Category Archives: Improv

Black White Red and Grey Improv Pillow

Another improv pillow! This pillow and needle book were gifts for a talented quilter and artist for the birthday swap we participate in on Instagram. She appreciates improv work and loves polka dots, red, black and grey. Linen, too. Metallic, even!

I pulled inspiration by exploring various art pieces such as abstract paintings, collages, and typography posters. I also used graphic design principles to embrace negative space and to incorporate line-work and balance, while maintaining spontaneity and fun.

I gladly dove into my linen stash: grey, white, cream, metallic (all Robert Kaufman except the metallic). I also used some Cloud9 Fabrics Cirrus Solids in Lava and Midnight.

The pillow is matchstick quilted, because sometimes, is there any other way?

I love how the palette made the overall design of the piece feel even more graphic.

– Daniela

Improv Landscape Mini Quilt

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I was very excited to be in the third round of the Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap. My partner has great taste as she indicated that she likes linen, bright colors and solids (yes!).

I improv-pieced this mini quilt with three types of Robert Kaufman linen, a drop or two of Kona solids and a beautiful range of Cloud9 Fabrics Cirrus Solids.

Based on abstract art influences, I used color, balance, and scale to make small improvisational blocks. I also used scissors and a design as you go method to appreciate the process and the journey of creating this piece.

I would like to make something similar for myself in the same palette. The beauty of making another is that it will never be the same, but that is what I love about the nature of improvisation and of handmade.

The improv mini measures about 16 x 20 inches and is matchstick quilted.

-Daniela

Lucky, the Improv Quilt

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Recently, The Modern Quilt Guild had a fabric challenge using Michael Miller fabrics. “Lucky” is the quilt that I entered in the challenge.

I let the fabric sit for a long time…until the week of the deadline. I finally decided to take the plunge and enjoy the process. I used the tradition of quilting and abstract expressionism as inspiration to create an improvisational piece with a contemporary aesthetic while exploring how it affects my identity and my journey.

Why, yes, that is my design wall on the floor. When working improv, for me, it is sometimes easier that way.

I used various Petal Pinwheels prints and a mixture of cotton couture solids including white and soft white. I love the subtle quality these two whites add to a quilt when paired together. A bit of hot pink was added (one of my favorite colors) along with shades of orange, aqua and gray to compliment the challenge fabrics.

For the quilting, there was no predetermined plan. I went with what felt “right” while quilting.

I used larger scale pieces for the back of the quilt.

I should add that I basically did not eat much and ~~ignored~~ put many things on the back-burner while making the quilt so it could be completed on time. Ever get like that? So focused on something there is nothing else you could possibly do until it was completed? Yep, guilty. But, I enjoyed every minute of creating this quilt!

I plan on entering “Lucky” into the quilt show at QuiltCon. Should I enter it for exhibition only or to be judged? What do you think?

“Lucky” measures 47” x 58”. I named it “Lucky” because I was lucky enough to finish it in the nick of time to enter it into the challenge. No, actually, I named it “Lucky” because I feel that I am lucky to have discovered quilting as a means of my artistic expression and also to be part of this awesome quilting community. xo

– Daniela

The On-Nee Pillow

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We made a pillow for my honey. The kids and I. You see, my honey does not have a quilt just yet. The kids have quilts. I have a quilt (a very small one!). But my honey, no…he has no quilt. We wanted to make him a gift, but it had to be something we could all manage to make for him. A pillow! Perfect!

I chose colors and fabrics that he prefers that are from my favorite designers (Anna Maria Horner, Carolyn Friedlander, Denyse Schmidt). Oh, and linen…linen, how I love you so. Let us not forget the pops of orange to go with our family room. Have I mentioned yet that I love lots of color?

I went full force with the improvisational piecing. I used scissors. Gasp! Scissors, you ask? Yes! It’s so freeing to work in this way, I love it. When I work improv, it’s like working on a painting for me. I may have an idea of where I am going, but not a solid one. It changes as I create. It gets better, sometimes not, but because I make up the rules, it always works out in the end. ; )

My son did a great job doing some of the piecing.

My daughter and I quilted the organic lines. She’s so proud. Look at that smile!

Why the On-Nee pillow, you ask? My honey and I, refer to each other as “On-Nee” as a term of endearment. We picked that up from my parents. They call each other “Honey” but because they do not pronounce their H’s in English because they are native Italian speakers, they pronounce it “On-Nee.” Cute, right?

-Daniela