Foolproof Crazy-quilt projects

I felt very privileged to work with the team at C&T Publishers again; Liz, Amy, Gailen, April, Mary had worked with me on my first book "Foolproof Crazy Quilting".
Pricilla, Debbie, Jenny, Freesia and Joanna were on board for this book. I often wonder how they felt when they saw how much work the stitch maps would entail. I am beyond happy with the end result and I LOVE the cover.

My main objective when writing a book is to make the reader feel capable; I try to make each project achievable to all levels of stitchers. I feel too, that there is space for the more experienced crazy quilter to add to the seam treatments.

I would love to encourage a new generation of crazy quilters and thought it best to keep the projects user friendly and the seam treatments clear and uncluttered.



I combined English paper piecing, men's wool suiting and feminine silk ribbon embroidery for this project. I find the juxtaposition between the masculine wool suiting and the soft silk of the embroidery interesting.


My favourite project by far is the little sewing basket, for reasons I cannot explain.
Like so many of us, I have a collection of vintage embroidered doilies in my stash and decided to "cheat" a little and add them to the panels of the basket.


Suffolk Puffs or yoyos add a whimsical touch. The beaded glove stitch is pretty as well as functional.


One of my favourite fabrics to work on at the moment is a Japanese yarn dyed fabric called "sakizome momen". It works well for the iPad purse and is a great backdrop for the glorious colours of "Colour Streams" range of threads, silk ribbon and sequins.


My mother's favourite project is the Spring flower bag. Once again, the Japanese woven cottons were a treat to work with. I added a few dimensional embroidery stitches for texture.


The sewing pouch I made for myself as I always seem to walk off with my students scissors, marking pens etc !


The summer slippers are a touch of whimsy and fun.


The hexagon purse is a perfect size for transporting your English paper piecing paraphernalia.


The wool tea cosy was a dream to make - who does not love working with felted wool?


I am always drawn to Victorian crazy quilting - this my modern take on classic black fabrics. The little button stack feet make me smile.


Lastly, the little sunglass purse or sewing caddy. Once again, I have used a vintage hand towel as my focal point. However, for the more experienced embroiders, this can be replaced by a piece of their own handwork.



Once again, I need to thank all those from C&T who worked on "Foolproof crazy-quilt projects" - I think it is quite lovely. 
A special mention must go to my husband Vaughn, who's help in so many ways is invaluable to me.
Jenny

Comments

  1. Hi Jennifer, I just received my copy of your new book, I love it. The projects are not so huge to frighten me away and they are so beautiful. Kind Regards Mandy

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mandy
      Thank you for your lovely comments. That's exactly what I had in mind - projects that do not frighten! I would love to see some photos of your work.
      Regards
      jenny
      xxx

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  2. Love it! Boughht it at my local last tuesday and its wonderful!
    I teach out of you first book.
    Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!
    Your through detail and step by step instructions make teaching CQ to the skittish is invaluable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Momma Bear
      Thanks for buying my book. I am so pleased that you find the book easy to use.
      Please send me some photos of your work.
      Regards
      Jenny
      xx

      Delete
  3. Well you succeeded in making me feel capable, and I loved your cover bag so much I made it! It helped that I had a pile of wool tweed donated by my mil, but as a novice to crazy quilts and silk ribbon embroidery I would never have done it without you. Thanks and well done for writing a great book. Karen W

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karen
      am I wrong for assuming that you are the Karen that sent me the photo of your bag? Thanks for taking the time to post a comment - such a positive one at that.
      Stay crazy!
      Regards
      Jenny

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  4. Oh My Goodness! All so incredibly stunning! I absolutely adore your work. I have been following you on IG for a while an for whatever reason, did not realise you have a gorgeous blog. I love love love your work. I do have your first book and absolutely will be buying this project book. Every time, I have a little go at crazy quilting, I do not like my work and put it aside for another couple of years. (sigh) I know practice makes perfect but I must be impatient. LOL! I will continue to follow along on your blog and now I see the Southern Cross Crazies have a fb page which suits me much more. Maybe, just maybe, I will have another go at CQ this winter.... it's way too hot right now down her in central Vic. :D

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  5. Hi Dot, so lovely of you to take the time to comment. Yes, I am very pleased to see the Facebook page too. I could never get my head around the Yahoo thing. I am sure that you are being way too hard on yourself, just relax and enjoy the whole process. I always tell my students that, the joy is in the doing not in the end result.
    Regards
    jenny
    xxx

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