Block Construction Instructions Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 Block 7 Block 8 Block 9 Block 10 Block 11 Block 12

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 Block 7 Block 8 Block 9 Block 10 Block 11 Block 12 Finished Sample Quilt

     The finished size for this 12-block project series quilt is approximately 28" x 34", which includes a single, wide (4") border.  To make the quilt larger, you can choose to use sashings and cornerstones or even add an additional border.

     One pattern for this Block Series project is to be published until a total of 12 patterns have been issued for 2005-2006.  This quilt is a great way to use up scraps from your stash and also a great way to experiment with the decorative stitches on your sewing machine!  Or, if your machine doesn't have decorative stitches, try embroidering over the seams by hand.  

     Each block pattern measures 6" finished.  Print one (1) copy of each block pattern in this series, then complete it with your selection of fabrics.  When the block is sewn together, the fun begins. First, press the block flat.  Then, using various decorative stitches on your sewing machine, sew over each seam on the surface of your crazy patch block.  

  You can also add lace, trims, beads, etc. as part of your crazy patch (which is what the traditional crazy patch block is all about)!  

     Paper-piece each pattern using your favorite technique.  It is recommended that you leave the paper foundation used for paper-piecing in the quilt blocks until the entire quilt top is finished, in an effort to keep each block from stretching (as we are dealing with a lot of bias edges).  However, remove the paper foundation in each seam allowance.  Once the top is complete, remove the paper foundations, then quilt it.  

  Instead of using paper (and having to remove it!) as a foundation, it is possible to use a non-woven, lightweight foundation that remains in the quilt.  These lightweight, inexpensive foundations (often called interfacings) are readily available at quilt shops and also in fabric departments of most national chain discount stores.   I would not recommend using a non-woven foundation, however, if you plan on hand-quilting the project (too many layers to quilt through!), since the interfacing would remain in the finished quilt.

  The Crazy Quilt blocks have been designed so that they should each print from your browser at 6.5".  This size allows each pattern to print in its entirety on one page.  If you cannot get your pattern to print at this size, simply e-mail me for my snail address, then send a SASE and I'll send you a copy of the pattern.

     Here are a few guidelines regarding this project: 

	Fabric selections.  100% cottons and/or read the above.  This is an excellent project for you to use up all of those scraps and embellishments!  Or, if worse comes to worse, you may have to go shopping to buy new things for this project.     Try using a few non-cotton fabrics in the top, such as velvets, silks, etc.  You may have to add a stabilizer to the specialty fabrics in order for them to be stable enough to embellish.
	Fabric colors.  Any fabric colors can be used.  After all, this is called a Crazy Patch quilt!
	Thread colors.  Because of the nature of this crazy patch quilt, you can use both decorative embroidery stitches to embellish it and you can also use decorative threads.  Either use several colors of thread or try one of the gorgeous variegated threads that is now available.
	Embellishments.  There are many items used as embellishments in a traditional crazy patch quilt.  This project provides a great opportunity to explore this area, so try using laces, trims, beads, buttons, etc.  The possibilities are endless!
	The quilt.  So, what's this quilt going to look like when finished?  Well, it's going to be entirely made up of crazy patch blocks, however the blocks themselves do not have to have the same layout as any of the samples I may add at a later date.  Additionally, you can even add a sashing for the blocks, however the quilt size given above does not include a sashing.

     Have fun!

1. Print one (1) copy of the current pattern.  Each pattern in this series, when printed, should measure 6.5", unfinished.  This finishes at 6" square and allows the pattern to print in its entirety onto one single page.   It is extremely important that each block in this 12 BOM series be printed the same size.  If sizes are inconsistent, the quilt top will not go together easily.

2. Paper-piece each block using any fabric selections that you like.  Do not use the black fabric when paper-piecing each of these blocks, unless you want to.  If you do use black in the "leading" areas, then this would be the area that you will use decorative stitches on.  If you choose not to use the black, simply paper-piece the block by extending the patches to cover over the black areas.  
     Use a fabric with a theme for the largest sections.  This would provide an opportunity to "showcase" the theme.

3. Press each block flat.  It measures 6.5" x 6.5" at this point.

4. Do not remove the foundation from this block, however you can remove the foundation from the seam allowances (which makes construction of the top flow smoother).

5. Set this block aside until all 12 blocks in this project are complete.

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