Fractured :: Improv

I'm not sure what I've been focusing on these days.  Some days it's mini's or pot holders, and with a little luck a quilt or two.  But with all that and more, it's always a welcome relief when I can get back to my love of improv.

FRACTURED
15 1/2" X 23"

Every so often I come across a pile of scraps that are in need of being used.  These colors have found their way into several other quilts and wall hangings, yet there are always scraps leftover.  This time I finally made it to the end and while I may revisit this color combination again, I won't be using this never ending scrap pile!

The day I started this project I was completely unsure what to do.  I layed out my pieces and waited for some sort of inspiration to hit me.  Instead my daughter grabbed a couple pieces of fabric and said 'do something different, use these'!  Well that was easy, except it wasn't!  

I had never thought to use such colors!  You can see just how uncomfortable I was with the selection because I used as little as I could!  The dark color looks black but it's actually Moda Grape.  In order to please Britt and to get into the project I powered through and threw caution to the wind!

Part of what was leftover in my scraps were half circles.  Instead of reinventing the wheel, I decided to slice and dice the pieces together and add 1/4" strips randomly throughout.  Inset circles always intrigue and excite me, so of course I had to 'go there'.

Instead of using one large background piece for the inset circles, I pieced together my background trying to make it as improv-ish as I could.  Curves, 1/4" strips, angles...it's all there. 

Once the large circles were finished I added pieces to the sides and threw in a few more inset circles to meld it all together.  I was having fun once I got into it!  The true test is in the end when it's 'a thing' and finished.

Then again it really wasn't finished until I quilted it!  That took some time.  I mean, what the heck was I going to do?!  With many of my wall hangings I take the opportunity to hone my free motion chops!  I'm never sure where it will end up, but I continue to try.  

I used my circle rules aiming for random perfection.  They aren't perfect, but they are more perfect than if I had done pebbles!  Stippling, straighlines, circles, wiggly little things...the kitchen sink.  It's all worth it to me in the end.  Anytime I get to play is a good thing.

The final touch was hanging corners and a three color scrappy binding.  When I do a lot of 'normal' quilting I like to end the streak with something crazy.  Improv is my palette cleanser.

I've promised myself that one day soon I'll make a large improv quilt again.  I don't even know the last time I went there...but I think I remember how much I loved it!!  

  LINKING:

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Super Sized Evening Star :: Improv

Usually I make a quilt and then for the fun of it I'll make a mini.  This time the mini came before the quilt!

I was asked if I could make a quilt like the Evening Star Mini I made last year.   For the mini, I made the center block and increased the size with borders of improv piecing for a finished quilt that was 18 1/2" square.  Easily done.  I needed to increase everything to a lap quilt size, approximately 50" x 65".  Could I do it?!
   

I thought about it for a day or so and decided it was something that could be done.  The hardest part would be super sizing the star.  It's easy to reduce the size of a pattern, but increasing a pattern to the size I needed would be a bit more complicated!

My star was going to be 32" square!  Huge compared to the original block!  I knew trying to increase the original from the pattern would be nearly impossible and probably take a tank of ink and a ream of paper, not to mention an enormous amount of time.  I decided the best option was draw the star in EQ8.  That way I could easily increase the size for printing.

The star has eight sections.  Four of one block and four of another.  My plan was to print one of each section, tape it together and then trace it onto a large sheet of freezer paper.  Mission accomplished!  When paper piecing with freezer paper you don't actually stitch on the lines on the front, you fold the paper back and stitch very closely to the fold.  After which you fold the paper back and iron the freezer paper so that it sticks to your fabric.  One bonus of using freezer paper is you can reuse the templates.  That was the main reason I decided to use it for this project.

This method worked better than I could have imagined!  I was easily able to manage the large pieces, reuse templates and sew the sections together for the perfect star!

If you aren't familiar with freezer paper piecing Google is your friend!  There are a lot of very good tutorials online.  Bryan House Quilts has a tutorial that walks you through the process.

With the star in the bag, it was time to tackle the improv portion of the quilt.  I divided up the quilt so I knew how many inches of improv was needed for the sides, top and bottom.  And then I got in the zone and made improv blocks of all shapes and sizes.  I kept plugging away over the course of a few days until I thought I had enough of the plain pieces.  

