Another project that I plan to start on later today. For quite awhile, I've been wanting to do a crazyquilt block with a 1930's feel. The floral print in the center is from a vintage hankie. The hankie was not in the greatest shape but the corners were pretty good and I just loved the bright cheerful pattern. This is a perfect way to use damaged vintage textiles.
What I would like to try to do with this block, is to teach beginners how to balance a crazyquilt design using color and embellishments. I'm not even sure this is the right piece for teaching but hey, I'm up for a good challenge!
For a beginner, I definately recommend working with a focal point. In this block, the focal point is the print in the center of the design. As you can see, I used more simple fabrics around the outside of it. The focal point will draw the eye to the center first and then it can move around the outside of the block. A good trick too when working with a focal point, is to place it a bit off center. Honestly, I'm not sure why this is but visually, it just looks better.
A good way to begin balancing a block is to repeat your fabrics. Many of the books I have recommend using 1 fabric for every 1 inch of your block. So, if your block is 9 inches square, they recommend that you use 9 different fabrics. Well, that's not what I recommend. I cut that theory in 1/2 and use only 4 or 5 different fabrics repeating some of them.
As you can see, the red dot fabric is at the top right and again, at the bottom left. The yellow gingham is at the top left and again to the right of the print. Same with the white and blue dot fabric. The pink 1930's repro print was only used one. I wanted to bring some of the pinks out of the flowers and down a little bit.
You can see that the fabrics I chose, match the colors in the hankie.
Remember though, there is no right or wrong with crazyquilting. It's about what's pleasing to the stitcher and her eye! Keep in the mind, this just how I work!
Tomorrow, I'll explain how to start using color and embroidery to balance a block.
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6 hours ago
5 comments:
Pam, thanks so much for taking the time to teach us *wannabees*. I really want to do a crazy quilt but am afraid to start cutting and sewing. I love the hankie pattern square! I have some of my Grandmother's hankies and never would have thought to use them this way.
Pam, Of all the squares you have done I think by far this is my favorite. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for it,and your next lesson.
Robin
Pam, I was hoping that you would teach your use of color. Your use of fewer fabrics makes your blocks more appealing to me.
Thanks
Shay
Hi Pam:
We quilters can really use the great help ou are giving us. I make quilts for sale, for police and dispatchers who suffer loses. I am working right now on quilting an entire police deparment that was devastated with Hurricane Katrina.
My recent quilt project one I was selling for Breast Cancer charity, just went to a police dispatcher suffering from this disease.
During my spare time, I am also working on a crazy quilt. I did mine a bit differently and wanted to share.
I wanted to make one to begin with as a twin sized, so I took the top of an old sheet cut it off and began stitching blocks on that. So far, it looks good.
I am also raising 3 grandchildren, so if anyone would like to barter, I am all up for it, or trade.
I have a wish list on my blog site, but willing to go that extra mile to help other quilters out if I can.
Quilts for a Cause & keep teaching us how to quilt, I know I sure appreciate it.
Jean
Thank you for this info Pam. have been wondering if there's right and wrong way to do a crazy quilt. I now have the answers :)
~ Lillie
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