I made this quilt as a gift for friends who are celebrating a big milestone in a few weeks! I knew I wanted this quilt to be green, but I didn’t have a lot of plans beyond that when I started sewing. I let this project direct me, and I love how it unfolded.
I started by dumping all of my green scraps on the table, and sewed some together. Then I sewed more together, and more and more. Then I sewed groups of scraps to groups of scraps, until larger squares began to emerge. I set them aside when they got large, and once I had 9 of them I squared them to be 16 inches. I knew a quilt top made entirely of small scraps would be too busy, so I kept things broken up by framing the blocks with solid green fabrics, and I added off white sashing in between. As you can see from the pictures, it finished up to be pretty large! For the back I used some prints from my stash that went with the vibrant green I saw as the profile of the quilt.
This was my first scrap quilt, and I consider myself hooked. It was so satisfying to use my scraps and to make something I liked so much out of them. I also really enjoy the freedom of improvisational piecing. The more I sew, the more I learn about the style and techniques that appeal to me. I also loved letting the quilt lead me as it came together– I considered different layouts and designs as the blocks took shape, and every time I needed to make a decision I felt sure about the direction the blocks were taking.
I can’t wait to start my next improv scrap quilt!
(Also– thanks Liv for helping me take the photos, and for accompanying me to my favorite quilt photo shoot location!)
I’m linking up to Megan’s blog today for “sew modern monday”– head over to see more modern sewing projects!
A breath of fresh air. Love it!
Your quilt turned out terrific! I love monochromatic scrappy quilts – it reduces the chaos somewhat ๐
Where is that quilt shoot? Those barns (?) are wonderful!
Lovely, lovely quilt.
It’s amazing how things (like scraps) that most people would throw away can take us on a whole new journey, isn’t it?
I made my first scrappy string block last week; it was very conservative, mostly blue. Then I discovered that one really can piece all different scraps together – and they work!! Amazing!
These pictures are so fresh and alive. I want to come on your next photoshoot too. What a location! I totally understand why you’re hooked on improv scrap piecing. I just love the experience too. Each time is an adventure!
Beautiful! I see why the location is your fav for a quilt shoot! Just lovely!
I love this Natalie!! The frames set off the scrappy blocks perfectly.
Such a beautiful quilt, and lovely pictures! : )
Love the monochromatic greens!
this is gorgeous! I love the improv piecing process too, its so liberating to quilt without a “plan”. Your quilt backdrop is also lovely.
I think I could just sit and stare at this quilt for a long time. I love it! Especially love the varying shades of green that are bordering the scrappy blocks. You are so good! And I agree this looks like a great place for a photo shoot! Those old mills look like fun to explore!
Your quilt is lovely! I’m looking forward to the day when I have enough scraps to make such a quilt. ๐
Beautiful quilt! We moved from Ypsilanti to Idaho last summer and I miss the parks in Michigan. It was nice to see Parker Mills again – my family and I loved walking around there. I recognized the bridge right away.
Eek! The quilt came out gorgeous…green and gorgeous! And man, that setting is so beautiful!
Very Lovely!
Natalie – this turned out so well. Not that there was any doubt! I love how it came together so well. Your photography is great, too.
This turned out so nice – and I love those shots on the bridge. I would have been scared it would fall in!
Fabulous and inspiring – thank you!
Love the scrappy quilt! I have been saving all my scraps down to 1 inch x 1 inch! I’m starting to get more and more and need to find a way to organize these… any suggestions? ๐
[…] blocks using pinks, yellows, browns, and tans. I love making improv blocks (like I did for the scrappy greens quilt), and this past weekend I made […]
I like stories how someone made a quilt and what choices the person made. I got inspired since starting to read this blog, hope to make my own choices soon.