give as a gift to someone in my family.

I can assure you that I put off several projects in each phase of TAT that I have done because either the technique or process was completely new to me or just an aspect that I really didn't like to do.

CindyK

31-05-2009, 01:35 PM

Teresa,

I was feeling so bad about the Apprentice Phase taking me so long - but it sure felt good to pop it in the mail! I am looking forward to the evaluations and comments - I think what I did looked great, but have started second-guessing myself. Even though I put off each project and got a little stressed out about it all, I really feel like I learned a lot and am ready to tackle more. It's helped me even to just be able to read a pattern and have some confidence to try some. I think I will be re-reading the evaluators' comments frequently! Have you completed all phases?

~Cindy

TeresaW

31-05-2009, 07:16 PM

Have you completed all phases?

Yes, I have completed all the phases and received my Master's bar for the pin. I literally sat at the feet of my mentor (the coordinator herself) on a couple of pieces in the Master's. I honestly believe that I had created my own mental block. Once Bobbie reminded me to READ the instructions carefully and thoroughly, I felt the block go away. Some of the pieces in the Master's I really want to do again, especially that had been marked up on the evaluation. There were a couple of pieces that barely passed the requirements.

The biggest challenges for me to overcome throughout the program included the use of larger diameter thread than I preferred to use. I taught myself using size 80 thread many years ago so I like that size but I also like traditionally sized 30 or 40. Doing pieces in size 10 and 20 really made me realize what the thread was doing and it's very evident how difficult it is to "hide" minor goofs in larger sized thread. That fact alone has helped my tatting as a whole.

Another challenge to overcome for me was reading the whole pattern/instructions thoroughly before beginning. It's still a challenge for me to this day. Goes back to my school years and reading through a test or an assignment completely before jumping in feet first. I had a teacher that at least once a year would pull a surprise test that if you read through the test BEFORE beginning, you didn't have to answer any of the questions. It was an attempt to get classes to READ and do only what had been laid out as the instructions.

Lastly, my biggest challenge has been to really complete my tatting. That involves cleaning, blocking and mounting (if necessary) my pieces to showcase all the time and effort involved in the piece. I am still very lazy in that respect.

CindyK

31-05-2009, 10:49 PM

Teresa,

Yes, I have completed all the phases and received my Master's bar for the pin. I literally sat at the feet of my mentor (the coordinator herself) on a couple of pieces in the Master's.

Congratulations on that Master's accomplishment! It would help to have someone to ask questions of in person - I don't know anyone else that tats, so I'm trying to learn by reading and viewing online instructions! This group is so helpful.

I taught myself using size 80 thread many years ago so I like that size but I also like traditionally sized 30 or 40. Doing pieces in size 10 and 20 really made me realize what the thread was doing and it's very evident how difficult it is to "hide" minor goofs in larger sized thread.

I can't imagine tatting with size 80! I think I made a good decision in working the TAT program before I learn too many bad habits on my own. I can see the stitches so much better with the larger thread.

reading the whole pattern/instructions thoroughly before beginning

Great advice! Thanks so much :thmbup:
~Cindy

CindyK

02-07-2009, 08:21 PM

tattrldy

02-07-2009, 10:59 PM

:cheer:Congratulations CindyK on passing the TAT Program Apprentice Phase! What an accomplishment!:thmbup:

Deann

03-07-2009, 07:06 PM

Okay, new to the site. Fill me in on what this is so I know if I want to do it right now or not.

CindyK

04-07-2009, 12:26 AM

Okay, new to the site. Fill me in on what this is so I know if I want to do it right now or not.

Here's a link for a little more info. on this proficiency program:
http://www.tattersacrosstime.org/

I like this for learning how to shuttle tat because I don't seem to have classes or groups/guilds available to me in my area, and I want to learn techniques properly rather than create my own bad habits! You receive a binder of information, instructions, and projects to complete. It's learning at your own pace - sounds like some folks have completed a phase fairly quickly, others have taken a few years - there's no time limit.

Krystledawne

05-07-2009, 11:11 PM

OK, so not only did I complete this little InTatters challenge, I PASSED the TAT Program Apprentice Phase! (Thank heavens they are so encouraging - I wouldn't want to give up altogether after that.) I just got my submission back with evals and comments - they will definitely be helpful as I practice to gain enough courage to try Phase II. Did anyone else ever finish and submit theirs?

Eh, no not yet. I'm working on it though~ Part of my problem right now is I know I won't be able to afford phase two until I get some sales on etsy, but I've picked it up again and hope to send it out soon.

AnneB

07-07-2009, 05:42 PM

I just started working on my TAT Apprentice Phase this weekend. I hope to finish the tatting during the summer. :biggrin:

Krystledawne

09-07-2009, 05:15 AM

I just started working on my TAT Apprentice Phase this weekend. I hope to finish the tatting during the summer. :biggrin:

Oh you will whiz right through it. You will be on phase two in no time I'm sure.

AnneB

09-07-2009, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the nice words and I don't think I should have problems at phase one. But it is like an exam - I'm nervous anyway LOL

Krystledawne

09-07-2009, 11:06 PM

Thanks for the nice words and I don't think I should have problems at phase one. But it is like an exam - I'm nervous anyway LOL

Me too! I kepp second guessing myself. Sometimes I find myself having to think back to when I started tatting because I never use a regular join anymore, and I can't seem to get their method of closing rings to look how I want yet either.

CindyK

10-07-2009, 12:58 AM

If I can pass Phase I, you ladies will have noooooo problem! I need to practice some more before I even think about starting on Phase II.

Ridgewoman

10-07-2009, 03:59 PM

Absolutely congratulations on finishing the Phase, Cindy. I have always been to chicken, insecure or what ever....to even begin the proficiency. I console myself that it's because I began tatting later in life...and prob. would never finish to the level I'd like to imagine. LOL tatting with wire? I have all the info and am tempted. Particularly now that I've finished all my ufos...BUT...I think I'll just plod along at mediocrity. LOL Bev