Passions of Learning

I had mentioned earlier that I enjoy the art of crazy quilting because of the 'freedom' it involves in choosing colors, layout, from start to finish of the quilt. I noticed while reading up on history of this particular style of quilting - that mistakes were deliberately made and acceptable. Wow, what?

Mistakes were expected to come with any finished crazy quilt because it showed a sign of humility. After all, pride is not a admireable quality. Now, if you think about those times - least for America - their main provider for moral direction - is the church, well, doesn't practicing humility,  make sense?

Today, crazy quilts are not quite what they used to be and even become commercialized. Quilts are presented in near perfect craftmanship to rival one done by a machine.

I just have a problem with the idea of 'perfect'. It doesn't exist and believing in such a concept would be akin to the idea of raising ourselves to a level that is unequal to others. We are merely human beings. I don't think arrogance and pride are quality characteristics for anybody and should be avoided, just my thoughts.

The flip side though is finding acceptance of such a idea especially from paying customers. General and accepted purchasing practices has been - lower prices for defective products. Now, how would one convince a customer - the flaw, however minor, in the quilt is in fact, a historic practice and tradition of the crazy quilt. Is there an answer?

I believe the answer lies in the fact that - a crazy quilt is individual as the artist behind it. If a 'gallery' of quilts was to be shown (I just may do this ) calling for a specific color. We would find no two quilts the same but they would all be equally beautiful and mesmerizing.

Crazy quilts would qualify as 'fibre art'. Wikipedia states that 'fiber art focuses on materials and manual labor involved'. As we know, art is chosen by a customer and their reasons will vary. It's been said that crazy quilts, historically were not functional but for display purposes only.

Today, a crazy quilt can be used but adds the function of being put up for display. Both types can be available and as stated earlier, is one of a kind as is the artist.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments, share your own observations and give your Vote. Send me a Email if you would like to place a Order today.

Passion for the Crazy

Today's world has brought technology which makes creating a crazy quilt fast and simple. We have our sewing machines and then, we have Embroidery machines.

Some people may view hand crafted items as products of low value while others will appreciate the art and work - behind the creation of the quilt. Some will realize that a crazy quilt is one of a kind and not easily mass produced.

I enjoy the time it takes to choose the colors, lay and sew the pieces, and add the embroidery. I use one main stitch for the quilt and may add other stitches. This produces a 'laced' appearance to the quilt - as can be seen on the photograph but I do like the overall effect.

Normally, a crazy quilt will have a variety of embroidery stitches on every seam with additional embellishments such as ribbons, buttons, and charms. It is a crazy quilt and canvas for whatever crosses the mind of the artist. This has been the appeal for me - whatever crosses my mind.

One other thing I have noticed in creating a crazy quilt is that - it's really difficult to guage how your quilt will truly turn out. We have a 'idea' or hope of how it will be in the back of our mind but during the creating process - it may look really dull but voila! upon near completion - there is a piece of something beautiful starting to appear. This part is the best. What looks like a ugly duckling turns into a beautiful swan. Imagine that. :)

I have created a few crazy quilts mostly for friends who are new parents at baby showers. They absolutely love their quilts and especially that they can hang these quilts as a heirloom for their child. I had forgotten that quilts can be used as decorative hangings in our homes.

The opinions of what makes a true crazy quilt will vary especially today but the true value will lie with the recipient of the quilt. I prefer to stand back and let another person decide for themself - their impression of the quilt. For me, most have been mesmerized with the colors, layout and over all finished quilt.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments, share your own observations and give your Vote. Send a Email if you would like to place a Order today.