Today we have an abundance of decorative trims and embellishments to choose from when designing our crazy quilts. Let’s explore some of these options.
What About Lace
When I select my fabrics, I generally choose decorative trims including laces that will coordinate or complement my main fabric choices. Initially, I would pick up bits of laces, mostly nylon, at thrift stores. As I learned more, I found my preference was Venetian lace. This lace forms a three-dimensional pattern. I also found cotton lace trims work well. I prefer both Venetian and cotton because they dye easily.
Decorative Trims and Ribbons
Decorative trims are frequently available at thrift stores OR can easily be purchased in very small yardage at fabric stores. I never buy more than ½ meter and generally ¼ is sufficient for my needs. A word of caution – avoid some of the heavy decorative trims as you will find them challenging to stitch through. Some beaded decorative trims are beautiful although they can be costly, but an advantage is they would not need to be embellished further.
There are gorgeous ribbons available these days in the market. You will find them at scrapbooking stores, fabric stores, some quilt stores and various online shops.
I always attach my decorative trims and ribbons with a narrow strip of iron-on fusible web. This can be purchased in a roll at most fabric stores.
Crocheted Doilies
I like to include sections of doilies in some but not all of my blocks. I suggest you look for very small fine doilies. These were often used under bud vases or as drink coasters. You will find them in thrift stores so pick up a few, you don’t need many. While I dye these you would not necessarily need to. They can be embellished by enhancing them with metallic threads, ribbons, beads, sequins etc. When I add a doily, I suggest you sew this into the seam which will secure it in place for further embellishing.
Some Hints:
- vary the widths of your decorative trims and ribbons
- vary the texture, for example if you add a beaded trim, keep the other decorative trim fabrics neutral
- add one of each to each block
- purchase small lengths, generally less than ¼ meter
- vary colours
- limit crocheted doilies to some not all blocks
Hopefully this will give you a good start to what you will need to begin crazy quilting. Remember, thrift stores have an abundance of “goodie” bags of decorative trims and ribbons. I would often find a bag for $1.00 or less. While I didn’t always use everything in the bag, I certainly used at least one which made it worth the purchase.
