play - finish your improv quilts and the link-up

I really hope that you've enjoyed participating in this QAL as much as I've enjoyed hosting it!

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to think about how to finish your improv quilts.

There are as many different ways to put together improv blocks as there are quilters.  

Some ideas and resources -

Medallion style - wrap improv blocks around a center block  (Maker - Me)

Surround them with lots of negative space  (this became a quilt back)

Amy Ellis has embarked on a 100 day of improv journey.  Look how fun her improv blocks look in a traditional grid setting!  (photo used with permission from Amy.)  I can't wait to see what this looks like once Amy does her FMQ magic.

Quilt and photo credit - Amy Ellis (photo included with permission)

Want some more ideas? The Modern Quilt Guild gallery page has about 60 improv quilts with lots of different settings to inspire.

Once your project is finished, link up below from your blog or Instagram.  For this link-up, projects are considered finished where or not they are final quilts. You can link up as many as you want but only the first one will count towards the final link-up giveaway.

And if you've turned your improv piece into a bag, a bib or something else, please link up and share. That counts as a finish!

If you've got yourself a finished quilt, - quilted, bound and beautiful - please join the parade!  Learn how on this post - photos due by May 1!

I can't wait to see what you've made!

An InLinkz Link-up

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Petit Four Sew-Along

I'm excited to share the latest project brought to you by Fat Quarter Shop.  These Petit Four boxes get their shape from By Annie's Soft and Stable product.  You can find the tutorial on the Jolly Jabber!

Aren't these cute?

I made one for my daughter, the UNC freshman (go Tarheels!) and intend to fill it will some Easter candy.

I've had this novelty fabric in stash for awhile.  I fussy cut and raw edge appliqued the NC patch to the center of the basket so when her candy is all gone, there will be something fun to look at!

These finish at the perfect sizes to sit on your sewing table and keep important things right where you need them.

Yes, jelly beans are important.  

And so is a nice place to keep mini charms, thread and my scissors.  I used Sweetwater Mama Said Sew layer cake squares for this one!

See the awesome video by Kimberly and Annie on the Jolly Jabber.  You can make these petit four just with layer cake squares and some Soft and Stable.

My petit fours will be linked up with Main Crush Monday's,   Freemotion by the River,   WIP Wednesday's,  Let's Bee Social, Midweek Makers.  Needle and Thread Thursdays, Finish it Up Friday and Finished or Not Friday.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

improv progress

In support of the play improv QAL and in addition to all the mini quilts I made in support of each week's prompt, I've been making a wall hanging improv quilt.

It is almost but not quite done.  I though I'd share a couple of progress photos to give you a sneak peak!

First, can you spot the difference between these two photos?

I'm just glad I realized I was missing the letter n before my piecing of the quilt top progressed any further!

In the photo below, I am auditioning different blocks and strips for placement in my quilt - you'll have to wait until the parade on May 3 to see the final quilt.  (Read more about the parade.)

I took my extra blocks and used them on the back - here is a view of part of the back.  I really like the way it looks.

I can't wait to share my final project.  I used American Made Brand fabrics for my quilt and Aurifil thread for my quilting.

The overall link up opens on April 11 and submission of parade photos is due by May 1.

Read more about play, an improv QAL here - it isn't too late to join the fun!


Have a wonderful day! Patty