Saturday, May 09, 2009

It's been a very good week....

in the Valley *VBS* With so many packages arriving, it felt like Christmas...maybe better. Why? Because it was ALL fabric and quilt related! A stuffed-to-overflowing computer paper box from Dianna in Iowa. This is my 2nd box from her. Yardages of fabric,some bits and pieces, some scraps and a couple of quilt tops ready to finish up. It will all get used Diannia, and a big thank you!! I won a drawing for a box of scraps and FQs(and 2 patterns)from Minick and Simpson, a real treat for me as I own none of their fabric line or patterns. Those talented gals design for Moda. Thank you Polly and Laurie! And my "I won" jellyroll from Vickie of Mid-Ohio Knitter's drawing. That's also how I won the Minick & Simpson scraps. I have managed to get some sewing done this week. I got these kitchen sink blocks together for a donation quilt, now to get it pinned.
 And the spirit has been moving me to work with the "Improv" idea. I think that is pretty much what I do anyway(with orphan blocks and odd bits) but I've never thought of it as improv. I suppose what I do could be called a method.
 I begin with a center block(or maybe not, depending) and then add on. I don't lay this type of piecing out. I sit at the machine, with the "beginnings" in my lap and audition assorted squares(and parts) to see what will fit and what might look good in that spot. I've found that spacers are a big help. You can sneak in some pretty dull bits, as long as there is a brighter place for the eye to rest. I don't measure except with my eyes. If some is left over at the end of the joining seam, I just whack it off with the scissor.Having a pile of HSTs of various sizes is handy, as are strips of assorted sizes.
This is more labor intense and slow, than working with blocks of the same size and lattice. So far I haven't wandered into the block and lattice approach. Must be I like doing the way I do it....LOL
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16 comments:

Scrappy quilter said...

I love the way you quilt friend. You've given me so many ideas.

Congrats on the wins and the wonderful boxes in the mail.

Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day. Hugs..

Michele Bilyeu said...

You ARE the original Improv and Liberated, Finn! All the gals who plot and plan and sketch and use graphic paper to be liberated need to come here more often and fly by the seat of their pants as your co-pilots for a while! Me, I just fly without instruments completely...or a sense of direction! Makes life so much more interesting, don't you think??? ;)

jovaliquilts said...

What always amazes me is that no matter how different the parts are, they always look like they go together when you're done!

Libby said...

What fun to find such goodies in your mailbox . . . . I can hardly wait to see things start popping up in your projects *s*

Cher said...

hurray for winning so many different boxes of fun stuff! I work that way too with fabric...

Sunna Reyr said...

Lucky you. Congratulation on the fabric. Although I really like that "round robin" version I find that the other one draws the eye more. Could be that I was searching for a rhyme or a reason. Lol. But seriously, there is something quite inviting about it.

Rosalyn Manesse said...

This is all making my head spin. But I guess you have a handle on it. Happy sewing.

meggie said...

Well, your way is perfect. You turn out some really lovely bright quilts using 'your way'!

ForestJane said...

Happy Mother's Day, Finn!

I like both of those little quilts, are they going to be crib sized or are you planning on adding more and making them twin sized?

*karendianne. said...

Well you can brighten up anything with the way you do things. I love your creativity - just flowing and flowing. You ROCK!

Magpie Sue said...

You and I must be sisters from different mothers ;- ) What you've described is one of my favorite ways to work too. (And maybe I've gotten stalled because I'm not currently working that way. Hmm...)

Congratulations on all your winnings! I hope you have a Happy Mother's Day Finn!

Granny Lyn said...

Well, you are a lucky lil' thing, aren't you? I just can't wait to see what those scraps turn into!! you know how much I love scraps!!

Judy S. said...

Improv, I love it, Finn! Thanks for visiting my blog.

julieQ said...

I am so glad for you and all your gifts, especially the ones you share with us...your quilting ones!

Mary said...

How much fun is that!! Love your "improv" method. Your quilts are truly your own.

em's scrapbag said...

What fun gifts for you. I look forwardt to seeing what you make thime into.