Blow Me

Veggie Delight

2010-07-31T22:39:00.002+01:00

The cauliflower, beans and broccoli are from the plot I'm helping my flatmate maintain. The spring onions and carrots are from my balcony pots. The purple carrot is orange in the middle and looks amazing in cross section which I'll take a picture of when they're up to a regular size.

Veggie Delight Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 31st July, 2010

My carrot tops have been all lush and green for a while and so every few days I've been yanking one up only to be left with dissapointment because there was virtually nothing growing underneath. I got so concerned I asked my allotment guru about it but and was told that if there was green, the carrots would come. I was expecting the same today but instead I got these thinnings and while small are perfectly useable and tasted great with the other veg.

The beans are amazing in terms of harvest. We can't seem to pick them fast enough and both myself and my flatmate have given them to friends/colleagues.

Both the cauliflower and broccoli we were growing started out suffering from caterpillars which is pretty gross at first but I'm sort of getting used to that aspect of home grown veg. The ones in this picture didn't have any crawlies, bonus.

My First Courgettes

2010-07-14T01:21:00.001+01:00

I planted a Gold Rush courgette about 5 weeks ago and these are the first fruit that it's produced. I have to add that it wasn't grown from seed but bought from a garden centre as a small plant. Hopefully I'll be able to do more from seed on my own plot as it'll be ready when seed sowing time rolls around next year.

I had the smaller one sliced and steamed. It tasted great and I was fascinated by the fact that it was yellow. Never knew they came in anything other than green till I saw the label in the garden centre.

My First Courgettes Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 14th July, 2010

My google reader is screaming under the weight of unread posts from the various blogs I'm subscribed to. I set it here in stone that tomorrow I will catch up. Hopefully after a long day of cultivating my plot which should be somewhat easier after the long awaited rain we had yesterday.

My New Plot

2010-07-05T17:59:00.002+01:00

See that nice little red shed? Not mine. Hopefully I'll get one soon, though they cost a lot for what they are. The trees/bushes in the back part of this photo are being worked on by some people and it's not part of my plot.

Wasteland Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 5th July, 2010

These need to be cut back which is something my flatmate has made a big start on. Hopefully we'll get to enjoy some of the berries before the birds get to them.

Brambles Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 5th July, 2010

This is HARD WORK. There hasn't been any rain for a long time so the ground is really very hard in places. A shout out for the people in B&Q who replaced my fork when I managed to bend back one of the tines to a hideous angle.

Rage Against The Weeds Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 5th July, 2010

Still waiting for my official letter to say the plot is mine but this is a formality and so I've made a start. My flatmate did the hacking of the spikey and the long and I made a start on digging out the weeds and such.

I would have done a lot more I think but everyone that walks by and sees you at work stops to say hello. So far I've found that people working on allotments like to talk, like to offer advice and ask questions and are very friendly.

We measured the pH of the soil yesterday and it seems to be neutral which I think is good but what do I know?!? I mentioned this to the older gentleman in the plot next door and I got the impression that he was politely unimpressed.

Allotment Kills Tatting

2010-07-03T00:24:00.003+01:00

I haven't tatted in some time but not because I've stopped enjoying it. I've recently started to maintain half an allotment with my flatmate and have discovered that I like growing things. Who would've thought it?!? It's hard work at times but I'm getting a kick out of it and now the balcony is also covered with plant pots containing three types of carrot, two types of tomato, two types of spring onion and about half a dozen different herbs. The windows have propagators in them with lots of lovely seedlings which for the most part seem to be growing well.

I got such a kick out of seeing my first seeds break the surface that I put my name down on the list for a plot in one of my local allotments with the expectation that I'd be waiting months if not years for a plot of my own however I have a meeting tomorrow to view. The word excited doesn't even come close.

I will tatt again soon as I don't want to fail in my 25 motif challenge. More importantly I find it very relaxing.

Quilled Lemon Balm

2010-04-30T13:38:00.001+01:00

I got myself a quilling kit for a sampler and this is the first of twelve herbs from the aptly named Herb Sampler. I actually didn't use the kit paper as this is a trial run. Also, the pattern calls for more of those white coils to be placed on top of the ones already there but I didn't want it to stand too high from the page.

Lemon Balm Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 30th April, 2010

As you can see I also got myself a quilling board which was pretty costly when you consider it's just a square of cork with a thin piece of plastic attached.

Quilling (No Tatting)

2010-04-27T01:03:00.002+01:00

I was browsing through an online craft shop when I came across paper being sold for something called "iris folding" which I'd never heard of. You can see a flickr example here. While searching out suppliers in England I also came across another paper craft called quilling aka paper filigree which also looked like something I might enjoy so I searched for a supplier in England. I ordered some gubbins for both crafts (to be delivered) but yesterday I discovered that I can buy quilling supplies from a shop not more than ten minutes walk from my flat.

This little yellow flower is my first effort. I'm quite pleased with it all things considered but I'm going to have to practise to get my shapes more even.

First Quilled Flower Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 27th April, 2010

This white flower is my second try. Things I've learnt:.
a) dropping your quilled items on the floor is not good because they pick up every miniscule bit of fluff.
b) I need to get a board to pin this stuff out on while it dries.
c) it's not as easy as it looks but it's very enjoyable and relaxing

White Flower With Leaf Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 27th April, 2010

Another thing which is cool... some of the quilled shapes remind me of tatting.

Not So Much

2010-04-19T00:03:00.001+01:00

[photo to be tagged properly when I'm less tired].
This is not a keeper. The colours just don't feel right but since I've been away this weekend I haven't had a chance to give it another go.

Not So Much Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 19th April, 2010

I'd seen this pattern before but I have to be honest and say that I didn't like it much. After seeing Isdihara's version my mind was changed. I like how the hearts work up so I'm going to try it again in different colours.

Tatted Fashion - Teiko Fujito

2010-04-13T14:59:00.001+01:00

It arrived! The book was ordered for me a couple of weeks ago. I ordered the shuttles a couple of days ago. Both parcels arrived today. I was getting a little anxious about the book to be honest.

