Tag Archives: improv

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This is my submission for the "Just the Top" category of the Pantone Quilt Challenge 2023.

  • Viva Magenta Confetti
  • 32.5" x 32.5"
  • Sarah Goer, USA

I spent 25 days of daily practice building these improv blocks. Then trimmed them all to the same size block. My background fabrics are pinks, oranges, and yellows, including Kona Pomegranate (my Viva Magenta). My strips are all turquoise/aqua in a variety of values. And my corner triangles are mostly greens in light to medium values. I tipped close to yellow with the inclusion of Kona Acid Lime and Kona Limelight.

I'm linking up with "Just the Top" for the Viva Magenta challenge. Thank you to Sarah and Elizabeth for hosting, and to all the judges and sponsors!

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In September Elizabeth chose this happy color palette and the traditional inspiration of the Grandmother's Fan quilt block with some guidelines for us to use improv piecing to modernize the block.

I had such fun creating these blocks for Elizabeth. The best part of improv is that the leftover bits that don't fit into one block became the sourdough starter for me to begin the next block. The second best part is that you can't tell where I made "mistakes" cause it's improv and I just rolled with it!

You can learn all the improv skills I used here in my Building an Improv Toolbox workshop. I'm available for in-person and Zoom workshops for guilds. And individuals can signup now for my November 5 workshop with QuiltFest Virtual Schoolhouse #3.

Can't wait to see Elizabeth's finished quilt!

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In June 2021, Ellyn and I started the Quilts Unscripted Bee. Currently we have 11 improv quilters and each month we create 2-3 improv blocks for one quilter. I've been so excited to see finished quilts and quilt tops in recent months that I wanted to share them with you. My beemates have shared their photos with me. Enjoy!

 

You may have seen Sarah Ruiz's Unscripted quilt that was awarded first place at QuiltCon 2022. She gave us a color palette and asked us to each choose letters so she would end up with an alphabet of blocks in a variety of improv styles.

 

Chris Davies chose the vibrant blue and yellow palette for summer blocks. I made the book and the (not a banana) hammock.

 

Chris Simon invited us to play with improv line in our choice of color.

 

Elizabeth Ray was inspired to have us create these long strips of improv sections with our choice of two vibrant colors. I used Kona Cerise and Peapod.

 

Ellyn Zinsmeister asked for improv log cabins in a set color palette which she set into buildings against a dark navy sky. I'll share about my blocks soon.

 

In March, I asked the group to make improv star blocks based on the traditional Sawtooth Star and featuring whatever improv styles and techniques the maker enjoyed. I love the variety of details in these blocks and look forward to putting them together once the last few arrive.

 

I really enjoy the fun and challenge of receiving a new prompt each month. This month I'll be making some improv letters. My wheels are spinning on what letter styles I will use.