This book is not for the beginner. A good understanding of the double stitch is required. If you are looking to broaden your tatting skills this book should give you some different ideas. I believe that an intermediate tatter, if they tat diligently, should be able to use this information and hopefully adopt the techniques to grow their skills.
In recent years, we have experimented with different types of two-shuttle rings that allow an array of multiple possibilities. The different two-shuttle ring variations (techniques) described has been presented in our previous books: primarily the Alternate Thread and Triangle books. These variations are: self-closing mock rings, alternate thread rings, double stitches on picots rings, pearl rings, wrapped rings, and un-flipped stitch rings.
We start with the basic split ring and advance to different types of two-shuttle rings. This book describes the fundamental aspects of these versatile methods then converts them to split rings by adding a third thread for the inside portion of the split ring. There are well over 20 split ring variations with more possible when combining methods within the ring and taking into consideration different stitch variations and including them within the split ring. This is where your creativity comes into play.
Debbie Arnold, a remarkable tatter, gave me a good review of the book and found numerous errors. Such as it is, most are not very significant and can be figured out by comparing the written instructions with the diagrams and pictures. There are a couple of assumptions I used that should have been explained better such as: most un-flipped stitches are tatted in reverse order on the inside portion of the split ring (obviously something I take for granted). Here is another reason I miss Gary a bunch, his edits. He was certainly thorough with his tatting skills and caught most errors.
Thank you again Debbie. Next time I'll be sure to include you prior to print.
Here is Debbie's overall impression:
WOW. Just WOW! What a way to finish out the 8 books you and Gary had wanted to do all those years ago. A beautiful tribute to the GR love of exploring possibilities and seeing what you could do with a couple shuttles, some thread, and open minds. This book is a crowning achievement showing just how creative tatting can be and the probably limitless way of combining so many techniques. Thank you for all the work you have put into this and coming up with written instructions that are understandable and can be followed step by step to create such colorful pieces. This book is a treasure trove of ideas, overwhelming to go through in just a few days. This is an amazing reference book I will be going back to time and time again.
Randy has a NEW PHONE NUMBER.
He can be reached at rhoutzdgo@gmail.com or by snail mail:
GR-8 Shuttles
Randy Houtz
128 Eagle Ln
Ignacio, CO 81137 USA
(970) 764-5802 (evenings)
To order shuttles or books, contact Randy at the address, phone number or email address listed above.
-- Checks on a USA Bank in USA Dollars. This is the preferred method of payment. Make check payable to Randy Houtz and mail to the address above.
-- Credit Card or Paypal. Randy does not have the means to accept credit card or paypal payments. However, he has arranged to have Debbie Arnold of Debbie Arnold Designs accept such payments and mail him a check. Here's how this process will work:
1. The customer contacts Randy Houtz with their order and lets him know they will pay via credit card or paypal.
2. Randy contacts Debbie Arnold of Debbie Arnold Designs with the amount and she sends the customer a paypal invoice which can be paid with money in a paypal account or a credit card. The customer does NOT need a paypal account to make payment.
3. The invoice will include items being purchased and a percentage to cover the processing fee and cost to mail payment to Randy. 4% for USA orders and 5% for International orders.
4. Customer pays the invoice.
5. Debbie acknowledges she received payment to both the customer and Randy and mails Randy a check for the total amount less the added processing fee.
6. Randy ships the order as soon as shuttles and/or books are ready.
Web page designed by Debbie Arnold. Please email deb_tat@hotmail.com about web page problems.