Tatted Fashion - Teiko Fujito Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 13th April, 2010

I've had a quick flick through the book and from what I can tell there are a few patterns here that are included in her other book Tatted Artistry. I like the look of this and can't wait to try something out, though I'm going to attempt to finish the item I'm already making first.

Is there such a thing as owning too many shuttles? I suspect not.

Actually...

2010-04-12T01:45:00.001+01:00

...it's more of a purple/pink/maroon affair.

Red Magic

2010-04-12T01:44:00.001+01:00

Pattern: Black Magic from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 644, boysenberry dark)
Technique: shuttle tatting

My second go at this pattern. So much easier now that I have a clue about what I'm doing. The first effort was a real chore in some respects, though when you don't know what you're doing you don't see the mistakes so that makes it easier.

15 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 12th April, 2010

I've not as yet tatted anything for anyone however I work with someone who like to read so I told her I'd make her a bookmark. She likes this pattern but prefers the black version I made before so I'll do this pattern again this week for her. It's odd but I'm a little nervous about it.

14 of 25

2010-04-07T01:01:00.001+01:00

Pattern: Doily from the book Tatting by Jan Stawasz
Thread: Lizbeth 40 (col 601 white, col 632 purple medium, col 633 purple dark)
Technique: shuttle tatting

I've only done the first three rounds of this doily and am going to do other things while I try to decide what to do with the next round, if anything.

14 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 7th April, 2010

I'm calling this fourteen but won't count it again if I add anything to it. That would just be WRONG.

Correcting Mistakes, Number 13

2010-04-04T16:05:00.000+01:00

Pattern: Pirouette from the book Tatted Snowflakes Collection by Jon Yusoff
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 142, turquoise twist)
Technique: shuttle tatting

I find this combination of thread and pattern less than pleasing. It's not the pattern as I haven't met a Jon Yusoff pattern that I don't like, but the thread is too much I think.

13 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 4th April, 2010

I actually started this snowflake using this shade mixed with a plain shade that is supposed to match but seems a slightly different colour which wound me up a little bit but such is life and dye lots.

IOMS was asking about the use of my tweezers so I did this little image to show the process. Hopefully it makes some sort of sense.

#1 If you notice your mistake before you close the ring, all well and good as you can easily (but slowly) undo it.
#2 The ring is closed and not easy to undo.
#3 I use either a pin or fine crochet hook to gently pull out a small amount of thread.
#4 I then use my tweezers to pull this thread out further. The reason being that if you use the hook to drag thread out then you end up pulling from both sides which means the ring tightens to the point that it will never undo. Notice the direction of removal.
#5 Once I have enough thread removed from the picot nearest to the closure, I'm able to properly undo the ring. Again, notice direction.
#6 I untatted the mistake and completed the ring with the correct join.

Intentional Mistake Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 4th April, 2010

Tweezers

2010-04-03T23:53:00.001+01:00

My secret tatting tool.

Tweezers Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 3rd April, 2010

Let me start by saying that I don't do make-up and I don't do beauty routines. One day a couple of weeks ago I was struck by insanity and went spending money on products/tools that I'm pretty sure I'll never use and they still sit in the shopping bag right now.

Anyhoo, earlier in the week I made a mistake with a ring and had no end of trouble trying to open it up again. I was suddenly hit with inspiration! I went through my forgotten shopping bag and found these tweezers. I got a length of scrap thread and tugged on it with the tweezers to make sure that they wouldn't cut/shred and when they didn't I used them to pull open the offending ring. I've just tried the same trick again after closing a ring that was joined in the wrong place and I have to say this is the easiest method I've used so far. These will now be put into my tatting tools box for good!

Iris Doily

2010-04-03T12:59:00.001+01:00

Pattern: Beatrice from the book Tatted Doilies by Iris Niebach
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 683, leaf green light)
Technique: shuttle tatting

I quite liked making this doily. It was a pig to pin out when it came to blocking but that's possibly because I did it at 1am.

12 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 3rd April, 2010

Almost half way through my challenge and still enjoying it. I'm still in search of a really good sized pattern to get my teeth into, one that I have a chance of completing.

International Tatting Day

2010-04-01T23:24:00.005+01:00

Happy Tatting Day!

I've hidden away from the elements today because it was pretty stormy out at times but even so I was unable to complete the motif I started this evening due to mismatched colours. Still, at least I've exercised my tatting muscles.

Doh!

2010-03-31T15:29:00.001+01:00

I couldn't even manage one repeat of this pattern without messing up. Those two picots in the middle were supposed to be joined. Still, better than not noticing till I completed it. I've cut and restart and will try to pay more attention.

Doh! Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 31st March, 2010

I hope to crack on and get this completed this evening. I need to complete SOMETHING this evening in recognition of International Tatting Day which is tomorrow, April 1st.

11 of 25

2010-03-28T23:07:00.001+01:00

Pattern: Motif 13 from the book The Tatted Artistry Of Teiko Fujito by Teiko Fujito
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 613, golden yellow medium)
Technique: shuttle tatting

It took blocking to get this to lay completely flat but I think I could have avoided that by making the picots slightly larger. This one measures about 5cm across.

11 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 28th March, 2010

I really want to get my teeth into a larger project but I can't seem to find one that's within range of the skills I have. Rather, I can't find one that I like.

Book: Tatting Patterns And Design

2010-03-23T20:39:00.001Z

I proper hate this book. I started this edging because it seemed to be one of the few patterns in the book that made sense. But then you look closely and it's all wrong. The pattern doesn't specify where to make the joins between segments but rather refers you to the image. This would be fine but for the fact that none of these joins seem to be the same. Grrr.

Rubbish Book Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 23rd March, 2010

If anyone has made anything following the patterns in this book or if anyone has any opinion on this book please share it as it might just be that I'm not getting something. Thanks!

10 of 25

2010-03-21T00:11:00.001Z

Pattern: Eightsome Reel from the book A Pattern Book Of Tatting by Mary Konior
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 670, victorian red)
Technique: shuttle tatting

A little wonky as it's not yet blocked.

10 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 20th March, 2010

This wasn't the project I had in mind when I wound on with this shade but I'm glad I did it now.

Clover Shuttle

2010-03-18T23:07:00.001Z

My favourite type of shuttle. Anyone know why they come with that gold spot?

