Tag Archives: Quilts Unscripted Bee

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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.

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I owe you some bee block show and tell. Back in December, Elizabeth asked us to make a 2-color sash. She wanted us to pick two rainbow colors (no black, white, or grey) and create a long skinny "sash" created of numerous improv components. Target 4”-6” wide and 30”-60” long.

I chose Kona Cerise and Peapod for my two colors and went to town. I had so much fun creating the components and piecing them together.

I started with a pair of improv triangles and some wonky strips.

This piece came from a tutorial by Cheryl Arkison, week one of her 2022 Quilters' Playcation Adventure Sew Along.

My full sash finished at approximately 6" x 60". I can't wait to see what Elizabeth does with her collection of sashes!

Update: Elizabeth finished her quilt!

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Loide requested improv Christmas blocks for November in our Bee. She told us that anything goes for Christmas and our blocks could be traditional Christmas colors or something else.

After pondering about what I would make I started with a candle block, approximately 13" x 16".

Some others in the group had made some Christmas trees, so I pivoted and made a wreath, approximately 12" x 12". As I was working I decided that it would be a chunky square wreath, though I included extra background fabric for Loide so she could add some corner triangles to soften it up if she'd like.

Lastly, I chose a candy cane... it's some precisely pieced improv, but it was still built improvisationally. I sewed together red and white strips, then cut at an angle and pieced multiple pieces to make the length of the candy cane, approximately 10" x 13".

You can follow along with our bee, Quilts Unscripted, on Instagram.