Strippy Improv Holiday QAL - Week 1

The Strippy Improv Holiday Quilt Along has started! This is my favorite time of the year!

If you don't have the pattern yet, get it here.

For Week 1, we're talking fabric and block choice. 

There's a lot to think about, and so many tempting directions to go! 

Fabric and block choice go hand in hand - and with the new blocks, you have many options for making a Christmas-themed project or a winter-themed project. 

I tend to find inspiration by fallling in love with a fun holiday border fabric. I’m using the Christmas Spirit collection by David Galchutt for Benartex. Check out that gorgeous border! I also love how all those bright, fun coordinates will pop off the black background. Once I choose the border fabric, then I pick blocks that follow the theme. I’m going to make a tree, star, candy cane and ornament.

Select your blocks - Either four different, all the same, or a couple of your favorites. The pattern includes options for assembling the blocks into a table runner or a square wall hanging. See some of my finished samples here.

Now let's talk block backgrounds. You'll want to choose a medium to dark fabric for the background. If you use a lighter fabric, the strippy improv will show through. Keep that in mind as you choose fabric for the strips - for example, if you have a dark gray background, make sure the snowman hat contrasts enough. Here's an example of a fabric choice where I didn't have quite enough contrast: 

Pick your fabrics and quilt blocks, and next week we'll make two blocks! 

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Join the Strippy Improv Holiday Quilt Along!

Get the pattern here. It includes all 11 blocks. If you've purchased the pattern previously, you can get the 6 new blocks for free - sign up for my newsletter here, and you'll receive an email with a link to download the new blocks. 

QAL Details: 

Sew along with me to create a holiday wall quilt or table runner before Christmas! I'll post once a week with tips and advice (plus that all-important accountability!) to keep us on track. These blocks are addicting...just wait and see! 

Purchase the pattern here.

Week 1: November 18th - Fabric selection

Week 2: November 25th -  Making 2 blocks

Week 3: December 2nd - Making 2 blocks

Week 4: December 9th - Assembly and Finishing