I have used all these fabrics. I washed everything 1st. Used only for display so may not be hand washed in my lifetime!

I've owned several antique crazy quilts from the late 1800s, including a set of blocks that was started and never finished. In all of them, the blocks were pieced on a foundation. The makers used every kind of luxurious fabric they coulds lay hands to, including silk cigar wrappers and campaign ribbons. Everything was embellished with embroidery and lace. I'd love to make one but doubt I could do fine embroidery now. Good luck.

That was some odf the best directions I have ever seen for a crazy quilt. I'm sure a lot of us really appreciated you taking time to write this. Just wish I could see that quit!!

I've made many cq pieces. I didn't read all the replies, so sorry if anything is duplicated. I wouldn't wash them - too delicate. I would back a lot of the fabrics with a thin iron on pellon type fabric (the brand name escapes me right now) - but it's very thin. It really helps with the stretchy fabrics and dupioni silks (my favorites). My avatar is a wall hanging that I made and here is one other:

Great answers everybody. I Love the way the quilts look.