Clover Shuttle Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 18th March, 2010

M to Michelle

2010-03-16T19:53:00.001Z

I was just reading a blog post by someone who had a giveaway. I was stunned to see that I'd won something that I'd not remembered signing up to and that was when I realised someone had STOLEN MY NAME! Okay, I don't own the rights to the letter M but still.

My Birthday Soon

2010-03-16T19:46:00.003Z

Pattern: Minaret from the book Tatted Snowflakes Collection by Jon Yusoff
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 124, spring garden)
Technique: shuttle tatting

Cute little snowflake though I don't think it works with this shade.

9 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 16th March, 2010

I was thinking of asking for a tatting book for my birthday but I'm not sure which one. So far I have the following:
(These are books I already own, sorry for the confusion)
24 Snowflakes In Tatting by Lene Bjørn
A Pattern Book Of Tatting by Mary Konior
Tatted Doilies by Iris Niebach
Tatted Handkerchiefs by Kirstine Nikolajsen & Inge Lise Nikolajsen
Tatted Snowflakes by Vida Sunderman
Tatted Snowflakes Collection by Jon Yusoff
Tatting Doilies & Edgings by Rita Weiss
Tatting Farm Animals by Christel Weidmann
Tatting Patterns And Designs by Gun Blomqvist and Elwy Persson
Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior
The Complete Book Of Tatting by Rebecca Jones
The Tatted Artistry Of Teiko Fujito by Teiko Fujito
The Tatter's Treasure Chest by Mary Carolyn Waldrep

Any recommendations?

8 of 25

2010-03-15T15:45:00.001Z

Pattern: Edging by Jon Yusoff
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 632, purple medium) (Lizbeth 40, col 633, purple dark)
Technique: shuttle tatting

It took me a while to get into the swing of this pattern because I found my rings were looking a bit mis-aligned. I think my technique improved as I went along.

8 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 15th March, 2010

Another fantastic pattern from Jon, who designs the most lovely items. I didn't complete the corner for this edging as I don't have a use for it (yet) and it's easier to keep looking nice this way.

Thread Winders

2010-03-11T23:37:00.002Z

I know what they're for! I mean, I always knew that they were for winding thread (the clue is in the name) but I never got why. Your thread comes in a handy little ball right? And when I've used skeins of wool/yarn for knitting/crochet I've wound them into balls but this evening I learnt something new.

I'm working on a doily that is done in parts so a few more ends than I'd like. I don't like to do fiddly things while on my commute so saved those ends till I got home this evening. I recently got a book called The Complete Book Of Tatting by Rebecca Jones (thank you ebay) and thought I'd have a look through the non pattern pages (something I've been avoiding) to see if it had any good tips for ends. Anyhoo... it says that these thread winders are used to keep odds and sods of yarn tidy which may sound silly but when I get lazy I wind on more thread than I need and end up running out of shuttles. So far I have lengths of thread all over the show looking a bit shabby and now I know the answer!

I'm a simpleton.

Edging Along

2010-03-10T22:20:00.001Z

Pattern: Queen's Garter from the book A Pattern Book Of Tatting by Mary Konior
Thread: (Lizbeth 40, col 690, mocha brown light)
Technique: shuttle tatting

Simple and effective, works up quickly.

7 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 10th March, 2010

I should have straightened this up a bit because the photo makes it look more wonky than it is in reality. It's one of those ones that's described as being able to "ease to a curve" which makes it pretty floppy.

I wonder... how are you supposed to prepare edgings? If I make a motif then I swish it in water, pat it dry in a soft cloth/towel and pin it out but that's not really something you can do with edging, or is it?

Getting To Grips With Size 40

2010-03-10T00:44:00.001Z

This is the first item tatted with my new stash. I managed to break it in the final stages but that's to be expected when you're working in the wee small hours.

Heart Broken Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 10th March, 2010

I won't be finishing it off because I messed up the left hand side while using the magic thread technique for ends. The last ring has ended up all distorted and I don't much fancy the idea of trying to undo it.

I like this edging very much and have seen it in other books/websites but this is the first copy that's worked properly.

Edging Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 10th March, 2010

In Pictures: The Eagle Has Landed

2010-03-09T15:22:00.003Z

Trying to take a picture of thread wrapped in cellophane proved to be a pain in the posterior. Even trying a polarizing filter didn't work that well because of all the different angles (at least I think that's why). I wasn't about to unwrap all these little beauties either, not to take a picture at least.

They're all Lizbeth size 40 which Roseground don't supply yet and since I didn't get a response from my email to them I'm not sure when they'll have this size.

The Eagle Has Landed Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 9th March, 2010

col 108 sherbert delight
col 113 jewels
col 123 grape pizzaz
col 124 spring garden
col 129 purple splendor
col 132 tropical punch
col 142 turquoise twist
col 145 pink parade
col 601 white
col 604 black
col 605 silver
col 613 golden yellow medium
col 622 pink medium
col 623 raspberry pink light
col 624 raspberry pink medium
col 625 plum medium
col 632 purple medium
col 633 purple dark
col 643 grape medium
col 644 boysenberry dark
col 663 bright turquoise dark
col 670 victorian red
col 683 leaf green light
col 684 leaf green medium
col 690 mocha brown light
col 691 mocha brown medium
col 692 mocha brown dark

I ordered this bundle from Happy Hands in America which meant I had to pay quite a lot for shipping and was also stung by customs and parcelforce, the gits. Still, I wanted them badly enough that I was willing to pay.

I unwrapped one ball last night even though I was exhausted as I couldn't have slept without at least trying it out. I noticed that rings are slightly more difficult to close neatly in one swift move as the thread did a twisty thing but maybe I'll get better at this.

The Eagle Has Landed

2010-03-08T21:59:00.002Z

My parcel arrived and tomorrow when I have enough good light to do it justice I'll post a photo and ye shall all be jealous. Jealous I say.

Number Five And So On

2010-03-03T22:51:00.001Z

Pattern: Motif 40 from the book The Tatted Artistry Of Teiko Fujito by Teiko Fujito
Thread: (Lizbeth 20, col 671, christmas red)
Technique: shuttle tatting

This one works up quickly and is one of the easier patterns in the book.

