Sometimes there are books that come along that I just HAVE to review. I’m pretty picky about what I choose to review here on my blog. I love to help out friends of course (that’s what friends are for!) but I also just love to help a great book get more more exposure if I can. And that’s where I am with Improvising Tradition by Alexandra Ledgerwood. Though you may know her by her alter ego, Teaginny Designs.
I decided to do an interview of Alex for this review, so you can see both my thoughts and hers on some of my favorite designs from her book. I hope you enjoy it!!
Angela: You show my favorite kind of improv quilts: those that are based in traditional roots, such as the log cabin. What is your favorite “base” block to give an improv take on?
Alex: My go-to block is the strip set. I find it completely relaxing and therapeutic to make, and it is perfect for scraps, which I love use. Strips sets can be used so many different ways. I’ve been known to sit down and sew strip sets with no purpose in mind because I know I will find a use for them eventually.
Angela: I’m drawn to curves, so your falling leaves Table Runner immediately caught my eye. Have you tried making this with improv curves instead of a template?
Alex: I haven’t made the blocks in the Falling Leaves table runner with improv curves, but I think it would work well. I did cut the template improvisationally, and the pattern is designed so that the quilter can create their own template if they desire. In my version I balanced the randomness of the improv strip sets in each leaf with the symmetry of the series of leaf shapes all cut from the same template, but improv curves would create a whole different feel and would be fun to try.
Angela: I personally love your take on improv which ends up looking very peaceful and controlled due to your fabric choices and structure. Does all of your improv work look like this or did you do this for the task of teaching improv? I know how different improv styles can be but yours seems very consistent.
Alex: I’ve developed my improv style over the last couple of years with some experimentation. The subtle wonkiness and limited color palettes are really just my aesthetic in general. I always enjoy it when people’s quilts have a particular style, and the beauty of improv is that the very same pattern and techniques, like the ones in the book, can completely change based on each quilter’s voice. I’m really looking forward to seeing what different people create from the patterns in the book.
Angela: Mirrored Sunset Wallhanging (pictured above) is perhaps my favorite quilt in the book. I think it is because it is so different from other things I’ve seen. I want to see more! Do you have any more pattern ideas like this one in the works?
Alex: I don’t have any further patterns in the works like this one, but I do have some ideas of interesting variations. The main focus of this pattern in the strata section of the book is to show that strata can create a subtle but interesting background while contrasting with a bold applique. The background can be a design element of its own, rather than simply a blank, negative space.
I think it would be cute to use strata as the background for some whimsical shapes on baby quilts. I can picture blue strata with a simple, stylized dog applique or low volume scrap strata contrasting with a brown trendy mustache.
Another element of improv in the wall hanging is the applique shape itself. Because of the way it is cut from folded fabric, or freezer paper if you use my method, Hawaiian applique lends itself perfectly to improv. You could make the wall hanging even more unique by creating your own shape. Just fold the freezer paper and experiment with cutting different shapes. I was inspired by mid-century modern starburst mirrors, and their symmetry is a nice balance to the irregularity of the strata. Traditional or modern shapes will work equally well in this pattern, so quilters can make whatever they like.
Thanks so much for the invitation to chat about the book and for all the interesting questions, Angela. Thinking about it has me some new ideas to explore. Now if I could just get some sewing time.
And many thanks to Alex for all her great answers!
I think that her book is a great resource for improv quilting. She uses small manageable cuts which make piecing easy and quilts less wonky. The patterns are perfect for a beginning quilter or a beginning improv quilter. The tone on tone solides make the improv piecing give texture without creating a distraction with every seam and new fabric.
I really like your table runner!
I love the falling leaves table runner – very nice! Would look lovely on my table! 🙂
mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the quilt on the cover!
I am very keen to get my hands on this book. I too like the use of improv strata for the background – kinda new and vintage at the same time.
love all the things you pictured, thanks for the chance
I've had this book on my wish list for quite some time. Since I tend to work monochromatically, I think I would really enjoy this book – thank you!
In these last two years I am searching for challenges, in special the improv patterns!! This book would help me a lot!! Thanks for the giveaway!! If you are not open to international mail I have an US address !
the leaf table runner is my favorite. Great project ideas.
Ohh that table runner is just gorgeous! Colors are great too.
I love this book. It is on my wish list!
It all looks stunning. She is a wonderful designer and the book look delicious. Thanks for the chance to win. I've also shared your giveaway on my Giveaway List for sewers & quilters at wowilikethat.com. Thanks again. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)
It all looks stunning. She is a wonderful designer and the book look delicious. Thanks for the chance to win. I've also shared your giveaway on my Giveaway List for sewers & quilters at wowilikethat.com. Thanks again. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)
I really like an improv look. I am always interested in how others approach their projects
The cover quilt is gorgeous.
Beautiful table runner! Love all the colors.
Love the mix of reds in the Mirrored Sunset Wallhanging.
