Thread: How do I proceed from this point with this crazy thing?

You have done a great job. Now the fun begins . Each block gets embroidered individually, the same goes for the embellishment of your blocks. Each block should be able to stand alone as a work of art. Women used to use each block to show off different sewing techniques, as well as sewing skills. I found that after my first crazy quilt that when I finished sewing my blocks, I would stack them in the order of what I thought I wanted for the layout. Then I would pick up a block and turn it one turn to the right (for the first block), then start my stitching with the top being the top as I looked at it. After finishing it I always laid it face down (not wanting my blocks looking alike), when starting on my next block I would pick it up and turn it two turns to the left and then start my embellishments. I found after my first crazy quilt was finished that I had put my blocks in too much of an order, so I have made sure to change them up with each block now. Have fun it takes time, but you will enjoy every minute of it. I used to keep a block in my car, so I could work on it when I was in line or waiting for something or someone. You will also find that you look at each block in a different way, in different places. Good luck, will love to see how it looks finished.

Thanks everyone for some good advice and comments!
I do not intend to wash it and will probably rotate squares (and separate some) to avoid putting similar ones beside each other…that will come later. I WAS able to make another square and then found some fabric behind furniture that I KNEW I had more of. So if I need to revise some or switch out one or two, I can do that. At 6x8 squares it may just cover the top on a queen sized bed with no overhang. We are hoping to get our guest room back this spring/summer and put a double bed in it. This quilt will be perfect and won't get used a lot. I also didn't really want to buy more fabric so there will be no sashing or borders. Still I have a lot of little bitty pieces left over - will have to think about how to use it somewhere. I will definitely embroider before layering, then, and maybe after the squares are joined so that I could embroider across the seams. We'll see.
Any idea where I can get wool batting? I have not checked any fabric stores around here yet. Any good brands or weight you might suggest?
I have lots of old buttons - I had totally forgotten about that as a way to tie the layers. AND I have lace that was made by my great grandmother, if it is not too wide. Been saving it for SOMETHING! My two girls are not very girly so they have never been interested in it.
I like using muslin for the backer and yes I had also forgotten that silk would be cold AND slippery!
I'll be sure to post this after the embroidery gets going.
FYI, I think the remaining large piece will do for binding - the floral with the bronze background - I think I have well over a yard at 60 inches. Gosh I was lucky!

I agree with the others - embroider first. I would use a sashing, thin and maybe in an almond or warm cream color. I would do a decorative quilting stitch in the sashing with a matching thread. I think this would set off the fabrics in the blocks, enhancing them without distracting from them. Also a very neutral cotton for the backing. Might use just a slightly darker bobbin thread for the quilting just to give a bit more interest. Then you could decide what additional quilting is necessary. I might limit it to a smallish motif in the center of each block. This quilt is probably not going to get 'hard' use, so it shouldn't require heavy quilting.

If you end up with not enough squares to make another row, use the left-overs and make a pillow cover. It's sort of like a table runner, but you put over your pillows when you make the bed and that way you don't have to make the quilt long enough to go over the pillows. And, you can use it on the foot of the bed for an extra layer of warmth.

Originally Posted by RuthiesRetreat3

If you end up with not enough squares to make another row, use the left-overs and make a pillow cover. It's sort of like a table runner, but you put over your pillows when you make the bed and that way you don't have to make the quilt long enough to go over the pillows. And, you can use it on the foot of the bed for an extra layer of warmth.

I had thought of a pillow sham but I think a small pillow would be a great idea - one with just one square on it, front and back maybe? We'll see what develops. I almost pulled the squares out last night to start embroidering but I've got other priorities right now so I'll have to wait...

Originally Posted by Cherylsea

Just in case you would be interested ... there is a Facebook group called Joyful Embellishment - Valerie Bothell is the leader. She is doing embroidery stitches - one stitch per month and many variations on the theme. Last month was Feather Stitch and this month is Herringbone. Some beautiful work being done. Stitch pictures on Pinterest too.

I found the link and this is perfect timing! I was going to get out a square and start and realized I have no idea what stitches to do first. This will be the jumpstart I need.

http://pinkbunnykansas.blogspot.com