Let's Make A Crazy Quilt

Our "Color & Composition" Lessons have changed just a bit.  Yeah, I know....you're all thinking not again right?  What can I say?  I change my mind every 5 minutes!

Honestly though, several of my readers have emailed me asking if we could just do blocks and focus on  learning Color and Composition along with some new techniques rather than spend time finishing projects.

That of course inspired the change.  I like that idea so I've made a list.  Here's the updated project:

*There will be 25 lessons in total. 
*Each lesson will be $10.00 US
*Each lesson will consist of making 1 - 6 inch block
*Each block will have a theme and color scheme
*Each block will have a "have to use" item.  Example:  a certain stitch or border or type of embroidery
*I will include a stitched example for your inspiration but there will still be some mystery to the project since   I will only be releasing 1 lesson at a time.
*You can take as many of the lessons or as few of the lessons as you want to
*There is no time frame to this project.  I don't want anyone to stress over it.  All in your own time.
*This project will take approx 12 - 18 months to complete.
*I will set up a Flickr group for everyone to share they're photos and discuss the lessons.
*I will include links to your blogs, Flickr albums or websites here on my blog so that others can visit and see your projects.
*If you do all 25 lessons, you will have 25 blocks at the end of the project.  That means, that you will have enough blocks to make a 28 inch crazy quilt.  (And so will I!)
*You will learn how to work with color and composition by the repetition of working with my guidelines and specifications.
*By the end of the 25 lessons, you will develop your own style of crazy quilting and your eye will automatically know what to do where.  You won't have to wonder anymore.  These lessons will help you to learn how to balance a block, how to put things together and how to use color.  But the most fun thing about this project is that you won't even know that you're learning it.  Your mind will just pick it up from doing it.
*All lessons will be available to purchase at Magcloud which is a site for self publication and it's owned by Hewlett Packard.  I believe they accept both PayPal and Credit Cards.
*The project starts the beginning of January 2013.

So that's my update for today everyone!  Start gathering your supplies and prepare to make a crazy quilt!

I'm going to make up a little banner too so that anyone who would like to share the project on their blog can do so.  I'll have that ready soon.

How To Assemble A Crazy Quilt - Steps 5 and 6

On to steps 5 and 6 of How To Assemble A Crazy Quilt.

Step 5

At this point, we're going to add the sleeve for hanging the quilt.  It will be done entirely by machine so no hand sewing will be necessary.

First, you'll want to trim away the excess foundation fabric as I've done here:

If you find you need a helper, one your cats will always be more than willing.  A little too willing!  LOL!!!  This is Simba!  He always helps me assemble my crazyquilts.

To make the sleeve for my quilt, I cut a piece of the backing fabric about 2 inches narrower than the width of the quilt.  The length will be determined by the width of the rod used for hanging.  In my case, my quilt rod is 1 1/2 inches around so I cut my sleeve approx. 9 inches in length.  Yes, I make my sleeves much bigger than I need:

Fold this piece in 1/2 lengthwise and sew up the side seams:

Turn this piece right side out and press the seams.

Top stitch the raw edges along the top of the sleeve:

Next, you're going to want to cut your backing fabric the same size as your quilt.  I use a heavy Quilter's Cotton on the back of my crazy quilts:

At this point, you're also going to want to make sure your quilt is square and the edges are straight.  If you made sure your squares were square and straight and when you sewed the blocks together, your quilt should be square and straight.  The edges might just need a little trim so do that now.

Next, pin the sleeve, with the raw edges at the top of the right side of your backing fabric.  Pin, pin, pin!  Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance for this step.  When you have the raw edge sewn down, top stitch the bottom edge of the sleeve onto the backing fabric close to edge.

Remove all pins and press the backing fabric.

Step 6

With right sides together, pin the quilt top to the back making sure that your sleeve is at the top of the quilt:

Pin, pin, pin!!!!!  Pin the top of your quilt to the back of your quilt.  You'll be sewing this like a pillowcase.  You will have to leave a large opening at the bottom of your quilt for turning right side out.  I start at the bottom, sew about 6 inches, turn and sew all the way around until I get back to the bottom and then sew only about another 6 inches.  Again, I use a 1/2 inch seam allowance on crazy quilts.

When you're done sewing, remove all pins and trim the corners so they don't bunch up then carefully turn your quilt right side out.  Press the seams and then hand-sew the opening closed using a blind stitch.

I will have the final step for you soon.  In the meantime, be sure to see the entire How To Assemble A Crazy Quilt Tutorial.