Friday, June 3, 2011

Crazy Patch Quilt

Crazy Quilts became quite the fad in the 1880's.
Inspiration came from the asymmetrical art displayed at the Japanese Exhibit during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.
(*as a side note, the 1876 Exposition was the first Worlds Fair in the United States).

Crazy Patch shown by Suzie Evenstad at the Gilbert Museum.
Completed in 1921 by Suzie's grandmother Rosa Mae Barnes Guthrie.

I've always loved to study the practice of piecing old bits of fabric together.

Originally, Crazy Quilts were often made with ornate fabrics such as velvets, satins, tulle and silk. They usually were embellished with buttons, lace, and trims.


In later years thrifty housewives used everyday fabric like cotton and wool.


As you can see Rosa used cottons, and embellished with embroidery patterns that are having a resurgence in popularity today with the use of bees, owls and
pitchers.


Images fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

It's fun to see Rosa's imagination in use of various embroidery stitches.


What was once a Victorian past time, keeps my interest over 100 years later.
I've never made a Crazy Patch quilt, but would like to give it a try at some point in my quilting experience.

9 comments:

Me and My Stitches said...

What a wonderful quilt. My SIL found one at a yard sale (!) that I just love to sit and look at. Sure wish I had one of my own!

Material Mary said...

This particular crazy quilt has unique embroidery. She has her own consistent style.
Mary

Lynette said...

Very cool quilt. I love the expression on the owl. :)

Needled Mom said...

I always love seeing crazy quilts. Very nice.

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Totally gorgeous! I admire all of the handwork and variety of fabric and trims in crazy quilts.

Julia said...

Just beautiful Nedra..
I love CQ, and have done quite a bit a few years ago...lots of laces and embellishments left over from them.
I must post them again soon..
Julia ♥

Kris said...

Oh, wow, Nedra!! This is great!! I bought a little book years ago with the intention of making a crazy patch baby quilt. You know what they say about intentions!! LOL!! Kris

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Would love to tackle a crazy quilt, have sewn purses using crazy quilting but not a whole quilt. Beautiful!