Scrappy Improv Pillow - OMG January Finish

January was my month to play with improvisation. Improv has always been one of my "quilty fears" - I'm a person who prefers to have an idea of what I'll be creating, before I start the project.

I made this very scrappy improvisational pillow. To make this pillow, I didn't follow a pattern, but rather, just auditioned strips and then when I liked the look, sewed them together.

This pillow finished up at around 18" square which makes it a great size for lounging on the couch in the family room (because the dozen cushions I have there already, just weren't enough?).

I spiral quilted it from off-centre and then hand quilted in between the machine quilted lines. The texture of this pillow is just wonderful. I can't help but run my hand over it.

After making this pillow, I thought I'd get my tub of scrappy strips out again and make a whole new set of table mats.

I followed this same technique and just sewed bits and pieces together without an idea how they'd look when completed. So far, I've made eight 12" x 18" table mats and might make a few more as I seem to have scraps that multiply when I'm not looking.

I'm counting my Scrappy Improv Pillow as my One Monthly Goal January finish with Elm Street Quilts. Visit this link to see what everyone else has completed this month.

Also linking up with:

Oh Scrap! hosted by Quilting is more fun than housework

Peacock Party hosted by Wendys Quilt & More

Craftastic Monday hosted by Sew Can Do

32 comments

Maria1/26/20, 5:56 PM
Love your bright cushion..
Kay1/26/20, 6:15 PM
This is fun. I have a couple of cushions tha tI sewed a few years ago using this method and they are still my favourite ones. x
Lesley Gilbert1/26/20, 10:51 PM
Love all the colours you used and a great spiral finish - beautiful :)
Rosemary B❤️1/27/20, 5:29 AM
your cushion is happy and perky, and the colors look so great together.
I love your place mats too. I should and could make a zillion of these... with all of my scraps
Karen's Korner1/27/20, 6:29 AM
Such a pretty and comfy looking cushion. A great scrap buster project.
Sarah Goer Quilts1/27/20, 6:45 AM
It makes me so happy to look at your pillow. The color, the patterns, the texture! I love it all.
Susie1/27/20, 8:59 AM
Such a fabulously colourful cushion
diamondc1/27/20, 11:10 AM
Anorina: So very pretty, reminds me of spring.

Catherine
Ondrea1/27/20, 5:30 PM
Improvised creations are often the most fun and most successful projects. Your cushion and placemats are so lovely and bright. I love how you have combined machine quilting with hand quilting. It adds such texture . Just gorgeous.
The Joyful Quilter1/28/20, 1:24 AM
Absolutely LOVE your super scrappy projects!!! I really like the blend of hand and machine quilting on your pillow. It is SEW lovely!
Mary W1/28/20, 1:49 AM
Had to visit your blog - my eyes made me do it as they won't stop looking at that WOW pillow.
Gina's Custom Creations1/28/20, 2:48 AM
Beautiful pillow! I also love your hand quilting...really finishes it off wonderfully!
kiwikid1/28/20, 8:33 AM
Beautiful cushions and the table mats are wonderful too.
KaHolly1/28/20, 11:47 AM
Your pillow looks lovely! Congratulations on accomplishing your OMG. I did not! I can’t believe you pieced 8 placemats, too! Every once in awhile, I try, but I never get very far.
audrey1/29/20, 6:52 AM
Great idea for you Improv. The pillow looks wonderful! Love that spiral stitching.:)
Danette 1/30/20, 7:41 AM
Just wonderful! I'm not good with Improv, but yours turned out so lovely!
Sharon1/30/20, 8:09 AM
Love it! I wish that I could reach through the computer screen to touch that pillow with its interesting texture.
Patty 1/31/20, 1:31 AM
Love it! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish!