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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Lazy Wins Again, and NTT

Once again, my scrap jars runneth over.  Occasionally when that happens, I don't mind sorting and cutting the contents of my jars into uniform sizes for a specific pattern (like when I made Snippets, my Scrappy X+ quilt), but most of the time, I prefer to make quilts with them using improv piecing.  I really do love the freeing feeling of sewing without a plan, and if I'm being 100% honest, it's a great way to sew for someone like me, who's just a little bit lazy and likes to quilt in the fast lane.

I love being able to dump out some scraps and just start putting them together; and most of the time, I keep sewing until the jars are completely empty to make one gigantic quilt (like Serendipity or Shattered Rainbow).  This time though, I decided to take a slightly different approach.  Instead of one huge quilt, I am going to bust through all of my scraps with several smaller quilts between other projects (which I realize is probably the more "normal" way of doing things).  I'm still not going to do any cutting, but it will require a tiny bit of sorting.  My Vertigo quilt was the first product of this planned scrap busting, but make no mistake, there are still lots of scraps to go.


After Vertigo was finished, I decided to do some structured improv by pairing scraps with this awesome black and white sketch print, and I'm really thrilled with the way they look together.  So thrilled in fact, that I've decided to add this fun quilt to my class offerings.  This quilt is a great way to dip your toe into improv piecing if you're not quite comfortable with it (or a fun way to play, even if you are).  By using your own treasured scraps, choosing your perfect background fabric, and even your own layout, there are so many ways to make the quilt uniquely yours.  The layout options are practically endless, and I couldn't resist playing around before I sewed my own blocks together.

Check out my Teaching page for more info, or just send me an email if you'd like to learn or perfect this technique with your group!

In case you missed it, last week's party was full of amazing inspiration!  Here are some of the projects that really caught my eye!  This Nighttime Blossoms quilt by Barb at Mountain Quiltworks is gorgeous!


Jen's Crafts and Quilts Scrapbook shared this lovely quilt, and the photo setting is magical!


and just look at this adorable mini from Monkey Needle!


I can't wait to see what you bring to this week's party!  Oh, and by the way, there's a giveaway going on right now, so after you link up, be sure to head over and enter HERE!

Alright, let's link up!

1.  You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!
2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.
3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  
4. Spread the comment love far and wide!
5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)




12 comments:

  1. Gosh I wish I was fast and cool like you, LOL! I'm so ready to get past my orderly, matchy matchy way of needing to do things. Your posts always push me a little more towards trying improv. I love it so much but I never do it, isn't that dumb?! Great quilt Kelly and thanks for more inspiration :)

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  2. Love all those layout options, but the one you chose was the best!

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  3. What an awesome way to use up scraps. I wish I lived closer so I could take a class and learn this technique.

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  4. Kelly, that is amazing! What a neat idea! Did you make squares of your scrap improv and then put them together with the background to make the HSTs? It is such a great idea for scraps!

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  5. Very fun and effective use of scraps! Looking forward to seeing your other scrappy projects.

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  6. Thanks for sharing all the setting options -- great visual!!

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  7. Wow, you really came up with a variety of designs using those scraps!

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  8. Love your take on the scraps - easier on the eye for me than the straight vortex idea. Thanks for the inspiration to tackle my overflowing bags!

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  9. Interesting seeing your chevrons; I have the urge to do another string quilt, but after I make the string squares, I want to cut them in half on the diagonal, pair them with a solid and play as you did, with the layout! Don't pretty much all the layouts make you want to make another quilt? Or ten!

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  10. A beautiful scraps quilt and design.

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  11. I saw Barb's quilt and loved it too. I also love YOUR Vertigo quilt...I also like the Boxed In and Pinwheel versions!! I think I found the pattern I needed to make my H2H donation quilt!! THANKS for the inspiration!

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  12. Great quilts in here. I like Nighttime Blossoms. Vertigo could be a favorite for me.

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