Zephyr - Improv Handbook Score #1

Gosh this quilt top came together all in a whirl, once I had a clear sense of direction.  On Saturday morning I decided loosely where I would put each color mash-up, placing cuttings of solid fabric in each area to map out the quilt on my design wall.  Then it was too easy to just keep piecing, section by section, filling in a nice throw-sized quilt.  I used up every bit of my Zephyr feature print - one full yard.  The quilt top is about 55" x 68", I think.  I'll trim the edges after I quilt her up! 

I thoroughly enjoyed composing Score #1 from The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters.  It was liberating to cut without a ruler, to just cut and cut and then sit down and sew a bunch of pieces together, discovering along the way what would be. 

Today fabric wasn't the only pretty thing taking over my sewing table.

I'll share some of my own tips for improv piecing after I gather a few more.  But I did learn from this piece!  Improv quilting is truly a learn-as-you-go kind of experience, so don't let anything stop you from Getting Started if this is where you want to go.  You can't help but learn by trying.  Try it!  You'll see.

Oh, and I completely embraced a "wonky" style of improv piecing here, cutting without a ruler and sewing without concern for straight seems.  If this drives you bananas, no need to throw out the ruler.  You can still improv and keep things square!

But I'm with Sherri.  Today these whimsical, tilting seams read like a signature, designating the work as uniquely, unequivocally, genuinely all mine.  I enjoyed going along for the ride.