Tat Days What is Tatting?

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1 Tat Days 2005 While the eyes of the world turn to the festivities at Spoleto, another international cultural event is being quietly enjoyed on the campus of the Columbia International University. Tat Days 2005 will run through June 3 rd and 4 th in Columbia, SC. This 3rd annual event is open to the general public. Tatting classes will be held for beginner, intermediate and advanced tatters. A variety of techniques (needle, shuttle, and fingers) will be covered by teachers from local and international backgrounds. Tat Days 2005 is being sponsored by the Palmetto Tatters Guild (PTG), one of the largest non-profit groups of its kind in North America. Teresa Woods and Lori Dunlap will Co-Chair the Tat Days 2005 event. The PTG was formed several years ago from the GA-NC-SC tri-state area for the purpose of promoting the ancient art of tatting. The theme for Tat Days 2005 is "FanTATstic". What is Tatting? Tatting is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "a delicate handmade lace formed usually by looping and knotting with a single cotton thread and a small shuttle" and "the act or process of making tatting." The Encyclopedia Britannica says that tatting "...was once a widely practiced craft, known in Italy as occhi and in France as la frivolité. The resulting product appears to be quite fragile but is indeed both strong and durable." Origins of Tatting Some scholars trace the origins of tatting to the ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. Those cultures utilized knotting techniques for purposes of recordkeeping, fishing, sailing and construction engineering. Some scholars think the ancient biblical patriarch, Noah, may have kept track of time aboard the Ark with the aid of knots. Over the centuries, the Chinese are credited with refining knotting techniques and elevated the practice to a very appealing art form. Indeed, trade between the Orient and the West exposed medieval Europeans to tatting. Soon articles of lace became fashionable among the wealthy. Chaucer mentions tatting in his works of the late 14th century and tatting was well established in the Netherlands during the Renaissance. What Happens at Tat Days 2005? Tat Days 2005 will feature displays of over 100 articles of handmade lace and the shuttles used for tatting. As with last year's event, Tat Days 2005 also hosts tatting experts and enthusiasts from throughout North America and Europe. Tat Days participants may benefit from seminars, videos, show 'n' tell, exhibits, panel discussions, vendor booths and tat 'n' chats. Attendees may enter their favorite tatting in the Open Tat Competition, have their works judged (ribbons are awarded), and participate in several contests including the tat-off speed contest. Pam Freck, Guild President, encourages long-time tatters and those desiring to learn more about this expanding decorative art form to attend Tat Days. Roll over Spoleto; Tat Days is coming through!

2 What Other Tatters Say "Tatting opens doors and creates friendships across town and around the world. A little thread on a shuttle and you can create wonderful treasures." - Karen Bickley, Lexington, SC "I have discovered there are many different methods of tatting. It was not until I learned the traditional method that I understood the reverse Riego method used by my mother. Tatting helped us bridge the generation gap." - Janice Cooper, Hephzibah, GA "Tat Days is like a ring in tatting, joining us all together for 2 days to meet face to face, and share our love of an art that is not extinct but just laying dormant waiting to be awakened by someone new." - Mary Donohue, Columbia, SC "Intricate designs may be created from a single type of stitch. Project possibilities are so diverse: beadladen jewelry, note card decorations, even 3-dimensional works. Of course, traditional hanky edging or round doilies are rewarding too." - Lori Dunlap, Spartanburg, SC "I first learned tatting from a young man nearly 65 years ago." I have tatted ever since then, but I never appreciated that others enjoyed tatting too until I discovered them at Tat Days I collect tatting shuttles, some of which date to the 1880's. Some of my tatting pieces have even been worn by TV personalities. I always add tatting to my personal note cards and letters." -Betty Magill, Kinards, SC "My dad didn't want the art to die in his family, so he and I got my grandmother to show us how to tat. I love tatting because it is so peaceful. A quick little tatted flower or butterfly can bring a smile." - Donna Thompson, West Columbia, SC "I taught myself to tat about 30 years ago using my Great, Great Aunt's Detach-a-Spool shuttle. No one around me did the craft, so I possess a gold medal in the infamous Frustrated Shuttle Toss." It wasn't until my family moved to North Carolina in 1988 and I discovered, through the Internet, that there were MANY other tatters around the world. " - Teresa Woods, Mount Holly, NC For More Information The campus of the Columbia International University is located 1 mile north of the I-20 Monticello Road interchange (Exit 68 - SC 215). More information about Tat Days 2005 may be obtained by contacting Pam Freck, Guild President, at or Lori Dunlap, Guild Vice President, at or via to tatday@palmettotatters.org. For registration and competition entry forms, consult The Palmetto Tatters Guild web site at:

3 Sample tatted fans illustrate the FanTATstic theme for Tat Days 2005 Tat Days 2005 promotes excellence in fine art

4 Sample entries for the judged competition at Tat Days 2004

5 Sample entries for the judged competition at Tat Days 2004

6 Fun-loving Teachers Attractive Location

7 Expert Judges Hands-on Instruction

8 Shopping Fine Dining

9 Make New Friends!