Structure and Improv Patchwork Part 2

 

I'm having so much fun with a style I've dubbed 'Structure and Improv.' The concept behind it is that you take a series of different sized traditional quilt blocks, and then you piece them all together using improv piecing. You can read all about the 'structure' part of this mini quilt in Part 1 of this blog post here. 

 

Here they are, my traditional quilt blocks, patiently waiting to be stitched together.

 

And now I've finally got around to piecing them all together using improv patchwork. The first thing I did was lay out my traditional quilt blocks roughly in a formation that made a rectangular mini quilt shape. Then I started adding small sections to each block, so that it became the size it needed to be to join it's neighbour.

Sometimes I would piece together squares and then join them to the main block.  

 

Other times I would just add a quilt strip to make one block the right side to join the one next to it. 

 

 

Then I joined the sections together, adding as I went, to make everything fit together.  

 

 

Cut, sew, trim, repeat.

 

 

And slowly, all the blocks were joined together, into an eclectic and unique quilt top! 

 

I'm so thrilled with how this mini quilt has turned out. It appeals to me because I love making traditional quilt blocks, but I also love the freedom of improv piecing. It really is the best of both worlds. 

 

What do you think?  I hope this method has inspired you to give it a try!