Slab One :: Improv Strings

For this year's "block-of-the-month" project, the Seattle MQG will be making different improv blocks each month. The first assignment is a 15"x30" 'slab' of string blocks.

I posted my fabric choices a few weeks ago, and I'm mostly happy with them. I'm definitely pleased with the colors (including Kona Color of the Year, Highlight), but having second thoughts about the neutrals. Though you can't really tell in these photos (nor in real life, actually), I used 3 - Kona Oyster, Bone, and Natural. Though I do like the look of things overall, so maybe I'll just keep using all 3.

For my first block (the little inset one shown below), I referenced the improv string block tutorial by Penny/sewtakeahike. I continued to add curves in subsequent blocks - just randomly as I felt like it. I also incorporated trimmings as I could - in a couple of 'pieced' stripes as well as a 'frame' around my first block to bring it up to size.

I was surprised how time-consuming these blocks were and how much fabric I used just cutting strips willy-nilly. But I'm really happy with this first slab and anxious to see what's up for next month!

By the way, there's still a few days to join the #konacotychallenge over on Instagram. Click here to see the prize! It's a beautiful mix of Kona Solids, Essex, and Carolyn Friedlander prints - totally worth entering for a chance to win. So perfect timing to get my string slab done!