5 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 3rd March, 2010

I'm still no good at the roll join so once again resorted to using a lock join for this pattern. Not such a big deal when it's a single solid shade but I really should practice other joins.

I ordered some thread and books and I'm waiting for them to be delivered. Every morning I check the mail, I'm like a child at Christmas.

4 of 25

2010-02-26T13:51:00.001Z

Pattern: Milky Way from the book Tatted Snowflakes Collection by Jon Yusoff
Thread: (Lizbeth 20, col 624, raspberry medium)
Technique: shuttle tatting

An easy pattern to complete as the chains and rings are pretty much the same throughout.

4 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 26th February, 2010

Is it just me or does anyone else find their stitches more or less even depending on which shade being used? A long time ago I used to do cross stitch and stitches were different if you used the colour white which was something to do with the dyeing process, or so I was told.

3 of 25

2010-02-25T13:51:00.001Z

Pattern: 'Heart's Desire' by Susan K Fuller
Thread: (Lizbeth 20, col 601, white) (Lizbeth 20, col 613, golden yellow medium)
Technique: shuttle tatting

As yet unblocked.

3 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 25th February, 2010

I thought before I started that the yellow and white might work but I really don't like them together. Maybe if the yellow was a little bit lighter I might like it more.

Brown & Blue

2010-02-23T21:29:00.001Z

Pattern: Alladin from the book Tatted Snowflakes Collection by Jon Yusoff
Thread: (Lizbeth 20, col 655, wedgewood light) (Lizbeth 20, col 691, mocha brown medium)
Technique: shuttle tatting

A lovely little snowflake pattern which doesn't take that long to complete and doesn't take a lot of thread.

2 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 23rd February, 2010

I did a motif for my previous challenge in brown and took a picture on a blue background. Though I'd never think to put those two colours together I think they worked nicely so chose those colours for this pattern.

Finnegan Begin Ag'in

2010-02-18T22:04:00.001Z

Pattern: 'Heart's Desire' by Susan K Fuller
Thread: (Lizbeth 20, col 140, country grape swirl)
Technique: shuttle tatting

This might be my favourite pattern. It's an enjoyable project and looks nice when complete. I might make one in a plain single shade next.

1 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 18th February, 2010

I have decided to start the challenge again because I enjoyed it so much the first time round. I advise anyone who reads this to do the same and make sure you check out what others make as there's some great tatting out there.

This shade of Lizbeth looks a lot like the one I used for the last motif of my previous 25. I like it but I prefer the purple splendor.

25 of 25

2010-02-09T15:59:00.001Z

Pattern: Motif 19 from the book The Tatted Artistry of Teiko Fujito.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 129 purple splendor.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

This is the largest item I've tatted so far. Actually it's not, but I managed to spill tea on the other one before I'd had a chance to take a picture of it and because it was white the stain was really obvious. Anyhoo, this one measures about 16cm across.

25 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 9th February, 2010

I really couldn't (and still don't) understand the instructions in the back of the book for the joining technique that was used so I resorted to using a lock join. I don't think it would have made so much difference if I'd been using a solid colour but the joins are more noticeable because of the colour changes. I'm still pleased with how this turned out and for the most part I enjoyed making it.

This marks my final 25 Motif Challenge item. I'm glad I joined the challenge as it's given me the motivation to seek out new patterns and it's exposed me to the work of other tatters. I think I will join for a second round however I think it will be more difficult to find patterns this time round. I have a number of books now but I like to mix it up with free patterns online so that if someone likes what they see then they can make it too without having to wait to order a book.

In Response...

2010-02-03T23:48:00.003Z

...to comments by Fox and Isdihara.

I keep looking through the Artistry book because it really is lovely. I've tried to start one of the patterns for what I think is a small doily but it wasn't working so I've put it on hold. Instead I'm working on one of the edging patterns.

I also tried one of the handkerchief patterns which I liked very much but it looks too clunky in the size 20 that I have so I'm going to wait till I get some size 40.

I got the Farm Animals book after seeing the calf pattern on another blog, which I'd provide a link for if only I could remember where I saw it. As yet I haven't tried any of the patterns but I think I'll do the calf in medium brown.

As A Great Philosopher Once Said...

2010-02-01T12:21:00.001Z

Oops I did it again.

As A Great Philosopher Once Said... Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 1st February, 2010

I haven't had a chance to try any of the patterns from these books yet as they only arrived this morning and I've only had a quick flip through the pages. So far I'm liking the Tatted Artistry the best, quite nice to look at.

The Tatting Farm Animals book is a strange one. It seems to have a couple of nice little items in it but some seem to be lacking. You look at them and it seems that if they didn't have a label telling you what they are meant to be, you wouldn't know. Maybe it's the patterns and maybe it's just the way they were made by whoever tatted the samples.

The Tatted Handkerchiefs book looks okay I guess but the edgings look quite similar to what I already have in two other books. Will have to look more closely when I get a chance.

24 of 25

2010-01-31T13:01:00.001Z

Pattern: The Third Day of December from the book 24 Snowflakes in Tatting by Lene Bjørn.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 613 & col 623 & col 680.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I started to do this pattern in a single shade and thought the middle looked like a flower so started it again in these colours to see what would happen.

I took the picture before blocking just in case anything drastic happened to it when trying to pin it out.

24 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 31st January, 2010

I wanted to tackle this snowflake as soon as I got the book but figured it might be too difficult. I'm not sure exactly why I found it so daunting but I'm glad I got over it and gave it a try.

23 of 25

2010-01-29T11:48:00.001Z

Pattern: Tatted Fall Leaves (pdf) by Heather Johnston.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 100.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

Mine looks a little different to the pattern but I like it.

23 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 29th January, 2010

I've had this pattern saved in my links list for quite some time but every time I tried to follow the pattern it went wrong. Eventually last night I wrote out a rudimentary diagram and filled in the stitch numbers and it worked! I've looked at the pattern again and think that where it calls for a ring it's meant to call for a chain, which is pretty obvious to me now but when you're learning it isn't so. Another thing that's obvious now that I'm more familiar with tatting patterns and their inconsistency is the fact that you are meant to switch shuttles to do the little nodes on the leaf, which the pattern doesn't mention.

