Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tatting on Crazy Quilt Blocks

I know, I haven't posted any pictures of my tatting lately. I've been tatting away but I don't have any completed items to take photos of just yet. I've been working on a couple of Mary Konior patterns which I just love.

Lately, I've been drawn to edgings. Probably because I've also been doing some crazy quilting. You can purchase beautiful edgings but I prefer making them myself to add to the blocks. The tatted edgings and motifs don't require much as the blocks themselves are usually only about 10-12 inches square. It's pretty easy to work up a length of edging to fit a section of the quilt block. Many times you only need a few inches to cover a seam.

Easy ring and chain motifs can be done in all sizes. All types of thread and embellishments like buttons and pins can be used on or near them to highlight their presence on the block. Here are some plain white test ideas I was trying out.


 
Using BTS (bare thread space) in tatting opens up all kinds of new possibilities. You can weave a pretty ribbon or strand of beads through the BTS and create lots of pretty designs. I've even found a way to spice up plain old rick-rack so that it looks completely different than you imagine it would.

I have a sewing machine that does a lot of different stitches but I also enjoy doing hand embroidery so I may use some of the stitches for inspiration but completely change them up and add to them just for the fun of it.

As soon as I finish the current quilt block I'm working on, I'll post a photo of it.

Crazy Quilt Blocks + Tatting = joining old knots and stitches together for a new twist (well, for me anyway)

5 comments:

  1. Hear! Hear! I'm just getting into adding tatting to my sewing projects and love the effect of tatting plus embroidery. You are SO right! BTS provides wonderful opportunities to use some other media to accent tatting - I've been looking for BTS in patterns without realizing it. I'd love to see your spiced up rick-rack some time!
    :) Ann

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  2. What a wonderful idea I also do crazy quilts!!!! Shall have to try it!!!!

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  3. It adds a whole new dimension to the crazy quilts. You can easily adjust how prominent you want the piece to be by choosing a lighter or heavier thread. It goes beautifully with other embellishments and we get the joy of incorporating much of our crafts together.

    I'll post a picture of the rick-rack when it's done. I think you'll like it.

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  4. Gives me ideas to embellish little onesies for Mini-Boss, who is due to arrive very soon.

    Edgings would be sweet and very simple and I could just add a bit of embroidery stitching.... hmmmm
    Fox : )

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  5. Mom you are so cute - I just love you!!!!

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