Improv Quilting

This week we are going on an adventure into uncharted territory in my quilting journey. Improv quilting… the “no rules” kind of quilting! I am ready for some freedom after three years of exact seams, perfect points and lined up blocks. Let’s see where it leads creatively. I chose to do a Halloween themed quilt because part of the attraction to Halloween is that anything goes, crazy is almost expected (within reason.) I ordered two bags of Snippets to give me some variety to add to my scrap collection.

I have been saving the selvages for awhile but I always felt intimidated to make a project until I came across this torn out page from “The Quilt Life” magazine June 2012 edition. The Selvage Mummy by Riel Nason is my inspiration for this project.

To get started I cut my selvage pieces with about ¼” to ⅜” of the fabric showing.

I repurposed some thin fabric from a curtain lining to sew the selvages that will serve as a foundation. As I did some research I read that sometimes paper or muslin is used as a base. I cut it into a rectangle approximately the length of most of the selvage pieces. I laid the first piece on and started sewing.

Just keep adding the selvage pieces one on top of another. It doesn’t need to be perfect or straight since it is going to be the mummy wrapping. It was fun to just sew one strip after another without considering the order. Sometimes it went a little wonky and it let the color peek out from underneath giving it some interest. No need to worry about it being completely flat since that will add to the look of the layers of wrapping on the mummy. I made two rectangle pieces since I am planning to cut the pieces as needed to create a mummy figure.

I set that aside to give myself some time to think of how I want to cut the pieces.

In the next step I cut some scrap pieces approximately 5” long and tossed them in a box to pull from as I sewed the borders.

I just grabbed a piece and added it without too much thought. I did not want to repeat the same piece or color next to each other. It was so freeing to not worry if it was straight or lined up. I made four borders about the same length. I can cut or add fabric as needed at a later time. This project is intended to have a whimsical feel so mix it up with crazy pieces next to each other. After I sewed it together, I pressed the seams on the strip in one direction.

As you can see in the photos these are not traditional Halloween fabrics. You can use any color or design of fabric. The Cotton Cuts Classic Membership box gives you a great assortment each month and, if you choose some seasonal fabrics, are mixed in for the upcoming holiday. What gives it the Halloween feel is the use of green, orange, black and purple together.

So this wraps up this week's mummy blog, check back next week to see my progress on the project. It will be a complete surprise to both of us because at this point I am not sure of what direction my creativity is leading me on this Improv adventure. Here is a Pinterest board about Sewing with Selvages to get you inspired to sew with your selvages repurposing them into a fun project.

Happy Improvising!