Crazy Quilting was all the rage back in the Victorian times (1880-1920). This was a way to show off your needlework skills to all your visitors.
They were made of silks, satins, velvets, and brocades and were embellished with embroidery stitches of all types. Along with buttons, ribbons, lace and hand painted sections. These sections were hand stitched together then the top embroidery stitches were added.
Most were made for show rather than use. You were not to concerned with having to wash these quilts. Which made for all the different mixes of fabric.
Most show all kinds of embroidery stitches along the edges of each piece and embroidery motifs on the patches themselves. The different stitches were feather stitches with many variations, chain stitches, lazy daisy, herringbone, chevron,blanket stitch and many more. Other hand embroidered stitch motifs included flowers, animals, birds and oriental designs.
The Victorians were enthralled with all things Eastern. Incorporating oriental printed fabrics and often adding fans to their quilts either embroidered or pieced into the quilt will often be seen.
"1889"
You will sometimes find names, initials and dates embroidered into the quilts.
Ways you can display these beautiful works of art. Frame small pieces, pillow covers, dolls coverlets and runners for tables. Larger pieces can be draped over backs of chairs and couches or at the ends of your beds. If you have a trunk or old suitcase drape a few pieces inside leaving the tops open.
Back side showing various stitches
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