Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-06

from the Art Amateur.
When the present favorte style of Quilt was
introduced it was called the japanese. but the
national sense OF humor has been too keen, and
the japanese is now generally known as the
'crazy" quilt. There is method In its madness.
however. and put together with good under
standing of color effects, the crazy quilt may
prove an artistic piece of work. In its simplest
form it is a combination Of pieces of silk of
every color and shape, their joining lines con-
called by plain embroidery stitches. The mate
rails are the waste scraps which collect in every
house, too small or too irregular to serve any
other possible purpose. These are reinforced
by the exchanging of scraps between &C
duaintances, and not infrequently testimonial
of friendship takes the form of a handsome con-
trbution to a crazy quilt. to be known by the
donors name. The materials for these quilts
can also be purchased. merchants do not dis
dam TO sell small fractions of yards of elegant
stuts for such purposes. tTifng sales which
they would once have refused TO make.
One of the ambitions of young man Of
fashion nowadays is the possession of crazy
quilt, made up of patches contributed by the
ladies' of his acquaintance; and his social pro-
grcss may be reckoned by these patches as an
Indian warriors proves is reckoned by his
scalps. On this last and suprcmest development
of the crazy quilt both embroidery and painting
are employed and the results are often hand
some enough to warrant the enthusiasm and in
dustry expended in producing them.
The foundation of the crazy quilt consists Of
patches of calico. or any other humble material
ten inches square. On each of these squares is
laid large irregular piece of silk. the largest
used in the square, which is called the starter"
1t is usually placed at some angle covering the
center. and it is advisable that this piece be of
some light. plain color. The rest of the square
is then filled up with odd pieces of silk, which
are simply overapped and basted down, with
the raw edges turned in. In arranging the
colors should be taken that they harmonic.
This can be insured by placing contrasting colOrs
together. filling out to the edges. or different
tints of the same color. In this respect there
may he the widest range. as from pale yellow to
deep browns. or pinks running through reds to
browns, OryellOws through to deep warm green's.
These silks are, of course of every description,
and no piece. however small, need be disdained.
The overlapping seams are covered with fancy
stitches in silk and filOselle. arrasene or gold
thread. The herring bone is the simplest form
of stitch used. but it is generally employed in
combinations of color and with the addition
of point Russo. cross stitch feather stitch. and
every sort in fact which the ingenious fingers
of women can devise. 1t is impossible to give
directions in this respect the individual fancy
should have free play and nothing will come
amiss. These stitches are not confined to the
seams, but are used at discretion i'm the body of
the pieces. or wherever the needle-wOmans
fancy may direct.
WOTk Is also sometimes efQDiOVpu
on the pieces. SuntlOwers and daisies in other
stutfs. such as velvet and plush. may be intro
duced, together with Greek vases. Japanese
teapOts. and Etruscan jars This is done. how
ever, with doubtful taste. The Only advantage
attained is the additional interest which people
may Unexpectedly find in the quilt on close
examination, in coming across these odd things:
to the general effect they add nothing. Another
sort of OrnamentatiOn, to which there is no such
objection. is the decoration of the large plain
center-piece called the starter" On plain.
light blue for example, spray of wild roses may
bepainted; on another OfyellOw. a spray of brown
leaves, red berries. and Bird on still another some
flowers. or outline figures may be embroidered.
This gives an opportunity for really artistic
work.
The best possible lessons in design. color, and
diversity of stitch for embroidery may be found
In the careful study of old examples of Indian
and Persian work. Turkish and Cretan stitch
!. ngs with gold and silver thread ON fine muslins
are also very instructive.