Modern Improv QAL - 2019 Guild Quilt-A-Long

Modern Improvisational Piecing 

Quilt-a-Long

#2019improvqal

Centraljerseymqg.blogspot.com 

 

 

Welcome to the 2019 CJMQG Improvisational Piecing Quilt-a-Long!

This Quilt-a-Long is designed to explore the modern concept of Improvisational Piecing and Improvisational quilts.  This block of the month style Quilt-a-Long (QAL) will focus on creating improvisational blocks and ultimately a finished improvisational quilt.   Each month for 10 months, starting in Jan, there will be a different improvisational technique or theme to explore using free on-line tutorials and other resources which will be provided with the theme. 
After the 10 months you will have created 10 improv blocks.  Then in November you will be provided techniques and we will discuss various ways to take your blocks and make them into your own unique improvisational Quilt!
Finally, at the guild meeting in March 2020 we will have a finished quilt reveal, and participants will have a chance to win a nice give-a-way.
This QAL is for all levels of quilters and is open to anyone anywhere.

How it Works:
·         Choose your color pallet for the quilt/project you wish to create. This will help bring cohesiveness while we experiment with improvisational themes.
·         Determine and have on hand enough fabric for the finished project you want to create.  (See fabric requirements below).
·         The monthly theme will be revealed at the CJMQG meeting live, and on this page and on our Groupworks forum the day after. Themes will be introduced for 10 months (Jan.-Oct.)
·         Each month make your own improv block related to the month’s theme, of any size, using your own chosen color palette and fabrics. 
·         Share your block at the next month’s guild meeting and share on Instagram with the hashtag #cjmqg and #2019improvqal
·         Nov 2019-March 2020, put your quilt together, for the final reveal at the CJMQG March 2020 meeting.

Questions about this QAL? 
Contact Jamee Pemberton, QAL Leader here.

Definitions of Improvisational Quilting:  

Improvisational quilting is a favorite technique used by many modern quilters — using simple shapes and a variety of techniques, quilters piece blocks using their own eclectic mixture of favorite fabrics. As each piece of fabric is added, quilters are able to make choices regarding fabric selection and placement.” By Sherri McConnell
Excerpt from Sherry Lynn Wood’s book, Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters ….”Improvisation is about exploring, not explaining.  It’s about finding your own way and making your own decisions, through noticing your own preferences and patterns of mind.”
Some common words that are often used with Improv sewing are: Liberated, no patterns, no rulers, design as you go, anything goes… etc.
What does Improv mean to you?  Write down some or your ideas and understanding.  Share
    

Fabric Requirements

When developing an improvisatory patchwork one tends to use more fabric. For this quilt-a-long, I recommend that up front, decide the approximate size of a finished quilt you would like to make and select your colors and fabric.   You will want to have enough on hand for the whole process so you don’t run out of a specific color towards the end.  Here are some guidelines.  Basically, whatever finished size you desire, have on hand 50% more fabric than the finished size.  Here is a simple chart.

Quilt Size
Approximate total fabric needed for a quilt top
50% more for Improv Style
Baby Quilt,  30 x 40
1 yard
1 ½ yards
Crib Quilt, 36 x 52
1 ½ yards
2 ¼ yards
Throw, 50 x 65
3 yards
4 ½ yards*
Twin, 70 x 90
5 yards
7 ½ yards*
Double/Full,  85 x 108
7 yards
10 ½ yards
Queen, 90 x 108
7 ½ yards
11 ¼ yards
King, 110 x 108
9 yards
13 ½ yards
* Recommend Throw or Twin Size

Resources

Monthly Theme