Admiring AAQ’s 2009 Crazy Quilt Entries
By Merikay Waldvogel
September 23, 2009
“It is probable that crazy patchwork will exercise its fascinations for years to come! No fancy-work yet invented has ever given more scope for artistic ability and real originality.”
Those words written in 1886 have come true. Take a look at our 85 quilt entries.
They all showed a basic understanding of the traditional crazy quilt—its design, embellishments and sentiments. Even the most contemporary entries with minimal links to the traditional format were collages of events, fabrics, and memories.
I loved the quilts that used handkerchiefs, cross-stitched linens, unfinished quilt blocks, and fabric scraps from special-occasion gowns. The meticulous beading and embroidery of some rivaled the best of the Victorian crazy quilts. I was just as enchanted by the updated crazy quilts with their bright colors, photo transfers, and thoughtful, sometimes funny, titles.
In my mind, what makes any contemporary quilt different from antique quilts is the fact that today’s quilters name their quilts. And when they enter a contest, they provide an artist’s statement. The same is true for our AAQ Crazy Quilts. In this case, the quilts do talk. The artist has an opportunity to explain what he/she used and what the quilt meant. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know exactly what the crazy quiltmakers of a hundred years ago had in their minds!
Thank you to every one who entered the contest. Thank you for sharing your precious cloth and memories. As with many contests, there are quilts that were started, but not finished in time. Thank you to everyone who participated. We hope the contest sparked a renewed interest in looking to the past efforts of quilters for inspiration. We hope you visit our web projects for more ideas.
Find Out More
Read the essay “What Makes a Crazy Quilt a Crazy Quilt” by Merikay Waldvogel on the Alliance for American Quilts website.
View all of the Crazy for Quilts entries on the AAQ website.
Search the Quilt Index for 1,000+ crazy quilts