Description
These quilts are characterized by a miscellaneous collection of irregular patches and a potpourri of fabrics. Generally these quilts have no central theme, no planned single design, and no uniformity of fabric. Their distinctive feature is irregularity itself. Elaborate embroidery stitches are often used, and further decorations include chenille work, fabric painting, and applique.History
"Crazy quilts" first became popular during the "quilting craze" of the last two decades of the 19th century. The crazy quilt craze was the first abrupt departure from traditional designs and the first one to sweep the country.Social Significance of the Crazy Quilt
Crazy quilts became popular at a time when women's lives were governed by strict codes of behavior. The period as a whole was characterized by rigid standards and overdecoration, which pervaded every aspect of life from architecture and music to social customs.The quilts were first discussed in the editorial sections of leading ladies' magazines, indicationg that the periodicals were responding to the presence of an existing grass-roots movement, and had not introduced the trend. These new quilts provided women with a meaningful, but limited opportunity for women to break out of societal constraints and create quilts without a prescribed set of standards as to content, design, and fabric use. As if to emphasize this rationale, crazy quilts took on sizes too small for beds and migrated from their traditional place in the bedroom to become works of art displayed in the parlor.
All complaints, compliments, suggestions, and favorite links to: bodenst@mtjeff.com.