Motifs For Crazy Quilting by J. Marsha Michler                                                         ISBN 0-87349-427-X, Softbound, 144 pgs., full color, $21.95 U.S., Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, Wisconsin 54990-0001, www.krause.com, International:  715-445-2214 , USA:  888-457-2873

Motifs for Crazy Quilting is a beautiful, inspirational book that contains much more than the title indicates.  Right off the bat, the author scores points with me by listing suppliers of specialty threads.  It is so frustrating to get excited about new techniques in a book and have difficulty finding the supplies.  This book is designed for use with the author’s previous three books on crazy quilting.  The first books in the series includes methods of making crazy quilts and other projects, embroidery stitches and embellishment techniques with instructions and finishing methods.  She gives a review of essential information from her previous books, and then focuses on methods of designing and embroidering motifs for the interior of the patches.  This is where she takes you several steps beyond the ordinary in crazy quilting.

Marsha primarily focuses on ideas for developing and executing motifs in the objects and scenes of our environment, and demonstrates how to turn these ideas into drawings.  Additionally, she demonstrates methods of lettering and of creating embellished, ornate letters for a quilt.  Seven methods of adding florals to letters are illustrated.  Numerous drawings of animals, flowers, birds, angels, bows, bric-a-brac, butterflies and bugs, stylized clouds; ferns feathers and more are included for the reader to copy and use.  Each illustrates a method of developing a design and includes a completed example.

Specific techniques covered are appliqué, beading, white work, trapunto, tambour work, silk ribbon embroidery, shadow work, rebus, and many embroidery stitches.  The sections on punch needle and quilt borders are quite inspiring.  Her borders with lavish embroidery are gorgeous and fitting frames for her exquisitely finished crazy quilts.

The photographs of Marsha’s work are awe-inspiring and the workmanship exceeds that of any crazy quilts that I have ever seen.  Her method of doing an individual motif in every square, along with such a wide variety of stitches is exciting.  Utilizing her methods of creating original motifs gives rise to endless possibilities for creativity.  Each patch is actually a stand-alone creation.  The book provides enough information to keep any needle worker engaged for a long time.  The drawings and instructions are clear and concise, and the colorful photographs quite evocative.  I recommend Motifs for Crazy Quilting for novice quilters who think they may want to make a crazy quilt, as well as for the experienced quilter who is looking for ideas and inspiration.

Review by Diana Norris