What made you choose the pattern?
I was always intrigued by the crazy quilts that I saw in museums so that is what I decided to make.
Did you finish the quilt? If not, why?
Yes I did finish the quilt but I hate to admit that it took me almost two years to complete it. However, I did win a blue ribbon at our local fair with this quilt.
What do you love (or hate) about the quilt?
The quilt is made with satin and velvet and I love the shimmery look to it as well as the variety of colors in the quilt and the embroidery around each piece.
What would you do differently next time?
I went to a couple of museums and took pictures of the crazy quilts that they had on display. I did obtain permission to take the pictures. My husband built a quilting frame for me that I sat up in the dining room. For me this quilt was extremely difficult and frustrating and it took a long time to complete. I think if I were to make another quilt it would be a specific pattern and I would use only one type of fabric.
What was the most difficult aspect of the project?
I found that satin and velvet were quite hard to work with, particularly when used together. Each place where pieces connected I embroidered with glossy embroidery floss and used many different stitches. I used quilt batting to fill it and a king sized white sheet for the backing. I tied the back to the batting with embroidery floss. This was trying as I did not want the ties to go through to the top of the quilt.
Tips and Tricks
- I think I learned some patience in the process of making this quilt. I also think that only one type of fabric should be used, not different ones of varying textures and thicknesses. Another thing I learned was to not take a quilt like this to a dry cleaner. Their chemicals destroyed several of the pieces of the quilt and I had to work in new pieces. I would probably try to wash it in cold water with a gentle detergent and on a gentle cycle in the washer and then air dry it.
