Roman Stripe Improv Art Quilt Finish

Roman Stripe: Variation I

I laughed a little when I typed the name above. Variation I. I wrote I because there is already a II in the works. I need this kind of work in my life to balance me. It makes me whole. This play on a traditional pattern that I would call an art quilt. Very traditional scraps spun into something that begged for stitching. Stitching that took on a life of its own. My fingers knew. My head did not. 

How to Create Quilts with Drama

High Contrast Creates Drama

I have quilter friends who never want their quilts to be the center of attention. They carefully choose a few colors to blend well, and avoid large prints at all costs. Their quilts are calming, and quite beautiful. They look at some of my work, and all they can say is, "I would never do that." Folks, let's not tell them I have happily painted whole rooms both Tupelo green and bubble gum pink. I think you either love dramatic design or it scares the britches off you. 

Improv Chinese Coins Finish

Ready for a Sleeve...of Some Kind

Almost every picture I use on Pink Doxies is shot with a 5 year old Canon Power Shot Elph 110 HS. It's not a high end camera, and smaller and lighter than my iPhone of the same vintage. It's easy to throw in my purse. But occasionally I like to use iPhone pictures, if only to give an idea of what things look like under less-than-ideal conditions. When we look at our work in real life--in our homes, they are not typically in optimal photo studio lighting. A quilted piece should not be hung in bright daylight especially as textiles are prone to fading. So let's get real and pretend this is going to be something hung in a hallway, which it is. The light will probably be dim most of the time, and look much like above.

Slow Stitching & Heavy Heart

Improv Chinese Coins

It has been a long week or two. Harvey first then Irma on his tail. We have a home on Florida's west coast, and the town and those nearby have evacuated. We survived a direct hit from hurricane Charley 13 years ago, but Irma seems much more wicked. Living in the northern U.S. we don't face the same issues as those who are there full time, but we are sad/afraid/worried for good friends there. I have been watching the storm updates, and stitching out my worries. There is nothing to do until the storm passes through.

Improv Chinese Coins from Scraps

Pocket Change Improv

This project was born from scraps. The fabric is a combination of Kaffe Fassett, Moda Grunge, and batiks. Check them out as 9 patches in this post for A Lesson In Value & Fabric Choice and a Hop. I had separated the scraps in a box instead of mixing them into my scrap stash, and they were easily turned into this wall hanging based on the Chinese coins pattern.

Strips, Strings & Fine Lines Between Roman Stripes

Basket Weave & Chinese Coins

Both Roman Stripe Patterns

This weekend was a perfect time to wander about town looking for examples of lines. I am curious how the things we see influence the things we make. Elements of our lives and everyday world find their way into our work naturally. 

Dangerous Roads Quilting

"Dangerous Roads"

First things first, folks. I've been on 'blogcation', meaning I took a break from blogging. Unplanned, but it happened naturally. The rhythm of summer took over with holidays, friends, home projects, and keeping up with acres and acres of mowing. The heat and rain just keep coming here in the Midwest, with no end in sight. My current projects have been full marathons as opposed to when I could say, "Look at the pot holder I whipped up!" 

The Positive Aspects of a Slow Design Process

Blocks Are Together

Design Process seems to be my theme this week. I like hearing how other people make design decisions, and it actually helps me to share my process with you. Your feedback is another component to it, and I enjoy listening. The one thing that keeps resonating back and forth is design can't be rushed. I'm glad to know you put things up and take them down, too, waiting for inspiration. 

I think the negative feelings expressed about Works In Progress (WIP's) are far over-rated. I have many, and will bet you do, too! But waiting for an idea to surface is showing patience--not procrastination. It's not rushing forward to get it done just to say you did it. 

Slow Sewing for the Soul

A Slow Stitch Saturday Morning

This past Saturday was filled with light. I have a north window in my studio, and the light was perfect to sit and hand stitch these last few pieces. The turkey and deer kept stopping at my window as if to say, "Just passing through to see what you're doing this fine morning." It was soothing to the soul. The few seams I had to complete were with Aurifil's Invisible Monofilament Thread, and unless the light is perfect it is darned difficult to see! I really love this thread.

Herding and Bordering Flying Geese:Day 9

Rows of Geese

I made these flying geese with a method that produces bias edges on all sides of the original HST. Check it out HERE. After turning them into flying geese strips, I was left with just a bias edge on each outside edge. These will all be bordered with fabric so it won't be a problem. 

Finished Mini Round Robin

2016 Mini Round Robin

Quilted and bound, but label-less. 
Finished, but technically not done.

Regardless of the fine points, this project is off the WIP list. 

Island Management: An Art Quilt

Island Management

If I tell you I've been neglecting everyone and everything for a few days, would you forgive me? I'm sorry if I owe you an email or reply. Soon, I promise. There's a story with a not-so-happy ending, too, if you want to read on, and I'm the only one to blame. Ready?

How Instagram Saved My Design

The Process Is the Prize

You may not believe the above statement, but I do. I find more joy in working out problems than finishing the project. That doesn't--or shouldn't occur if using a published pattern, so I choose to go the organic route, and create my own. 

This started as an experiment in improv block making, and merged with another design I'd made a few months back. It's dominated my design wall for weeks, and I pushed myself this week to finish all the improv blocks. When it came to the setting triangles at the sides, I decided more improv blocks would muddy it up. It was back to the stash to find a fabric that would work, and once again the Moda Grunge won with it's unique texture. There was just one problem.

Improv Art Quilt Progress

I thought I should show you some progress after a design wall stall. I jumped ship on this project to work on the Naked Ladies quilt, but I'm back. 

This particular project has taken a lot of my time just standing and staring. Rarely have I ever made anything like this, and it has taken a while to adjust to. First was the color, width, and variety of the strips. 

Three Naked Ladies Blooming In the Moonlight

Three Naked Ladies

In my early years as a gardener, I was a plant hound. If I knew a house was to be torn down, I would ask to go in first, and dig out all the useful plants I could haul. Sometime in my scavenging I brought home some tag-a-longs. Several belladonna lily bulbs were planted along with daffodils, and it wasn't until nearly a year later when most of summer blooms were over that they magically popped up at the edge of the woods. Beautiful, pale pink flowers on leafless stems, hence the name, Naked Ladies!

Taming the Scrap Monster

Can you remember the first time you set aside scraps thinking you would never save enough to make an actual quilt? I used to look at those scrappy creations, and nearly swoon. Many quilters admittedly prefer the look of using one single fabric line, but others like me throw abandon to the wind, and think the more the better. 

Improv Quilt: Gold Rush

Gold Rush

Stripped together from a box of scraps donated by a friend, these outcasts have taken on a new life. Two people said immediately it reminded them of a Gustav Klimt work. I believe this is the piece to which they referred. Stocletfriez

Image: Gustav Klimt, Wikipedia

Improv Quilt Finish

Let me start by saying this quilt design isn't every one's cup of tea, but it speaks to me. It started off as an improv project at an Amy Butler Dreaming Big in Color weekend.

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 Delights of Winter & Improvisational Design

We are nearing the solstice, and the dark days of winter are upon us. Our circadian rhythm changes. As soon as the light fades in late afternoon, some of us are ready for bed. Some say it's depressing. It can be. It's a mindless act to turn to t.v. or the internet for entertainment, but those can be unfulfilling. Add to it a month of holidays across several religions, and it's a pretty good reason to stay in bed.