Sunday 24 April 2011

Crazy Quilting

I've thought I'd like to try crazy quilting for some time. So over the past week I've been cutting up patchwork squares,  (and nearly slicing my finger off with my rotary cutter in the process!), piecing them together and machine stitching onto a base.


As you can see, no colour theme here but I intend to use it as a sampler. It's about 30 cm square ( 12 x 12 inches). The next step is to hand embroider the seams and embellish with beads, lace, ribbons etc or whatever seems to fit. That's unless I give in and do some decorating of the house instead lol.

If you've never seen Crazy Quilting before-  here is an example:


By way of interest - a few months back, I came across these little dresses (would fit a 3 year old) in a little shop that was closing down.


I couldn't believe the detail that had gone into making them and were only £2 each so I bought them with the view that some day I might be able to incorporate some of the beads or decoration into something I was making.


Here are some close ups of the decoration.


Those little pink raised areas round the silver beads are actually tightly coiled very fine wire.  They must take hours to put together.


Again on this one the silver straight lines are tightly coiled wire.  So much skill.

17 comments:

sam21ski said...

Fab idea to make a sample piece.

WOW those dresses - so much detail

Happy Easter - Sam xxx

Unknown said...

Wow, crazy for sure! Such a talent though. This is my challenge for 2011 so will have to pop back and see what you do next.

Heather said...

Those little dresses would make wonderful bags - already decorated! I love your crazy quilt piece - you'll have such fun stitching it. Perhaps you can do some house decorating then reward yourself with some sewing!

Lynne Moncrieff said...

Hi
I really enjoying seeing different aspects to your creative life.
You need to stick with this as I want to see the finished piece of art.
Those dresses, £2 each, what a bargain. Any plans yet for them?
Enjoy the long weekend and get busy with that quilt!!
Wishes
Lynne

Karen said...

good luck with the crazy patchwork...it's very addictive!!

joanne wardle said...

cool quilting, love it. patchwork is one thing I've bot really had a proper go at, but I intend to.
The dresses are beautiful. quite sad that they might not get worn

Joanna Oborska said...

Yes, it is crazy, positively crazy :) Vivid and beautiful :)

Dotpat said...

Those dresses are gorgeous Carol, I take it you enjoy sewing. I used to but don't do it that often these days

Suzanne C said...

Love the quilting! Can' twait to see how you embellish it. The dresses are fabulous and what a great price. Hope they get pulled into a project that you share with us!

Suzanne C said...

forgot to say Happy Easter!

Galina Varese said...

Never heard of crazy patchwork before, but love the idea. I just read 3 books by Chiaverini on quilters. I would love to do quilting one day (will that day ever come?). The dresses are a real bargain. Good luck with your project, looking forward to seeing a finished result.

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

That looks and sounds amazing! I've never done patchwork, always wanted to but I suppose I should try with simple squares first...;))

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Love the crazy quilting and the dresses you purchased have some gorgeous detail. Must admit I need a break from my decorating now, we have done three rooms in the last week, think it's time for a break. Tracy x

Anonymous said...

Quilting is something I am considering giving to myself as a treat. I often look and admire and just never have time or know where to begin but there is a place over at Wallingford that does courses...........its calling me and your post has only served to make it caller louder - I look forward to seeing where your work goes next.

thekathrynwheel said...

Wow your crazy patchwork looks v interesting indeed. can't wait to see what you do with the dresses .....

mimilove forever said...

Yep, scary innit?!...big orange head dropping by to say hello x;D

I'm loving the quilt missus....must resist the decorating, us followers insist...there, you've got good excuse now :)

Look forward to seeing finished piece...all fingers intact too!

Lexxie said...

I adore patchwork, it takes me back to my pre card making days when I used to do a lot of patchwork. Love your fab fab work. And you have an eye for a bargain, the beading is wonderful an I'm sure you will do a great job of utilsing it all on some fab project, I look forward to seeing what you create,
Love Sarita xx