Colors Galore Crazy Quilting Tutorial "Updated"

I really love autumn colors, but when its summer, I love summer colors and about the only time I give in to the seasonal colors is winter and Christmas. Do you have favorite colors?


These Dresden Plates are coming along and you can read this post if you like by clicking on this link. I love to make a quilt 'pop', you know? 

I lean toward the color most bright against the project I'm working on. I don't care a hoot for matchy matchy!


In the quilt "Oranga Finished Yet?" I leave the rush of orange to take it to more calmer colors so the orange stands out and makes a statement of some sort. For example, this "Oranga Finished Yet?" is a freeform improvisational style of quilt. In my mind, improvisational work is just that, without a plan.


I use all colors in my work, this is part of what makes my upcoming book so different from other Crazy Quilting artists in the world. I don't live my life by the book or craft my art by the book either and I want to finally share my philosophy of crazy quilting.

This is why, finally, with the support of my hubby and the encouragement of our sons, I've done it! I've written my first book. Its going to be an instant download, so you can get started right away reading and using my techniques.

My tutorial listed inside this post shows the methodology of my block making, but making the block is just the start. 

Starting point!

Foundation muslin cut into 12.5 in.squares
(Beginners start with one square to completion)
(Experienced quilters can start with four squares) 

Pick out a selection of 6 focus fabrics that are in the same color choice, but with variable prints, textures and types of fabric.

Pick out a smaller selection of three to five accompanying fabrics that would add 'sparkle' and/or 'interest' to your eye.


Bold and dramatic effect!


Soft and dreamy effect! Lots of cotton here.

 

These are my choices for this tutorial! Yellow, orange, blue and brown! Only the orange flowered white background is cotton, all the rest of the fabrics are recycled silk from clothing. They may be folded, but that's because I've been harvesting awesome fabric from friends, family and thrift shops for decades!!
Yep, decades!

These are simply suggestions of colors choices I'd use to give you the idea that you pick the colors you'll use and put all the rest away. I want you to think outside of this instructional tutorial to express what it is you are mulling around in your head! Whatever that is, you'll mull it over, reflect and begin again with a new light on life!

This is supposed to be fun, creative and reflective! 

Taking a step towards the world of expression with crazy quilts is all about how you pull yourself away from the addiction to commercial patterns where the whole quilt pattern is laid out for you. If we were together in my studio I'd give you a hug!

Therapeutic comes to mind.....be brave, be a wild woman! 


 I chose to add a green Chinese style satin, brown plaid kind of suit material, some sparkle of black orange cotton, deep purple embellishment and some various pre-embroidered vintage linens and the tea towel from Australia. 

Procedure:

Cut a five sided chunk, pin this piece on the muslin, centered.

  Cut a chunk of another focus fabric, place good side down on one side of your 5 sided beginner chunk.
This creates a 'V' shape to fill.
  In order to cover off the 'V' area, you'll need to cut a larger 'v' shaped alternate focus fabric. Place good side down, with at least another inch longer beyond where you'll stop sewing, back stitch.
Fold over the yellow, press so that when you turn over it covers the area as well as any seams with lots of room to adjust as you press and pin.


Fold over the first seam.
 Fold over the yellow a second time and press again.

Go to another side of the original center chunk and always covering seams, sew a  new piece on.

 At the end of the new piece, I see a 'V' shape and to cover this off without wasting fabric, you need to cut a 'v' shaped new chunk. Placing this good side down so that the 'v' will be covered off.

Sometimes, you need to make it a curved seam by turning under and pressing along the outside edge you form a curve.


 So moving along, you just keep on going, finding solutions, seeing new ways to cover off seams and prepare the complete the covering of the entire 12.5 inch block.

Its really quite simple once you calm down, have a cup of tea or whatever you like to drink and lets go.




Comments

  1. Yup, I have favorite colors...all jewel tone. I don't much like delicate colors or patterns. My motto is Bold Is Better!!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, me too, I rarely use pastel or white. I gravitate towards bold colors. I love your desert crazy quilt blocks. I think your skills would lend themselves to do a review ofy new book. Would you consider this?

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  2. Well I can never resist a dresden. I love them all, big and small. Yours are beauteous! Congratulations on your own book! Did you write it through Create Space on Amazon? I admire the intricacies of crazy quilting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your encouraging comments Stephanie. Your corduroy book is on my bucket list. I love the freeform interpretation of crazy quilting. I learned the basics solo long ago and then went my own way.

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    2. Hi Stephanie, I didn't want to pay for the use of the digital platform, not using Amazon Create Space. I'll be writing about my experience over next month, stay tuned by following my blog. Cheers.
      Great question!

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  3. I'm drawn to fall, earth tones and metallics. Great tutorial with lots of tips........thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jo, me too, Autumn is my favorite time of yellow, gold and rust. You're welcome. I'd love to see your crazy blocks when you get to it. Send along a photo and I'll post your work on my blog.

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  4. Good luck with the book Carli. xx

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    Replies
    1. Good evening Lin. Thanks so much and you are my list of crazy quilters who are invited to do a review of my e-book. Would you like to participate?

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  5. I love the 'pop' of orange with your Dresden Plate, perfect! And congratulations on your book!

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    Replies
    1. Me too, orange is one of my fav's. Sweet comment.

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    2. Me too, orange is one of my fav's. Sweet comment.

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    3. Me too, orange is one of my fav's. Sweet comment.

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  6. That's a fun intuitive process, you have a good eye for placement too.

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  7. Great tutorial! So glad your book is nearing completion...it's definitely going on my list of wants. (as a wee side note - did you happen to hear the earth move on Saturday? I finished typing the last of the old diaries and now only have the financial records to do. Cause for celebration because it's taken five years to get to this point!!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much, my book is nearing completion. Sounds like you've been busy!

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