I have been wanting to try crazy quilting for several years now. As I have mentioned before, I am so inspired by all of you and after seeing the beautiful pieces some of you have created, I finally decided to 'just do it'. So here is the start.
I am armed and dangerous! I pieced together some various fabrics I had stashed in my closet. I have my embroidery floss, some trim, silk ribbon, beads and buttons. I also have my handy "Encyclopedia of Crazy Quit Stitches and Motifs" by Linda Causee and "Encyclopedia of Ribbon Embroidery Borders" by Deanna Hall West. I don't know just what trims, stitches or techniques I will be using specifically, but I am ready to go. I love doing hand stitching so I am looking forward to this project.
By the way, I will definitely be using some beads because this is my monthly beading challenge for September.
I do have a couple of questions for those of you experienced in crazy quilting: (1) How many strands of floss do you generally use, and (2) Do you knot the ends of your floss? I know in many types of needlework you don't knot the ends, but rather weave them on the backside.
OK, here is a question for anyone interested: What should I make with my block when it is finished? (No, I'm not going to create a full quilt although that would be awesome!)
I love books and especially 'how to' books. I bought these several years ago and they appear to have very clear and precise instructions for each stitch shown. Funny, as I go through my bookcase I find I have at least ten other books on crazy quilting, ribbon embroidery and embroidery with floss. (LOL) These include books by Judith Baker Montano, J. Marsha Michler, Helen Gibb, Mary Jo Hiney, Kaye Pyke and Lynne Landy - all very inspiring! I have a lot of looking and drooling to do.
I'll post the result when I complete it. In the meantime, what are you all working on?
Take care and have a great week!
Connie
6 comments:
1. Nice piece....you did a fantastic job.
2. You've bought all the best books on the market for Crazy Quilting. Helen and Judy are my favotites.
3. Three strands of floss is what I usually do. Not too thin (like 1-2) and gives a nice delicate feel to the stitches.
4. Pillow?
5. I just made some wool applique pieces that will eventually be gifts.
6. Don't you love the energy that the change of the seasons brings?
Hugs,
Jan
1. Strands of floss - depends on the stitch and the piece you're working on. By that I mean that if the piece you're doing is 'light' in tones or textures I'd use two strands. If the piece where 'thicker' (ie. wools, velvets) I'd use 3 strands and up.
2. Yes I knot the ends because most of the stitching you do with crazy quilting make it difficult to weave the ends in. You could leave a tail hanging and then work it in later (but I end up with a tangled up mess). If you're planning to use beads and such on your piece it'll be somewhat lumpy and bump anyway, so knots on the back won't be noticeable. If you have a real aversion to knots you can also begin working in the middle of your seam, leaving a long tail which you can go back and pick up and work the other half of the seam.
3. The beauty of CQ is that there are no rules and you can do whatever pleases you!!
4. I have both books, and since you mention J. Marsha Michler, the best book (in my opinion) is 'The Magic of Crazy Quilting' by Michler. I have taught CQ using that book as a textbook - it's an excellent how to book.
5. As for uses for your block - you could frame it; make a pillow; make it into a purse or as a panel on a pretty tote bag; or whatever your imagination leads you to.
Have fun!!
Hello, Thank you for visiting my blog today and oh what a beautiful quilt piece already, I love your color choice, soooo pretty. I can't wait to see what you do to it. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Terri
Crazy quilting, I love it although I have not done much of it. I too own some of the books you mentioned. I will have to challenge myself to get something made in CQ. I will come back and see what you do with this beautiful piece of art.
Connie,
I just did the same thing. All the beautiful blogs that have Crazy Quilts are so inspiring. I was itching to give it a try. I had so many give me ideas and inspiration. I will be watching to see your block progress.
Debbie
Have fun with the beautiful colors you have cosen...work out of the box, it will be beautiful.
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