I might try the other leaves on the pattern file now that this one has worked.

New Stuff

2010-01-25T22:00:00.000Z

I didn't mean to buy these; it was an accident.

More Lizbeth Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 25th January, 2010

The Pink Parade (col 145) is a re-order as I found it works quite well either on its own or mixed with other colours. The Purple Splendor (col 129) is a new favourite, such a beautiful blend of shades. Then there's the Tropical Fruit (col 107) which is about as hideous a shade as I've ever seen. Worse even than the gross yellow I got last time.

I tried these new clover shuttles out straight away and I love them. I can't really see any physical difference between them and the normal coloured clovers but they just feel nicer.

Pattern: SweetHeart by Birgit Phelps.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 623.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I don't care for this particular pattern but uploading as part of my 25.

22 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 25th January, 2010

By George I Think I've Got It

2010-01-25T00:30:00.001Z

So near and yet.............................................so far.

Dammit & Blast Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 25th January, 2010

I tatted the first couple of rings and chains but something went wrong so I started again but didn't take into consideration the fact that I had less thread on my shuttle. I got to the final ring and didn't have enough pink but was struck with the thought that I could make a self closing mock ring! Genius, right? Well it would have been had I not already cut the blue.

I wound on for my second attempt but instead of looking at the amount I'd used the first time, I did it from memory. So I get to the final ring and damn if I didn't run out of pink and do EXACTLY the same thing as before.

Lessons learnt:
1) Don't cut thread till I'm CERTAIN that I've finished.
2) Don't trust my failing memory.

I wasn't as annoyed as I'd expect myself to be because this pattern is a pleasure to make.

Pattern: Heart's Desire by Susan K Fuller.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 142 & col 145.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I'm so glad that I finally managed to get this pattern done after so many false starts. I was going to say this is third time lucky but technically it's fourth time lucky as the black/red effort below was also from the same pattern but remained incomplete after I decided I couldn't get the chains to look right.

21 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 25th January, 2010

Because I Like It Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 24th November, 2009

Brains!

2010-01-23T22:09:00.001Z

Pattern: The Brain by Martha Ess.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 145 & col 640 & col 691.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

This works up very quickly as it's so small (2cm across) and the pattern is written so as to be easily followed.

20 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 23rd January, 2010

I like this little pattern, it's very cute. I could have done a neater job getting rid of the ends but never mind.

Tattiquette

2010-01-23T16:17:00.002Z

While blog browsing I saw a really lovely motif that I wanted to make. I read the comments on the post and it was obvious that others were also looking for the source of the pattern but the person who posted it said that they didn't think it was available online and that it was from a foreign (to me) tatting association. Looking at the image it would be very easy to copy but this somehow seems wrong and I'm wondering what others think about the matter of copying a design when it's not possible to attain it any other way.

19 of 25

2010-01-19T23:38:00.001Z

Pattern: Magic Moment Snowflake by Jon Yusoff.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 144.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

This pattern is an absolute pleasure to follow. It looked more complex than it turned out to be and I found that I was able to complete it without having to refer to the pattern a whole bunch of times.

19 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 19th January, 2010

I will certainly be making another of these and advise you all to do the same if you haven't already.

Them And Us

2010-01-18T23:53:00.001Z

Pattern: Faith, from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 692.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

Eighteen down, seven more to go. This is very much like the previous pattern I made from the book.

18 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 18th January, 2010

Tatting at work today I got quite a few comments. It went something like "What are you making?", "But what is it called?", "Why is it called tatting?", "They should call it something else because it doesn't make it sound delicate and pretty.".

17 of 25

2010-01-17T18:35:00.001Z

Pattern: Hope, from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 122.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I'm not particularly fond of this thread so used it up on this pattern which I didn't expect to like but I enjoyed making it after all.

I really need to sort out my lighting before taking pictures of my tatting as it's pretty uneven and not well done. Still it's better than using a pinhole camera so I'll shut up.

17 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 17th January, 2010

I didn't realise but ❦TattingChic told me that Mary Konior passed away yesterday.

Don't Like The Stawasz, Loving Konior

2010-01-16T19:14:00.001Z

Pattern: Masquerade, from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 613.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

This was a pleasure to make and I like the colour. The background is one of the many squares of felt that I purchased online from Lupin Handmade.

16 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 16th January, 2010

I previously tried tatting an item from the book Tatting Theory & Patterns by Jan Stawasz and it left me feeling less than positive. I didn't give up entirely and over the last few days I've been trying to complete a snowflake from the same book but to no avail. I hate this book. It's just bad. The photos of the items are okay but the diagrams are unhelpful and the text is long winded in the introduction with not enough information where you need it (in the pattern).

To make me feel better I've completed Masquerade from the very lovely book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior. I enjoyed it so much I've started on another pattern from the same book. Her diagrams are easy to follow and clearly printed with just the right amount of info to get you started. I love this book.

15 of 25

2010-01-10T22:03:00.001Z

Pattern: Teresa's Shamrock.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 684.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I desaturated the background of this shamrock because it was very blue and hard to see what was going on.

15 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 10th January, 2010

I haven't tatted any new items over the Xmas/New Year period other than a couple more squares for a tablecloth I'm making. I did this shamrock as part of my motif challenge.

ISO Kilner/Mason Jars

2009-12-05T16:54:00.003Z

Would you believe it's so difficult to find a proper Kilner Jar or Mason Jar in the UK? I'm not talking about the ones with the metal hinged closing, but the ones with the two piece metal screw on lid. Ideally I wanted these Collection Elite jars by Ball.

After a few days searching I have managed to find a site that supplies another brand of similar jars but not in the small size I'm after, though I've reached a point of desperation so may go for the smallest they do and see how that works.

It's made me wonder why canning and preserving doesn't seem to be so popular here.

Unsure Of The Stawasz

2009-12-02T03:42:00.001Z

Hopefully my post-it note doesn't come across as too insane. After my first few projects I decided that while I'm taking the time to work out how much thread I need to wind on the shuttle, I might aswell save that info. After completion I can amend the amount if I have too much left over. See, it makes sense really.

