Let's talk about fear

I've done a lot of things that would terrify others.  I've lived in another country where I didn't speak the language.  I've been to a war zone.  I've seen a terrorist attack.  I have performed a dramatic presentation of Kipling's poetry to a group of literature students.  But somehow, I can't get over one big fear.

I have been collecting fabrics and embellishments for a brown crazy quilt for years.  I have delicious silks, ultrasuede, and velvet.  I even have some lovely rust colored satin for backing.  I have laces and trims, charms, silk images and even some vintage milliner's flowers.  I have all the ingredients for a beautiful crazy quilt.

I have worked on my embroidery skills.  I have the skills I need to do this.  So why can't I?

I'm afraid.

I'm afraid that the finished result won't match the image that I've treasured over the years.  I'm afraid that I'll ruin my delicious fabrics.

My job for the next few weeks is to overcome my fear and get started.

Looking through my telescope

This week, Telescope Lady is actually looking through her telescope.
Next week she'll be sewing again.

Let's talk about layers

Crazy Quilting, like a lot of things, is about layers.  A layer of fabric is covered by a layer of embroidery, which is in turn covered by a layer of embellishments.  You can't skimp on the layers.

The block below is a great example.  The coloured fabric was pieced onto a stabilizing base (Layer 1).  Each of the seams was covered in some way. The upper left diagonal seam and the lower right diagonal seam had a trim tacked to them (Layer 2).  The trim was then covered with embroidery(Layer 3) and beading (Layer 4).

In the upper right hand corner, embroidered leaves surround a purple button.  In the lower right, a purple ribbon is held down with seed beads.

These layers give depth to the block.

Purple and Green block