When you mention crazy quilting, most people visualize the Victorian style of crazy patchwork: lots of fancy fabrics (silks, velvets, satins, brocades, ties) sewn in a random pattern and heavily embellished with embroidery, beading, charms, laces, braids and ribbons. This style of crazy patchwork was at its peak in the last quarter of the 19th century, but it is by no means the only kind of crazy patchwork.

The following definition will give you an idea of the wide variety of piecework that can be considered crazy piecing:

CRAZY PIECING: A piecework style wherein a fabric layer, composed of randomly pieced patches of uneven shapes and sizes, forms the base upon which embellishments and embroidery may be sewn.

The completed piece may or may not include a foundation layer, may or may not include a batting layer, may or may not be quilted or tied, and may contain a wide variety of fabrics including cottons, wools, and fancy fabrics such as silks, velvets, brocades and satins. Also included amongst the patches may be items of a more conventional patchwork style, including pieced blocks, portions of pieced blocks, sashing and appliquéd motifs.

As you can see from the definition above, a crazy quilt can be anything from a very utilitarian quilt made from random pieces of denim jeans and flannel work shirts to an elaborate display pieces made from satins and velvets decorated heavily with embroidery and embellishments. Crazy quilts tend to be more improvisational and most are quite personalized.  Let's take a look at some of my crazy quilts. 

Click here to see my Crazy for Hummingbirds quilt. 

Click here to see my Crazy Trip Around the World Quilt.

Click here to see my crazy quilt, Crazy for Minnesota Wildflowers.

Click here to see my Crazy and Sane designs.