Crazy Quilts and Crazy Quilting
Ranked #782 in Arts & Design, #8,702 overall
Crazy Quilting is never dull
Working in this style of quilting offers a constant design challenge, balancing the texture of lace, braid, buttons and beads against all those irregularly shaped pieces of fabric. Unlike other quilting traditions apart from the general style there are no rules as such with crazy quilting. For this reason there is a large variety of materials, embellishing techniques and memorabilia included in crazy quilting. Contemporary crazy quilters take advantage of all needlework techniques and modern materials to celebrate their experience, life and creativity
This site covers links and resources that relate to creating, embellishing, and history of this form of quilting.
This site covers links and resources that relate to creating, embellishing, and history of this form of quilting.
General resources
- CQ Mag Online
- CQ Mag Online and ezine produced and maintained by the crazy quilt online community edited by Nora Creeach.
- Annies Crazy Quilt Studio
- Annies Crazy Quilt Studio by Annie Whitsed. This site holds lessons and projects on crazy quilting.
- Pin Tangle
- Pin Tangle tracks online resources, news and information about hand embroidery and crazy quilting.
Piecing a crazy quilt block
- How to Machine Piece Crazy Quilts
- These directions by Annie Whitsed cover the sew and flip method of piecing a block
- Solving Crazy Patchwork Piecing Problems
- Annie Whitsed makes a few suggestions on how to avoid long seams and compositional problems on crazy quilt blocks
- Modern Crazy Quilts
- Modern Crazy Quilts by Betty Pillsbury give instructions on how to piece a crazy quilt block
Seam Embellishment
- Stitching Crazy Patch Seams part 1
- Stitching Crazy Patch Seams by Betty Pillsbury This is part one of a two part article which is well illustrated and well written.
- Stitching Crazy Patch Seams part 2
- Stitching Crazy Patch Seams by Betty Pillsbury This is part two of a two part article which is well illustrated and well written. Provided by the Caron Collection.
- Crazy Quilt Patchwork Block Online Class part 1
- Leslie Levison's Crazy Quilt Patchwork Block Online Class part 1 includes piecing and hand embellishing seams
- Crazy Quilt Patchwork Block Online Class part 2
- Leslie Levison's Crazy Quilt Patchwork Block Online Class part 2 covers more hand embellishing and some tips on making up the quilt.
- Sharon b's Stitch Dictionary
- a dictionary of hand embroidery stitches which are illustrated with step by step photographs and rated for difficulty
- Rissa's Pieces Stitch Dictionary
- This collection of stitches also includes beaded stitches
- Stitch Combinations
- 7 pages of diagrams of stitch combinations that can be used for crazy quilt seam embellishment
- Hand embroidery
- A lens on hand embroidery and all its styles which is useful for crazy quilters who are learning and exploring various froms of needlework on their projects.
Key books on Crazy quilting
Motifs for crazy quilts
- Needlecrafter
- Needlecrafter.com maintained by Andrea English is a site with an emphasis on embroidery. Explore the library for free patterns suitable for motifs on crazy quilts, a stitch dictionary, articles and tips
- Vintage Transfer Finds
- These free vintage transfers from patterns in the public domain will delight crazy quilters.
Brazilian and Textured Embroidery
- Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild
- The Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild is a non profit organization which aims to promote the art of Brazilian embroidery. Useful information such as instructions on how to do the stitches and some hints and directionsare published on the site
- Brazilian-Style Embroidery
- Brazilian-Style Embroidery From Adaptation to Obsession is an article by Jo Gillen provided by the American Needlepoint Guild
- Encrusting Calico
- Inspired by an underwater theme, Jennifer Rochester "uses plain fabric and neutral threads to create rocky surfaces encrusted with growth". This project which uses highly textured stitches is provided by the Embroiderers Guild UK
- Creative cast ons
- An Illustrated article on working Cast-on stitch from the TLC Brazilian Embroidery
- Brazilian embroidery
- The definition of this style of embroidery in Wikipedia
- Drizzle stitch
- Step by step illustrated instructions on how to do drizzle stitch
- Brazilian Embroidered Heart
- A pattern and stitch guide by Rissa Peace Root
- Tips for Stitching with Rayon
- Tips provided by Edmar Threads company for using rayon thread
- Brazilian Embroidery in Crazy Quilting
- An article on using this style of embroidery in contemporary crazy quilting.
