Thursday, October 22, 2020
Facets ~ Adventure in Improv
Earlier this year I made the Scrappy Market Tote, an improv bag by Christina Cameli. I really loved the finished result, but I couldn't get enough of the palette of blue / green / yellows I picked, and I wanted to make a full-sized quilt with the same palette.
The pattern I decided on is Facets by Christa Watson. I love how the improv patchwork is juxtaposed with white fabrics for some breathing room, and the solid column of colors is perfect for a bit of balance.
In order to gather fabric however and for a truly scrappy look, I had to dive into my scrap bins. I have quite a few of them, and they're all incredibly heavy. I usually don't look inside them because I'm scared of facing my scraps, but I also don't have the heart to toss them. After pulling a ton of fabrics and ironing them and cutting them into random-sized strips, I had a good selection to work with.
The first step is to make large rectangular panels from where I could cut the shapes I need. This part was fun but also very exhausting. I realized that my brain is consistently on and I'm constantly making decisions when I'm doing improv, and it's not something I can help. The result is that I'm completely mentally drained at the end of an improv session!
After I had enough panels (it took a lot) I cut them into triangles for this quilt. I decided to use foundation paper piecing to make these blocks so they'll be perfect and so I don't have to buy any specialized rulers.
Final assembly took awhile as there are a lot of blocks, but it was exciting to watch this quilt come together.
Well, I'm really, really happy with it!
Labels:
improv piecing,
quilting,
scrappy,
WIP
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I would probably opt for paper piecing the triangles as well. I know what you mean about not being able to turn off your brain during improv. The result is stunning!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! Your color combination is perfect for the quilt. I also get tired from improv piecing...glad to hear that I am not the only on that does.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea on the paper piecing. And the colors and layout of each block is so fun to look at. You've created a terrific quilt!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd say the end result is worth all that thinking while doing the improv units. Improv actually frees my brain up and is very relaxing to me. This is a fantastic quilt, Liz!
ReplyDeleteYour choice of colors are what make this quilt super!!!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful. It must have been fun to watch it come together.
ReplyDeleteAwesome improv, Liz! And I love the added solid row for the calming effect!!
ReplyDeleteoh this is really a stunner!
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous and the quilt is too. Paper piecing is perfect for this, and not too fussy either!
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking! This is my favorite color combination. You did a splendid job!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I like the colorcomination.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to use scraps!