Citrus Improv

Today's been anything but normal.  I've been bouncing from appointment to appointment and running way more errands than usual (since usual is... none).  In between things I did manage to churn out some bee blocks. Lucky me, they were speedy improv blocks. Lucky, lucky.



Our Love circle quilter asked for pink, yellow, orange and green improv blocks finishing between 8.5" x 12.5".  I do so appreciate a range like that when working improv.  It allows for the scraps to say when they're done. I always start my improv by sewing together random small bits of fabric.  Then press and trim and see what's to be done with them!

Starting a project like this is easy because I keep my scraps organized by size and color.  I separate bitty crumb scraps, medium squares/rectangles, long strips and biggish pieces (less than fat quarter cuts).  Each of these four types lives in a separate soft cloth bin, the kind from Ikea made to organize clothing (see scrap organization details and pictures here).



When I work improv, I'll grab the two smallest size bins of the colors I plan to work with and take them to my work table.  I might pop up to get a long string scrap too, as needed.  I love how improv leaves just fabric slivers behind, since I design the blocks to take advantage of the actual scrap sizes.  So rewarding.



In a little over an hour of focused, zen-like work I was able to produce three citrus-pretty bee blocks from scrap! And off they go in the mail to become part of another do. Good Stitches quilt. 

Hmmmm, whats next? 

Wishing everyone in the states a safe and sweet Thanksgiving.   See you on the other side, when the Christmas season really begins! 

xo,

Rachel