- TLC Brazilian Embroidery
- A site with brief articles on stiches, threads tips and tricks that apply to this form of embroidery.
- Camellia
- Instructions by Stephanie Novatski for a Camellia using cast-on stitches.
- Woven Picot Daisy
- Instructions on how to make this by Peggy S. Crawford
Silk Ribbon Embroidery
- Silk Ribbon Roses
- Step by step photographs of making a Silk Ribbon rose
- SRE Safe Haven
- Discussion email list on silk ribbon embroidery.
- Wyld Rose
- Wyld Rose Instructions instructions on how to make a ribbon rose
- Pansy Fan Needlebook
- A free pattern for a fan shaped needlebook embellished with silk ribbon roses
- Fuchsia flower
- Free Instructions on how to make a fushia flower from ribbon
- Offray Ribbon
- Instructional series of articles from Offray on how to make things with their products.
- Ribbon History
- An article on the history of ribbons and the history of the Offray company provided by Offray Ribbons
- Ribbon Smyth stitch guide
- Diagrams of silk ribbon stitches provided by Ribbon Smyth
- Violets
- Instructions on how to make ribbon violets from the site of Helen Gibb
- Pin Puff
- Free pattern supplied by Marie Alton
- Silk Ribbon Stitch Directions
- Marie Alton has provided instructional material for the basic silk ribbon stitches , the Melanie Rose and the Alton Loop
- Beginners' Silk-Ribbon Embroidery
- An article by Karen Kieppe from Threads magazine
- Silk Ribbon Camellia version 1
- By Stephanie Novatski from CQ MagOnline
- Silk Ribbon Camellia: Version 2
- By Stephanie Novatski Step-by-step instructions for a ruffled edge Camellia embellished with beads.
- SRE Iris I
- nstructions on how to work a number of variations by Dean Deerfield
Using Waste Canvas
- Using Waste Canvas
- Using Waste Canvas by Linda Barraclough provides step by step illustrated instructions on using waste canvas on crazy quilted projects.
- Waste Canvas
- Waste Canvas A useful guide to the use of Waste Canvas in needlework
- Stitching with Waste Canvas
- Useful tips and advice to the use of Waste Canvas in needlework
Working with Braids and Trims
- Crocheting on Rick Rack Intro and History Trivia
- An article by Sandi Marshall of the Crochet section at about.com directory points to sime interesting ways to treat rick rack.
Beading for Crazy Quilting
- Three-Bead Angel Charms
- Instructions on small angel charms you can make using three beads which are suitable to include in a crazy quilting project
- Beaded Edging
- A tutorial which illustrates how to make a simple beaded edging suitable to adapt as a seam embellishment in crazy quilting
- Bead a bead
- Instructions on how to do this from the about.com beadwork site suitable to include in a crazy quilting project
- Beaded Bead
- Instructions provided by Bonnie Brooks which could also be adapted to bead a button
- Introduction to Bead Embroidery
- Introduction to Bead Embroidery by Paula S. Morgan of the About.com network
- Bead Embroidery Samples I
- Part of a series on bead embroidery illustrating embroidery stitches worked in seed beads from Beadwrangler
- Bead Embroidery Samples Part II
- The second part of a series on bead embroidery illustrating embroidery stitches and motifs worked in seed beads from Beadwrangler
- Knot Bead Embroidery!To Knot or Not, in Bead Embroidery
- Article discussing the advantages of knotting in bead embroidery
- Make a Beaded Spider
- This beaded spider is a Halloween ornament but would look great on a crazy quilt.
