Improv Patchwork

November 15, 2017

Contemporary quiltmaker Shell specializes in prints made from combining solid fabrics into stripes, polka dots, plaids, and other common patterns. Her first book walks quilters through the various techniques used for creating these prints, many of which involve freehand fabric cutting and improv-style assembly. Each chapter explores the creation and use of a different print type, beginning with simple ruler-made and mat-made (freehand) stripes, and proceeding through polka dots (small, repetitive prints), triangles and other triangle-based prints such as chevrons and herringbones, and linear prints such as checks, tracks, and plaids. Samples from Shell's work are included throughout, demonstrating the vibrant designs that can be made from each of the component prints. VERDICT Shell's work echoes traditional American improvisational folk quilting and will appeal to quilters interested in exploring color and pattern via one-of-a-kind patchwork.

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