For a couple months we will be putting out a weekly improv quilting prompt on our Instagram account @bouldermqg. Follow us there so you can play along. We want this to be a fun and stress free way to sew with each other while we are social distancing. Use our hashtag #bouldermqgathome to share what you are creating (this challenge, and any other sewing you are doing) and to see what your fellow guild members are up to.

WHAT IS IMPROV?

If you have never taken on an improv quilting project you might shy away from the uncertainty. And during this time of life uncertainty we don’t want to cause any more worry or stress. Improv simply means to put something together without planning it all in advance. A good way to sew for the pure joy of it. 

This does not mean that you can’t use rulers or that you can’t limit your fabrics or color pallet. You can choose to create in a free-for-all manner, but most quilters will probably choose to set some guidelines for this challenge project. Below you will find a list of some ideas for boundaries you could set:

• Sew for only 20 minutes per day on this challenge
• Use only fabric from my scrap bins
• Do not use rulers
• Make three 6” blocks per prompt/week
• Use a piece of the same fabric in each week’s prompt
• Use rulers and straight seams
• Pre-select all fabrics/colors and stick to that pallet
• Start with a center medallion and add each week’s prompt to grow the quilt out

These are only some suggestions of guidelines you could use for this project. Your first task is to come up with your own list (or not). Remember, because it’s improv you can always change the rules mid-project. There are no quilt police here.

You can also check out our Pinterest board on improv quilts for inspiration.

HOW THIS CHALLENGE WILL WORK

Starting on National Quilting Day, March 21, each week(ish) a new prompt will be posted on our Instagram account @bouldermqg. The prompt will be given each week and you should make the units/shape or incorporate it into a block(s) or section of your quilt. The amount and size you make is up to you so just have fun!

Sew whichever weeks you want and share your progress with #bouldermqgathome. We are keeping it simple and flexible because a lot of us are juggling working from home, school and kids at home, and cooking every meal at home. If we are late on posting the prompt or you have an idea for an upcoming week, let us know! We might just be busy with life or we may have just plain forgot! 

Because we are keeping this whole thing flexible we can add more weeks if there is a lot of interest and participation or continued social distancing orders, or we might decide that there are plenty of other things to sew and this project isn’t getting the love and attention it needs. You can check out some other ideas about social distancing sewing on our blog post Staying Connected During COVID-19.

Author: Rebecca Greco