Pita Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 2nd December, 2009

I hate to say it but I'm not so happy with the book Tatting Theory & Patterns by Jan Stawasz. First off, I wasn't banking on having to learn a new method of tatting so I gave that section of the book a miss for the time being.

Secondly, I've been repeatedly trying to complete the centre section of this doily with little success. I had to do the pink bit twice which was in a way my own fault, I didn't realise there were different stitch counts for regular tatting and "Jan's method" so I didn't have enough room to close the circle and have it lay flat. Now I'm finding that the chains on the second round are causing me strife. If I pull them tight they look wrinkled when I join them, if I leave them looser they look too floppy. I've cut off and restarted the white several times and now I give up!

New Tatting Books

2009-11-25T03:05:00.002Z

I'm so excited! I ordered two books (The Tatter's Treasure Chest & Tatting - Theory and Patterns) from Roseground yesterday at about 1430 and by about 1530 I got an email to say they are on the way! They really are lightning fast with their deliveries. I'm still waiting on some shuttles from them but they were out of stock so I don't mind waiting.

Runaway Turtle

2009-11-23T14:23:00.001Z

Pattern: Tatty Turtle by Mark Myers (pdf).
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 690.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

Another cute little pattern I think.

14 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 23rd November, 2009

As you can tell from the picture it's still raining. I don't think it will ever stop! Poor folks in Cumbria are having it really bad at the moment and looks like they'll be suffering the consequences for a long time to come.

I completed this little pattern and got all the way to the finishing ends stage. I got up to make myself a cup of tea and by the time I sat back down my turtle had vanished. I know he's lurking around here somewhere but I decided to make him a twin to keep him company when he eventually shows up again.

13 of 25

2009-11-22T19:39:00.001Z

Pattern: Apple (pdf).
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 671 & col 680.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

13 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 22nd November, 2009

This is a nice quick pattern. Completing a project without leaving yards of thread on the shuttles is quite satisfying and I'm getting better at it.

12 of 25

2009-11-21T15:30:00.003Z

Pattern: Bookmark.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 144 col 623.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I'm not sure of the written pattern details as it's in Italian(?) however the diagram was simple enough to follow. I didn't do the dangle thingie as I don't like dangles on my bookmarks.

12 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 21st November, 2009

Another bookmark that I enjoyed making, although not in these colours*. They were chosen because I decided to use up what I already had on two shuttles, taking some extra from the ball to complete the pink.

*Saying that, they've actually grown on me since I finished it.

11 of 25

2009-11-20T22:23:00.000Z

Pattern: Heart o' Daisies.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 613 col 695.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I wasn't even going to take a photo of this as I don't like it AT ALL, but then I figured that spending the time to make it would be wasted if I didn't count it towards my 25.

11 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 20th November, 2009

I think part of the reason I don't like this is because I muffed up the top middle, only a little bit but it's still there staring at me. Partly it's all the picots round the outside, though maybe if they were laying more smoothly I wouldn't dislike them so much.

10 of 25

2009-11-19T20:35:00.002Z

Pattern: Bookmark With Overlapping Chains.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 601 col 623 col 624.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I love how this turned out since I'd already started it once and figured it wouldn't work.

10 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 19th November, 2009

The chains on the outside were a bit iffy in that they seemed too long and made the whole thing a little wavy, however they looked much better after blocking. I'm getting more used to blocking and therefore less resentful about having to do it. Might even buy some more pins so I can do it properly without having to decide which rings/picots will be lucky enough to get jabbed.

Shuttle Join Ugly

2009-11-18T20:34:00.002Z

I'm working on bookmark at the moment in pink and white. I'm using a shuttle join throughout the pattern and am finding that I'm not that keen on the way it looks. For example, I might work five stitches followed by a shuttle join and a further five stitches. The stitches after the join always take up more room because there's a slight lump from the join. I've tried pulling the join really tightly, or pulling it towards the first group of stitches but still it looks... displeasing.

Snowflakes

2009-11-12T17:08:00.005Z

Pattern: The Second Day of December from the book 24 Snowflakes in Tatting by Lene Bjørn.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 690.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

8 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 12th November, 2009

Pattern: The Eleventh Day of December from the book 24 Snowflakes in Tatting by Lene Bjørn.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 601.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I like this snowflake and even though it looks pretty simple I had to try a few times as my chains were pulled far too tightly.

9 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 12th November, 2009

I'm going to have to work on the whole blocking thing. I don't like the finishing part of craft projects at all but I suppose it's worth the effort. While I did make a small effort with these I didn't do as much as I could have.

*sigh*

Tatting Abbreviations

2009-11-01T18:03:00.003Z

I keep finding patterns that use abbreviations without telling me what they mean. I'm relatively new to tatting so it's most frustrating. I've decided to keep a list of abbreviations which I'll add to as I come across them, rather than keeping links to multiple lists.

+	join
-	picot
--	medium length picot
---	long picot
c	chain
clr	close ring
lj	lock join
lp	long picot
lr	large ring
p	picot
scmr	self closing mock ring
slt	shoe lace trick
sr	small ring
ss	switch shuttles
vsp	very small picot

7 of 25

2009-10-27T22:43:00.002Z

Pattern: Queen of Hearts from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 114.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I liked doing this pattern. I didn't even forget to do any of the joins.

7 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 27th October, 2009

I may well make this heart again but in a different colour.

Some People Want Shooting

2009-10-24T23:42:00.002+01:00

Got the train home just before 10pm this evening. It was quite busy. A man was sat on the floor, his female friend sat on the seat near to him. A group of about half a dozen drunken idiots were pestering the man but he was taking it well, smiling, shaking their hands. Two of them took umbrage at... God knows what and started laying into this man. The female tried to stop them and they all started laying into her, throwing punches. I tried shouting for reason, what man (let alone group of men) would hit a female?!? They did not take notice of me, as I suppose was expected. Police were called, thugs removed from train. I don't know how the couple are, hopefully... I would say "hopefully okay" but that seems a stupid thing to say.

