Improv Composition

Modern improv quilt block in teal

Caught on camera! I’m highly camera phobic, but wanted to show a little about the process as I create these wonky, improvisational artworks.

Playing With Scale

collection of neutral coloured fabrics sewn together to create texture

Do you play with scale when you sew? What about texture or value? These are on the agenda in my class “Freeform Improv Piecing” at the Great New Zealand Quilt Show in May 23. Come and try a beginner friendly Improv class for a day! Go to the Aotearoa Quilters Website to sign up.

Silk Ribbons for SAQA

red teal blue and yellow silk ribbon art piece

SILK RIBBONS Purely abstract and a pleasure to make! Most of the time calls for entries sail right by me and I’m fine with that. This week, I was inspired to make and submit this piece into the SAQA Spotlight Auction. It’s small, about the size of a postcard. Made with hand coloured silk organza, […]

Improv Cutting

video of improv composition techniques

https://youtu.be/38qlNZkjtUo<p>Though I’m still struggling with videos, formatting, and making it look right, I’m having such fun making them! If you have tips or resources to share, please share them using the contact page. Music credit: “Rise” by Nightmares on Wax

Value Does All the Work (But Colour Gets All the Glory)

black and white improv pieced part of a quilt

Here’s an example of “Value does all the work but colour gets all the glory”. Do you take colour value into account when selecting fabrics? See how the pinks blend right into the beige in the black and white pic.  Do you have a process for assessing colour value?

A Quick Improv Demo

several colourful improv quilt blocks together but not sewn

</p>https://youtu.be/9mcQ7zDVFPs<p> I’ve decided I rather like the sawtooth look. The work is progressing nicely and though I have no idea how it will finish, I’m happy to find out as I go. Because that’s the essence of improv. This super amateur video documented the process and making more of these might be in my future.

Tension test pattern image with file types

Avoid tension trouble. Test before you quilt.

Longarmers, this free tension test will save you time and help you deliver quality quilting.

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