Whoa. I've been working on getting projects crossed off my list this month, hoping I'd still have time to participate in the current QIS challenge, Modular Rhythms. Windows of time opened up over the weekend that allowed me to do just that, and it was probably the most satisfying creative time since the holidays. Meet Configured.
There are always several requirements in participating in a QIS challenge, and this was no exception:
- The palette was quite specific - Kona White, Black, Ash, Rich Red, Nacho Cheese, though a few very similar shades were acceptable. Luckily I had all the Konas on hand, so used those.
- Within the set palette, there were also minimum fabric amounts: white and red - 8" x 21" - the dominant presence; and gray, black, and yellow - 8" x 11" - accents, preferably in line-based compositions.
- Square finish, with a minimum composition size of 16" x 16". Configured finished at 18.5" x 18.5".
- Finally, with our quilted submission, there were a few questions to respond to. What does this piece represent for you? What do you want to express with this work? What was interesting about the creative process? Following is my written response:
Inspired by a multi-windowed building, my main focus was on the modular shapes and supporting strips between them. The repetition of the layered horizontal lines were one way to express the rhythm theme, while the dancing of color and size of the 'windows' was another. I found the palette very interesting to work with, especially while trying to work with the suggested visual balance. This piece was built one component at a time, deciding on the next section's needs as I went. The small size of the overall piece made that a very manageable and enjoyable way to create.
For the back of Configured (above), you can probably tell I started with my project scraps. Other than the scrappy pieced sections, I intentionally chose not to include black and white in the back, but went went a narrowed down palette. Straight-line quilting was done with Aurifil 50wt 2620 [Stainless Steel], which coordinated with the Kona Ash very nicely. I originally had a more complicated quilting plan in mind, but once I was this far, it felt like enough. I definitely did not want the quilting to overpower the design.
Finished off with a simple, yet grounding, Rich Red binding, the time spent bringing Configured to life was so fulfilling, and it felt good to stretch my improv muscles again.
Be sure and visit Quilt Improv Studio @quiltimprovstudio on Instagram to see the other entries. I think you'll enjoy the gallery!
Linking up with Quilting Jetgirl's Favorite Finish {January 2026}.
I've been watching the quilts for this challenge. There is such a variety. Really like your idea and how it turned out. Do you have your improv quilts up on display in your home?
ReplyDeleteWhat stands out to me the most on this first viewing of your piece are the angled lines. I think it might just be because I am feeling the strength of leaning in and on to people and other foundational core values and beliefs to get through the day right now, but those leaning pieces are standing out to me. It's a natural part of the rhythm of life to have the good days where we stand tall and can support those around us, and then days when the roles are reversed. I'm so glad you had time and had so much joy working on this, and thanks for linking up with Favorite Finish!
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