A Selection of Crazy Quilts
The six crazy quilts on this page were made mainly to illustrate the books they appear in. Several have gone out to shows nationwide, and returned with first or second place ribbons. It is the details that enrich these quilts, and detail images appear throughout this site. Instructions are in the books (as noted below) for most, although no two crazy quilts will ever come out the same. See the Books page for more information on my books,
The Victorian Fans Quilt
The Victorian Fans crazy quilt began with six fans pieced of velveteen fabrics. The design of the quilt is based on the fans -make fans and then figure out how to arrange them. The burgundy center is cotton velveteen- a fabric that is challenging to work with but worth the effort for the results. Additional fabrics include cottons, rayons, and satin. Except for the machine-pieced fans, all of the work on this quilt is by hand. Created for the book, Crazy Quilts by Machine. Approx. 66"sq.
Ladies and Fans, A Silk Crazy Quilt
All of the patches in the Ladies and Fans quilt are silk fabrics, many of which are hand-dyed. Dyeing silks is very easy to do, and a great way to accumulate a variety of colors. The lady images are antique cigarette silks. Embellishments include silk ribbon embroidery, ribbonwork, covered buttons, tassels. Seven fans were included in the patching, each a different design. The quilt is edged with a silk flounce. One of my earliest quilts, it is in The Magic of Crazy Quilting, both editions. 41-1/2" w x 42-1/2", not including the 3" flounce.
Dragon Shawl
At the center of the Dragon Shawl, a fanciful dragon is embroidered in silk and metalic threads. The shawl is made of silk fabrics and the many motifs are embroidered in silk threads. Motif designs from this quilt are in the book, Motifs for Crazy Quilting. 102"wide x 50" long.
Piano Shawl
I love making quilts that drape. The Piano Shawl is made mostly of rayon challis, a fabric known for its drape. Embroidered with rayon threads, embellished with silk ribbon embroidery, applique, ribbonwork. An early quilt, it is in The Magic of Crazy Quilting, both editions. 39" square.
The Rebus Crazy Quilt
Each patch of the all-silk Rebus Crazy Quilt features at least one embroidered motif. Three of the patches give clues for a rebus. A celebration of the luscious act of working silk-thread embroidery, this quilt has no embellishments except for a few appliqued ribbons. All motifs are in the book, Motifs for Crazy Quilting. 54" x 58."
The Arches Crazy Quilt
Turned updside down, the Arches Crazy Quilt mimics a set of arched windows on a local building. It is fun to experiment with different shapes for quilts, and the those of architecture can provide both inspiration and ideas. At the center is a hankie, embroidered and edged with lace. There are shadow-work embroideries for some of the patches (shadow work is done on the back of an open-weave fabric so that solidly filled shapes show through). Instructions for this quilt are in the book, Heirlooms & Gifts for Crazy Quilting. 38-1/2" wide x 48" long.
