Lots of questions about crazy quilting
 

I'm starting a crazy quilt project. I understand the basics of piecing on a muslin foundation. At what point do you add the embroidery stitching and embellishing? Do you use batting? How do you finish the quilt? Machine quilting or hand quilting? Tying? So many questions and I just know there is a wealth of wisdom on this board with the answers. Thank you!

Jane

i;m sure many here can help you. meanwhile, here are some links that may help you
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...y-Quilt-block/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HDohN12QKM

The way my girlfriend and I do it is, I piece on muslin and send them to her. She embroiders and adds all sorts of cool stuff. Since so far we only do small things I sew them to the backing and turn right side out and then tie from the back just thru to the muslin. The ties won't show thru any embroidery and since they're just for show there's no need for batting.

the crazy quilt blocks can be embellished as you make each block- or you can construct some then embellish- since every seam is covered with fancy stitching or some sort of embellishing you also do more as it is constructed- the batting/no batting is a personal choice- I've always used batting because it gives the stitches on the back of the blocks something to 'sink into' . most crazy quilts are tied- due to all the trims, buttons, fancy stitches used that you do not want to stitch over with quilting stitches. if you have never visited them- check out 'EveningStarDesigns' they have wonderful *eye candy* to check out along with a lot of supplies---inspiration and challenges...

I made mine 8 yrs ago. I did not use batting. I used a variety of fabrics and when all the blocks were sewn together that is when I did a lot of machine embroidery on mine. I also did some hand stitches such as a spider web and spider. I was lucky enough to find light weight black corduroy fabric that already had red roses embroidered on it!! I tried to post a picture of it here but it didn't work. If you want you can go to my profile and check it out.

Here are some beauties!!! http://pinterest.com/karencoombs/crazy-quilt-ideas/

I love crazy quilting!! After I get all my fabrics sewn on, I add any lace I want on it and the lace appliques. Then I do my hand embroidery stitches and beads, and silk ribbon embroidery. I add the charms and buttons last. Please share pictures when your done!

Thanks for the input. Very helpful. My project is going to be a wedding gift and the bride-to-be has given me 3-4 dresses/gowns to be incorporated into the quilt, including her first wedding dress. (hope that won't be bad luck. . . ) and a 'fire engine' red prom dress her grandmother made for her. So - - - lots and lots of red in this project. Should be interesting.

Any suggestions for the backing or does it matter? Cotton? Something else?

Thanks,

Jane