Love these. As a newbie quilter (3 months) I'm building my stash and have a bunch of 1/8ths that were given to me so I'm dying for a good pattern to use. Love the look of the improv quilts. Can't wait to try. Thanks for the giveaway.
Her work is simply stunning. I would love the book. Thank you for the introduction and the giveaway.
I love the Mirrored Sunset quilt! Simply gorgeous!
silverthimble@shaw.ca
I love the Mirrored Sunset quilt! Simply gorgeous!
silverthimble@shaw.ca
Love these types for inspiration.
Love these types for inspiration.
Awesome designs and awesome book! Thanks for having the giveaway. 🙂
Sometimes I made my leaves or with templates.
The cover quilt is beautiful!
Great quilts I'd love to make one:) Thanks
Thanks for sharing. It looks like there are many great projects.
I love the Mirrored Sunset wall hanging! and this book looks awesome! Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
I am fairly new to quitting, but my eye is drawn to modern designs and all of the above photos are very appealing to me! The colors, the shapes, the backgrounds…all of it is perfect!
I'm interested in reading more. I really enjoy the quilt on the cover. Thank you for featuring the book and doing a give away.
I love all your different color palettes!
I love all your different color palettes!
I've never been a big fan of improv quilts, but I really love these. I think that it's the controlled colour palettes, and the negative space that gives the eye a place to rest. Now, I'm looking at my fabric with new eyes.
Wow, these are beautiful, I really like the tone on tone improv look. I would love this book. sarah@forrussia.org
I am new to quilting, and I really like the improv look. I like the quilt after the runner. Have a great day. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com
Gorgeous projects!
That book looks amazing! Would love to win a copy.
WOW! The Mirrored Sunset quilt really knocked my socks off, great design I LOVE It. I'm not normally a red person but, I'll have to rethink that. I've never done an improve quilt, it looks like fun. Thanks for giving us a peek. Toni Anne ;->
I truly like the runner. Sometimes old quilters need a makeover. Fresh eyes. I like this.
I like the idea of making strip sets and using them with improv curves. Not that I have tried curved piecing before, but I have always wanted to and you have to start somewhere, right?
I am getting more and more pulled into modern piecing and improvisation. Making strip sets should be a must for me, since my scrap bins are overflowing. Curved piecing is a thing I ought to do more of.
Alex's work looks wonderful; it is a great inspiration. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have never wanted to make a table runner until i saw that one!
I haven't tried improvisation piecing yet but I am certainly intrigued. I especially love that table runner – wow!
What a great runner with leaves! I love Alex fabric choosing. It's look like 4 season of a year runner 🙂
Great works
Greeting from Poland
Kamila
I love the idea and creations of improv quilts. I would like to explore this avenue more thoroughly. The Mirrored Sunset is my fave.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Love all your work and would enjoy your book.
I would love to do more improv work and think this book looks like a great source of inspiration. The quilts you've shown are lovely and I must make something similar to the leaf runner for my table. Just gorgeous!
Great interview! Love the quilts too!
Love your comments and idea of experimentation.
This book is definitely on my must-get list. Thanks for telling us more about Alexandra and for the giveaway. I'd love to win it!
This is a must have book. I love the color schemes used in the quilts (they all look so perfectly matched). Very nice. Thank you for the chance to win.
akk_nana@yahoo.com
I love her strata work! I haven't given done a lot of improv, but it is something I am very interested in. Thanks!
Thank you for the giveaway. Alexandra's book sounds excellent, and I enjoyed reading her comments. I especially liked when she said that making strip sets was "relaxing and therapeutic" — what a great way to approach quilting.
Great designs and great looking book, thanks for the chance to win.
Wow this book looks awesome. I love her projects. Especially the leaf table runner. Thanks for a chance and for sharing. I really enjoy these type of interviews where I can get to know a little about authors and quilters.
Love the pictures!!!!! I am newer at quilting and would love this book the expand my horizons!!!!! sonjasmith76@yahoo.com
I just LOVE your table runner and the book sounds AWESOME! Thanks for the chance to win!
I love to make strip sets. For relaxation too. Alex has a winner of a book. Thanks.
I have followed Alex's blog for a long time and have always loved her work, so seeing her book would be fun
I especially like the Mirrored Sunset wall hanging. Very unique! I have lots of ideas dancing in my head if I win this book! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
I especially like the Mirrored Sunset wall hanging. Very unique! I have lots of ideas dancing in my head if I win this book! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
Beautiful!! I love the leaves! Great inspiration thank you for sharing!
I love the Mirrored Sunset and the Falling Leaves Table Runner. I have been a little scared to try improvisational quilting yet but I really would love to try someday! This book might just give me the kick start I need! sandybailey55@hotmail.com
Mirrored Sunset is one of those pieces that just makes my toes curl because I want it so much LOL
This looks like an awesome book. You can never have too many quilting books!
That book looks fantastic! I do love Mirrored Sunset and I love her choice of colors and fabrics
I want to try those falling leaves!
