Share a Tat!

I'm moving this idea over to the TIAS blog as I feel that it will be more appropriate here!! It seems to have got itself 'lost' on my other tatting blog!!!

This is my original post from 'over there' but please read to the end as there is something new to see.

Nowadays it's becoming more and more difficult to come up with original ideas and sometimes it's nice just to do something simple.

So the sequins I've been re-visiting after several years are really simple. I think this may be a good time to introduce a 'Share a Tat' game!!!!
What I intend to do is to post the way I've found of enclosing the sequin and perhaps one or two of the patterns I've done - just to give some idea of stitch count etc.
I'm NOT going to add any copyright notice to these as I don't feel that they're 'important' enough and it will allow everybody to play the game.
I will then invite all and sundry (especially new tatters) to join me to discover as many ways as possible of making this into a motif, mobile, etc. Note, I haven't added any beads or used techniques other than rings, chains and split rings so there's room for plenty more ideas!!
I am more than happy to 'host' any patterns derived from this on a new 'guest' section of my pattern pages, or add links to other pages on other sites. I would only ask that if you write your patterns a different way to the way I do that you alter the original accordingly and add any new abbreviations. This will make it clearer for those wanting to tat them. My way of writing patterns is not necessarily everybody's 'cup of tea'!!
It would be very interesting to see how many different ideas can stem from one sequin. Not as many as there were hippos!!!!
The Share a Tat basic pattern is here.

There is another idea (but no pattern to go with it) at the side of the blog!!!
Today I have had the first and fantastic addition to the game sent in. It has come from Tine Vedder in Ede in The Netherlands and I've added it to the guest section of my web site if you'd like to go and see.

Completed hippos! Part 10

Well it's now the 30th April and hippos are still strolling into the bloat!

Here are three more from Karen Lowrimore. This is what she had to say. Thanks, Karen.

You just thought the hippos were put to rest! :)

When my sister saw the first one I tatted, she wanted three in purple, one for herself and for her two co-workers. I have attached a picture of the finished project.

I borrowed the tutu idea from one of the pictures on your TIAS blog. I made this one for Susan to remind her to dance. The hippo with the necklace is for my sister because she always has to dress up to do anything. The last one is for Elizabeth, who I do not really know yet.

I stitched the hippos onto scrapbooking paper and framed them.

Wanted you to know that your hipps are still on the move!

This one is from Carla Oosterbroek in The Netherlands and she says this -
"Riet Surtel told me that you still want to recieve hippo's. Well here is mine. It was very nice to do and by Riet's translation it was not to difficult. I also made the tulips and now i will try to share a tat. Till the next time.

Completed hippos! Part 9

I thought I'd start a new 'page' in the blog for number 101 and any others!

Now up to 109 on 10th March! It's the 12th March now and another hippo's just wandered in! Number 110!!!

This one has just arrived from Hermien via Riet. Riet said the following -
"He or she came in my mailbox this morning The card is special made by Hermien. One side it says in Dutch: Beter laat dan nooit, dat is translated better late than never and the hippo is under a tree nice isn't it?"
Yes, Riet, it is lovely and I like the grass tickling the hippo's nose too!!!!

Sunday morning and it's very cold here so the next one from Angela in Michigan has not come to a much warmer place!!! Angela said -
"Sorry I am so late in sending you my Hippo but it got very cold here in Michigan (below zero several days) and Honey Hippo could not stand it and went into hibernation. She finally came out today as it is almost 30 degrees and agreed to visit you and all of the other Hippos."

Another hippo has arrived on this cold Sunday morning. This one is from Eva in Sweden. This is what she said -
"Finally I have finished my hippo. Very fun to tat. I can see a little tear in the eye but I hope it's a tear of joy." Thanks, Eva. I'm sure it is!!












Another hippo from BJ with all his notes attached!!! Thanks SO much, BJ

"Height: Aprox 21/2" Length: Aprox 3 1/2"

Color: Pizzaz (size 30) and size 30 Finca yellow and blue

This is Miss Pearl. She returned with her mother from Texas. Plain Jane apparently fell in love when she saw the uncontrolable Texas Circus Hippo. They were seen frolicking in the Rio Grande. Fortunately, "Jane" came home before the snow hit New Mexico. Miss Pearl is colorful and she loves her pearl eye!"

This hippo came from Gepke van Bers. She is a new tatter and she had a few problems. She told Riet (who passed the hippo on to me) that she will try again, but she has now started working on the new TIAS!

Here is a hippo from Tine Bouma who is another member of Riet's group in The Netherlands.
Thank you, Tine.

