Create Your Own Improv Quilts: Modern Quilting with No Rules & No Rulers [Paperback]

Gillman (Hand-Printed Cloth) encourages readers to break from the confines of traditional quilting in this practical guide to the improv method. An avid quilter since 1974, Gillman decided to ditch patterns in 1996 when she took up improv quilting and began creating 'wonky, improv, original' quilts instead. Rather ironically, she has written a clean-cut guidebook for being spontaneous, using what-if prompts to encourage readers to add their own creativity. She discusses designs and fabrics, including 'repro' prints and batiks, before digging into the how-tos: 'Start simple. Clear the decks. Start with solids. Select three colors. Use one geometric shape.' She recommends beginners start with the rectangle as a base an use black, white, and a 'medium-value color that makes you smile.' Then she looks closely at the art of improvising, especially with strips and strings. She offers a gallery of other improvisers' workCatherine Whall Smith and Cindy Grisdela includedand cites examples and mistakes from her own quilts. For intermediate or experienced quilters looking to get into the improv technique, this is an excellent starting point. Color photos.Like the looks of a modern improv quilts, but scared to jump in and make one? Have no fearyou'll enjoy the process are you 'play' with Rayna's ideas, and discover where the freedom of personal expression can take you!A natural follow-up to the best-selling Create Your Own Free-Form Quilts, this book applies Raynas no rules, no mistakes, no worries style to modern quilting. Starting with strips and geometric shapes, youll cut and sew without patterns, required yardage, or complicated diagrams. This freeing method lets you create modern quilts organically as you follow your instincts, ask what if&? , and experiment with scale, color, value, and placement.Dedication and AcknowledgmentsForewordHow to Use this BookGetting StartedConsider the RectangleThe Art of ImprovisingModern String QuartetFree-form Paper PiecingColor and lÏ