I was excited when I was asked to be part of the blog hop for Lu Summer’ new book Quilt Improv. It’s a delightfully colorful and playful book that focuses on Improvisational piecing of all types. And it’s extra fun to offer a copy of Lu’s Book to one lucky winner.
I’m not going to lie…Improv piecing is difficult for me. I know, I know…it should be easier because there is no stress about matching points. It is freeing. But for a type A personality like me, I find myself a bit at sea sometimes. So a book like this is a perfect guiding point for me. It is full of plenty of eye candy and ideas.
So I decided to tackle a project inspired by one of Lu’s Quilts, Farm Building.
I was really drawn to the use of mixed solids improv pieced in particular. Lu has a helpful sketch too that was a good jumping point for me to design my own quilt.
I started with purples…all solids (I set my beloved prints aside) and worked with tiny strips of fabric cut with very slight angles.
I am probably the most rigid improv quilter out there, so I couldn’t let go of all control and just throw together the fabrics. I wanted balance with lights and darks, and that takes some thought for me.
Then I moved onto oranges…
and then realized I had a beautiful Heather Bailey fabric that tied together my current colors and needed some more.
So then greens came in and lastly creams. I deviated from Lu’s design by only using heavily pieced sections and not dividing it up with solids. It was just a personal preference of mine and how I felt my piece had the most balance.
Quilting was a big decision for me, but with the help of pals on IG I got some ideas percolating. I ultimately decided on straight line improv quilting that was “perpendicular” to the piecing of each section. I quilted each section separately with a matching top thread.
I didn’t want to lose the detail and interest of the piecing, and I think that this quilting is true to the nature of the piecing. Although admittedly once again, I was pretty planned in my “improv” quilting. Hey, you can’t change overnight!
I bound it in the perfectly matching random polka dot which I love for adding a new shape (circles) to the visual of the quilt while also keeping all the colors pulled together.
It’s a small quilt for me at around 36″ x 45″, but I didn’t want to overwhelm the piecing with too many sections. This way I can focus on each color and the subcolors. It will either be a wall hanging or a baby quilt. I haven’t decided where this one should end up. Suggestions?!
Love all your colors!!
I think controlled improv is a great way to start 🙂 and you've made it your own, which for me is the point of improv.
I love your version, I could even see this working out really well as a QAYG project, as long as you have the panels made up ahead of time.
Suh-weet!!! I a also intimidated by improv quilting. It is inspiring to see how you went about it! Thanks! Of course, a copy of the book would also help 😉
Lovely Improv mini. Love your colors.
Looks like a really fun book! And your quilt colors are great.
I would love to win a copy!
And your quilt looks beautiful. I need to do more improv. sewing!
Your quilt turned out great – thanks for sharing & thanks for the chance to win.
Would love to try my hand at improv quilting. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh my gosh, you sound just like me. I have been thinking about this book and you may have just sealed the deal. Your quilt is beautiful even if you don't think it was completely improv!
Yay! I want this book so bad! I love improv quilting and would love to learn someone's tips!
Thanks, Jessica
juceyj03@gmail.com
Nice work, Angela! You jumped right in!
I sooooo need to learn improv 🙂
Wow! Your quilt looks so fun! This book looks A-mazing! Thanks for the giveaway!
a stunning quilt 🙂
I definitely need help with improv piecing too – I really Really love your finished quilt – so simple but so effective!
I'm right there with you on improv and the struggle to not be controlling everything. You did a great job letting go.
Love the colors and shading
Your quilt is beautiful! I'm really planning to challenge myself to use more solids and more interesting color palettes this year for my quilt projects. Great inspiration here!
Always room for another great quilting book. Thanks!
I love your improv quilt. I'm thinking I really need to get this book!
As a fellow A-Type, I really like your controlled improv.
Your improv mini looks amazing – love it in the solids too!
I think you did improv perfectly . . . there has to be some planning or it wouldn't turn out stunning! Thanks for the chance.
Just what I need as I have just started Patchwork and Quilting!
good work! your improv quilt turned out beautifully!
Beautiful quilt – the solids really let the pattern in the piecing shine. Thank for putting my name in the hat for this terrific book drawing.
Love your quilt….and would love the book too
I've tried a little improv and enjoyed the process. Is love the book and the opportunity to try more.
I sure could use the assist getting out of my comfort zone. Thanks for a chance to win this great book!
I really like your improv quilt & like you, I'm not very comfortable with the whole improv thing but it is something I'd love to learn. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Lu's great book.
I love your quilt and I am sure anyone including me would love to win your quilt. I also would love to do something I haven't done before. Love all your projects.
Oops forgot address. bmazur123@aol.com, Thanks Brenda M
You did an awesome job. Looks beautiful.
This looks great, and you have a fab choice of backing. Thanks for a fun giveaway too.
I love improv style, not too comfortable with it, but I love it.
Pick me, pick me. Love your little improv quilt!
This almost type A personality is challenged by improv piecing so I think you jumped off the diving board and did an excellent job. The problem with a wall hanging is you can't see the backing that goes so lovely with the front. Great finish.
Looks awesome!
You took the plunge and the results are fabulous. Thanks for sharing and encouraging all us 'planners'!
Love improv, but somewhat afraid of it. Like you, I just need to give it a try!
What a lovely quilt! Thanks for sharing it.
Angela, I took an improv class at QuiltCon with the wonderful Valori Wells. Her first instruction was to put away the rulers. SCARY! But once I got going, I loved it. Of course, when I got home I fell back into my old habits. 🙂 I do want to spend some time this winter working in improv, so this book would be just the inspiration I need!
I love your choice of colors. I need this book as I would like to try improv piecing. I am like you. I want all my points to match but I see these quilts and love them.
Your quilt turned out great! Thanks for the chance to win!
Improv quilting is not in my comfort zone. I would love to win the book to help me out. Thanks for the chance.
Wow. Improv quilting. I would never think of improv. Not just in quilting- I don't think I could improvise with much in my life. I'm inspired by your story above to try. Is it still improv if you plan it all out ahead of time????
bbeyun@gmail.com
I am very "organized", however, I love improv quilts and must try it soon! Yours looks great 🙂
Your quilt is beautiful! Improv quilting is something I'm just starting to play with so this book would be a great tool. The book looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win and for all you do on your blog!!
I agree that improv can be difficult! Beautiful results and beautiful quilt!