- Adapting a Basic Embroidery Design to Varying Types of Needlework
- Jean Bowman links together a series of bead embroidery interpretations of Dean Deerfield's design from the April 2004 issue of CQMagOnline. Hosted courtesy of CQMagOnline.
- Robin Atkins
- Robin Atkins site houses a gallery of work, which will inspire and provoke ideas. Among the free tips I found articles on using shank buttons, sewing on shisha mirrors, and using Nymo thread for bead embroidery
- Beaded Flowers by Nancy Eha
- Beaded flowers can add sparkle and dimension to crazy quilt projects. They can be used alone, or combined with embroidery and ribbon work.
- Floral Beaded Pin
- A Floral Beaded Pin project designed by Anne Orr which could be adapted easily to use in crazy quilting
- Beaded Fabric Motifs
- Stephanie Novatski illustrates different ways you might explore for creating beaded motifs that can be used in Crazy Quilting. Hosted courtesy of CQMagOnline.
- Beaded Flower Motif
- Rissa Peace Root uses seed beads to create a small flower motif.
- Beaded Frog Motif by Rissa Peace Root
- Rissa uses delicas to create a cute little beaded frog. Hosted courtesy of CQMagOnline.
Buttons
- Beaded Button Tutorial
- This Beaded button tutorial is an ideal element to add to a crazy quilt project, a special garment or accessory.
Other Embellishments
- Making a Tassel
- Brief illustrated instructions on how to make a tassel
- Shisha stitch
- Shisha stitch instructions provided by the Embroiderers Guild UK
- How to Use Shisha Glass
- Directions and pictures on how to attach a shisha mirror with buttonhole stitches or using the tic tac toe method,(follow the links inthe article) provided by Rajmahal web
- Chinese knots
- A gallery of Chinese knots by Suzen Millodot including the dragonfly in the classics section. Using knotting techniques for motifs on crazy quilting adds an interesting touch.
- Dragonfly wings
- A illustrated tutorial to create dragonfly wings using needlelace by Linda Barraclough
Fabric treatments
- Embossing Velvet
- This article illustrates with photographs a popular technique to emboss velvet
- Lush, Embossed Velvet
- Design your own unique fabrics with rubber stamps and an iron with Mary Benagh O' Neil of Threads Magazine
- Embossing Velvet
- An article on how to emboss velvet which includes a design for a project.
- Tea Dyeing
- Tea Dying FAQ a compilation of QUILTNET postings
- Transfers using a heat transfer tool
- An article by Pat Winter on using a heat transfer tool to transfer photocopies to fabric.
Crazy Quilt Traditions
- Spiders
- Crazy quilts often feature spiders and their webs. This article explains some of the story associated with money, good luck and spiders.
- Language of the Fan
- Many of the fan motifs on Victorian Crazy quilts carry a meanings. This site decodes some of them.
- Fans
- Another brief article on the language of the Fan which is a simple listing of meanings.
- Language of Victorian Flowers
- Many of the floral motifs on Victorian Crazy quilts carry a meanings. This is a brief article on this tradition.
- The Language of Flowers
- A listing of meanings associated with flower motifs found on crazy quilts.
- Victorian Language of Flowers
- Victorian Language of Flowers is an article by Martha Beth
- Lucky topic Index
- This listing touches on the meaning of many of the charms found on contemporary crazy quilts.
- Horseshoes
- A brief article which explores the traditions associated with horseshoes and their representation.
- Textile Tobacco Inserts and Premiums used in American Quilts
- An article by Laurette Carroll which traces the practice of using cigarette and tobacco silks in quilts and other soft furnishing and household items.
