The improv handbook for modern quilters : a guide to creating, quilting, and living courageously

Cover; Title Page; Contents; Introduction; 1 Improvising From a Score; What Is Improv?; Preparing to Improvise; The Score; 2 Quilt Scores; #1-Floating Squares; #2-Strings; #3-Improv Round Robin; #4-Patchwork Doodle; #5-Rhythmic Grid; #6-Modern Block Improv; #7-Layered Curve; #8-Bias Strip Petals; #9-Get Your Curve On; #10-Showing Up; 3 Exploring Color; Color Scores; Aspects of Color; Moods of Color; 4 Patchwork Techniques; Equalizing Patchwork Sections; Ruler-Free Patchwork; Cutting From Your Core; Ruler-Free Strip Piecing; Darting; Ruler-Free Patchwork with Large Sections.;Denyse Schmidt is one of the leading quilters of the 21st century. Known as a "modern" quilter, she actually draws much of her creative vision from quilts of the past. In Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration, Schmidt pays homage to the quilters and quilts that came before her. Each of the 20 traditional quilt designs she has reinterpreted here (among them are Irish Chain, Mariner's Compass, and Orange Peel, to name a few) is introduced with a lively overview of the pattern's history. Instructions are illustrated, templates are provided at full size on a pullout pattern sheet, and a complete techniques section is included at the back of the book. An exciting new approach for beginning to advanced quilters who want to improvise on their own, with a friend, or with a community of fellow makers. Forget step-by-step instructions and copycat designs. In The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters , Sherri Lynn Wood presents a flexible approach to quilting that breaks free of old paradigms. Instead of traditional instructions, she presents 10 frameworks (or scores) that create a guiding, but not limiting, structure. To help quilters gain confidence, Wood also offers detailed lessons for stitching techniques key to improvisation, design and spontaneity exercises, and lessons on color. Every quilt made from one of Wood's scores will have common threads, but each one will look different because it reflects the maker's unique interpretation. Featured throughout the book are Wood's own quilts and a gallery of contributor works chosen from among the hundreds submitted when she invited volunteers to test her scores during the making of this groundbreaking work. "Wood offers a series of techniques, guidelines and lessons on color choice for those ready to explore improvisational quilting. Her book is loaded with full-color photos and examples to inspire." — Dallas Morning News "Despite how it may "seam," quilting isn't all about rules! Quilting can be an exhilarating way to channel your creativity and express yourself. This book is focused more on exploration than explanation—a perfect mindset for beginners!" —Powell's Books Staff Pick Cover -- Title Page -- Contents -- Introduction -- 1 Improvising From a Score -- What Is Improv? -- Preparing to Improvise -- The Score -- 2 Quilt Scores -- #1-Floating Squares -- #2-Strings -- #3-Improv Round Robin -- #4-Patchwork Doodle -- #5-Rhythmic Grid -- #6-Modern Block Improv -- #7-Layered Curve -- #8-Bias Strip Petals -- #9-Get Your Curve On -- #10-Showing Up -- 3 Exploring Color -- Color Scores -- Aspects of Color -- Moods of Color -- 4 Patchwork Techniques -- Equalizing Patchwork Sections -- Ruler-Free Patchwork -- Cutting From Your Core -- Ruler-Free Strip Piecing -- Darting -- Ruler-Free Patchwork with Large Sections -- Approximate Measuring -- Natural Shaping -- Patchwork Puzzle -- Template-Free Layered Curve Patchwork -- Ruler-Free Continuous Bias Strips -- Bias Strip Piecing on the Curve -- Darting Along the Curve -- Darting Across the Curve -- Trimming the Curve -- Wedge Strip Piecing on the Curve -- Equalizing and Joining Curve Sections -- Hand Appliquéing Large Shapes -- Natural Shaping of a Quilt Top -- 5 Finishing Techniques -- Quilt Construction -- Basting -- Quilting -- Binding -- Signing and Labeling -- Making a Hanging Sleeve -- Quilt Care -- Resources -- Index of Design Considerations and Mind Tools -- Acknowledgments -- Copyright Page