Project: New Denim Quilt

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 Crazy Quilt Block Revisited


I've just finished a denim quilt that I thought I'd share with you because it is a new step in the evolution of how I've been using the crazy quilt block. 

Many years ago a friend gave me a copy of a this block that I've used on multiple quilts because it is so easy, and fun, to execute. There are actually 6 pieces in the original 11 inch block. If you choose at least 6 different fabrics, you can come up with some interesting quilt tops. 

Basically, you cut the fabrics into 11 inch squares, place them on top of each other and rotary cut along the piece lines through all thicknesses. Now you have 6 pieces in each of the fabrics and you have the fun of mixing and matching them to form blocks. This is known as the "stack and wack" method.

There are a lot of variables in constructing these blocks. Because the pieces are so irregular with diagonal cuts, it can skew the block dimensions. Each block needs to be squared up before they can be joined and this means the final block size could be 9-10 inches square. 

In January I posted this example of a denim quilt where each block is constructed with 6 pieces:


For today's quilt, I decided to enlarge the block unit so my grid structure is 5x7. I still used "stack and wack" to create some 6 piece blocks, but I've incorporated several solid squares and squares that have fewer than the 6 cuts of the original block, as well as a few blocks where I just randomly pulled together some scraps. 

One of the benefits of working with denim is you can use both sides of the fabric so you have two colors in one length. But I wanted to incorporate a darker grey which was unavailable in the fabric store, so I raided my wardrobe for a pair of jeans that were frayed at the bottom but still had lots of life left.


 

The backing is polar fleece which cuts down on the weight of the quilt because I skip the middle batting. It has the added advantage that it will not break apart or migrate under the sparsely quilted top.

So, two things to consider when you're looking to up-date a favorite pattern: 1) change up the scale, and 2) think about how you can alter the block.

I think this quilt has a more modern feeling than its predecessor. And recycling old cloths is very on trend right now.



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