Most times the pattern calls for a tatting shuttle, but in this case the article described using a simple needle to do the work. I found this WAY easier. For one thing, I usually make some of my increase stitches using a similar backwards-loop that needle tatting uses.
I also stumbled across a site while on Pinterest that gave a picture tutorial of how to needle tat. It also has a few patterns near the bottom of the page for those who want to check them out.
Tomoko Morimoto has a new book out called New Tatting that I might just have to add to my collection.