I love modern, improv quilting and I love to use my scraps. There is so much room for the imagination Jenny larking at gmail dot com
This book looks great. I would definitely love to be more confident in my improv skills. That teal and gray quilt is lovely. Thanks for the giveaway!
Great inspiration. I really like the Mirrored Sunset quilt. I think it would be pretty with the strata done in blues and a snowflake as the applique.
This book looks great! I love the use of color!
I love the bacground of mirror sunset. Lately, I have been looking for ways to use my scraps – this book would be perfect for my coming projects. Thanks for this opportunity to win a copy.!
I do love falling leaves and the tablerunner is just lovely for that. I can see it in many different colorways.
yoyopattycakes at hotmail dot com
Love the sunset wall-hanging. Thanks for the chance.
sru60@aol.com
Improv is such a stretch for me but I love the end result. I bet Alex's book would help me.
Love the three that you've shown us on your blog. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I love Alex's work – especially Mirrored Sunset
Oh I have been admiring this book since it came out but unfortunately it has been out of my price range whenever I have the itch to possibly get it! Improvision piecing is intriguing to me and I hope to one day own this book! Teaginny is so talented and it's an honor that she has you to help support her with your talents!
Oh, the mirrored sunset is beautiful…. I hope to get a copy of this book one of these days (for me also way out of the budget, but one can always hope and dream….). Thanks for the chance.
ehodasz at yahoo dot com
I love Alex's aesthetic and style. There's a simplicity and unity I find deeply appealing. I really loved the Mirrored Sunset Wall-hanging. I believe you did an excellent job of interviewing her, Angela! You succeeded in piquing my interest in her book!
I can't wait to get a good look at this book!
The Falling Leaves table runner is lovely. I'd love a copy of your book!
I have had my eye on this book for a bit – it's on my wish list!! The projects are very enticing – thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Liz
boltonia55@yahoo.com
I love that falling leaves table runner!!
lag110 at mchsi dot com
It looks great! I love the hanging frames you used for the quilts too. Very classy.
Wow! What an interesting book, great projects and information. Thanks for sharing.
I've just started experimenting with improv, so this would be a great addition to my crafting library. : )
Looks like lots of fun projects. I really love those leaves!
Love the Mirrored Sunset Wallhanging! Looks like a great book.
I'm pretty new and I would love to win a copy of her book! I love her designs! Thanks so much!
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
I really like the possibilities. Wonderful work
Tracinecharest at gmail dot com
Her designs look lovely! 🙂
I would love her book to add to my inspiration list.
Julie @ Pink Doxies
I just love the falling leaves Table Runner, I want to make that today!
Great book! I LOVE modern, but I was in the '60s so am naturally drawn to traditional, also.
Thanks so much for an intro to Alex–so great to meet a fabulous quilter that I hadn't discovered yet!
I love the cover of the book! Great way to use up random sized pieces!
Improv is so hot right now. I was really looking forward to your book coming out! I love the quilt on the cover. What a great addition to any quilters library. (Mine) ")
I can't wait to try out some of these designs, they are wonderful!
HI, a beautiful runner! Book looks so neat!
Thanks for your Blog+a great Giveaway too!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
Amazing inspiration! I must try a strata background and add an applique, and get a copy of this book as soon as possible! Thank you for an inspiring blogg!
Ally-Marie Haardeman
Such nice designs. I'd like to have a go at all of the ones I've seen.
I don't need an entry in the giveaway as I already bought her book after seeing it reviewed on Christina Cameli's blog. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the book. It is photographed beautifully and I feel like I want to make almost every single project! That's pretty rare for me.
I don't need an entry in the giveaway as I already bought her book after seeing it reviewed on Christina Cameli's blog. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the book. It is photographed beautifully and I feel like I want to make almost every single project! That's pretty rare for me.
I love her use of colors and would love to have her book in my collection.
I love her style! This book looks so great!
This book has been on my wish list for awhile and looks great. I particularly like her use of strata as background fabric, and love the idea of adding a cute applique to it for a baby quilt (maybe blue strata with a whale?). Thanks for the review and giveaway!
This looks like a great book. I'd love to try these techniques.
Just tried my first wonky blocks for a baby quilt and they were quite cute. This book would be great. Thanks for the giveaway!
This is really what I need a book to show me different styles of blocks…..thank you…
I love the use of color in theses quilts. Looks like a great book.
I really like the idea of relaxing by making strip sets to use in the future. I find it 'lovely' and therapeutic to gaze upon the colors all laid out in front of me and plan how I'll use them. Makes me happy. And the designs in the book are a great inspiration.
The Mirrored sunset wall hanging is so cool. I love the colors and shapes.
I loved reading the interview, great to hear from the designer/quilter herself!
Really like the colors used in the quilts. — soparkaveataoldotcom
I'm torn between the leaves and the strata…would have to make both!
This book looks fantastic. Really love the table runner.