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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

It's Time to Dabble in Free-Form Quilting ala Author Rayna Gillman

What is Free-Form Quilting?

In 2011, Rayna Gillman published a book through C & T Publishing called Create Your Own Free-Form Quilts: A Stress-Free Journey to Original DesignI am so happy that I came across her book and had the good sense to purchase it. Her ways of breaking out of the 'norms' and 'rules' of quilting are refreshing! The photos in the book are fabulous and inspiring. If you're looking for ways to break "free", consider her suggested techniques: "...no seams have to be lined up, no corners have to match, and you are free to do what you like." (p. 20)

Some of the chapter titles to entice you:
  • "Start Stripping"
  • "Slice, Dice, Combine"
  • "Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide"
  • "Fearless Color"
  • "Reinventing UFOs..."
With inspiration bouncing around and filling my head for the past few days after reading and looking through her book again, I found some time today to do what she calls "therapy sewing." I needed it!

First I took out my plastic tub of miscellaneous scraps from other projects.

I selected various strips of fabric that were each at least 6-8" long.

I sewed them together somewhat randomly, varying lengths and colors. I tried not to get stymied by fabric colors, tones, patterns, motifs. These are the types of concerns that usually give me "creative constipation." I'm not confident when selecting fabrics for quilts, and I get overwhelmed by the vast array of choices and decisions I need to make.

Here's two blocks I made from the strips, after slicing, dicing, dividing, multiplying, and subtracting:
8.75" x 10.25"

8" x 10.75"

Which one speaks to you? Can you visualize a use for either of them? Can you imagine them being surrounded by neutrals and allowed to be the main feature? What about combining them somehow? What about transforming them yet again by slicing, dicing, dividing, multiplying, or subtracting? Could they become a free-form interpretation of: a tree? a house? a landscape?

They're both different sizes. I don't have a plan for their use yet. Thanks to Rayna, I'm not intimidated by these and other details. I can let my free-forms percolate in my mind for however long they need. I know I'll find a place for them to appear someday. They may get chopped up and used in new ways yet again! I'll just enjoy the process and let myself be free of constraints. 

This is a nice way to break free! Are you ready to take a break, too???

Connecting with inspired people like you through:

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced  AND   Sew Fresh Quilts

14 comments:

  1. What a great process. Both blocks look like they were fun to make! Thanks so much for sharing, Julie!

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    1. Lorna, you're so good about stopping by & leaving an encouraging word, thank u!

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  2. It's nice to let loose with a bit of improv piecing every now and again isn't it! Your blocks are looking fab!

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    1. Yes, sometimes I just need to do something that's less structured, and I love the improv process. Thanks for encouraging me!

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  3. You wild thing you~See you Friday! :)
    www.sewcraftychick.blogspot.com

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    1. Looking forward to our quilting adventures together this weekend. Thanks for coming to visit!

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  4. Wow, this is inspirational to me as I am always afraid to try things like this. But you might have given me the push to try it, plus when you go with scraps its not like I could ruin a new bundle or something. I might just give this a go now!


    Stopping by from Lee's hop http://www.domesticdeficitdisorder.blogspot.com/2014/05/wip-wednesday-may-21st.html

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    1. You are so right, Tanyia, it's not like we're "wasting fabrics." I hope you'll find some enjoyment in doing this. Be sure to send me your results, I'd love to see them.

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  5. They're both great- I find letting loose VERY difficult, so am extra inspired by you!

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    1. I hope you will find a way to let loose, bit by bit. It makes playing with fabrics even more fun. Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I think that your blocks are lovely. Scrappy quilts are the best. I'd just make a whole quilt out of blocks like that.

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    1. You're even more brave than I am! But the possibilities are endless, aren't they? Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. I love your blocks,in my sewing room they would most likely end up being the focus for a tote bag! thanks for the link to the book.

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    1. I like your suggestion, CeLynn. Thanks for stopping by :)

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