If you view the world through an asymmetrical lens, crazy quilting may be just what your creative toolbox needs. Do you have to be crazy to love crazy quilts? Well, no! The style got its name from the crazed (get it?) ceramics and asymmetrical art in the Japanese pavilion at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. It was immensely popular, and the crazy quilt squad was born.

Traditional crazy quilts have just two layers – the top and the backing – no batting. That sets them apart in the quilt world. Some shows do not accept crazy quilts because their definition of quilt requires three layers.

The first crazy quilters were wealthy women who had luxurious scraps of silks and velvets left over from dressmaking. They arranged the fabrics in ways that pleased them – an improvisational creative outlet when women’s activities were regimented and restricted. They could really cut loose with embellishment – embroidery, appliqué, beading – whatever they could think of. So they made their own rules.

Fast forward to today’s crazy quilters who honor the roots of the craft, as well as stretch the boundaries. They piece by hand and machine. They embellish with hand embroidery stitches, beads and the decorative stitches on their sewing machines. Fabric can be fancy silks or humble cottons. They carefully plan their color palettes or randomly pull scraps from a basket. All inspire as they share their beautiful work.