I was thrilled when Maria Shell asked me to be part of the blog hop for the release of her new book, Improv Patchwork: Dynamic Quilts Made with Line and Shape, published by C&T Publishing.
I first met Maria when I sat down next to her at a Studio Art Quilts Association (SAQA) conference several years ago, and I was struck by her open and friendly manner. Even though she lives in Alaska and I live in Virginia, we’ve stayed in touch through SAQA and our common love of improv quilts. She participated in the blog hop when my book, Artful Improv, came out last year, and I’m happy to review her book today.
Rattle Snake Detail by Maria Shell
It’s exciting to me how many different ways there are to make dynamic improv quilts. Maria’s way is very accessible and fun. Her book shows you how to dive in and get started if you’ve never tried improv, and if you’re more experienced with going your own way, she has some new ideas to spark your creativity. There are several things I want to try after reading her book.
Here are the ten things I liked most about Maria’s Improv Patchwork book, in no particular order:
- In the very beginning of the book, on page 9, Maria gives you tips on being a “fearless quiltmaker.” I love that term. It’s important in improv, and in art in general, to keep trying, keep practicing, keep making mistakes. Not every quilt will be a masterpiece and that’s OK. That’s how you grow as an artist.
- The chapter on Color, Pattern, and Repetition is chock full of great information. One idea that really resonated with me is becoming aware of your own “personal color identity.” What colors and color combinations thrill you the most? Bold brights? (yes) Muted neutrals? (occasionally) Somber dulls? (not so much) It’s a great exercise to help you know your color strengths and weaknesses.
- There’s an entire section on pressing and how to choose the right iron–one of my ongoing struggles.
- Maria loves stripes, and she gives you step by step instructions for how to create stripes, with and without using a ruler.
Beachy detail by Maria Shell
- One of my favorite quilts in the whole book is Lite Brite, on page 54. The colors are bold and graphic, set off so perfectly by the black lines. And the lines are gracefully wavy, not all straight.
Lite Bright by Maria Shell
- She gives clear instructions on how to make each element, and the photos illustrate them beautifully. I want to try the triangles made from shapes technique.
- At the end of each chapter–on stripes, on polka dots, on triangles, on checks–Maria shows examples of quilts she’s made using those techniques. I loved seeing the closeups especially and the way she quilts the shapes.
Neon Zig Zag Detail by Maria Shell
- Of course, one of my favorite chapters is the last one–Putting it All Together. I really enjoy seeing how other improv quilters go about the process of putting the individual units and elements together to create a unique and wonderfully personal quilt. Maria uses several different methods to do this, from sketching out a plan to making mini quilts to what she calls “bit making.”
Boulevard by Maria Shell
- I think I could be categorized as a “bit maker” too, so that discussion really resonates with me. I really liked these lines from the book–“Sometimes I make dozens of bits before I put anything on the design wall. If I like a bit, it tends to travel around, appearing in an assortment of quilts.” Isn’t that a fabulous word image?
- There are really helpful ideas about designing with separate elements–taking photos of the work in process to see what’s working, and how to compensate for elements that aren’t all the same size, for example. The one I liked the best was what Maria calls “locking in.” If you have a section that you really like, even if it’s a small one, go ahead and sew that section together to lock it in. Now that’s a great idea!
You can win your very own copy of Maria’s wonderful book by leaving me a comment about your favorite improv technique. I’ll randomly choose a winner from the comments. You have until midnight Alaska time on October 26 to leave your comment and get a chance to win.
US winners will receive a hard copy of the book and international winners will get the ebook. I’ve seen them both and they are equally wonderful! If you can’t wait to get your hands on this book, it’s available now from Amazon and C&T Publishing.
Be sure and visit the other blogs on the blog hop, listed below. You can comment on each blog and increase your chances of winning!
