Lessons from a Vintage CRAZY QUILT ~ Foundation Piece

[@grandymommy4531]

I love these quilts that are meant to be used and made with what was on hand. Of course, I love looking at examples of perfect work some people do and value the the artistry of that perfection. That being said, seeing all these homey finished projects is more encouraging for non perfect me who wants to actually finish her quilts and to have them be used.

[@SewtheDistance]

YES! I feel the same way. I have learned so much from these quilts.

[@suestutzle2779]

That was very interesting. I like the idea of just making a block as you go using all my left overs at the time. Even using up some threads that there is just not enough of. Thanks for that Kris. I enjoyed learning about this. Lessons like this really encourage us to think out side the square and broaden our horizons.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh thank you! That is such a wonderful compliment. I left teaching in September because of the move and because of the pandemic. My true passion is for teaching. Although this isn't what I thought I would be doing with my teaching degree, I am enjoying it and hope I touch lives on this platform. Thank you for watching, commenting, and being so kind.

[@sewbeitquilts]

How interesting! I think you are right, I bet they did piece blocks as they finished other projects! It's a great idea and would make nice memory quilts of past projects.

[@SewtheDistance]

I think so too! I just love this quilt. I almost don't want to finish is because the base is so cool!

[@lilacenterfitt3879]

Thanks, I enjoyed this video and seeing how the quilt was made.

[@SewtheDistance]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@debbielee7117]

I make little houses with the scraps from each quilt I make. When I sew all the little houses together, I will have a memory quilt of all the quilts I have made.

[@SewtheDistance]

What a wonderful idea! I LOVE this!

[@evelynbaezlindecamp2074]

What an awesome idea. Hello Kris. I just found you. Welcome to PA. It is true, PA is a lovely state and I love it here. I am a member of an awesome quilt guild in PA, Chambersburg Quilt Guild. We even have members from NJ, NY, and other states. This if my second year and I truly love the fellowship and friendships I made. Please feel free to reach out. I'm excited for you on your new journey.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I will check it out. Both my husband and I grew up in PA. We love it here! I will check out the guild. Thanks so much for the tip!

[@bethperrine6431]

So fun! I found you via Dave’s Craft Room

[@SewtheDistance]

He's the BEST! Thank you so much for watching!

[@elainefrick8955]

6:10 ... The “unseen back” had a pattern!

[@SewtheDistance]

It kind of looks like it, but it doesn't follow a distinct pattern. I tried and tried to figure out the system the maker used. LOL! I think I studied it for several hours making charts and diagrams. Thanks so much for watching! Maybe you can find a pattern?

[@abigaildolinger2754]

How large are the foundation pieces squares? I enjoyed the video!

[@SewtheDistance]

They are 7" finished and 8" unfinished, leaving a hefty seam allowance. I probably should have mentioned this in the video. Eek. Sorry about that!

[@abigaildolinger2754]

@@SewtheDistance 7” is a nice, medium size for string piecing. Thanks!

[@Michelle-om2jd]

What I take from most of these lessons from an old quilt is, to not be afraid to break any 'quilting rules", just create and have fun. Really, the only things to adhere to are thread tension and if this quilt function as a quilt. As the Quilting Marine says "it's only fabric, and it's only thread".

[@SewtheDistance]

YES! That is what I am learning, too. That said, old habits die hard. I still struggle with those so-called rules. Who set those rules anyway?

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Tyfs!

[@SewtheDistance]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@rachellemccann7506]

My great grandma used sheets.

[@SewtheDistance]

Did she? I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to try it at some point.

[@barbaracoleman9215]

During the shutdown I used recycle paper and all the old thread.

[@SewtheDistance]

Nice! What a great way to make something like this! ❤️

[@barbaracoleman9215]

@@SewtheDistance I have a shoebox full of 4x11 strips waiting for a project!

[@SewtheDistance]

@@barbaracoleman9215 Love then that happens! Have fun! ❤️ If you need ideas, let me know.

[@susanthomas5445]

When blocks have been pieced on muslin or other fabric, do you use batting and backing fabric to finish it? Or do you skip the batting to prevent too much bulk?

[@SewtheDistance]

You can do either one. I have seen it done both ways. I have even seen where makers have used the quilt as you go method with this process. Anything goes! :) Thanks so watching!

[@alisonmary1443]

Interesting, the front is a brave use of fabrics, and the fabric on the back is not for hiding, it looks gorgeous??. The maker obviously didn't have the 2 metres of fabric I have, I call it the most depressing fabric ever, mid grey and dark forest green, the eBay pic showed it as mustard and grey, a no return purchase, "What fabric do you have that is just unusable?" I'd love a show and tell 😁

[@SewtheDistance]

I know! I would have loved to have some of that fabric, right? LOL! "Ugly" fabric is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. In this week's vlog, I will show how I used some fabric I didn't like to foundation piece crazy quilt blocks. I am sure there are some quilters who will think I am crazy for using it on the back, but it is one of those fabrics that I just don't like. Too bad there aren't any returns on your drab fabric. It will be perfect to use as a foundation! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@alisonmary1443]

@@SewtheDistance That would be so good!