Contemporary Crazy Quilting
- Euro Crazy Quilt
- News and a gallery from the 4th Festival of Crazy Artquilts held in France. A good view of contemporary crazy quilting coming out of Europe
- All That Jazz Katrina Quilt
- All that Jazz was a fundraiser for survivors of the Katrina hurricane disaster. Click on the blocks in he quilts to be taken to a detailed image. Each block is illustrated.
- Crazy Quilting It is Much, Much More than You May Think
- Crazy Quilting It is Much, Much More than You May Think The Art of Roxanne Barkofsky by Rita Vainius is an article which points to the work of contemporary crazy quilter Roxanne Barkofsky
- Agony and the Ecstasy Quilt
- Agony and the Ecstasy by Hilda Fitgerald a contemporary crazy quilt "in memory of migrancy" which was part of the Celebration Quilts 2001quilt exhibition held by the Canberra Quilters in 2001.
- Canbra
- A gallery of Crazy quilted bras made by Australian quilters in order to raise funds for Breast cancer research
- Art Bra 2006
- The Way to Women's Wellness raises money for breast cancer research each year by producing a Calendar of ArtBras. These are the 2006 Calendar Selections
- I dropped the button box quilt
- Over 70 crazy quilt blocks online, illustrated in detail from this quilt.
Antique Crazy Quilts of Interest
- History of Crazy Quilts Part 1
- History of Crazy Quilts Part 1: By Betty Pillsbury in Collaboration with Rita Vainius provided by the Caron Collection covers the early history of crazy quilting
- History of Crazy Quilts Part 2
- History of Crazy Quilts Part 2: By Betty Pillsbury in Collaboration with Rita Vainius provided by the Caron Collection brings the history of crazy quilting up to the current day
- Heritage Quilts
- Article provided by Anne Johnson of the Womenfolk: in celebration of creative women site
- History of Crazy Quilting
- An article on Crazy quilting from Sew Whats New.com which leads into a brief article on making a crazy quilt
- Textiles from the Index of American Design
- Image of crazy quilt and brief article provided by the National Gallery of Art.
- National Quilt Registry
- Australian quilts and stories are recorded here. Essays on quilts and you can search the register for particular quilts using keyword, owners name, makers name, by date and location. Many have photographs. Simply search using the key word Crazy Quilt and many Australian examples will show up.
- 1895 Texas crazy quilt
- 1895 Texas crazy quilt Auction article with a brief description and illustrated with photographs. Motifs on the quilt include Items such as cutlery, horseshoes, floral motifs, animals, and birds.
- An informal history of Crazy Quilting
- An article on the history of crazy quilting first published in the National Quilting Association Quilting Quarterly
Groups and Discussion lists
- Crazy Quilting
- Go to Quiltropolis to sign up for the Crazy Quilt On-line List. This is the oldest Crazy quilt discussion group online.
- Yahoo Groups Crazy Quilting International
- Another large discussion group on Crazy Quilting
- CQembellishers
- CQembellishers is another long standing CQ Yahoo group
- SouthernCrossCrazies
- Southern Cross Crazies is a discussion group for Australian and new Zealand crazy quilters
- Chain of Hearts
- Chains of Hearts is a yahoo group which has been formed to allow crazy quilters to make and swap small hearts with other needle-workers throughout the world.
- CQForNewbies
- Crazy Quilting for Newbies is a discussion list where you can learn seam embellishments, seam treatments, tips and tricks of crazy quilting in an understanding group.
Care and Conservation of Quilts
- Care of Victorian Silk Quilts and Slumber Throws
- This brief article provided by the Smithsonian offers suggestions on how to clean and care for antique crazy quilts.
Tutorials
- CQ Fan ornament
- A clearly written and illustrated tutorial on how to create a Christmas CQ Fan ornament
Eye Candy
There is many talented crazy quilt artitsts who regularly post to flickr groups. Check out their work for inspiration.
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by sharon_b
sharon_b
A lifelong fascination for textiles and fiber arts both contemporary and historical has led me to explore forms of embellishment. My Stitch Dictionary... more »
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