Then I tackled the colored triangles that would border the center star.  There needed to be enough to go around the quilt and look cohesive, but didn't need to be perfectly spaced.  Another mission accomplished.  There was a bit of math involved...and we all know that isn't my strong suit. 

 

Once the first round of improv blocks were added to the star, the triangle pieces were increased to the size needed by adding more background pieces and placed around the quilt.   

That led to adding more improv sections in between the triangle blocks and eventually sewing it all together.

Once the top was finished I could sit back with a sigh of relief!  It all came together much easier than I thought it would.  From the redrawing of the star, to the improv piecing to the placement of the triangles!  It looks like it was a quilt planned from the start, but we all know that isn't the way I work!  I like to take on an idea and work out the details as I go.  That's normal, right?!

Next up will be quilting.  I plan on quilting something similar to the mini quilt, but on a larger scale.  Wish me luck...the center free motion quilting is going to be a wild ride!

If you are interested in making the star block, the  paper pieced block is available here:  Evening Star.

LINKING:

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Bee Inspired 2018 :: Chutes & Ladders

Wheeeeeee!  Play time!  This month our Bee Inspired prompt was from Audrey @artandstole, and it was a fun one!  

Chutes and Ladders is a game most of us are very familiar with.  Audrey requested something to climb and something to slide down using a blue background and as much color as our hearts desired!  My heart desired it, at least for part of it.

I was excited when I finally had the time to start this prompt.  It was sure to be a fun one.  The blocks needed to be at least 12" and the ladder/slide needed to reach from one side to the other.  

'Chute/Slide'
14 1/2" x 17 1/2"

First up was the 'chute'!  I had no idea where this was going to go or even if it would work out.  Improv can be a challenge!  I love when improv takes me on a journey.  Having a basic idea to start, figuring it out as I go and then seeing where it takes me.  

I wondered, if I had my very own slide what exactly would that look like?  Certain it would be a beautiful bright one.  Something with a little kick to it, but nothing that would cause bodily harm!

I started with bright pink, because...I like pink.  I also like pink and orange together.  The 'sit your butt and slide part' did not come to me right away, so I let it sit until the next day.  I just couldn't find a color that would give this slide the punch I wanted.

The next day it an idea did come to me!  What could be brighter than a rainbow?  I pulled my colors and viola! It happened!  

 

I pieced together the rainbow and promptly sliced out my slide.  I wanted my slide to flip me into the air at the end where I could fly out of it and land on my feet!  Well, if I were much younger...I wouldn't want to break a bone!

Next up I had to tackle the ladder.  My first thought of a ladder was a crooked one.  I was firmly embedded in my brain and I couldn't shake it loose!

Ladder
14 1/2" x 14 1/2"

The picture in my head was of a funky old ladder.  You know how wood gets old and lichen (moss) starts growing on it after being left outside?  That's what I was after.

I used two green shades for the rungs and added the blue background in between.  

My ladder was also going to need perspective.  So, I made my top sections start small and gradually grow wider at the bottom.  And with that, I sliced in the sides and added the background.  

A super fun challenge and I'm excited to see how Audrey puts these blocks together!  It's sure to be a fun and amazing 'game board'!

You can check out my previous Bee Inspired posts here:

How Light Gets In

To Thine Own Self Be True

Next up is another inspiring prompt, this time from Heather @quiltachusetts !  Terrarium Blocks!

You can check out all the blocks on Instagram here:  #beeinspired2018

My Bee Mates are amazing! 

Shelby @godshomemovies 
Jayne @twiggyandopal 
Audry @artandstole 
Kathryn @kupitis
Heather @quiltachusetts 
Christine @ccpquilt 
Jenny @pappersaxsten 
Shelagh @stuartmoorestextiles

Scattered :: Stash Statement Blog Hop

It's finally my turn to share my Stash Statement quilt and I couldn't be more excited!  Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation  asked if I would like to be apart of her book release blog hop and naturally I said yes of course!  Stash Statement shows you that improv can be achieved by anyone.  I'm not new to improv, and throughout my quilting journey so many people have said they were scared to try!  This book shows you three different methods for improv piecing with step by step instructions.  Plus, it focuses on using your stash and scraps.  improv and scraps for the win!  

I recommend and encourage those who have always wanted to try improv to get Kelly's book.  You can purchase the book on Etsy and Amazon.  Check it out, it could be a game changer for you! 

