Embellishments

You know all those little tiny pieces that are all over the place when you get through cutting fabric? I scoop them up after a quilting project and save them in a plastic bag. When I get to a project where I want depth, like with landscape quilting, I pick through the pieces (snippits), and using a spray adhesive on the area of fabric I've chosen, I set those pieces on it at angles, to make leaves on trees, or leaves on the ground. If I chose, I can easily go over them with a quilting stitch to secure them and give them "movement".With imagination, those tiny snippits can be used in a variety of ways. Good for childrens projects, also.

  For each new grandbaby, I make it a memory quilt.  I give each living relative a solid color block and a tube of liquid embroidery paint for them to sign and date the block and their relationship to the new baby. Then I set the quilt together an mix these blocks in with the pattern blocks. I reserve one block just for me, on it I put my name, date I finished the quilt, I then enter the babys information name, date, weight, and length.  In the event one of the signers passes away before the baby arrives, I enter the date of death below the person's name.  This gives the baby a nice warm quilt that all the family on both sides have helped create and a start on their geneology as well.

Instead of throwing out the threads save them in a container. After saving tons, ok, s lot, put between 2 layers of organza and decorative stitch in many directions-free form. This will give you a completely unique fabric for either clothes or fabric for a quilt top/patches/shapes or appliques.

When you are looking for embellishments for your crazy quilt, think outside the box. Explore you local craft store for new and interesting items that can be applied to create a different type of crazy quilt. Use beads, charms, or sequins to provide a bit of sparkle and shine to your crazy quilt. Think about using antique buttons or shiny rhinestones to add a unique touch to your quilt. Also, using metallic embroidery floss can provide that added touch to make your quilt truly special.

When it comes time to embellish your crazy quilt, have fun with your stitches. Use a variety of unique stitches will ensure your quilt keeps the originality a crazy quilt should possess. Stitches like the blanket stitch, chain stitch, or feather stitch work well to ensure variety in your masterpiece. Also add variety to the color of your embroidery floss. Be sure to keep with the color scheme and theme of your quilt, you don't want the embellishments to overpower your quilt.

Instead of just embellishing your crazy quilt with stitches, go the extra step and create a truly one of a kind creation. By using items that have significant meaning to you to embellish your crazy quilt, all the effort and hard work will result in a beautiful and very sentimental masterpiece. Using bits of your Grandmother's necklace, a piece from your Aunt's earrings, or some links from your Grandfather's watch chain will create a truly personal way to show off some treasured possessions that would have probably been left sitting in a box.