Tuesday, January 13, 2009

True Improv!

I joined Jacquie's Project Improv pretty much the day she announced it. I think it's a wonderful way to wake up your brain and do something for a good cause all at the same time.
Project Improv Orange/Pink Block
Much as I was itching to get going on this, I had some other things going that took MUCH longer than anticipated. This morning I scheduled some sewing time and it worked!

True anal retentive perfectionist improviser that I am, I opened up EQ5 and started working on a pretty little log cabin-ish block design.
I then went to my in-house fabric store (have I told you how great that is? Dangerously great!) and pulled some pink and orange fabrics.
As soon as I cut the fabric, the whole plan evaporated. I saw those pretty selvedges and knew I had to incorporate them.
It's amazing how quickly a block grows to 12.5" though! I only had space for one selvedge.
Project Improv Orange/Pink Block
I was very happy with the outcome. Then I realized that not all my "selvedges" were true selvedges. It comes with the "improv" territory that not everything will turn out exactly as envisioned, I think.
I had to bring Bernie (15 year old Bernina) out of retirement for a little zig-zag love.
Project Improv Orange/Pink Block

I'm really happy with this block! Thanks for the inspiration Jacquie!
(You can see more Project Improv projects in the Flickr group.)

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26 comments:

  1. MichelleBJanuary 13, 2009 at 3:22 PM

    I LOVE it! It looks great - and I love those fabrics. I have to finish some stuff before I can work on my Project Improv. I'm chomping at the bit.

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  2. rachel griffithJanuary 13, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    oh such happy colors!!!
    it looks great!!!
    :D

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  3. Ashley AnnJanuary 13, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Cute!

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  4. Jackie RussellJanuary 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM

    I love it!!

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM

    What a happy block!! I'm with Michelle, I'm needing the get some other things out of the way before I start, but all of the lovely improv blocks popping up are getting me very excited!

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  6. UnknownJanuary 13, 2009 at 7:03 PM

    I love how your block turned out. I made mine this weekend and had so much fun I couldn't stop. I made 4. You are so right that 12.5 inches grew really fast! I took pictures, I just have to upload them and send them onto Jacquie.

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  7. TerriawJanuary 13, 2009 at 7:17 PM

    You make me laugh because I'm a perfectionist too, which is why I haven't joined the Project Improv yet. I'm not quite ready to make that step! I really love this block you made. I love how you used the selvedge and it looks like the fabrics are from the same collection, or similar. Well done!

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  8. NatashaJanuary 13, 2009 at 8:17 PM

    I love that look. It is hard for me to adjust to because when I learned to quilt while working in a quilt shop I was taught to be sure to cut off all the selvage because it is a different fabric grade and could cause odd shrinking. What do you think?

    You have to check out- http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/ to see the beautiful work she does with selvages! She did an entire dress! Amazing.

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  9. MichelleJanuary 13, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    Looks great!

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  10. UnknownJanuary 13, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    i love how cheery it is!

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  11. KristinJanuary 13, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    Ohh, I REALLY like this block. Oh no, more inspiration! Orange and pink - cool. And the selvedge is a great touch.

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  12. dutchcomfortJanuary 14, 2009 at 1:56 AM

    A wonderful Twiddletails Improv block Anina!

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2009 at 10:06 AM

    OOOOOOh! Yummy Colors!
    http://allthingscolorful.blogspot.com/

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  14. KateKwiltzJanuary 14, 2009 at 11:15 AM

    Love it! Great idea to incorporate the selvages!

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  15. jacquieJanuary 14, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    ditto, ditto, ditto! it's so much fun to see what everyone is coming up with! great work.

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  16. ThimbleannaJanuary 14, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    Very nice Anina. I love your color choices!

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  17. KatherineJanuary 14, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Gorgeous! I love your Improv work, Anina. Your fabric choices are fantastic.

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  18. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~January 14, 2009 at 2:55 PM

    Love your block. The pink & orange reminds me of the 60's and high school. Loved it then and still love the combo.

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  19. Amanda JeanJanuary 14, 2009 at 5:05 PM

    i can only imagine how fun it would be to have an in house fabric shop. :)

    love your block!

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  20. Laurie and ChrisJanuary 14, 2009 at 6:42 PM

    Love the colors!!

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    I love your block! I also love the idea of Project Improv and just went over and signed up myself! Thanks for sharing. Also, using the selvedge - genius!

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  22. Chara MicheleJanuary 15, 2009 at 4:10 PM

    I can imagine that the in house fabric shop is a bit dangerous :)
    Love how you included the selvedges into this block!

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2009 at 10:14 PM

    God... i love it!! Those colours just go together so well!! Lx

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  24. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2009 at 4:43 PM

    What a creative way to use the selvegaes!!! Beautiful block!

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  25. A Spoonful Of SugarJanuary 18, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    The selvedge was the perfect finishing touch - the pink and orange look so pretty together!

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  26. HelenJanuary 20, 2009 at 12:38 AM

    Lovely cool colours, my favourite combo!

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