October 2014 Demo Days - Improv Piecing

October 2014 SAMQG meeting was "Demo Days" in a round robin style where there were 4 stations set up and 4 guild members each demo'd a technique or style or method used in their quilt-making.

Jordan shared her methods and tricks for basic improv piecing. 

Click the images to see them larger.

Hi Jordan!  This is Jordan, holding an improv quilt she made.  She pointed out that the blocks go together fast and mostly from assorted scraps.  You are just one 40% off coupon away from loads of negative space in your quilt design.

In this picture, above, she's showing us that her stash is sorted into sizes.  Big scraps, Medium scraps and smalls.  Very smart system because in improv piecing you'll need to be able to match a random size side length or at least be able to build a piece long enough.  Personally, I have to say one of the most interesting fundamental parts is how she sorts all those scraps.

This block is an improv pieced block.  It is not wonky.  It just is improvisational in that it didn't have a starting plan other than to sew scraps together.  Every scrap in the orange piece was used in a previous quilt, which is why this block is very tidy and organized or, as it has been said "The Stepford Wife block of Improv Piecing"  

The two photos above are a bit more improvised  and unstructured.

Below:  Jordan also did a quick demo of improvised curve piecing.  Now that was all-kinds-of cool.

Take two pieces of fabric. Lay them on top of each other, with BOTH right sides of fabric facing up towards you.

Cut a gentle curve.

Fold one fabric onto the other fabric and start joining the curve. 

The two pieces will appear to not match, as one is a convex curve and the other is concave.  You know, they really do match, though, because you just cut this curve shape through both layers.

Take your time and work the fabric to stitch around the curve.  I'm sure basic curved piecing strategies are already showcased on Youtube.

And here's the finished gentle curve.  This piece is ready to hit the ironing board and be worked into a larger design.  

Ready. Set. Go.

Thanks for the improv tutorial, Jordan!

Jordan's US Army Quilt

This is the Show'n'Tell quilt that Jordan H brought to our October Guild Meeting.  I know you will want to see all the sections up close, so I grabbed loads of pictures for you.   

She tells us that many of her friends and family members are military and she often makes the military service members quilts.  Usually she makes them and gives them away so quickly that she doesn't get to share them with the guild.

Please click on the pictures to see them larger.  This no-pattern, improv-but-not-wonky, quilt has loads of very interesting pieces.

Hi Jordan, peeking from behind the awesome quilt.

In the photo above, you can see the lettering "A R M Y"

In the photo above, the letters " H O O A H"

In the photo above, the word "AIRBORNE"