SCATTERED 34 1/2" x 46"

You all know I love solids and sewing small pieces together.  No scrap is too small to keep or use!  Once I pulled out my solid scraps, I saw a beautiful rainbow appear before my eyes.  I had to do it!

Isn't it pretty?!  It not only has the rainbow I was hoping for, but it has a stained glass thing going on too!

The rainbow isn't as apparent in this picture, but with my other scrap baskets...it did appear!  I opted to make the quilt a smaller size than what is in the book.  That way I could make less blocks and accomplish the rainbow look I was going for.

The improv method for the Scattered quilt uses the panel method of improv piecing.  That method requires a big pieced square that you can cut many different pieces from just one panel.  With the rainbow theme I choose, I had to make one panel in each color and then cut.  It takes more time, but in my opinion worth it.  Another great thing about this book, once you learn the basics you can take what you learned and adapt it to fit your needs. 

My panels were trimmed to size and with that, I had more scraps!  Me...I saved and used them!  Check out this post:  Bits-n-Pieces to see what I made from them. 

The blocks went together so fast!  Once I started the quilt it was hard to stop until it was finished!  The back ground fabric I used is a Charcoal Gray from Moda.  I wanted a dark background without going with black.  

However, black did make it into my quilt!  I used it in the binding as a frame and on the back.  

How could I resist using a rainbow of thread to complement the rainbow theme?!  I couldn't!  I pulled out my Aurifil 50wt thread and had all the right colors.  Twelve to be exact.

I free motion quilted a funky 'improv-ish' design in each panel.  Since I used black for the back I knew the colors would create yet another beautiful rainbow explosion.  I do love a black backing for that very reason!

The Charcoal Gray received the straight line treatment.  One side of each panel I used a dark gray thread and the other side I used a lighter gray.  Something different and hopefully it enriched the overall design.

It looks complicated, doesn't it?!  It really isn't.  My quilt is made using twelve (12) 12" finished blocks.  I rotated and placed the blocks until I found a placement that I was happy with.  This quilt finished at 34 1/2" x 46" after washing.  Perfectly baby sized!

This design has me thinking of the next version I might do.  Perhaps prints, possibly a scrappy version like the original.  You never know!

Now that you have seen my version of Scattered, I hope you catch the improv bug and check out Stash Statements!  Capturing the improv vibe couldn't be easier with this book.

You can check out Kelly's original version of Scattered on her blog.  You can also see other quilts from the Stash Statement Blog Hop:

4/16- Grand Bazaar    Shelley @ Cora's Quilts

                                    Connie @ Freemotion by the River

4/23- Louvered           Lindsey @ Primrose Cottage Quilts 

                                    Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts

4/30- Precarious        Jess @ Quilty Habit                       

                                    Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts

                                                            

5/7- Beach Retreat    Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts                               

                                    Liz @ Savor Every Stitch 

                                                           

5/14- Fire Pit               Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts                                          

                                    Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts

                                                            

5/21- Detour               Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts                         

                                    Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts

                                                            

5/28- Murrina             Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl             

                                    Leanne @ Devoted Quilter

                                                            

6/4- Scattered            Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal      (you are here)                

                                    Christine @ Triangles and Squares 

                                                            

6/11- Bloom Chicka Boom   Chris @ made by ChrissieD            

                                               Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

                                                            

6/18- Regatta             Susan @ Quilt Fabrication                             

                                   Debbie @ A Quilter's Table    

                                   Christa @ Christa Quilts

                                                            

6/25- Catch a Falling Star  Cynthia @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework        

                                              Anja @ Anja Quilts

                                                            

7/2- College Prep      Hilary @ by Hilary Jordan                 

                                   Lori @ Crossquilt

                                                            

7/9- Take Flight 

(bonus digital pattern)  Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches 

                                     Paula @ The Sassy Quilter

LINKING:

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Evening Star :: Sparkle & Sass

I feel like I'm totally behind in my blogging lately.  My excuse is home improvements.  Remodeling.  Nightmare.  Money pit!  For those who have been through remodeling you know what I mean by nightmare!  Especially if you own an older home and are trying to update.  Our simple goal was to rip out the carpet in the bedrooms and install wood floors.  Well, one thing lead to another, that led to another and is still leading to another...Money Pit!

My sewing room has been set up in a small area on my dining room table where I'm able to quilt and finish small projects that have been lingering.  One of those is this project 'Evening Star'.  An enticing paper pieced block that I've had in my sights for a while now.  I saw the block at 'Swim, Bike, Quilt' blog, which was part of a Summer Sampler Series.  



