Il Chiacchierino #2 This is a tatting-book in Italian with 23 patterns, each with at least one black-and-white picture. It was published 1955 by the makers of Ancora threads the so-called "Ancora - Filati da Ricamo". It has clear directions. On page 1 we can find illustrated how to tat and on the last page there is a list of abbreviations. There are also some funny drawings of the 50's. I am afraid it is no longer available. What I liked the most were the gloves, I wonder if they fit all sizes. I will let you know when I finish them!

Judi Banashek’s Impeccable Tatting is a technical reference, there are no patterns. After a first reading the book can be used as like any other well organized reference. The book is broken into three main sections: Terminology & Clarification Section; Ends Be Gone Tatting Strategies Section; Planning A New Path. These are followed by four short articles. Most of the articles are in the form of charts dedicated to specific techniques. In my opinion this is one of the best features of the book.

The first section is dedicated to terminology and basic techniques. I still find the article and chart on joins helpful. The final article covers what the author calls Impeccable Front Side (tatting).The second section has three main subsections: Attaching new thread; Concealing Thread Ends; Strategies for Uncut Mobility. The third section, Planning a New Path, is a short guide to planning a path through the pattern so you can implement the techniques from the second section. There is a short fourth section consisting of four articles; three on picots and one entitled “Excellence in Tatting.”

I recommend this one to beginners.

In her third book, Iris Niebach has designed a triangular pattern, Iris, which she uses in multiples to create blocks or individually for edgings. She has cleverly adapted the same design to create a gorgeous butterfly, too!

The book starts with Q & A "about" split rings, then has a how-to section (it looks like she uses the "turn the ring upside down" method), then goes into the patterns. She seems to prefer doing 2-color split rings (I like mine better with 1 color - no problem, just wind 2 shuttles CTM and work the patterns as written). If you DON'T use 2 different colors, be sure to use shuttles that are different colors, as she specifies "color A" and "color B" in the patterns. You are told how much thread is needed on the shuttle and how much is needed on the ball (great to know if you're using "leftover" thread for making the alphabet letters).

Patterns in the book include the ENTIRE alphabet (great for initials on things), a cross bookmark, a doily (made with the same cross as the bookmark but joined together), a snowflake/star, and a collar. Patterns are not difficult to work if you're familiar with split rings. Photographs are in black and white, and show enough detail to see what you're supposed to be doing, but not enough detail to count stitches.

Mary McCarthy, editor of the tatting newsletter "KNOTS!", has published a compilation of previous issues (Vol. 2 #2 through Vol. 3 #1) from the time period of Nov. 1995 through Sept. 1996. Filled with tatting patterns, tips and tales from tatters, it is a good way for newer tatters to catch up on what they've been missing.

64 pages, fantstically bright and beautiful color photographs on all but about 9 pages, in German. This is a manual in the style of the work of the famous German tatting designer, Helma Siepman. I believe these are her former students. This entire book is dedicated to freeform tatting and concentrates on the formation of picture tatting composed of floral motifs. Absolutely inspirational for the tatter ready to work outside the realm of patterns.

Notes about typoes are welcomed. All are encouraged to send in book reviews and a thumbprint photo (100x100) of the cover. Book reviews in non-English languages and about non-English language tatting books are needed.

This is joint project sponsored by the online tatting class. All tatters are welcome to join us.