Improv Patchwork (eBook)

While Maria Shell's work is firmly grounded in the craft of quiltmaking, she uses her years of experience to create surprising combinations of pattern, repetition, and color. The recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, Maria lives in Anchorage, Alaska.

Contents Start Where You AreMy Journey as a Quiltmaker • Your Journey To Developing a Quiltmaking Practice • How to Use this Book • The Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Being a Maker • Tips on Being a Fearless Quiltmaker Space and ToolsQuality ToolsSewing MachinesA Short Discussion about SpaceFinding the Perfect IronColor, Pattern, and RepetitionColorBasic Color Theory • Color from a Quilter's Perspective • Four Simple Things You Can Do to Improve Your Color Sense • Value • Building a Color Palette • Print, Pattern, and RepetitionFinding Quality Solid FabricsSearch Garage Sales, Thrift Stores, and Ebay • Buy Commercial Quilter's Cottons • Dye Your Own Tips on Being Fearless with ColorRuler-Made StripesThe Simple StripeFabric Prep • Cutting Stripes • Stitching StripesDesigner Stripes—Creating Recipes for Ruler-Made StripesWorking with a Ruler-Made StripePiecing off the GridPress Like a ProfessionalMat-Made StripesPreparing and Cutting Mat-Made StripesControlling Wonkiness in Mat-Made StripesRuler-Made Stripes versus Mat-Made StripesShort Row Stripes—Another Fun Stripe to MakeTips for Cutting and Sewing without Rulers Mat-Made Stripes Quilt IdeasPolka DotsClassic Polka DotMulti-Colored Polka DotsPolka Dot StripesPolka Dot Quilt IdeasTrianglesTriangles Made with LinesIsosceles Triangles Made from ShapesHalf-Square Triangles / Right AngleTriangle RulersPerfect PinningTriangle Quilt IdeasChevrons, Herringbones, and ZigzagsChevronsHerringbonesZigzagsChevron, Herringbone, and Zigzag Quilt IdeasChecks, Tracks, and Plaids—The Ultimate Linear PrintChecks, Ginghams, Plaids, and Tartans DefinedChecksLattice Checks • Regular ChecksTracksPlaidsResourcesAbout the Author