I get asked this question a lot when I do craft fairs so I will endeavor to answer this question as simply as I can. Crochet and Tatting have a very similar look. The main differences are the tools that you use to make them and the scale.

Tatting is a very old technique used for making very delicate but strong lace. It sometimes uses a shuttle,  or a tatting needle, or a combination of a needle and a crochet hook (this technique is called cro-tatting).  Tatting is a combination of loops and knots connected together to create a very fine lace. Tatted lace is normally used for decorative edgings. Whilst I am not a practitioner of this amazing craft (I would love to learn but don’t know anybody who does it), I am indeed a fan of how beautiful it looks. I found some strips of antique tatted lace at the Button Emporium. Here is a pic of one of them.

I used one strip to make some dainty loop earrings (see pic below). You can get the larger hoops exclusively at Tender Loving Empire (quantities are limited!) and the smaller ones will be making their debut in the Crafty Wonderland Spring Sale (2 pairs are also available at Presents of Mind).

Now, crochet is something I am very familiar with. It uses hooks of different sizes to create lace and fabric. Crochet Lace is not as fine as tatted lace. The finest gauge thread for crochet I can find are size 11 which I use for my doily designs. The antique tatted lace pictured above uses a thread that is almost as fine as sewing thread. What I love about crochet is how dimensional it is. You can make everything from lace to fabric to plush. There are so many crochet stitches and that allows you to make a variety of forms, shapes and textures. Observe…

Here is a picture of a crocheted doily which is one of the most popular forms crochet takes.

And here is a photo of a 2 headed, crocheted cat

And finally, my favorite crochet application, crochet as lace and jewelry. I will be showing this piece at Crafty Wonderland as well.

Well, there you go folks. Any other questions?

Tender Loving Empire is such an awesome store and they’ve been so good to MOSS. I’m so excited that they’re moving up to bigger and better things. TLE announced early last month of their plans to move to a bigger retail space in downtown Portland. Their new space will be located at 412 SW 10th Ave., (1 1/2 blocks south of Powell’s Books) and the grand opening is scheduled for May 6, 2010. And to commemorate this transition, Radish Underground (another favorite hip boutique of mine, which is also located in the same neighborhood) is holding a photo contest! Whoever can rock the best PDX hand sign (featured in the famous TLE shirt shown above) will win a PDX pride package packed with tons of local goods. You can email you photos to info@radishunderground.com. Please send them in by May 1st, 2010. The winners will be announced at TLE’s grand opening on May 6. So show some P-town pride and you might win a prize! Reprazent!!