Art quilting is a contemporary style of quilting that is absolutely breathtaking. According to Quilt National:

The work must possess the basic structural characteristics of a quilt. It must be predominantly fabric or fabric-like material and must be composed of at least two full and distinct layers – a face layer and a backing layer. The face layer may be described by any or a combination of the following terms: pieced, appliqued, whole cloth, stitched/fused to a foundation. The face and backing layers must be held together by hand- or machine-made functional quilting stitches or other elements that pierce all layers and are distributed throughout the surface of the work. At least some of these stitches or elements should be visible on the back of the work. As an alternative, the work may be a modular construction (an assemblage of smaller quilts). Each individual module, however, must meet the above structural criteria.

I found the loveliest examples of art quilting online when I found Sue Benner’s Web site. She has on her site links to places she is appearing as well as links to places that sell her work. But my favorite part of the site is the gallery, or portfolio. I had a hard time deciding which section of the portfolio was my favorite, but I think it is Fugue Series. These are incredible works of art, all done through the medium of quilting.

Visiting Sue Benner’s site will certainly inspire other artists and quilters. She has a talent and gift of expression that can only motivate the rest of us to perfect our skills.

Sue Benner’s Web Site

Talking about crazy quilting means talking about a great deal of embroidery. It is the part of the quilt that stands out and makes it most distinctive. Hand embroidering a quilt ensures no two quilts will ever be alike. The more complex the embroidery stitches, the more distinctive the quilt.

I have found two pages that have embroidery stitches done in a variety of threads. By understanding the differences in appearances, you can select the exact look you want for the quilt you are creating.

Stitching Crazy Patch Seams – Part One

Stitching Crazy Patch Seams – Part Two

I had to let you know about one other class at The Caron Collection Online Classes. This is also about crazy quilting, but it is about a very special kind of crazy quilt. It is a a quilt of memories, composed of very special fabrics and photographs – yes! You can use photographs in your quilting just by transferring them to fabric.

Photo Memory Foundation Pieced Crazy Quilt

Part two of the class on crazy quilting covers the most important part of crazy quilting. It is all about embellishment. Although the basic embroidery stitches were covered in the first class, these stitches take crazy quilting to a true art form.

Remember these classes are free and available online 24/7. Learn at your own rate and make a very special crazy quilt that is totally unique.

Crazy Quilting Online Class – Part One – Free on the Internet