This one is from Marie Smith who says -
"My Hippo traveled with me to Florida but did not want to return home. He met a new friend,whom he had to leave behind. That is why he is dragging his chin, and his color is much bluer than before. But doesn't he look cool in his Panama Hat! "
Way cool, Marie!!!

The next to join the bloat is from Marjorie Garland. Here's what she has to say -
"I have it finished! I now realise that I have gone wrong on the bit under its chin but i will call it my version. I struggled with the eye, I broke the thread closing the ring and had to join but then I worked out how to close the ring more easily. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing it and have learned a few things along the way. Maybe I will try doing again when I have time. In the mean time I have geckos to think about!"

This next one is from Ireland and Jackie Magnin. She says -

'Isn't she BEAUTIFUL! The garter is compliments to 'Mud, mud, glorious mud', with the eye I made life easy for myself by unwinding the shuttle- (I tried the pattern but wasn't happy with my result); Bring on the next mistery-tour! I still think it will make a nice rhino. Plenty of grey thread to try it out. See you!'

The next hippo has just arrived again from The Netherlands and via Riet!! The message Riet sent with it is as follows -
"Yesterday we had our guildmeeting and there came in all the hippo's and there was one made by Mrs Mooi, he just was ready and I took a picture and here is the picture for you here is the picture for you She had a problem with her eyes has had surgery and now she can tat, what she couldn't for a long time. She followed what was going on with the hippo and when she could tat she did it, nice isn't it greetings"

This one (number 110) is from Carmel Grimes one of the Irish tatting friends of Pamela Myers. She found this very intriguing.

Completed hippos! Part 8

Saturday and two more have arrived making 91 in total.

Monday morning and 2 hippos arrived and they were followed by three more in the afternoon (96).
Tuesday and two more have arrived (98)!
Wednesday and number 99 has arrived.
Thursday and number 100 has wandered in.

The first is from Kate Huttar who said. " Greetings from the Texan circus hippo. Finally got him finished today, though he could certainly use some blocking...er....training. :) I'll get another picture once he is more under control (and with a different background), but I was so excited about his appearance, I couldn't wait."

The next one is from Stephanie who must be having problems with hippos. I think hers are breeding as this is the ...... I'll leave it to her to explain!!!

"Rosie the Pink Potamus (Petunia's younger sister) *insisted* on playing outdoors today without sunscreen. She's already turning a bit pink in spots. This afternoon I caught her sitting at the computer - looking at all the hippos online. Suddenly she screeched, grabbed MY heart-shaped box of Valentine's Day candy, and ran out of the house. I suspect she's on her way to you at this very moment. You won't have to entice her to stay, I'm sure."












Next hippo to join the bloat is Carol Lawecki's. Here he is in his very pretty surroundings - it almost looks as if it's snowing!

My worst fears have happened. The hippos are breeding! We now have hippy flower power hippos!! Stephanie's third one has arrived this morning!! This is the next part of Stephanie's story!! "Since Petunia and Rosie left home, Hyacinth, their younger sister, has been feeling very blue and lonely. Hyacinth the Blue Potamus just LOVES parades, so to help cheer her up, I promised if she would get dressed up in her prettiest outfit, I would let her go be PART of a parade. Oh, she is so VERY excited, there's even a hint of a smile on her face now....Poor Hyacinth was quite upset when the scanner smooshed her flower, but she is SO proud of that red bow! "

Next one in came via Diane Saunders. Her tatting student, Ruth made this one. Thank you, Diane and Ruth.

Mr. and Mrs. Karlheinz and Hildegarde Hippo-Potamus are on their way to the opera. Karlheinz is wearing his white bow tie and his favorite hat. Hildegarde has donned her diamond necklace and earrings. He wanted her to wear her large diamond earrings, but she prefers wearing the small diamond studs he gave her many years ago on her first birthday as "Mrs. Hippo-Potamus." They decided to look in on the hippo parade, since it was on their way.

This is a hippo from Diane Cademartori. She says -
"I'm sending a picture of the hippo that our dear friend Laura tatted for me. I couldn't figure out any other way to send it... I hope this way works! Not only did Laura keep me interested in this project by sending photos each step of the way, she also used my favorite color, blue!"

Diane hasn't been able to tat for a while due to a broken arm. Hope you're better soon, Diane and thank you to Laura for sending her a hippo!!!

The next hippo is from Inge-Lise and she says
"Ich have made a hippo. I am 51 Years and have tatted since I was 12. Living in Denmark. Hope you like it."
It's a super hippo, Inge-Lise. Thank you for sending it such a long way.

