As promised, here is much more about the Crazy Quilt I gave you a 'peek' at a few posts back. This is the second of the two I received requests to show 'more' of....and when I can, I like to cooperate. This quilt took a year for me to make.....well, actually nine months, but it seemed like ten years. I was asked to design and make a crazy quilt for Leisure Arts, Inc., and this is the result. It was 1999.
I actually really enjoyed the designing of the quilt AND the stitching, although they chose the colors and these were not the ones I would have chosen....but I worked hard on it and you see the results.
There is really only one pieced block, repeated twenty-five times. rotated around and embellished with different designs. Of course, the stitching was my favorite part. I always actually quilt my crazy quilts too...something that isn't always done...and as you can see in the border, I included some beads in the quilting stitches. I love the way this border fabric worked out and was pleased that even though the beads don't show up well until you look closely, the quilting adds so much to the quilt. And, the beads a tiny bit of elegance.
I used DMC embroidery floss in the quilt and YLI silk ribbon.
The book published using my designs is called "The Big Book of Crazy Quilt Stitches" (Leisure Arts, Inc.,Copyright 1999) and you can still get it in some places. You'll notice the cover, which I've shown here. The quilt on the cover was made 'in house' at Leisure Arts, Inc. They decided to use embroidery thread for all the designs rather than the silk ribbon. All the quilts inside the book were also made 'in house' except the original quilt, which I made myself. I was not thrilled about them substituting thread for ribbon, but just had to get over it. For years, now, I have been thinking I should make it over and do it 'my way' and try a bit of that thread embroidery along with the silk ribbon, however, I am not getting any younger, so may just let that thought die down. We'll see how that goes. The quilt I am showing you here IS the one I designed and made and appears on page 11.
I've chosen to show you as many photos as I thought possible before you got bored with the whole thing....so I am hoping you enjoy seeing this quilt...rather than just that little 'peek.' take care out there, pat
19 comments:
so very pretty!!
Its gorgeous. What colors would you have chosen? I am usually drawn to colors that really pop. I haven't used silk ribbon yet. Whatsize variety would you suggest I include in a starter kit? Its hard to tell in designs what width the ribbon is.
Get bored? Not a chance! Thanks for a bigger peek. I am also interested to know what colors you would have selected.
Exquisite, I remember buying this book. I may still have it.
Your quilt is stunning and a true heirloom treasure. Happy Stitching...
Maravillosa, me encanta. Un saludo
What eye candy! I can only imagine all the hours and hours of work involved in making this quilt! What a work of "heart"!!!!
I moved in December and haven't been motivated to dig out my ribbons until I saw your wonderful stitches! Thank you for sharing!
What an incredibly beautiful quilt. The close-up pictures show wonderful designs and stitching, I would never get bored looking at pictures of your work.
This is just gorgeous! Thank you for showing more pics of this piece.
Pat you do absolutely beautiful embroidery and such fine detail. The embroidered artist trading card you gave me is one of my prized possessions.
This is georgeous, I have the book and like it but to see these photos upclose like this is a rare pleasure. Thamks so much for taking the time to post them.
Beautiful does not do it justice. Amazing work by amazing talent
Just gorgeous.
It is a privilege to get to know you. I have this book and have used it as a reference many times. I just love it and now it means even more to me because a very special lady in one of the yahoo groups I belong to wrote this book. I so enjoyed seeing the quilt on your blog.
Wow your work is fantastic. I have now started a crazy quilt, have finished the basic blocks and now the fun creative part. Thank you for sharing your quilt with me.
I was so astonished when I saw the book you did for I use it more than others I have. I am REALLY blessed to see the original piece done in the ribbon as it is TONS more beautiful!!! Shame on Leisure Arts for changing it!! LOVE it with ribbons!
Beautiful
I feel like I just stumbled into Eye Candy Heaven - if there is such a thing. What a beautiful, beautiful piece of art! It is so much more beautiful with the silk ribbon.
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