Improv v2
A few weeks ago, I shared an improv quilt I was working on that was inspired by Nancy Purvis.
I really enjoyed working on that quilt ... the freedom it brought to be creative. The the need to focus on color and value and placement and balance. And it was also structured, to fit in linear lines (where my mind operates best) as well. It struck all the right chords for me from an improv and creative standpoint.
And it got me thinking. Thinking about doing this quilt, but an abstract version—and obviously not a rainbow version.
As in the rainbow quilt, I used a simple pattern of a rotated square every other block coupled with a number of different neutrals. As in the improv a few weeks ago, it took a LOT of moving around on the design wall to get the right feel.
.
.
.
.
But then you get it ... and you know it's right ... and now you just want to finish it. No more second guessing. It is time to assemble the blocks and move forward.
Until you have to wait for the backing fabric and binding to arrive in the mail (there is a cost to having a ridiculously small stash).
In the interim, you show your new creation to your husband and he decides that he would rather have this improv quilt (over the one you showed him a couple of weeks ago) to give to his brother and family when you visit them in New Zealand next month. Outside you hem and haw and say you'll see what you can do. Inside you're doing a happy dance—he likes it as much as you do!!!
Your fabric arrives and you create the perfect back ... even sneaking in a little personalization for the recipients.
You decide against organic straight lines—mostly because you don't really know how to do them and instead decide on 3/4" straight lines with your new Juki walking-foot guide. And then you bind it.
At each step, falling a little more in love with your creation. But as you've already branded the back, it is definitely going to have to be gifted and not to be used on your sofa in your cabin.
Even Madigan approves ...
In the end ... you feel really, really good about your creation and are already thinking in the back of your mind about when you'll have time to make one for yourself.
Sometimes, no matter what anyone else thinks of it, you have the right to fall head-over-heals for one of your creations. This week was one of those times for me.
By the numbers:
I really enjoyed working on that quilt ... the freedom it brought to be creative. The the need to focus on color and value and placement and balance. And it was also structured, to fit in linear lines (where my mind operates best) as well. It struck all the right chords for me from an improv and creative standpoint.
And it got me thinking. Thinking about doing this quilt, but an abstract version—and obviously not a rainbow version.
As in the rainbow quilt, I used a simple pattern of a rotated square every other block coupled with a number of different neutrals. As in the improv a few weeks ago, it took a LOT of moving around on the design wall to get the right feel.
. 
. 
. 
. Until you have to wait for the backing fabric and binding to arrive in the mail (there is a cost to having a ridiculously small stash).
In the interim, you show your new creation to your husband and he decides that he would rather have this improv quilt (over the one you showed him a couple of weeks ago) to give to his brother and family when you visit them in New Zealand next month. Outside you hem and haw and say you'll see what you can do. Inside you're doing a happy dance—he likes it as much as you do!!!
You decide against organic straight lines—mostly because you don't really know how to do them and instead decide on 3/4" straight lines with your new Juki walking-foot guide. And then you bind it.
At each step, falling a little more in love with your creation. But as you've already branded the back, it is definitely going to have to be gifted and not to be used on your sofa in your cabin.
Even Madigan approves ...
In the end ... you feel really, really good about your creation and are already thinking in the back of your mind about when you'll have time to make one for yourself.
Sometimes, no matter what anyone else thinks of it, you have the right to fall head-over-heals for one of your creations. This week was one of those times for me.
By the numbers:
- —10 rows x 8 columns of 7" squares
- —All fabric on the front came entirely from the scrap bin
- —Backing combination of Kaufman Maze, Kona Ash and 4 1/4" strip of piecing.
- —Binding Dear Stella Moonscape Asphalt
- —Thread Aurifil white, 3/4" spacing.
Hope you're having equally encouraging days with your creations this week.
All the best,
Lisa
Oh Lisa, I just love, love, love this quilt and want to make one as well. Like you, I don't have a very big stash but have lots of fat quarters. Was there a lot of waste in making the blocks with the neutral colored background? I have so many questions for you.....
ReplyDeleteIm in love with your quilt too. It is such a beautiful piece. I have 2 huge bins of scraps that I think I will need to give a long hard look at. Your quilt is simply inspiring.
ReplyDeleteNothing like getting to the end of the quilt road and loving where you are! It's terrific.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful quilt! No wonder you (and your husband) love it so much. It's also inspirational. I'm sitting here thinking about a grouping of grey and yellow and white strips I have left from my last quilt, and wondering about a variation on your theme. Thanks so much for sharing it.
ReplyDelete