This next hippo has come all the way from Egypt. Wally Sosa sent him on his way to me. This is what she had to say!
"Aw... I forgot to send you my lil' Egyptian hippo. Here he is. I will play more with the pattern a little later and will try to make it more Egyptian. Lol"
Thanks Wally.

This next arrival is from Gale Marshall in Canada. Sadly the first time her hippo set out for the UK he got lost. Fortunately this time he arrived safely. This is what Gale says. " He's been pushing pennies so that I could watch the dollars! LOL" Thanks, Gale.

Number 98 is from Brigitte Nettles who said -

"Thank you so much for the Tat it and See tatting mystery! I worked along at a steady pace and finished my little Hippo the day after you posted the last part. It’s tatted with a Size 30 Star “Gem” mercerized crochet thread. For a while there I thought it was going to be a Rhino. I finally remembered to bring it to work with me today to get it scanned. My colleagues said it looks cute."

Next is number 99 from Anna in Poland. She said the following -

"I've taken part in your 'tat it and see' and I would like to show you my hippo. I've changed a little his head but I've noticed today that other people did the same with his hippos, so I've decided to send you a photo of my hippo too. I guessed that it would be a hippo on 7th day of project. :-)"

Number 100 has just come in from Emily Garland. She said.
"I have finally taken a photo of my hippo, frozen solid blue as you can see! ;) He has not even been able to twist his tail properly in this cold, and is waiting for a nice t-shirt or card to sit upon while he thaws."

Completed hippos! Part 7

Whoooopeee. Numbers 80, 81 and 82 have trundled in today (Tuesday).
Wednesday morning and number 83 has just arrived. This was followed in the afternoon by 84 and 85 and in the evening by number 86.

This hippo is from Eileen Roberts who has been struggling to get him out of her computer and into mine. Thanks to her son in law, Stephen, her hippo has now arrived. Thanks for persisting with getting him here, Eileen. He was well worth the struggle and you have also learnt lots of new computer skills too.

Next in is from Winnie van Vegchel who is another member of Riet's guild. Winnie said.
"I finally finished the hippo, although you wouldn't say it was one! Had some problems with it, but Riet told me to get on with it, and not to stop so near the end. I am sending you the picture, so you can see I did try! I did enjoy the project!"
Well done, Winnie. I love the colours of your hippo (and it DOES look like a hippo to me).

Dani the geek's hippo is now on her web site here.
Dani said that she'll blog it soon, but that I could have it first! She also said it was made with recycled string and that she had a heck of a time finishing the nose and changing strings at the same time!

Becky Snyder has been really busy and has done another hippo. A baby one to go with the big one!! She said -

"Here's my little one along with his Mom. I just haven't figured out who's the daddy yet!"

The next hippo to arrive is from Anna Jean who said -
"Since I live in Memphis, TN my hippo has been submerged in the Mississippi River for several days and has developed a case of the algae, hence his greenness. Lots of fun with the TIAS. " Thanks Anna Jean - he's great.

The next one is from Gerda Klumperman another member of Riet's guild. Thank you, Gerda - I love the colours of the thread.

This next one is from Stephanie who had a few problems getting Petunia to behave. Here's what she said.
"Petunia the Purple Potamus said she had a date with a gentleman hippopotamus this evening. I convinced her that a tiny bit of pressing with the steam iron would make her feel fresh and pretty, but when the first bit of steam hit her tail, she went screaming out of here. If she runs your way, grab her!" I caught her, Stephanie, and she's now being very well behaved.

The following two hippos are both from Gina Oschmann another member of Riet's guild in The Netherlands. Riet said that it seems to her that they are a he and a she but she doesn't know if it's true. I like the colours of these two and I'm sure they are related to each other some way.
They look as if they're talking to each other!!!!

Shirley Hill sent in the following hippo and said -
"I actually finished them on the last day as I was like a small child with a new toy and I could not put it down. (yes I did two one for me and one for you!!!!!!!!!!!
Goodness knows what I was thinking I forgot I could send it by email !!!!!!!!!!!!!! put it down to age!!!!!!!!"

Completed hippos! Part 6

The hippos are still arriving from all round the world. There are now 76 - whoooopeeeeee!!!

This one is from Nancy Clemmons in Alabama, USA. She said the following and left the shuttle next to the hippo just to prove her point!!

"This TIAS project was a blast! It was fun and educational. I tried not to panic when the beady eye wouldn't behave. See how little thread was left on the shuttle? I was determined to finish before I ran out.. "

Next to arrive late on Wednesday evening is from Jolande Donders who is a member of Riet's tatting guild in The Netherlands. What a happy looking hippo!!

