Matrix

After the recent On the Grid workshop with Maria Shell, I had a few improv elements to work with, but a ways to go to a finished quilt. First up was to build out the quarter log cabin blocks I'd begun. I loved how these ended up, but of course, more was needed.

I used a few of the tiny crosses as the center, and created some stripe sets; and for me, it was now a quilt top.

For the back, I did use the tracks I'd made in the workshop, made a few more tiny crosses and stripes, and put them all together.

For quilting, an uneven grid seemed appropriate, so I started in with Aurifil 40wt 2600 [Light Gray]. As I was quilting, I thought to myself that it might have been a good idea to use a lavender thread to bring out that lavender in the log cabin blocks. And then I realized it wasn't too late! So I used the gray thread for the lines going in one direction; and Aurifil 50wt 2515 [Light Orchid] for the perpendicular lines. I think it suits!

Once quilted, it was obviously time for binding, and for some reason, it came to me that a chunky binding would be a great fit for this little quilt. [I'd come up with my own method for that but if you're interested, Audrey's @cottonandbourbon Wide Binding Tutorial is very similar and very helpful.]

This piece also seemed to call for matched binding, and this was the first time I combined the two binding methods. It was a little tricky on a piece this small (27" x 27"), but it worked out ok. Note, though, that the 'matching' lines up with the lavender fabric placement on the front, but not on the back.

Though I ended up not being happy with the larger palette I initially chose for the On the Grid workshop, I really like the narrower palette I used on the front of this quilt. Overall, this was a really fun piece that I named "Matrix." So much, that I've already signed up for Maria's next Improv for Everyone workshop, Improv for Everyone–Improv Triangles–Virtual Workshop to be held on January 4, 2025.

Linking up with Quilting JETgirl's Favorite Finish Linky.

Improv for Everyone :: On the Grid

When I saw Maria Shell @mariashellquilts post about her Improv for Everyone workshop on Saturday, I joined right up. Having taken a previous class with her, and exploring several improv techniques in her book, Improv Patchwork, I knew it would be worth my time. Plus, last year, I'd seen her On the Grid exhibit locally. I was definitely interested in hearing what she had to say.

In preparation for the workshop, we were to pull a full range of solid fabrics representing the color wheel (purple, blue, turquoise, green, yellow, orange, red, and pink) and neutrals (black, white, brown, and grey). I remembered that Maria encouraged us to create a non-traditional - not the traditional brights - so I kept that in mind. In retrospect, the brown I chose (left fabric on bottom) looks pretty close to the red (second from right on the top). So I probably won't use both.

"On the Grid" was primarily about making improv plaid blocks, but Maria included so much more. I made the blocks in the left and center columns below during the workshop - plaid, quarter log cabins, and tiny crosses. The 'track' on the right, I couldn't resist trying once class was over. Not quite sure where all this is headed, so I'll let it marinate for a bit. I'll definitely be adding more to the quarter log cabins.

At any rate, I'm so glad I was able to attend the workshop, and am looking forward to the next Improv for Everyone workshop in January 2025.