BLOG HOP CALENDAR
October 16—C&T Publishing
October 18—Yvonne Fuchs at Quilting JetGirl
October 19—Amy Ellis at Amy’s Creative Side
October 20—Deborah Boschert at Deborah’s Journal
October 21—Kathy Doughty at Material Obsession
October 21— Terri Lucas at Generation Q Magazine
October 22— Wendy Hill at Wendy Hill’s Blog—Fun Quilts Stuff & More
October 23—Cindy Grisdela at Cindy Grisdela Art Quilts
October 24—Heather Pregger at Heather Heather’s Blog
October 25—Maria Shell at Tales of a Stitcher
I just saw Maria in Florida at the Modern Quilt Guild, she gave a lecture and trunk show. She was very inspiring and I loved her quilts.
Yes she is, Patty!
My favorite technique is to be fearless, and to realize not every quilt I make has to be a masterpiece.
That’s the best way to approach improv, Jackie!
Hmmm says I was blocked as a suspected bot, I’ll try again. I like to use my scraps for improv projects
It went through this time, Jean–thanks for trying again! I love scraps too.
My favorite aspect of improv quilting is the liberation you get from cutting fabric without a ruler. When a piece is too long you cut it down, when a piece is too short you add another fabric to it. No fuss.
I agree, Christine–no fuss is my favorite way to work!
This is a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing.
Favorite Improv Technique – making your own rules.
That’s a great one thanks!
I love the idea of taking photos throughout the process to check what is working and what isn’t.
[email protected]
Taking photos to keep track of your progress is a great idea, Norma–thanks for sharing!
I really enjoy having a table full of fabric pieces I love and sewing them together however they best fit. So much fun
That does sound like fun, Jenny!
I discovered Maria last year, and received her pattern for the artful oven mitt. I was immediately taken in with her work because of the colorful energy she creates. Looking at her quilts not only makes me happy; I feel inspired to explore, expand, and experiment with my quilting and other craft-making.
Yes, Maria’s quilts are very happy, Kay! I’m glad you feel inspired.
I like making the bits before you start designing the whole.
Great way to get started with improv, LaceFlower!
Thanks, Cindy, for the great review! I am learning to love improv (it was actually the first thing I tried in quilting a couple of years ago. The freedom and free form are my favorite parts. I know some people don’t get it, but that is fine! I also admit that that very freedom and random-ness, if you will, can be daunting. Now, if I can just learn to be better at the quilting part! As you told me, yourself, in Bend, Oregon, “Practice, practice, practice!”
You’re welcome, Valorie–I love the freedom of it too! You’ll get there on the quilting part–good luck!
I am so excited about the release of Maria’s book, as I have long been a fan of her quilting and her thoughtful posts on her blog. My favorite improv method is to create units, play with them on the design wall, and then stitch them together. After taking a couple of workshops with Maria (she is a gifted teacher), I have been tweaking the approach slightly for some new results.
I’m a big fan of Maria’s too, Marla and I’m so happy to share her book. I like the way you’ve used improv to create your own unique style!
I’m just learning about improv quilting, but I love Cindy Grisdela’s work, so I’m excited to check out this book as well. It looks like a great addition for our Guild library (and mine too, of course!)
Thank you Barbara–Maria’s book will be a great addition to any library!
I like very much the improvisation, I cut fabrics without rule and I play with colors! Thanks to you and thanks to Maria Shell, his book must be very interesting I think.
It is a very interesting approach and Maria does a great job of explaining step by step, Kristine.
I am a much more controlled type of designer and quilter and truly admire those of you who quilt using an improv approach. I like the concept of parts, or as you call it, being a bit maker. It makes improv more accessible. The closest I’ve come to improv is organic strip piecing and some organic curved lines both of which I enjoyed.
I agree that the idea of parts or bits make improv more accessible, Anne. I hope you’ll be inspired to give it a try!
My favorite improv technique is to grab a set of fabrics, pick a theme (eg wonky log cabin, wonky stars, curves) and then just start sewing.
That’s one of my favorite ways to work too, Laura!
I am amazed at all the ways there are to build improv skills. This looks like another great approach!
