Tatting W/Visual Patterns

Mary Konior is one of my favorite designers, and this is probably her best book of the 4 she has written for tatting (the only with visual patterns). It is also one of my favorite books to use while demonstrating tatted lace as the diagrams are very clear and easy for me to follow with just an occasional quick glance. I recommend it for all levels of tatters.

This lovely book by Mary Konior is her last and possibly her best book of tatting patterns. It contains a large selection of patterns ranging from motifs which can be built into large cloths, to doilies, bookmarks, and a collection of fragment designs intended for use as small decorations. There is also a superb collection of edgings and insertions. Some of the patterns use very unusual techniques such as freehand tatting and filet tatting. There is some tatting with beads but for the most part Mary Konior concentrated on a range of techniques which included pearl tatting and traditional ring, chain and mignonette work. The designs are crisp and clean and work up well. At the time the book was written diagrammatical pattern writing was coming into its own, but many people still did not have computers so the patterns are hand drawn. That said they are amazingly clear and well laid out so that text is not really required at all. The book is not aimed at the beginner but at the lacemaker who has learned to tat and wants an interesting selection of patterns to make. This will be a real treasure on your bookshelf.

I like tatting, but looking for designs gets tiresome, since most of the patterns out there are just old-fashioned-looking: limited variations on a few basic themes. I purchased this book because it offered something different, and I was not disappointed. Tatting with Visual Patterns is full of contemporary and unusual designs.I'm a bit puzzled by the emphasis on visual patterns as the whole reason for the book's existence. The visual patterns are easy to read, and I don't think it would be too hard to understand even if you've never read the book. I don't see tatters flocking to visual patterns because it's so much easier to write out a traditional patterns, where as visual patterns require a bit of skill as a drafts(wo)man. Also, you can quickly jot down a copy of a traditional pattern, or type it into email or a web page, whereas to share a visual pattern you'd have to trace it or photocopy it or scan it into the computer.This book includes tips with good diagrams that have been useful to me as a beginning tatter. There are little tricks that make tatting a bit less frustrating, as well as explanations of unusual or more advanced techniques.I'd recommend this book to tatters at any level for its striking designs. It's a bit pricey compared to cheaply-bound books of tatting patterns, but if you're looking for some original designs, it's well worth the price.

Although I am a beginner and not good at English, this book is easy to understand because of visual patterns. And I think this book has a lot of modern and effective and elegant designs.

I teach needle tatting and this book is a great tool for any tatter, with the shuttle or needle. It makes it so much easier, with clear patterns and wonderful pictures. You can't get lost or confused as I did with so many other pattern books. A great asset to any tatters library.