Explore Victorian crazy quilting fad of the late 1800’s. This crayon sampler incorporates a variety of crayon techniques into a single project.

• 1.

  Crazy quilting refers to the fabric art of piecing together many different bits of fabric in a variety of colors, shapes and textures into a patchwork blanket. These quilts used a variety of fabrics, pieces of clothing, leftovers from other projects and fancy embellishments. The crazy quilt fad lasted from the late 1800’s until the early 1920’s.

• 2.

  Look at images of crazy quilts created during this era. What fabrics and embellishments were included in these textile arts? What colors were incorporated? Why did women embrace this fad?

• 3.

  To create a paper crazy quilt, use a dark-colored crayon to make a loose scribble design on a piece of construction paper. This will outline the blocks of your quilt.

• 4.

  Fill in the block designs using a variety of colors with these crayon techniques. Vary the pressure on a crayon by pressing hard or lightly to create a deeper or lighter color. Mix new colors by gently overlaying light coats of various crayon colors on white paper. Each time you add a new layer, observe how the color appearance changes. Outline some colored areas for more visual interest.

• 5.

  Add patterns to the blocks with triple or double stripe designs by taping several crayons together to create a multiple-point drawing tool. Use this tool to make stripes or plaids, or multiple lines with an easy stroke. The crayon tips should rest evenly

Benefits

• Students preview pictures of Victorian crazy quilts.
• Students discuss the history, colors, textures and techniques associated with this textile art.
• Students reproduce a paper crazy quilt design using a variety of crayon techniques such as pressure variations, double/triple stripe designs, scribble designs, outlining and texture rubbings.

Adaptations

• Talk about different types of quilts and quilting blocks. Provide samples of several designs. Ask students to recreate their own versions with pieces of construction paper in lieu of fabric.
• Research the social aspects of quilting. What benefits did gathering to quilt provide for women?
• Invite a quilter to come in and speak with the class. Ask them to bring in quilts, unfinished blocks and the tools of the trade to share with the students.