She said she likes the classes because she enjoys spending time with people who want to learn new techniques. Randy Houtz got into tatting by watching his brother. He then decided to begin carving shuttles the small instruments tatters used to hold the bobbins of thread that they work around their fingers and knot. Tatters can buy plastic and metal shuttles, but they often break. Tatting creations range from simple to elaborate.
Beginners often start with doilies and small animals.
The Houtzes create small butterflies in about 10 minutes, which they hand out to people to generate interest in tatting. Anyone is welcome to attend the group, including those who have never tatted, Randy Houtz said. Tat and Chat meets from September through May from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bayfield Elementary School cafeteria. Beginners receive a shuttle and thread to begin simple projects. The Houtzes donate their time because they say they want to teach tatting to anyone interested in picking up a shuttle.