Some people should do the honourable thing and just drop down dead.

Two More Down

2009-10-24T00:23:00.004+01:00

Pattern: Patchwork from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 601.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I quite enjoyed this one and haven't blocked it yet as I may do some more to make a runner.

I was very good and managed to make myself sew the ends in right away but I didn't enjoy it one bit. I did a test ring and tryed the "magic thread" method of finishing an end but found the stitches were tighter than I needed, which led to the ring opening up. I did another test with this method (pdf) and it worked very well so am going to see how it works on a finished piece.

6 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 24th October, 2009

Pattern: Flower Fragment, from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 684 & col 142.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

A bit of a rush job with some thread that was left over on my shuttles.

5 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 24th October, 2009

Free Patterns My Eye

2009-10-21T16:43:00.003+01:00

I didn't want all my items for the 25 Motif Challenge to be from a book. I wanted to mix it up with some of the free patterns that I've found online. This has proved to be more difficult than I first thought as the patterns seem to contain mistakes or ommissions more often than not. On one ring a pattern will tell you to reverse the work, the next ring will tell you not to reverse the work, so far so good. The third ring will not state how to proceed and the following ring will direct you to reverse. Gah! If I have to keep scrolling back to view the image then why write a pattern at all, why not just superimpose the stitch numbers onto a diagram. It's not that I expect all patterns to follow the same method but surely a single pattern should be consistent throughout?!?

4 of 25

2009-10-16T14:50:00.002+01:00

Pattern: Black Magic, from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 604.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

I made a couple of false starts with this one but glad I persevered as I like how it came out. Using black is good because it hides small mistakes.

4 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 16th October, 2009

I really enjoyed this pattern and will definitely be doing it again in another colour. I'm liking this Mary Konior book very much.

Took delivery of nine more balls of Lizbeth today. I got a few of the variegated colours this time just to see how they work up.

Infuriating

2009-10-14T03:09:00.001+01:00

Gah! I was trying to make what seemed like a relatively easy motif but messed it up three times. Need to work on my concentration.

Infuriating Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 14th October, 2009

I'm trying another edging pattern from my Mary Konior book instead which seems to be going a lot better but I'll come back to this pattern eventually.

3 of 25

2009-10-13T13:58:00.007+01:00

Pattern: Curds and Whey, from the book Tatting With Visual Patterns by Mary Konior.
Thread: Lizbeth size 20, col 663.
Technique: Shuttle tatted.

3 of 25 Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 13th October, 2009

I started towards the left hand side with small picots but wanted to see how it would look if I made them a bit larger. I only managed a few rings before I forgot to join and since I wasn't going to attempt unpicking I cut it off and called it done.

Shuttles Originally uploaded by michl_007 on 13th October, 2009

Three shuttle brands. Clover at the top, grey ones are Inox-Prym and random yellow one.

I like the Clover ones best other than the fact that they don't have a hook on the end so I sometimes find it difficult to get the thread through small picots. I quite like the Inox-Prym too. They yellow one is pretty crap to be honest, with a wobbly hook and a hard feel to it. I might file it in the bin.

2 of 25

2009-10-11T18:18:00.011+01:00

I quite like this... edging? I need to pull the chains tighter I think but my stitches are becoming more even. Maybe smaller joining picots would be better also.

Tomorrow I may take a couple of pictures of the bits I got from Roseground.

2 of 25 (Detail) originally uploaded by michl_007 on 11th October, 2009

Tatting

2009-10-11T16:35:00.005+01:00

I wanted to crochet a bookmark and kept getting frustrated by the fact that I kept finding tatting patterns and didn't even know what tatting was. One evening a couple of weeks ago I decided to learn and rushed out to my LYS in the hopes that they could help with shuttles and/or needles. They had a shuttle, yay! They had some thread too which I wasn't overly happy with as it didn't seem to have much of a twist which I'd read online was helpful with tatting, still I gave it a go.

A week later and my home looked like a place where thread comes to die but since the man in the LYS had said that his wife tried and failed at the craft I was pleased as punch that I'd got my stitches to flip.

I have since found an online supplier (Roseground) who I'm impressed with. They could probably have more products/patterns online but they have a selection good enough to suit my current needs and they have lightning fast delivery. One day last week I placed an order at lunch time and it was with me the next morning.

Anyhoo... I've decided to sign up to the 25 Motif Challenge as a way of encouraging my limited tatting skills and this is my first real effort at making something, even if it's tiny. And no it isn't technically finished as you can see from the open end however that's due to lack of the right sized needle.

1 of 25 originally uploaded by michl_007 on 11th October, 2009

Week In The Lakes

2008-09-02T19:36:00.004+01:00

The last week of my annual leave was spent in the Lake District, where I had a marvellous time.

Cumbrian Hills originally uploaded by michl_007 on 2nd September, 2008

We did a bit of walking through the hills and mountains, though not as much as I'd have liked but it was pretty shitty weather all in all. There was a trip to Hadrian's Wall and a tour of Honister Slate Mine. The ride up to the mine is terrifying in the extreme as the "road" is just wide enough to fit the bus and one unfortunate walker who bravely stood on the falling off side as we passed.

We took a trip to the Cumberland Pencil Museum and astoundingly had to queue in the rain to get in. I had to laugh when the boy in front of us said to his parents "What next, the museum of the toothpick?".

There was a boat trip across Ullswater early in the week. We didn't get a return trip, instead deciding to walk back, which is where I took this picture.

I wish we could have stayed longer as there was much more to see. Maybe next time!

Experimenting With Flash 1

2008-08-22T00:37:00.001+01:00

Experimenting With Flash 1
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(22nd August, 2008)

I tried the flash thing again today with a little more success, much more in fact since I managed to do it in only one set of shots with no mistakes.

Settings
Aperture: f10
ISO: 100
White Balance: flash

I actually meant to use a lower f number but since the same was used throughout I don't think it matters too much. This does not count as a mistake... *cough*

Anyhoo... what did I learn? I learnt that using the flash head on is very harsh, no shock there. While the light that's bounced off the surfaces is much softer there is also a definite colour cast. I could have changed the white balance but I'm trying to learn what's happening so figured it best not to tamper with things.

