first crazy quilt

Never thought of that either... another thought for the next one. julia

Beautiful! I like the border too -is that part of the fabric or applique or what? I like how you did some on-point squares over the other blocks.

Crazies tend to be heavy enough without batting. If it seems thin to you, try flannel as a batt. They are mostly tied. (Imagine quilting through all those layers!) If you can't face hand tying, you can set your machine to do a single motif of one of its embroidery stitches, or just do a zigzag tack. Crazies traditionally were not much used as bed covers, but draped over the sofa to show off a lady's fancy enbroidery skills. Roberta in D

"julia sidebottom" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:YaidneGsw7aT6H_ZnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com...

All your quilts are beautiful, Julia! I especially like the Maine Star on black.

the boarder is a plain black fabric that I embroidered with the floral design. I did put a number of appliqués onto the top of the quilt with the smaller blocks I have been tying the quilt for the last hour or so and I can't imagine doing this if there was any batting in this quilt since it is quite heavy. This quilt top has had a place of prominence over the back of my sofa for many months now. Just means it needs the finishing touches then goes right back to where it belongs in the living room. julia

Me too. That has turned out to be one of my very favorite. On the site right now you only see the top. I have since completed that one and should post a picture of it finished. I suppose I will. Ok I did -:). Here it is:

I had a difficult time deciding on the perfect boarder for this one and the binding. However when I found it I knew it was the right one and so the finish came out better than I expected. Of all the quilts I have done if I were to enter one in a show this would be the one.julia

Mmmmm...that's gorgeous, Julia! The border is perfect for it, and I love that star block. :)

The Maine Star is beautiful and so is the quilting!

I did one which didn't even have the same shaped 'blocks'. OK, it was in miniature, but it was only a scaled down version, so everything applies the same. Mind you, I think I defeated the main purpose of a crazy quilt, because I actually drew it first! (Don't throw *hard* tomatoes - I know that's terrible) . In message , Debra writes

This is a truly beautiful quilt. I love that Maine Star pattern!

Nancy in NS

I love it. I guess if crazy quilts scare you and other accomplished quilters, I'd be crazy to pursue that idea! :-)

One thing I have discovered Jean through all the years is that what is difficult for one quilter is a piece of chocolate cake for another. For me Cathedral Windows is not difficult yet it is considered a very difficult pattern. For some making half square triangles is a nightmare yet I find them easy. Yet on the other hand there are just something that I have not been able to conquer yet. Those challenges are the ones I am still looking forward to. Like making a successful drunkards path. I can't hardly do a curve if my life depends on it.(that is without it looking just horrible). Making the crazy quilt was/is still one of the things I would like to get a better handle on. I guess what I am saying is don't be scared off. Go for it and surprise yourself. Those are the best quilts of all. julia

I think crazy quilts scare perfectionists and those who are used to following a pattern. If you like to just try your hand at something new with few rules, and tend to jump in with both feet even if you have to muddle through some things, then crazy quilting might be the perfect first project for you. Debra in VA See my quilts at

A few quick hints for curves, Julia, so that you can try your Drunkard's path. # remember that it is only the sewing line that matches - edges are quite irrelevant! # make short line marks across the pattern, along the curved edge

*before* you cut the pieces apart. # transfer these marks to the fabric when you trace the template. because they were once one line they will have to be in the right place. # clip the concave side - think 'cave = hollow', so concave is in-curving. # pin exactly though all the marks, taking up just the smallest bit of fabric you can manage. Hold the fabric tightly as you pin, so that the pieces don't move in relation to one another - the action of pinning can cause them to slide just a fraction. # then pin in between them, and pin beyond the first and last, to make sure the curve stays correct. # sew with the concave side uppermost - it will have all the easing 'ruffles', so you can see what you are doing and you can make sure the needle doesn't catch one by accident. # lift the presser foot often to readjust position. Don't try to do this just be moving the piece as it goes - it's not worth it. # before finally saying 'it's done', just check the other side, to make sure the stitching is on the drawn template line.

It may be a lot of prep., but it's worth it. Adjusting the foot often is what gives the best curve. I must say I 'adjust' every time I stop the machine to remove a pin!! .

Julia. It looks beautiful!! Pami

I do mine the easy way: cut larger then sew like one does a straight line -

1/4 from edge (so no marking), press flat letting seam allowance end up where it wants to and then trim to size. no fuss, no hassle and perfect blocks every time :-D

till I did it this way I was sure it wasn't a block I could make as I had tried so many other ways and failed.

That is my favorite from your page also. I have that book, and have done a couple of the stars. It's actually what inspired me and instructed me on how to make my Starflake pattern into a PP pattern, thereby making it actually do-able. Good job on the Maine!

Karen, Queen of Squishies

That's gorgeous! When my copy of Carol's 50 Stars book arrived, that's the first one I made. The block sat around for a while, and then got put into a HUG. Your crazy quilt is amazing. So glad you're back! Liz

"Jessamy" wrote in news:44e429bb$0$87194$ snipped-for-privacy@news.wanadoo.nl:

I'll raise you one easy and call: One drunkard's path by applique! To date, I have yet to gather the courage to really sew curves.

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