Mary will be mourned throughout the tatting world. Her patterns are loved by tatters everywhere because they are so clear and reliable, as well as having a refreshing simplicity of line and artistic beauty. She published 4 books of tatting patterns (as well as 2 crochet books), all within the space of 8 years from 1985 to 1992.
She was a staunch supporter of the Ring of Tatters for many years, serving as Librarian in the early days, and later contributing many patterns to the Newsletter. Often she didn't even sign them but their style and the hand-drawn diagrams made them instantly recognisable.
In memory of Mary we invite you, both members and non-members, to send emails and/or pictures of her patterns that you have tatted to webeditor@ringoftatters.org.uk and we will display them here.
From Liz Marchall, Kent:
I have just seen that Mary Konior has died. She is top of my list of favourite designers and I was so pleased to meet her at a lace fair a few years ago. We have a narrowboat and I made up these coasters in bargeware style using her Rose Fragment.
From Pat Tinney, Austin, Texas:
My understanding of tatting begins with the study of Mary's patterns. She will always be a part of my work.
From Elizabeth Birmingham, Mobile, Alabama:
She has reason to remember this pattern of Mary's, saying “Here is one of my hankies that I actually won a ribbon for”
From Jennifer Williams, Cardiff:Mary's books are as relevant today as they were when they were published. The patterns in ‘Tatting with Visual Patterns’ are easy to follow for the less confident tatter and the added Tips and Know How boxes are useful. It is over three years ago that I asked the ladies, and a gentleman, to work 14 inches of tatted edging for a display. They could use any pattern they liked and any thickness of thread. At least three of the patterns that they brought are from Mary's books. One of the designs was so popular that it was worked by more than one person. These lengths of tatting were arranged to make our Tatting Princess. If you look closely at the picture you'll see that the Princess is tatting Mary's ‘Curds and Whey’ edging – in sewing cotton! |
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Mary will be remembered through her legacy to the tatting world. |
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From Cynthia Stevenson, USA:
Although, like many, I did not know Mary other than through reputation and the awesome books. I have been so delighted by ‘Tatting With Visual Patterns’ as it showed me the way to improve my tatting and for that I will always be grateful to her and the many tatters who learned her style. I'm sure all the angels will soon have tatted wings and halos because they will see her beautiful tatted ones and learn how to tat. She is still with us all in spirit and will live on through her books and the love of tatting she shared with us all either in person (for those fortunate enough to have learned from her in person) or through her incredible books.
From Carolyn Kotlas, North Carolina:
Attached photo shows one of the many Mary Konior patterns that I have tatted over the years. Her pattern diagrams were so clear and easy to follow that they are a joy to use. She set a very high standard for other tatting designers to follow. I plan to remember her by tatting many more of her beautiful designs.
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From Meme, Chile:I am one of the fans of Mary Konior's designs and books. I have three of her books (green, brown and yellow covers). I think she is one of the persons who brought us tatters a great legacy. Her patterns are sweet and classic and her books are complete. They have everything. When Brenda Rewhorn was at my home I told her about my Mary Konior admiration. My Blog has a tribute to Mary (in Spanish). The pattern for my bookmark is ‘Black Magic’ from ‘Tatting with Visual Patterns’, an adaptation by Vicky Reynold. |
From Marion Horley, Hampshire:
I was privileged to have met Mary just the once, at an Invicta's Tatting Day in Orpington in the late 80s. She was a very gentle woman and so pleased to pass on her expertise to us. She also had a lovely sense of humour, borne out by an extract from an early newsletter where her new book ‘A Pattern Book of Tatting’ was reviewed. It says ‘Mary also thanked all those members who had written so kindly about her book. She said “I am very grateful for their comments, albeit somewhat surprised at the vast number of babies who are about to be Christened in tatted shoes!”.’ It was through Mary that I treated myself to a Tunbridgeware Shuttle when I retired, which I treasure greatly.
From Chia Dawson, Bristol:
Mary Konior's death is a sad loss to the tatting world. On the first occasion that I met her, there was this lady tatting a design which looked, I said, as if it had been designed by Mary Konior. She smiled sweetly and agreed, and tatted on. A couple of hours later, I was introduced to the same lady – Mary Konior herself! This modestly unassuming approach was so characteristic of Mary. We shall all miss her.
From Janet Emmerson, Worcester:
I never had the privilege of meeting Mary Konior, and have much sympathy for her family and friends.
