Beyond Crazy Quilts, Piecing, Patchwork and Embroidery For Unique Designs
I Have a New Book!
Christen Brown, here, and I am so excited to introduce you all to my new book, Beyond
Crazy Quilts: Piecing, Patchwork & Embroidery for Unique Designs, from C&T Publishing.
Available Early! Originally Planned Release Date: October 28, 2025
And yes, I agree, this is a bold title! I am confident that when you see the projects that I
have created for you, and when you read the book that you will agree, there are ways to take traditional techniques and your creativity to the next level.
Strip, Patch, or Get Crazy
I designed 6 blocks especially for this book, which use strip, wedge, and crazy-piece
patterns. The blocks in Row 1 are designed to use 4 (3 fabrics twice) or 7 different
fabrics for the pattern pieces. The blocks in Row 2 use 3 to 5 fabrics, depending on the
design, or you can use a random mix of fabrics, combining as many fabrics as you want
to “crumble” into each of the pattern pieces.
Crumble, Crumbles, Crumbled: A technique where you stitch two or more pieces of fabric together, then cut a pattern piece from this new fabric.
Image Caption: This is an example of the Strip-Pieced Block, where I used the 4 and 7 fabric combinations.
Image Caption: This is an example of the Stripped Crumbles Block, where I used 5 fabrics, and then a random mix of fabrics.
Custom Design Ideas
Image Caption: 3 B’s: Birds, Butterflies, and Bees, Crazy-Pieced Block Wall Hanging
I have designed 12 projects for this book, ranging from wall hangings to table coverings,
and even a pillow! Each of the projects includes comprehensive instructions so that you
can recreate the project with ease. The projects include customized sashing, pieced
and stripped borders, and other unique finishing techniques.
Image Caption: Kaleidoscope, Wedge-Pieced Block, and Crazed Crumble Block Wall Hanging
The projects use the blocks in a variety of ways; some use only 1 block, whereas others
use a combination of blocks. For most of the projects, I used the block in the original size
of 6” x 6”, but in some cases, I decreased or increased the size of the block or blocks to
create a variety of design opportunities.
Image Caption: Autumn Bouquet, Crazed Crumbles Block Wall Hanging
Whether you are using cotton threads, silk embroidery ribbons, or glass beads, you will
have a curated library of 155 embroidery stitches to choose from. Perfect to embroider
and embellish seam coverings, vignettes, open spaces, and anywhere you want to add
that extra touch
More Eye Candy
Image Caption: Sparkling Midnight Lights
If you are familiar with my books and classes, you know that I would also include
additional examples to help inspire your creativity. These gallery pieces include ideas
and tips for you to design that special masterpiece of your own.
Image Caption: Ghastly Webs in the Attic
Happy Stitching To You!
~Christen
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Christen Brown teaches embroidery, quilting, crazy quilting, ribbon work, mixed media, and beadwork in her best-selling books. With a degree in fashion design, she has shown her work in galleries and fashion shows internationally. She lives in Escondido, California. christenbrown.com
