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Shannon Fraser Designs

Spreading quilty joy one stitch at a time!

30 Days of Improv QAL – Week 1: Squares

August 7, 2021 by Shannon

Modern improv quilt block featuring squares from the first week of 30 Days of Improv Quilt Along challenges | #30daysofimprovqal Shannon Fraser designs

You’re amazing!

We’re blown away by your enthusiasm for the 30 Days of Improv Quilt Along!

Clearly, you have a mutual love for working without a quilt pattern as Amanda (aka @broadclothstudio) and I have 😊 And it’s been so fun seeing you connect with your wonky side!

Block 1 from the first week of stitching the 30 Days of Improv Quilt Along focused on Squares | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #agfpuresolids

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

SHAPE OF THE WEEK: SQUARES

Last week was all about fabric selection and getting into the improv mindset. This has laid a good foundation for you to build from as you dive into the first shape to explore – squares.

While squares are uber basic, they also offer lots of room to play.

All the fun tips and tricks are shared with you in the weekly email (sign up here to join in! Sign-ups are now closed. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the next one!) but I wanted to round up my improv blocks to give you some inspiration as you dive into your first weekly challenge.

Day 1

Taking that first cut is always a little nerve-wracking. Pristine yummy fabric will do that to you 😉 But, it’s also super liberating! So, don’t dwell and just cut!

I always recommend keeping it simple when you’re first diving into a new project and I took my own advice. Here’s the little beauty I stitched up on day 1.

Block 1 from the first week of the 30 days of Improv Quilt Along focused on Squares | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #sewsolids #agfpuresolids #improvquiltblock

Day 2

I was getting revved up and wanted to zoom in on some itty-bitty stitching details. Sometimes you need to ease your way into a project.

Week 1 Block 2 focused on zooming in on the details for the 30 days of Improv Quilt Along | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #agfpuresolids

Day 3

Slicing and dicing is the name of the game, and I didn’t hold back! I also love how I omitted the pink in this one so that you can see how the greens play differently off the Plum Preserve. Colour play and slicing & dicing – sew fun!

Week 1 Block 3 for the 30 Days of Improv QAL focused on squares this week | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #improvquiltblock
Improv Behind the Scenes video on demand

Day 4

I wanted to play a little more with scale and focused on incorporating bigger squares and smaller ones to see what shapes would emerge.

Week 1 Block 4 focused on working with squares improvisationally this week for the 30 Days of Improv Quilt Along | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #agfpuresolids #improvquilting

Day 5

I had some smaller pieces that were trimmings from the previous day’s blocks, and I worked to incorporate them with a ‘waste not, want not’ mindset.

Week 1 Block 5 of the 30 Days of Improv Quilt Along. This week was focused on Squares and learning to cut free hand | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #modernquiltblock

MATERIALS FEATURED

Here’s everything I used to create my improv blocks for Week 1:

  • *AGF PURE Solids in Lemonade 
  • *AGF PURE Solids in Light Citron 
  • *AGF PURE Solids in Dark Citron 
  • *AGF PURE Solids in Raspberry Rose 
  • *AGF PURE Solids in Plum Preserve 
  • *LDH Rotary Cutter
  • *LDH 9” Midnight Edition Fabric Shears
  • *Aurifil Thread in 50wt Colour 2000 for piecing 
  • *Cutting Mat 
  • *Sewing Machine 
  • *Iron
  • Wool pressing mat
Modern improv quilt blocks from Week 1 of the 30 Days of Improv Quilt Along | Shannon Fraser Designs #30daysofimprovqal #modernimprovquilting

For more 30 Days of Improv QAL check out the following posts:

  • 30 Days of Improv QAL Pre-Kick Off- Fabric Selection
  • 30 Days of Improv QAL Week 1 – Squares
  • 30 Days of Improv QAL Week 2 – Stripes
  • 30 Days of Improv QAL Week 3 – Triangles
  • 30 Days of Improv WAL Week 4 – Curves

There’s still plenty of time to join the improv QAL and tune into your inner wonk. Sign up for the free challenge here and get all the improv tips sent straight to your inbox.  Sign-ups are now closed. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the next one!

Can’t wait to see your improv blocks hit the ‘gram under the #30DaysofImprovQAL hashtag.

xo,

Shannon


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This post uses affiliate links. For more info, visit the FAQ page.

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Filed Under: Improv Quilting, Quilt Along Tagged With: 30 Days Improv QAL

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Hi! I'm Shannon. A modern quilt pattern designer based in Montreal. My quilting journey started by stumbling upon a half square triangle tutorial and I've been hooked since. I'm now spreading that quilty joy to you! Read More…

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