Crazed: characterized by a network of fine cracks….
I’m naming my latest Island Batik challenge quilt “Crazed Diamonds”. I think that speaks well to both the crazy quilt heritage and the modern outcome of this quilt design. And possibly my wider quilting life too… 😛
Today’s post is really just a quick update to show you the eye-candy that is my latest quilt top finish. I hope it gives you a few happy moments to brighten your day.
March is Vintage Reimagined month with Island Batik
If you’ll cast your mind back to the beginning of March, I chose an 1880s crazy quilt by Martha Bingley as my starting point for reimagining a new quilt. The reason why is this: because that’s what us Island Batik Ambassadors are doing this month. And because I was looking for a chance to use up some scraps and crumbs from my previous Island Batik projects before they organised and formed a lynch mob against me in my sewing room.
This quilt isn’t big enough to have solved that problem entirely, but it has set them back a month or two.
A finished quilt top
As you can see, the quilt top is finished and ready for layering and quilting. I am still a bit undecided as to what to quilt in the grey areas… and even whether to use grey thread or a colour such as blue-green. Or even perhaps white? Often quilts speak to me as I layer and pin them, or even while I secure all the layers with some stitch in the ditch. So I think the best thing to do is keep pretending I have a plan and press on.
Sandra of mmm! quilts suggested some Angela Walters inspired quilting and since I had been thinking similarly, there is a fair chance this is the road I will go down. But then….. should I embrace the ocean/coral theme I envisaged in the second week of March and perhaps quilt all over in an aqua or variegated thread? Or perhaps just let the grey areas stay really grey and quilt the crazy patchwork separately? Or even attempt to use a white thread to add a lacy look to the grey areas to honour the Victorian era when crazy quilting was so HUGE? So many choices!
You are welcome to weigh in to the debate if you have an idea or preference! I don’t want to be detracting from these pretties….. although I will still be adding some trinkets after the quilt is finished to take it from mildly deranged to stark raving mad crazy.
I’ve used a range of Aurifil threads to piece and embellish this quilt so far. I’m so happy that Aurifil chooses to be an industry partner of the Island Batik Ambassador program and that I get to play with these threads! Thanks Island Batik and Aurifil!
I will probably let this quilt sit and be pondered upon for a few days, even before I pin it…. I have a swan balloon appliqué to finish in the meantime. Stay tuned for that next Love with a Twist pattern release soon.
The Chameleon turns rainbow with pleasure when he hears from you. I am more reserved, so I will respond in gratitude by email instead. I am actually a bit behind right now due to multiple family issues sapping my time and energy, but I promise I am reading them. I hope to get back to responding to your messages soon. Now that it’s your turn…. Scroll right to the end, leave me a comment and tell me, what do you think? Thanks for connecting!
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I like this piece Dione. My first impression, not up close, was urban art, impressions of a city. as I check out the detail ,lace etc, my impressions may be wonky, but they remain the same. The colours , vibrancy, myriad of shapes, the grounding of the architecture with the grey cement, roadways and containment. All of these feelings come through to me .
Although this may be far from what you intend with this quilt, it makes a statement. I wonder if any others will feel the same energy?
Well, you sure had fun with those scraps and turned them into something fabulous! Makes me think of the cool, creative graffiti seen on city walls. All of the fun additions make it a quilt worth looking at for awhile, so as to see everything. Great finish!
For the border, what about a darker gray thread? Maybe even brown like the “dirt” between the cement blocks? Or black like the cracks? Just a thought off the top of my head.
I really like what you’ve done. Makes quite a statement and so artistic.
Hi Dione! This really turned out spectacularly, I think. And I think the name fits the bill quite nicely. All those little bits and pieces really make it charming and are such a nice homage to the inspiration piece. I’m not offering any quilting advice, but I sure look forward to seeing what you do. I think the lacy effect sounds pretty darn cool though . . . ~smile~ Roseanne
Love these, and the idea of channeling Angela Walters for the quilting. I vote for the white – I think it would look gorgeous and play nice with the bits of lace in the blocks.
I love the layout. Looking forward to the finished quilt.
I love it, but then crazy quilts and improv piecing are part of my heritage. I am really looking forward to the finish.
Looks fantastic….