Joining rings....

Finally, on January 12th in the evening I found enough courage to start tatting!
It's not that tatting is that fearfull or threatening... Here's the story of my life from about 3 years ago until now and what tatting is doing for me.

Somewhat more than 3 years ago I met my soulmate and we're very happy!
In the first year I was often not feeling well. About a year later we found out I had Lyme Disease. I've been treated and as far as I'm concerned I'm cured now. Period! Sometimes I still experience health trouble though, but not so bad as back then. Part of my current health trouble has its origin in PCOS.
My hubby and I know we won't have children. Not only because of PCOS, but also due to the lack of energy I still have sometimes and some other issues. That was a very hard decision to make, but inevitable. During all of this my great guy has often said he'll stay with me, no matter what. The most wonderful human being I've ever met, that's for sure!

In our first year together we arranged a civil partnership and in October 2008 the partnership was changed into a marriage. We had to postpone the party, but we did have our honeymoon. On January 16th it was time for our wedding party!
These first 3 years were very happy, but also turned into a bumpy ride because of everything else. We both felt things would be calming down after our honeymoon and they did! We know what we won't have in life, but I also started feeling more and more like myself again.

Last year I started to take an interest in crafts. I found out about tatting, but that seemed too difficult back then. I did have a book and some shuttles ready though. My wedding dress is made by a very dear and talented friend. When we collected the dress we had a lovely walk and chat with her and her Mom. Now her Mom is really interested in all sorts of old time crafts too. Someone else we both know from a message board had posted a message about her tatted snowflakes so we got to talk about tatting. Somehow all of this inspired me and gave me the courage. The Monday before our wedding party I finally started tatting!

Following the directions and translating them into movements from my own hands was as easy as it used to be years ago. It was kind of emotional, finding back what I was afraid I'd lost forever...
At first there was a bit of a struggle of course, but there it was: the double knot!!!
The day before yesterday I made a couple of joining rings in thread nr. 8 and yesterday I tried that in DMC 80. I'm not sure if I do this the right way, but I did it and all rings are closed! Of course the picots are not the same size and thread tension is still an issue, but for me learning the technique is most important now. Those other issues will pass over time, due to practise-practise-practise.
Last night I tried to join 4 rings into a square, but I didn't do it right. It was a bit late... As soon as I can find some time I'll try again. I'm very greatful for all the lovely websites and blogs with instructions to add to the printed books!

Joining rings...