by Sheila Groman

till Crazy After All These Years,” lyrics from a popular song by Paul Simon, could also be applied to a current renewal of interest in crazy . Crazy techniques devel- oped during Queen Victoria’s reign as monarch of England (1837-1901). Designs of the Victorian era were fancy, heavy, ornate, and excessive. Crazy quilts were part and parcel of that design concept and were often displayed on Victorian furniture or TOP: Detail, CRAZY RECOLLECTIONS across pianos – taking their place as ABOVE: CRAZY QUILT RECOLLECTIONS, 42" x 34", by Sheila J. Groman lavish decorative elements in the home. PHOTO BY LAWRENCE GROMAN

24 AMERICAN QUILTER ❖ Winter 2004 Crazy quilting was frequently a pas- ing, garment, and sewing machine time for women of leisure who had the industries. Crazy quilting accommo- advantage of spare time to design and dates a number of techniques, one of stitch the fabulous surface embellish- those being appliqué that is hand- ments on their quilts. These women stitched to a foundation. CRAZY QUILT were usually accomplished embroider- RECOLLECTIONS, a quilt depicting ers with access to scrumptious fabrics special memories and meaningful such as , satin, brocade, faille, velvet, aspects of my life, uses this technique. and taffeta, often available as scraps TOP: Detail, TWENTY-THREE HEXAGONS To save time, fabrics can be from gowns sewn by their dressmakers. ABOVE: TWENTY-THREE HEXAGONS, 49" x machine stitched together, beginning Surviving crazy quilts from that era 53", by the author with a five-sided pentagon. Using a were generally stitched by women in Since these quilts were usually dis- lightweight foundation, fancy fabrics the upper echelons of society. Lush played, they also didn’t receive the are stitched to each other using a backgrounds of elegant fabrics became wear and tear of bed quilts. “stitch and flip” method beginning on the surface upon which extravagant A resurgence of interest in crazy one side of the pentagon and adding themes were stitched. quilting is making it “hot” in the quilt- fabrics as stitching progresses around

Winter 2004 ❖ AMERICAN QUILTER 25 ative all at the same time. (Of course, the new embroidery machines can create interesting stitches and motifs plus they save time in the process!) I hand stitch larger embroidered motifs in the centers of the fashion fabrics using silk ribbon, standard embroidery floss, or ribbon floss. Later I add charms, beads, , mirrors, doi- lies, and yarns that add to the fanciful surface embellishment. A generous use of texture adds sparkle both to quilts with light reflect- ing fabrics such as silk, taffeta, and satin and those with light absorbing matte finishes such as velvet, brocade, faille, and cotton. Texture variation can be added by selecting fuzzy yarns, embroi- dery floss, ribbon floss, silk ribbon, and rayon. These variations add interest and eye-catching appeal to the quilt. When the embroidery and surface embellishments are finished, crazy quilt blocks can be machine stitched together and then embroidered along those seams. After borders are added, the backing, batting, and decorated top must be joined together. Since crazy quilts are usually tied rather than overall quilted, I use embroi- dery floss to tie the crazy quilt section from the back. Then I hand quilt floral or geometric the pentagon. The strips of fabric designs in the borders. can be trimmed to add new angles. When adding beads, buttons, This style of stitching has some or charms, I wait until the quilt is parallels to Log Cabin blocks complete and out of the quilt where a square forms the center frame. That way, these elements and strips of fabrics are stitched will not crack or break if the quilt around it. True crazy quilting, frame were to tighten on them. however, uses neither a repetitive I enjoy the free and easy template nor stitching pattern. methods of crazy quilting, select- Every piece of fabric is a different ing fabrics and threads, and hand shape and width, making it an embroidering the quilt. Because excellent way to use scraps and crazy quilting is fun, reasonably strips of fabric. A specific color simple, and expressive, it has palate works, or random color stood the test of time, prompting choices work well, too. It is a many a quilter to declare she is loose, creative, and unrestricted “still crazy after all these years.” ■ way to work. TOP: Detail, HEXAGON STAR ABOVE: HEXAGON STAR, 56" x 52", by the It is important to include a variety Sheila J. Groman of Scottsdale, author of fabrics, hues, values, and textures. Ariz., has enjoyed the creativity of Contrast – light and dark, one hue next ect begins. In my crazy quilts, I hand art and sewing since childhood. Her to a different hue, cool and warm embroider along the seams where one commissioned quilts are part of tones, and reflective and matte tex- piece of fabric joins another. and numerous public and private collec- tures – helps create interest. ribbon can be used along the seams as tions, plus her award-winning work Quilts stitched in this manner well. is frequently published and widely include HEXAGON STAR and TWEN- Selecting embroidery stitches and exhibited in juried shows. Contact Sheila via this article on TY-THREE HEXAGONS. Once the sewing them in various combinations, the AQS Web site: www.AmericanQuilter.com. machine stitching of fabrics is complet- hues, and textures is enjoyable, chal- ed, the embroidery aspect of the proj- lenging, peaceful, wonderful, and cre-

26 AMERICAN QUILTER ❖ Winter 2004