So it turns out that the Crazy Old Ladies, who design such interesting quilt patterns, are not crazy or old at all. In fact, they are quite young and pretty. I know, talk about misleading! We can forgive that bit, though, because we love their unique patterns, like Nana’s Attic that we kitted with Moda’s Beach House fabric. Emily Herrick, half of the Crazy Old Ladies duo, introduces us today to their newest set of patterns!
For those of you who have yet to learn about “Crazy Old Ladies”, let me give you a little background on us. I’ve been designing quilts as long as I’ve been quilting. If I saw a quilt I liked, I went home and figured it out. Most of the time it would turn out completely different from the way I first saw it because I would add my little spin on it. Pretty soon I was designing quilts all the time.
One day a friend asked me why I didn’t sell my patterns, and I didn’t have a good answer. The only thing I could think of was “because I don’t buy patterns” but I knew that wasn’t a good enough excuse. So, I began designing and marketing my original designs.
I’m lucky to have a great friend, Margie, who also designs under the Crazy Old Ladies label. Our main focus when it comes to designing patterns is – what would we like? I love to sew and quilt, but I like when I can finish a project rather quickly. When I design, I keep this in mind. I try to make quilts with a lot of interest, that aren’t as difficult to piece as they look. Most of the quilts we sew are finished within a week – that is from fabric purchase to binding. (I have to admit though, I’m a quiltaholic, and when I have a project on board nothing can stand in my way.)
Margie and I are opposite when it comes to designing. I LOVE fabric! Almost all of my designs come when I see a new line of fabric. If I fall in love with the fabric, then I know I better design a pattern for it. Margie works the other way. She comes up with an amazing pattern, works out all the measurements and yardage, then goes shopping.
Two of our newest patterns are my favorites!
‘In Bloom’ came to me in an instant. Literally 10 minutes after I thought of it I was cutting, sewing, and writing. I could not put it together fast enough. It uses those wonderful Layer Cakes and sews together so quickly!
‘Hope’ was a little different. For years I have wanted to make a pink ribbon quilt to honor those that battle their way through breast cancer. I am very proud of this quilt. I have seen crazy pieced quilts before, but never made one. Maybe that’s why it took me a long time to get the design just right. But I am thrilled with the way it turned out!
Check out more designs by Crazy Old Ladies on our, Crazy Old Ladies Blog!
Emily Herrick
Crazy Old Ladies Blog
2 comments
Thanks for sharing the Crazy Old Ladies. I have not heard of their designs. Very cute.
I personally know Emily and Marg. They live in my area. They both used to work at the quilt shop I work at now. These to Crazy “Young” Ladies are super talented. I’m lucky to know them.