Crazy for Crazy Quilts Page 3    As the new century dawned, the interest in crazies began to fade. A deterioration in the form is evidenced as pieces became larger and decorations fewer. There was a change in fabric from silk and velvet to less expensive wool and cotton, often recycled from clothing or salvaged from other sewing projects. The quilts became larger and more functional, such as the 1904 crazy shown in Example 4. Though embroidery and whimsical design were still seen, such as the lady in the upper quadrant of the 1904 crazy, the Aesthetic Movement was no longer fashionable. Embroiderers returned to their small pieces, and quilters turned back to the tradition of covering beds with quilts made from cotton. Made by Lina Melton, Virginia, 1904 Owned by Beverly Dunivent Example 4    All was not lost, however. As we look back at our quilting heritage, we see that historical styles have a way of not only repeating themselves, but of never completely dying. Looking at Crazy Stripes (see Example 5), we see that our maker from the 1900-1925 era used the cottons of the day combined with the crazy technique of piecing odd shapes of fabric to a foundation and then setting them to become a bed quilt. This type of tied quilt is sometimes called a "hap," "comfort," or "comfortable," though many of its characteristics are clearly crazy. The use of muted "mourning" colors indicate it was made from turn-of-the-century dress and shirt goods, fashionable after the death of Prince Albert. Maker unknown, circa 1900 Owned by Beverly Dunivent Example 5    By the 1930s, quiltmaking was undergoing what has been called "a great revival." Quilts were being made by people from all walks of life. The poor were making them from scraps and recycled fabric to keep their families warm. The middle class were making them for decorative purposes, as well as to warm their beds. Patterns, fabrics, and kits were available to all at dry goods stores and through mail order. Women by the thousands were making Double Wedding Ring, Grandmother"s Flower Garden, and other designs available in their weekly newspapers.