Initially I had intended to just make the block.  Testing the waters.  After deciding on a rainbow theme, my creative spirit took over!

I had just enough white for the background of the star, which will explain why I ended up pulling out my bag of neutral solids for the borders.  Normally I mark my fabrics with the color and manufacturer, especially with whites.  It still amazes me how different whites can be.

The first border is made of 2 1/2" 45 degree triangles.  I could have stopped right there, but darn those scraps!  It seemed like the perfect time to use them and do a little improv.



And so it began...the figuring it out as you go, the creative bug, the thrill of using up scraps.  I wanted to use little bits of color mixed in with the improv and settled on randomly shaped triangles. It started with small blocks that were roughly 3" square that included a solid color triangle.  After I had those finished I made 'filler blocks to add between the squares and extend the border.  It took a little finesse, but it worked and was worth it! 



At least I think it was worth it!  We'll see how the quilting comes together before I start tooting my horn!



The border triangles range in size from 1/4" to 1".  Chubby ones, skinny ones, perfectly imperfect triangles.



There are rainbow quilts that call for a whole bunch of rainbow thread!  I've done it before and know first hand that changing each color time after time is a pain in the 'bobbin'!  Then again I also know that it can be very well worth the headache and time in the end.   



This quilt will require my Hera Marker and a big bunch of 50 weight Aurifil thread. 

Natural White #2021
Lobster Red #2265
Neon Orange #1104
Canary #2120
Bright Pink #2425
Spring Green #1231
Delft Blue #2730
Jade Green #1148
Medium Lavender #2540 

Oh!  Let's not forget you have to have a plan!  And boy did I have a plan.  A long and tedious plan!  I won't leave you hanging...I'll leave you with a sneak peek of my very ambitious quilting plans.



Working with one block is a great way to experiment and test a block.  You can play with color, add borders, and eventually even practice with the quilting.  

Do you make a block for fun?  It isn't unusual for us to take our stray blocks and work them into or make them into something else.  Were are a clever bunch, don't you think?!

LINKING:

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Finished or Not 

Hot Hot Hot Pads!

I've made a few hundred (I'm guessing!) pot holders in my day, but I have never ever made a set that was round!  Go figure!  



Round pot holders aren't something weird or strange.  Let's face it, most pots and pans are round not square.  Yet it never occurred to me to make anything other than square.  I take that back, one time I made a couple sets that were really a weird and funky shape.  But not round!!



I had a request for round red pot holders using improv.  At first I hesitated, but not because they wanted round.  Again that is not weird!  Because of red.  I have red fabric.  I was worried I wouldn't have enough contrast between each shade.  And they were going to need at least a spot or three of something else.  I ended up picking a few woven stripes that had red tones and also black and dark grey.      



I pieced some strips together trying to follow an imaginary curve hoping I wasn't wasting my time. For this particular design, I felt it was important to have curves to keep the round flow. Like the wheels on a bus.  (I know, you are singing it now!)



When making pot holders, I make a tidy little pot holder sandwich before quilting.  Starting with the backing, then a layer of Insul-Bright, cotton batting and the top.  Insul-bright has a reflective film inside poly fibers that reflects hot and cold energy.    



With the layers secure, the quilting can begin!  With small 'quilts' like these, you can really get creative with the quilting.  Machine quilt or free motion.  These were a combination of both.  It that the best of both worlds?!  I think so!



I just happened to have the perfect thread for the quilting!  Not always the case with me.  I'm slowly trying to build my thread stash, as there is nothing more frustrating than not having that perfect match for a project.  

Aurifil Burgundy #1103 was just right.  These pot holders have a lot of different shades of red. The burgundy thread was perfect!

I will admit that I may have shied away from round pot holders because I didn't want to deal with cutting something round...that was until I found the perfect tool, the perfect sized tool! Kitchens are the best place to look for tool alternatives!  

The pot lid is round, which made my job a whole lot easier!  I used a marker to trace the circle and cut it out with scissors.  Scissors just to be safe.  I could see the rotary cutter slipping and slicing off part of my curve...nightmare!!



With that, circles aren't so bad!  One thing that was easier was stitching the binding to the back. I didn't have to worry about mitered corners!  Hopefully I won't be asked to make oval pot holders...I do not have an oval lid!

LINKING:

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