Yes, that is certainly true, Willa! This approach is different than mine, but I’m going to try some of her techniques just for fun.
Your review has me really looking forward to reading her book. It will be like a conversation with you when I do cause I’ll hear your thoughts I imagine.
I like improv scrap work – starting with one shape and adding pieces on until it feels done.
That’s a great thought, Kate–thank you!
I struggle with improv!! The only thing I have really accomplished are some random wavy lines (which are fun to sew but now what???), so if I don’t win the book from you I will go buy!!!????
Sounds like a good plan, Melissa!
Looks like a great book. Love improv!!!!
Thanks Diane–me too!
I have not explored Improv much, only to make points on a star block once. Maria’s book looks like it will be great to help walk beginners through the steps to make a successful piece. Thanks for sharing the giveaway of her book!
The book is a great resource for both beginners and more experienced improv quilters, Nancy!
Hi Cindy, I don’t have a favorite improv technique yet, as I’m yet to dive into improv! I’m reading your book now and I hope to try out some techniques from it soon. I would love to read Maria’s book too. I like the idea of being a ‘bit maker’, that sounds like a great way to have fun with it. 🙂
Thanks Vicki–I hope you have fun playing with Artful Improv and I like the idea of “bit making” too. You can create bits in small chunks of time and pretty soon you have enough to make a quilt!
I took a class with Maria this past Friday in LA. It was super fun! She is a very innovative quilter and a thoughtful teacher. Thank you for sharing more about her book & for the chance to win. Best, Kim
Lucky you, Kim! I agree that Maria is a great teacher and her style shows through well in the book.
I like seeing scraps with reckless abandon and then trimming them to use in scrappy quilts
Great idea, Jean!
I’ve been following Maria for awhile now. I can’t wait to see her book. It looks fabulous!
It’s wonderful to have Maria and her work in book format so you can explore it whenever you want to, Diane!
I figure out my color scheme and then dump all scraps of that color (range) in a large laundry basket and grab and sew. Lately, I’ve enjoyed doing monochromatic slabs.
Oh that sounds like fun, Lynne–I’ll have to try that!
I’m really excited to check out the Maria Shell book. Improv quilting is new to me and definitely something I’m looking forward to learning. I have your beautiful Artful Improv book and what an inspiration that is! Maria Shell’s book looks like a great addition to help me on my way with improv quilting too.
Thank you, Cheryl–I’m glad you’re having fun with Artful Improv and I definitely think Maria’s book will be another great resource for your improv journey!
My favourite improv is a foundation pieced curve I do. Took a class with Maria in Sisters…. very inspiring!
My favourite improv is a foundation pieced curve I do. Took a class with Maria in Sisters…. very inspiring! Would love the book to keep the improv inspiration on a roll????
That sounds interesting, Sandy–and Maria is a great teacher!
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A great-looking cover! Congrats to Maria.
It is an eye catching cover, Diane. I’m happy to share it and Maria’s work.
I have made several improv projects and I love them all! My favorite one was a Halloween table topper that used the Improv Stripes technique that was shared on A Quiter’s Table IG account. It was so much fun and is eye candy to me!
That sounds like a lot of fun, Kathy! Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoy the simplicity of improv piecing, the paring down of the process by removing measuring tools and pattern pieces. To me this sort of spontaneity is a more relaxed and joyful way to create.
Relaxed and joyful is a great way to look at it, Jennifer!
My favorite improv technique is cutting the fabric the size and shape the way I like it and not the same way everyone else does it.
Yes–I agree, Teresa. Improv is all about doing it your way.
I love this book- would love to win!
It is a great resource, Wendy!
I’m a fan of Maria’s work. Right now my favorite improv technique is making criss cross blocks.
Thanks Debby–criss cross blocks sound like fun!
This book looks great.
I think it is, Cathy–lots of great improv info!
What a wonderful book. Your review really makes me want it! Thank you for the chance to win it.
Thank you Linda!
Sounds like a great book! I love Maria’s work!
It is a fun book, Janet!
