Zephyr: Improv Handbook Score #1

All finished!  This is Zephyr, an improv quilt made entirely without rulers (except for the backing and binding) and inspired by the first score of The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters.  Sherri prompts us to reflect and share about our finished works along these lines:

{Surprises}  Cutting and sewing ruler-free actually saves time.  This quilt top came together faster than expected.

{Discoveries}  I work much better once I've settled on a general color scheme.  Although I did enjoy making my first and second "blocks" as I was getting to know the score, I couldn't feel confident about this project until I had committed to colors for the rest of the work.  I didn't want to "wait and see" with my colors.

{Satisfactions}  Limiting my fabric choices made piecing this work almost effortless.  I sat down with cut squares and just sewed and sewed things together, not worrying initially about how groups would join together.   With improv, sometimes every possible answer is a right answer.  In some ways, success is guaranteed.

{Dissatisfactions}  I have this nagging feeling that my quilt looks too much like Sherri Lynn's example from the book.  Both of our quilts have bright, multi-colored schemes dividing the quilt into chunks.  One thing I did differently was use a consistent feature fabric (Zephyr Puff in Mustard) throughout the quilt.  Also our piecing style differs somewhat.  It's not terribly surprising that they came out similar, since I really love Sherri's.  But, I hope that next time I'll land somewhere more unique.

{Next Steps}  It's on to Score # 2 for me.  I'm going to start the project by defining a color scheme to energize myself.  And, I refuse to allow myself to proximate Sherri Lynn's (fantastic) example quilt.  Let's see if I can end up with a quilt that's even more "me."

Stats

Quilt Top:  Kona Cottons: white, curry, kale, caramel, coral, delft and gumdrop, plus one yard of Zephyr Puff in Mustard.

Quilt Back:  Pretty Potent Eucalyptus, True Colors Going Up, Doe Wide Diamond

Binding: Doe Wide Diamond and Serape Dream

Quilted with a loose, organic grid

Are you sewing along with the scores from The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters?  Add a link to your finished project post in the comments here.  We'd love to hear what you found surprising, satisfying and such.  If you're still working, feel free to come back later and share your link!

Also, if you're a Facebook fan you may like to join Sherri Lynn's group for the book.  I'll be posting there too in hopes of connecting with more improv-ers.