Treasury of Crazyquilt Stitches: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Hand Embroidery Inspired by Antique Crazyquilts

Are you crazy about crazyquilts? Does the beauty of intricately embellished Victorian piecework make your heart race? If so, you will be positively amazed at this comprehensive collection of 'Stitcheries' commonly found embroidered on antique crazyquilts. In addition to the antique styles, you will also find many examples of stitches by Carole Samples, collector and lover of all things 'crazy'. The author presents 50 basic stitches and so many variations of those stitches that you may never run out of ideas and designs to try on your own projects. This book takes you on a journey from simple straight stitches and blanket stitches to chevrons and herringbones. The 'patch picture' designs feature floral bouquets, insects, animals, and much, much more. The old-fashioned script alphabet provides just the right touch for personalizing all your own creations. Whether you are an avid collector of crazyquilts or are just beginning to study and admire them, this book belongs on your shelf. You are sure to acquire a renewed appreciation for antique crazyquilts and their makers.

Nebraska-born crazyquilt artist Carole Samples taught herself to sew on her grandmother's 1891 treadle machine when she was 12 years old. Her partnership with that tempermental relic resulted in a closet full of cotton dresses and nylon-net petticoats, and fostered an ever-growing appreciation of - and affection for - beautiful textiles.