3 keys at the heart of Improv Quilting
Abstraction
Connection
Flow
are three keys at the heart of developing a restorative improv quilting practice. How do these keys interact and why is it important to develop them?
I’m sharing insights from my own experience, with the inclusive “we” for the benefit of those who take my classes and others enamored with the process of improv quilting. My focus these days for my own practice and as a teacher, is how do I return to myself, my beginner’s mind and the freedom of flow. Here are some of my thoughts on abstraction, connection and flow.
Abstraction creates a meaningful story when we connect our emotions, memories, or experiences to design elements like pattern, color, rhythm, and scale. Abstraction + Connection = Narrative
Connection fosters authenticity. The goal is to form patterns that show our true selves. Creating genuinely, by connecting with our inner selves, is more important than being original. Authenticity reveals and maintains our presence in the pattern, which I think can be sensed or felt by viewers. By connecting genuinely to the making process, we encourage others to participate in the quilt's story, creating a valuable shared experience. Connection + Authenticity = Truth
Flow happens through our authentic connection and self-acceptance. Trusting, accepting affirming - You do you!” - helps our patterns to evolve naturally over time, and lets each quilt unfold without overthinking or hesitation. Flow + Acceptance = Trust
Keep in mind that as you flow…
“There may be ups and downs. Hardship is just the way things are. So why be unhappy with the only real world (patchwork) that is? Come gladly to the (sewing) table and nourish yourself on the completeness of experience.” ~ Hilary Barrett from her translation of the I Ching hexagram on Flow (parenthesis my additions).
Greenford Drive Circa 1975, (2023) abstract, freestyle quilt, memories of my childhood home.
As we flow with a deep sense of acceptance, often an unexpected narrative begins to emerge from the layers of abstraction as a revelation, free from calculation. In this moment, the path forward suddenly becomes clear, just as authentic connection and personal truths are more fully revealed. Thus, the key cycle of abstraction, connection, and flow completes and continues, guiding each of us toward greater understanding and clarity of our patterns in patchwork and in life.
Abstraction + Connection + Flow = Restorative Revelation
Your thoughts on the relationships between abstraction, connection and flow? How do these key aspects of improv quilting show up in your creative practice? What is at the heart of your improv quilting practice these days?
Flow Sewing Opportunities
I began hosting Improv That Block quilt-alongs last fall as contemplative, playful, and restorative explorations of a classical quilt blocks, designed to get you flow sewing from your hands, heart and head. The initial flow-sewing structure, with block specific visioning/centering meditations seems to be working, from the feedback I’ve received - AND I’m continuing to fine tune the model to increase it’s effectiveness.
This fall, registration opens for the first Improv That Block BOM 2025 series, in the form of a community course, with six live-stream quilt-alongs where participants select future blocks. Additionally, there will be monthly pre-recorded videos on ruler-free piecing techniques, mindset tools, office hours for questions, and an online community. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first notified.
Can’t wait till 2025? Don’t miss Improv That Block: Churn Dash happening on zoom this fall, on October 19, 2024. Registration is currently open.
Available as video replays:
Looking for an intensive restorative flow sewing, abstract piecing retreat?
Piece Flow Joy Makers Retreat at Clos Mirabel, August 30-September 6, 2025 in the French Pyrenees. The retreat is limited to 14 participants and there are three spots left for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
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Abstraction, connection and flow are three keys at the heart of developing a restorative improv quilting practice. How do these keys interact and why is it important to develop them?