I enjoyed this small experiment because I'm starting to understand all the articles I've been reading about lighting, even if only a small amount. Very encouraging. I will try more experiments.

SB600, Must Try Harder

2008-08-20T21:33:00.003+01:00

Must Try Harder
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(20th August, 2008)

Bah. I was trying to experiment with my speedlight by taking multiple pictures of this thing but with the head tilted and swivelled to different positions.

Half way through the first set of shots I realised that I hadn't tightened up the tripod properly and it had shifted. Silly mistake.

The second set of shots seemed to work okay, with very noticeable differences. But after zapping them over to my computer I realised that I hadn't made a note of which settings were on which image.

The third set of shots had a steady tripod. I had my notes of the various settings I'd used. I was good to go. Then I realised that I'd left the little diffuser flap pulled out so it rendered my experiment useless.

Shove Your Contract

2008-08-20T02:28:00.003+01:00

Cloudy Clock
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(8th August, 2007)

You go into a shop to buy a mobile phone these days and they pounce on you like flies on shit. The whole "Can I help you?", "No thanks.", "What is it you're looking for?", "A phone." thing started to get to me after a while today. On the odd occasion you decide to break the news that you only want pay as you go rather than a contract you can see the light burn that much dimmer behind their eyes as the eagerness to please starts to evaporate.

I used to have a contract phone and was happy enough with it until it came time to upgrade. They gave me a deal on a Nokia N95 so I wouldn't skip to another supplier but the phone was faulty and I had it replaced. Twice. In less than a week. They kept promising to call me to sort out the problem but never did and told me that because it was an upgrade rather than a new contract there was bugger all I could do. Needless to say I didn't renew again after that one expired and swore to stay away from contract phones forever more.

It's hard to believe my cloudy clock photo was taken this time last year. The weather today has been particularly windy and rainy.

Getting To Grips With Blogger

2008-08-17T23:42:00.004+01:00

Robin Red Breast 1
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(27th January, 2008)

I think I'm finally getting to grips with this whole blogger templates thing and even cobbled together the header you see above.

I'm sharing this photo taken at the start of the year in lieu of any new pictures using my new lens. My motivation for some reason has been lacking. All the late nights can't be helping and I had the intention of getting an early night but I now see that it's nearly midnight.

Anyhoo... this photo was taken while on a walk around the grounds of the Styal Estate. I was very pleased with the detail I managed to capture, one of my better efforts.

Oh How I Hate...

2008-08-13T21:08:00.003+01:00

...templates. I have been editing the template for this blog for more time now than I care to mention and it's a pain in the arse. I just got shirty and deleted all the changes. Back to the drawing board or maybe I'll go order an Indian takeaway instead and think about it another time.

The weather today was pretty bad so I didn't venture out with my new lens, bummer.

New Addition To The Family

2008-08-13T03:30:00.004+01:00

New Addition To The Family
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(13th August, 2008)

I got some vouchers from work recently and decided to put them towards a nice new lens. I spent all night online trying to decide which one I wanted, reading reviews and perusing the various shop websites where it could be purchased.

As it turns out I could use my vouchers at only one photographic shop and that was Jessops. "Did they have it in stock?" I hear you ask. Yes! And at my local branch too! Too excited to sleep I sat up drinking coffee till opening time and made my way to the store.

Now... normally when you walk in this place they jump on you wanting to know if you need help but after walking by the two members of staff having a chit chat at the entrance and waiting for the other member of staff (who was being very helpful to the lady at the counter) I was forced to ask Mr Chit and Mr Chat if there was a member of staff available to help or were they just there for decoration. As it turns out, they didn't have the lens in stock after all. Ho hum. Before leaving I asked for the customer services number. Mr Chit and Mr Chat got a little nervous till I explained that I wanted to call and see what stock levels they had in other stores.

One mobile phone call later I knew that they had stock in the warehouse (which meant a three day wait), stock in Edinburgh (hours and hours away) and stock in London. I trudged up to London where they let me try out the display model and allowed me to get giddy with excitement about my imminent purchase. Only when I was about to pay did they reveal that they didn't have any in store but it would only be a couple of days for delivery. I managed to contain my desire to tell them to foxtrot oscar and told them that I didn't wish to wait.

By this stage I'd pretty much lost hope of getting the new lens but in desperation I checked with Jacobs (another photographic shop) which is right across the road.

Long story short(ish)... They had it. My vouchers weren't valid. I bought it anyway. I went back to Jessops and spent my vouchers on a new camera bag.

In conclusion, I have once again received poor customer service from Jessops. I won't spend any money with them again if I can help it, only vouchers should I get any more. Someone should tell them the difference between a shop and a showroom. Jacobs staff are generally much more helpful and knowledgeable and don't seem to lie to you with as much gusto as the staff in Jessops.

My Most Viewed Photo

2008-08-10T02:18:00.003+01:00

Chinese Golden Pheasant
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(2nd October, 2007)

I don't know how or why this image has garnered so many views but people seem to happen upon it more regularly than my others.

Today has been a miserable, raining, shivering cold day but I care not a jot because I'm now officially on holiday from work. I hope to make at least a couple of trips to Kew and the London Wetland Centre, weather willing. I also have a week in the Lake District to look forward to.

Introduction Part 2

2008-08-09T04:16:00.003+01:00

My Favourite Tree
Originally uploaded by michl_007
(4th October, 2007)

I got myself a camera last year in about March and have been hooked ever since. This is one of my favourite pictures from 2007, taken at Kew Gardens.

Photography is definitely my favourite pastime now but I also like to read the occasional book and knit the odd sock. And yes, I do mean one as it's very difficult to get motived enough to complete the same pattern twice. It's called 'odd sock syndrome' and affects knitters far and wide.

Introduction Part 1

2008-08-08T00:11:00.003+01:00

About once per year I decide to write a blog. I get all enthused for between one and five entries before realising that doing nothing is not nearly as bad as writing about doing nothing and so begins my blogging hibernation. Well this time it's different, this time... Ah shit, who am I kidding. Tomorrow, after I have slept, shall come part 2. Or not as the case may be.