Are You Crazy? Then and Now

Are You Crazy? Then and Now : 1885-6 and 2018-9

Here's an update on my Quilter's Consortium of NYS entry for this year's challenge.  I just trimmed it down to size and 'knife' finished the edge.  I will be adding a crochet lace border to the piece, once the edge blocks are quilted and seams embellished.  All the while during the making and researching for this, I kept thinking about the makers - possibly a mother/daughter or grandmother/granddaughter or ???  What were their lives like and why they picked the images they did.   The sources range from the 1850s to the 1880s, and was clearly made to be used - hence the cottons versus 'fancy' materials crazy quilts were typically made of - silks, plushes, brocades, etc.  Plus the fact that there are 'tack' marks on the top corners where it was tacked to a wall or wash stand.  The backing on my piece is one big label.  In the interior of each quilted block is the design source or inspiration for the corresponding motif on the front of the piece.  I had considered binding the piece in a traditional quilt fashion, but thought of my mom and how she taught me to embroider when I was 6 and how she would crochet little borders on the pillowcases we made, so in keeping with the tradition of splashers, there will be a crocheted edge.  Thanks to my hubby Kris who took the photos for me.