The next hippo is from Stephanie Bryant who said.
"I had to set my little hippo aside for Days 9 and 10, but I finished up the other night. I think my hippo is a little "odd" (possibly because I haven't starched it) but I love it anyway!" So do I, Stephanie.

Friday morning and a lovely surprise as another hippo wanders into my inbox. I thought they would have stopped arriving by now but the more the merrier. This one is from Patty Dowden.

This one is from Betty Vos (via Riet). She says she will wait for the next project. Well, Betty - I'll try my best!














Saturday morning and the parade of hippos takes on more members!!! Here is one from Diane Saunders and she said.

"Henrietta so enjoyed watching the Hippo Parade with me. Here she is, trying to decide which color was her favorite."
I love the picture of Henrietta - very original background!

Diane also sent her friend's hippo and said this.

"I'm also sending you my friend Bert's hippo. I taught Bert to tat when we met 3 years ago in Florida. She's from Iowa, and we've had a nice little tatting reunion this month and have enjoyed working on this project together. "

Another hippo has come in from Riet. The message with it says
"This one is from Rita Brienissen and she would like to let you know that she really enjoyed it to take part in the project. There are now 17 hippo's that came and one is on its way isn't that great from such a small country? to be honest 2 are guildmembers but live in Belgium. I am proud of my country."
I proud of The Netherlands and it's guild members too.

Completed hippos! Part 5!!

Tuesday morning and the next few hippos have wandered in overnight!

First is BJ's worked in vintage American cro sheen - this particular batch is a firm thread. BJ said.

"That 'eye' ring was a challenge. This was so much fun."

Next is Karen Lowrimore's hippo. What a stunning thread. Karen says it's a size 10 Aunt Lydia thread - she has no idea the color name/number. She also says.
"I am slower than most of the folks that participated, but here she/he/it is. Had to have some tutoring, but made it through!" Well done, Karen.

Next is Becky Snyder's hippo. She says.
"This has been a blast! Thank you so much for coming up with this neat idea!"

Coby Roozendaal said that she liked the program, but not knowing what it should be, she didn't know which colour she had to use. After findingout at the end it was a hippo, she tatted a new grey one on Sunday.

Lieve Rabaey, is (like Coby Roozendaal) also a member of the Dutch guild but she is a Belgian tatter. Thank you, Riet, for passing these two on to me.

Now you ain't seen a hippo like this before! Is this a new species? This one has just come from Michelle Roebuck who is the editor of the Ring of Tatters Newsletter. It's taken her a few days to find her digital camera and connections to the computer but it was well worth the wait, Michelle. What a beauty!!

My very big apologies to Lynda Krupka who has just asked where her hippo is that she sent on Sunday. I'm sorry to say that he arrived safely but just didnt' get onto the blog!!! Here he is now in all his glory. Sorry, Lynda.

This wonderful hippo in it's own very pretty setting is from Elisabeth Geurtz. She told Riet that she wasn't intrested in the pc that much, but when she read about this project, she was running to the pc every day , to look to see if there was another piece. She likes the result but she regrets that it is over. Thank you Elisabeth I am so glad you enjoyed it.

Can you divorce an adopted son? I wonder. No, probably not and I don't want to either. A few years ago I decided to adopt Mark Myers and the joke has continued, but after his hippo just turned up I'm wondering what I've taken on!!! It's well worth a visit to Mark's blog for further instructions on how to work his version of the hippo. Well done, SOJ

The next hippo is from Agnes de Koning. Thank you, Riet for passing him on.

I'ts now Wednesday morning and here is Sharon Davis's hippo. Apparently he was kidnapped by her great grandson!!! She got him back after he'd been named 'Hulk'!!!!

Wendy Durell sent her hippo in on Monday but he obviously found a better watering hole and didn't arrive. Thanks for sending him again this morning, Wendy.

The hippo who is next in the parade is from Jane McLellan in Zimbabwe who also sent in some WIP scans last week. This is Hippy the Flower Power Hippo. Well done, Jane for getting to the end and coming up with a fantastic result in spite of having to learn several new techniques!

The next hippo is from Rika Hekkelman. Riet forwarded it to me and said the following. "It was a big struggle for her, not the tatting but making a picture She got some help of her son a nice boy, but a son who can tease he called the hipo a little pig."

Another member of Riet's tatting guild sent her the next hippo by snail mail. It was safely sewn onto a card. Her name is Tine van Hoof.