Tag: embroidering crazy quilts

The Next Level in Crazy

Dear Liza,

I can’t believe that I have actually gotten 140 crazy quilt blocks pieced and embroidered! I finished the last one today while waiting for Cynthia to come visit.

The next step is trimming all 140 blocks so they are EXACTLY the same size so they piece together nicely. In this case, a 6 and a half inch square. Bridgett’s hand-cut template makes this easy to get right.

The procedure is simple enough. Place the template, hold it down, and firmly roll the rotary disc along the edges. That rascal is wicked sharp, so I am being very careful.

And I am making good progress. This afternoon I got 40 blocks cut before my wrist let me know it was time to take a break. I made myself stop. But tomorrow is another day!

I can’t wait to show you what comes next!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Going a Little Crazy (Quilt)

Dear Liza,

I started my first crazy quilt just about ten days ago, thinking I would work at it a little here and there. I should have known better!

Once I get started on a project, I find it impossible to let it just ‘sit there’. Unless pulled away, I work on it…. Not constantly, but consistently. At least until something more interesting else comes along.

I am experimenting with how much embroidery is ‘too much’. So far, I haven’t hit that point. I piece the blocks on the sewing machine in the afternoon, and embroider on the couch in the evenings. I use simple, non-floral stitches, because I like the geometry of them. Blanket stitch, French knots, and running stitches go quickly and are very satisfying.

In the last ten days I’ve gotten 36 , 7 inch blocks pieced and 20 of them embroidered, on my way to about 120 total. Each block will be 6 inches square, so the quilt should be 5 feet by 6 feet, good for snuggling on the couch.

I worked out the math, and if I piece three blocks a day, I can have that bit done in just under a month. But don’t hold your breath. This is a ‘just for me’, long term, do-when-I-want project. It might be done by New Years’, or not until 2025.

I’ll keep you posted!

Love,

Grandma Judy