Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Day 2: Soft Finish for Improv Quilt & Journaling



This quilt center was started as an improv project at an Amy Butler retreat. A partner and I had to randomly choose fabrics for each other, and build up quilt blocks from the scraps. It was too small to do much with so I kept building around it after I got home. I have to admit I do this type of medallion built quilt a lot. It's comforting to add a border, watch it grow, and then make a decision from there. 

The salmon fabric came from a recycled dress that was probably from the 1950's-1960's, and adds bling. Who says scrappy improv can't be glamorous?


Ask me what one of my favorite parts of the quilt is?


Oh, yes! The little, tiny pieces that wound up in the mitered corners!



I used Aurifil Invisible thread in the swirling center and outer border, and also the pieced borders echoing those stripes. For the blue and dusty rose borders, I used a dark, mossy green Omni. It's wonderful how it pops a little with the navy, and blends into the pink. I kept the quilting very organic, and on the looser side.


I had a couple yards of this vintage floral for the backing, and pieced it on each side with a dark navy and maroon.



Did you get outside today? 
Did you have sun where you live?



This is a great little book I dug out today for ideas, and I started by plastering down some papers as a background base. I used Matte Medium to cover the base paper in my journal, arranged my paper on top of it, and covered it all with another coat of Matte Medium. Yes, it get's crinkly and not-so-perfect, but I like the texture. I did it early this afternoon so it would be dry by tonight. Sharpie markers work well over it all.

My goal today is simply a list of things I associate with December. 

No judgment. 
Just brainstorming. 



Oh, and some glittery sequins to pretty it up. 







11 comments:

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Looks like you are having fun!!

PaulaB quilts said...

Hi, again. The idea of doing medallion scrap quilting had not occurred to me. The way you put it, about adding another thing and then looking at it to decide what comes next is a relaxing thought. Not too much pressure to get a bunch of blocks finished. I have a Civil War era medallion quilt which shows those features, both plan and spontaneity. Thanks for the idea

Tumlaren said...

I like your quilt very much. Nice colours!

Stitchin At Home said...

A lovely scrappy medallion quilt. How awesome!

Jayne said...

What a beauty! I love figuring things out as I piece together quilts...love the colors in this one!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

That looks really good. That elegant fabric sets off all the rest of the quilt quite nicely.

Cathy said...

That is such a fun scrappy quilt! I love it!

the zen quilter said...

How cool to use a recycled dress for this piece. I love improv too - it's very satisfying in many ways, This turned out great. I too love those teeny tiny pieces that happen sometimes with this technique. I couldn't make them happen if I were actually trying to do it!

Linda M said...

I love the bit of bling the recycled dress added.

Lara B. said...

That looks really cool Julie and I especially love that you used a vintage dress an upcycled the fabric! I've never made a medallion style quilt and you make it look like a fun thing to try.

Carli The Quilter said...

Wow, that is one pretty quilt! I can't stop looking at it, wonderful improv inspiration!