Sew Preeti Quilts: improv patchwork

Showing posts with label improv patchwork. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Monsoon

"It looks like giant raindrops", said Lesley, when I showed her a picture on my phone. Hence, I named him Monsoon.

Work in progress

Working on improvisational piecing helps me destress. The process is the focus - making small decisions - color, shape, size, and setting - keeps me in the moment. The destination will reveal itself.

The first block

For background, I used a white fabric I purchased several years ago from Mook Fabrics in Pennsylvania when Mari and I went to the Lancaster Quilt Show.

Eye-popping price :-D

Working with scraps from a long time ago, I pieced triangle leftovers with white background. Then "tried" matching those very fiddly points, in the base of the triangles. Similar shapes were easy but pairing a long skinny triangle with a lumpy one was challenging.

Decisions, Decisions

Columns of Diamonds

I celebrated well-matched points and accepted those that misbehaved, giving myself permission to just be. Combining small blocks with bog ones and skinny ones with wide ones, I assembled similar sized units into columns, using coping strips to bring them to size.

The batting is Thermore. The backing is scrappy and pieced. I quilted in one direction with squiggly lines. The binding matches the white background.

Monsoon finished at 47" by 60". Time for pictures!

Thank you, Bob

It was a busy day at Lake Anne and I could not get exclusive time with Bob.

Thank you, Paul

Thank you, Wooden Horse

Monsoon

If there is a mirror-like surface, let there be a reflection.

Mirror Image

Good Picture, Bad Resolution

Easy Being Green :-)

Let get closer.

Get the Point?

A Pointed Discussion

Tall & Short

Small Points

Labelled

Whatever tiny scraps I did not use, I discarded. This is new for me. I am certainly past the mid-point of my life and I have begun to carefully examine what I need vs. what I need to lose.

In other news, I resigned from my stressful job. Paul's unwavering support gave me the courage to cut loose. On my last day, I received this card from a sweet co-worker (she understood my reasons).

Yes, Kristen. We are!

I have joined a Yoga class. It is time to focus on my health and well-being. I am anticipating more quilting, blogging and commenting :-) And of course, more cooking for Paul. All's well in this household.

Two quilts of mine were published in two different magazines. That blogpost is next.

Monday, September 15, 2025

Nirali

Meet Nirali!

Nirali

Here is the story or TWO WEEKS AGO (imagine you are watching a thriller on Netflix).

Co-sponsored by Aurifil Threads, Island Batik's September Challenge is named Threaded Chaos, requiring us to make a crib-size (or larger) Crazy Quilt, using our assigned Spring 2025 Collection and Aurifil Threads.

When I made a Crazy Quilt the last time, we were not assigned a fabric collection. I chose solids so that the decorative stitching was better visible. This time, the fabric and threads were not up to us.

I received the Everlasting Collection, designed by Jerry Khiev.

Everlasting Collection - Selected Fabrics

Aurifil Threads - One 50wt, Three 40wt

I added some more Aurifil Threads from my stash.

40wt Quilting Threads

Back to the problem - Crazy Quilt. Since what (primarily) defines a Crazy Quilt is decorative stitching it is important that the decorative stitching is prominent.

I chose the stack and whack technique to make the blocks with two important rules

1. Use background fabric in each stack. This would allow the focus fabric to shine and also provide a blank canvas for the the decorative stitching to be more visible.

2. Add a strip of contrasting fabric when re-piecing the whacked units. This strip would be like a red carpet for the decorative stitch divas to parade on.

Adding contrast skinny strip

Almost Block

I patiently made all the blocks. Then I added the decorative stitches - one block and one thread color at a time. The blocks finished at 7" by 12".

Light Thread on Dark Fabrics

Dark Thread on Light Fabrics

I used Meringue as the background fabric. All decorative stitches were made using my Elna Excellence 730 Pro. Of course, some stitches worked better than others.

I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 Needle for piecing and quilting. The batting is Hobbs Poly Down. I quilted in one direction only, using wavy stitches. The backing is Doughnut. The binding is Pistachio.

Here is the finished quilt, measuring 42" by 48". I named her Nirali, meaning unique.

Beauty in the Backyard

Thank you, Paul

Here are some close-ups so that you can see the decorative stitching.

Peachy

Hot Pink

Green and Glowing

Too much?

Just Crazy Enough?

Labeled

My Lovely :-)

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

Giveaway - If you'd like to win some free fabric (Island Batik of course), please leave me a comment on this post. I will pick two winners next week.

Thanks to Aurifil for sponsoring this Threaded Chaos Challenge.

Thanks to Schmetz Needles, Oliso and Hobbs Batting.

Thanks to Lumin Fabrics/Island Batik for this collection and foundation fabrics.

Follow Island Batik's Instagram and Facebook page so you may be picked as the winner for the drawing this week or the following weeks (during this blog hop). You need to comment on their instagram and facebook, to be entered into the giveaway.

WEEK 1

September 8:

Brenda Alburl Aurora

September 9:

Sarah Pitcher Berry Crush

Solomae Stoycoff Berry Crush

September 10:

Lisa Pickering Colorburst

Renee Atkinson Colorburst

September 11:

Connie Campbell Earth Essence

September 12: