Crazy quilting
The term "crazy quilting" is often used to refer to the textile art of crazy patchwork and is sometimes used interchangeably with that term. Crazy quilting does not actually refer to a specific kind of quilting (the needlework which binds two or more layers of fabric together), but a specific kind of patchwork. Crazy quilts rarely have the internal layer of batting that is part of what defines quilting as a textile technique.
Combining the Crazy Patches
Regular patchwork combines the pieces of fabric into a predetermined and regular design, but crazy patchwork uses irregular pieces of fabric on a foundation fabric or paper. This may create haphazard-looking and asymmetrical designs, or the designer may use some control in placement. The patches and seams are then usually heavily embellished.
Embellishing a Crazy Quilt
Crazy quilts differ from "regular" quilts in other ways as well. Because the careful geometric design of a quilt block is much less important in crazy quilts, the quilters are able to employ much smaller and more irregularly-shaped pieces of fabric. In comparison to standard quilts, crazy quilts are far more likely to use exotic pieces of fabric, such as velvet, satin, tulle, or silk, and embellishments such as buttons, lace, ribbons, beads, or embroidery. Crazy quilting as a textile art is extremely creative and free-flowing by nature, and crazy quilters will often learn as much about specific embellishments as they will about crazy quilting itself.
The History of Crazy Quilting
Crazy Quilting created a stir in the 1880's when it became quite a fad in the United States. Articles encouraging it, or condemning it could be found in women's publications. Women could purchase packages of random fabrics, as well as already embellished pieces to use in their own crazy quilts.
External links
Learn more about crazy quilt history.
View an example of a crazy quilt from the Smithsonian.
Crazy Quilting Today
Today, crazy quilting is enjoyed by quilters with an organic approach to their art. They often use cast off clothing and photographs to infuse the crazy quilt with meaning and memory. Quiltmaker V Kingsley
External links
Sources and further reading
- 2000: Christine Dabbs. "Crazy Quilting: Heirloom Quilts: Traditional Motifs and Decorative Stitches". Rutledge Hill Press. ISBN 1558536949.
- 1995: Judith Baker Montano. "Elegant Stitches: An Illustrated Stitch Guide and Source Book of Inspiration". C&T Publishing. ISBN 091488185X.
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