The ‘Fragments & Trifles’ patterns started me making many brooches, and gave me the idea for my Swan Brooch. At this moment I am working on the Skipping Rope handerkerchief edging. Her book ‘Tatting with Visual Patterns’ is a favourite of mine.
From Joy McCormick, Belfast:
So sorry to hear of Mary's death. I never met her, but always regarded her as one of the ‘tatting greats’. I will cherish her books even more now. May the circle be unbroken.
From Kathleen Hobbs, Cheshire:
So sad to hear the news of Mary Konior – she was an inspiration to me and lots of others in the Tatting Family.
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From Sally Magill, Worcestershire:This bookmark pattern of Mary's is very special to me and recalls the exciting days when I joined the Ring in 1991. The first Newsletter was overwhelming – I couldn't believe there were so many tatters out there, and so much to be said on the subject, what with articles, patterns, friendly ‘tatter chatter’ from members, and tatting events, which I didn't even know existed. Thus I went to my first Tatting Day in Bristol. The competition was for a bookmark, and I used Mary's design from that newsletter, hoping to create extra impact by using No 60 thread, in black. It won! Later, as with many of us, my tatting took on a new dimension with the internet. I joined a Bookmark Exchange and wanting to make something special for my partner in the USA, I again made Mary's bookmark, this time in green as it was springtime. I wrote to Mary asking her permission to send the pattern with it – and she gave it. I told her about my previous one and how the black curvy design made me think of wrought iron. Her reply was interesting: “I was intrigued that you described your black bookmark, shown at the Bristol Tatting Day, as a wrought iron gate effect. My grandfather (and various other ancestors) were blacksmiths who often did ornamental ironwork. It must be born in me!” Something I love in Mary's writing is her fun approach to tatting, which I think she has spread to all of us. Her first book ended with the words: “Why shouldn't one tat as an exercise in cat's cradle therapy, for the creative joy of just making lace – for frivolity?” |
From Joanne McPhee, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada:
I was very sorry to read about the death of Mary Konior on the RoT website.
Few tatting pattern books have been available in Canada other than by mail. A Mary Konior book (sight unseen) was always a safe choice!
I just want to say that she was known and respected internationally.
From Nancy, USA:One evening I was working on one of Ms. Konior's patterns. Being a bit tired, I decided to take a break and check my email. That is when I learned of her passing. I felt very compelled to complete the 2ND one that night....attached is the finished work, in Mary Konior's honor. |
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From Fox:In the past sixteen months, since I have discovered tatting, no one has influenced me more than Mary Konior. Her legacy is large and her memory and her works are indeed treasured. |
From Jean Johnston, South Wales:
I was privileged to meet Mary just once at the lovely garden party held on the occasion of her retirement from the Team of the Ring of Tatters along with Kathleen Waller and Margaret Taylor. On a wonderful sunny day all three were presented with tea table cloths covered in tatted motifs sent in by many members of the Ring at that time – the gift being a ‘big secret’ kept so well by the members.
Mary's books taught me so much as I worked my way through them and I know I will turn to her beautiful designs many times in the future. A sad loss to tatters worldwide.
From Margaret Dunn, Kent:
Mary graciously came to visit me in Rainham, Kent. A friend with her little girl, in a charming dress with tatted trimming,was here and we discussed a tatting library. This must have been in the late 1980s. Mary graciously autographed my copies of her books. As we walked over to the friend's house the girlie took hold of Mary's hand. She smiled in delight and said that it reminded her of her own kiddies when young. One of the daughters has written the lovely account in your magazine. How glad they must be to have known such a talented and imaginative lady.
From Patricia E Knowlden, Kent:
The daughters of Mary Konior are keen that I should add a word to the Memorial Pages on the website for my dear friend Mary. We met at the baby clinic half a century ago (sorry Tess!) and shared gossip and coffee together over many years afterwards. Mary always insisted that I taught her to tat? look what you started, she would say – but I don't remember!
Although I taught in another field I know the joy when you see the seed you planted grow and flower, and fruit, as Mary did; and her seeds have scattered around the world bringing enjoyment and interest to so many. It is wonderful to see the appreciation in her Memorials.
Well done, Mary, and thank you. I miss you.
Blog Tributes
More tributes to Mary can be found on these blogs:
| Jane Eborall | IsDihara | Fox |
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