I have a whole set of techniques for improv piecing and they come in handy all the time for putting fabric together in a non-conventional way. Making stripes are my favorite.
That sounds like a great strategy, Patty!
On my wish list !!! It looks like a fun filled book…
Thanks Stina – it is a fun book!
That’s a very comprehensive and lovely review, Cindy! I am excited to take a look at this book!
Thank you very much, Jill–it was fun to have the opportunity to review Maria’s book and share it with my followers!
I am so interested in Maria’s quilting techniques for these improv quilts! Thank you, Susan
Maria breaks it all down and makes her techniques easily accessible, Susan.
Great review! Maria makes makes beautiful quilts, is a wonderful writer and a generous friend.
Thanks Beth–yes, all those things are definitely true of Maria!
I have been trying some fused appliqué improv using hand dyed silks. Don’t know yet where I am going with it.
Wow–that sounds really interesting, Patricia!
Cindy,
So many great things in this book, but what resonates most with me is the benefit of doing progress pictures. I can’t tell you how many projects have benefitted from this. Fro some reason I can see things more clearly in a picture. So anyway, I would love to win this book. But if I don’t it will end up in my sewing and quilting library just the same. LOL.
All the best,
Kelley in VT
Thanks Kelley–I like that idea of doing progress pictures too. I’m glad you came back to leave a comment!
This seems like a great book to have.
Yes it is, Pat!
I don’t think there has been a time when I didn’t change a pattern, even in the smallest way to make it different than the author did. I would consider that a sort of improv.
I would agree, Wendy–that works!
really would like to win this to go along with my book by Cindi. thank you for the chance to win.
Thanks Lynn–fingers crossed!
Loved your review of the book – I loved the Lite Brite quilt – I think that’s my color comfort style!
Thanks Ali–it’s my comfort zone too. I could look at that quilt all day!
Not sure it’s a technique but my favorite approach is just to have fun.
That’s a great approach Sandy–improv should be fun!
This looks like a fascinating and useful book for quilters who want to learn more about improv! I’ve been dabbling in it for a year or so by participating in improv QALs. I really enjoyed making an Improv Stripes quilt recently. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Thanks Diann–I loved following along on the Improv Stripes QAL and I hope next time to be able to participate in it!
What a gift this book would be!!! Even though I have been a fiberholic for 60ish years, I am finding that I have an evolving “personal color identity”, which has changed over the years…..and now, thanks to this post and book, I have a name for it!!! This textile journey continues to fascinate. What a wonderful life!
Isn’t that great Jean? I never thought about the idea of a personal color identity before but it really resonates.
I have enjoyed a class with Maria, would love to use the book to, in effect, spend more time with her.
Yes–that’s a good point, Leslie. She writes like she talks so you feel like she’s sitting down with you personally!
Hi Cindy!
Thanks for the chance to win this book. It seems so very different from your book and equally as wonderful!
Thanks Lynne–it is different than Artful Improv, but complementary I think. Lots of fun things to try to add to your toolbox!
OK, now my interest is really piqued for this book!
Thanks Anne–it’s a fun book!
My favorite improv technique is using the rotary cutter to create curves. Of course, Maria does a great deal of strips with her designs, but the curves always appeal to me. I can do strips, but curves still aren’t my specialty. I will need to look over her book and practice a few designs. Winning a copy would be oh so fun though! thanks for the opportunity.
I really like curves too, Elana, but there are lots of fun things to try in Maria’s book to add to your toolbox.
I’ve just barely been dipping my toes into improv. for the past year and a half. Still getting comfortable with free cutting, but wowsers do I love it! Can’t wait to see this incredible book in person. Thanks for a chance to win!
Free cutting is a lot of fun once you get used to it, Audrey!
It sound like fun. Just have courage and go for it.
That’s a great way to think about it, Christi!
I am still dreaming about improv, it is my next to do thing. Would love to know more and this book looks like a great resource.
Maria’s book makes improv very accessible, Emma.
One way or another, I must have this book!!
It’s a great resource, Heather!