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)
