Tatting-a needlework skill that has been around since the late 1700's, created by shuttle or needle. According to the article, “Why Crafting Is Great For Your Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains” by Dr. Sarah McKay, crafting with others offers: “mental challenge and problem solving; social connection; mindfulness; development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and fine motor dexterity; focused attention and thoughts on a task; active creativity; a sense of pride and achievement; patience and perseverance; while facilitating memory formation and retrieval.” Learning to Tat can truly flex the patience muscle in young and old alike.  Being active with your hands can often quiet the mind, leading to a natural way to de-stress or even process emotions. Handwork can be an intensely effective relaxation tool; the mind cannot help but slow down as it matches the rhythm of the hands. Another benefit; connectivity to community and family.

Beginning Tatting Classes were started in April 2019 by the FCS Extension Agent in Garrard County, meeting approximately every 2 weeks because of the interest of the participants. One participant had been wanting to learn for several years, her enthusiasm for this was contagious in the other fiber groups she also attended. Hence, 15 participants were in the beginning sessions-a large number for teaching handwork.

Soon, this 'class' became an organized group, Tat Cats. Twelve members continue to meet monthly until the shut-down in March '20. Members went from learners to active teachers and leaders wanting to do more to promote the art of Tatting with-in our community and beyond.This was a change--the last Tatting classes held in 2016 did not result in any of the participants continuing to Tat. Only one participant from those classes continues to show an interest. 

Members of the Tat Cats scheduled a night-time show and tell gathering at the local county Fair 2019 and then assisted in the planning and participated in an Art Show of Tatting at the Garrard County Extension Office through Nov-Dec 2019. Nine members brought over hundred items to be displayed during the Art Show. 

Within six and a half months, members of Tat Cats became experienced needle workers in Tatting and continue to learn and meet regularly until the shut-down. One member also volunteered to help organize a Tatting group in another county--which will resume when able to meet again in person. Her leadership skills to help establish this group will make a tremendous difference. 

When asked informally about why Tatting and this group were so important, one member responded, "I have so enjoyed making my brain learn this. It was hard, but I was determined. And it took me a while to catch on, but this has been so gratifying. The fact that I stuck with it, that means a lot at my age, but I have so enjoyed sharing items I've made with others in my family and at the hospital where I wait for my husband when he has dialysis every week. Concentrating and keeping my mind busy helps me get through the difficult days."

Tat Cats will resume in-person meetings mid-July, sharing skills, fellowship and more. There has been interest from others to also learn the art of Tatting, so plans are in place to offer beginning Tatting when able to meet in person again safely. Members of Tat Cats are welcoming the opportunity to assist in teaching others.