The Tatter's Treasure Chest

Rating:
Summary: The Tatter's Treasure Chest
Review: This book consists of reprints of patterns from thread company pamphlets of the 1930's, 40's and 50's. The reprints are well done and clear, and the original instructions have not been altered (In addition to the many patterns, readers will enjoy a nostalgic visit to an era when luncheon cloths, chair sets, and even roller shade pulls were supposed to exhibit a housewife's skill and elicit the envy of her neighbors).

This book would be a good choice for a novice tatter who is looking for more patterns. Not only are the instructions written out in longhand, but there are hundreds of patterns to choose from (some tatters find longhad instructions difficult to follow because you can lose your place; they have a point! I use a Post-it Note as a marker, which helps).

Tatting patterns from mid-century were marketed with a focus on novelty and "modern" styling. They also tended to be simpler than older patterns. Was this a reflection on tatters' decreasing skill level, or an acknowledgement that modern women had less time to devote to handwork?

I give this book five stars a) for the number and variety of the patterns and b) for the quality of the black and white reprints, which are very clear.

Rating:
Summary: The Tatter's Treasure Chest
Review: This book consists of reprints of patterns from thread company pamphlets of the 1930's, 40's and 50's. The reprints are well done and clear, and the original instructions have not been altered (In addition to the many patterns, readers will enjoy a nostalgic visit to an era when luncheon cloths, chair sets, and even roller shade pulls were supposed to exhibit a housewife's skill and elicit the envy of her neighbors).

This book would be a good choice for a novice tatter who is looking for more patterns. Not only are the instructions written out in longhand, but there are hundreds of patterns to choose from (some tatters find longhad instructions difficult to follow because you can lose your place; they have a point! I use a Post-it Note as a marker, which helps).

Tatting patterns from mid-century were marketed with a focus on novelty and "modern" styling. They also tended to be simpler than older patterns. Was this a reflection on tatters' decreasing skill level, or an acknowledgement that modern women had less time to devote to handwork?

I give this book five stars a) for the number and variety of the patterns and b) for the quality of the black and white reprints, which are very clear.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of tatting bang for your buck
Review: This collection features dozens of patterns from the 1930s and 40s; more than 100 patterns for less than six dollars! For designs created during a time when tatting is thought of as being mostly doilies and edgings, this collection is pretty creative. Some of the most unique designs are the baby bonnet, earrings and boutennieres. I love looking at the models for some of the designs, everything is so vintage. My only problem with this book is that the patterns are written in longhand, making it easy to lose your place while tatting.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of tatting bang for your buck
Review: This is a huge collection of patterns from the 1930s and 1940s---more than 100 patterns for less than six dollars. For designs that were created during a time when tatting is often thought to have been limited to edgings and doilies, there are some pretty creative ideas. The tatted earrings, baby bonnets and handkerchiefs are all especially beautiful. There are a ton of edgings to dress up clothes and linens or turn into bookmarks. I love looking at the photographs of the models wearing the collars, they have such a vintage look. The only thing I don't like so much is the way the patterns are written out only in long form, which can make it easy to lose your place.