Improv in Green

I played around with the yesterday’s method to make another improv block, and learnt a few useful lessons today.

Once again I used a lot of fabric samples from the books that I purchased earlier…

…ripping them out of the book, and cutting off the bits of paper and glue to make small squares and rectangles.

Then I started adding them together, gradually increasing the small slabs in size.

This time, instead of making a block, I made a series of strips, then joined them together, eventually making one approximately 20 inch block.

I won’t use this method for future blocks, for a couple of reasons.

1. I don’t like the way the block is dominated by strips, though I did try hiding this in one place by repeating a fabric, either side of the seam.
2. It’s too easy to make too much fabric this way, which means I ended up with a whole pile of blocks left over. Bother, I’m trying really hard to get rid of scraps!

It may have worked better if I were able to use my design wall, but that is still covered in another project, which is waiting for pay day, and some fabric shopping. Please note my willpower. Very impressive, yes?

I have enjoyed reading the Sew Mama Sew series in my FB feed this last week. A series of designers have discussed, amongst other topics, the trends of 2016. One trend was that makers are increasingly trying to use their stash. I’m not sure if that is caused by the embarrassingly large size that a quilters stash can accumulate to, or simple economics.

For me, it’s been a little of both.

I started decreasing the number of fabric shops whose newsletters I received last year, in an effort to decrease my exposure to the constant feed of new fabric lines. There is just so much out there, and I can only sew so fast. It’s possible to lose quite a bit of time to social media in spending time drooling over new fabrics. Just saying.

In the end, I think it has been the exchange rate of our dollar against the US$, that has curbed my spending most. If The Hubbie goes to the USA this year I will certainly be making the most of the opportunity, and will ask him to take a second suitcase. How much Kona can you fit in a large suitcase I wonder?

From Spring in the garden, Nanus Gladioli.

Have a great day, and enjoy your sewing.

 

 

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