Sherri Lynn Wood‘s new book, The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters is not like any other quilting or sewing book.  I like the tagline as much as  the book: “A Guide to Creating, Quilting and Living Courageously”. There are no specific projects shown step-by -step, long a formula in sewing and quilting books. That would not work here as it would take the improv out of improv! Sherri Lynn Wood‘s unique solution to this dilemma is a combination of a meditation on improv quilting, and a guidebook to the world of improv, through the use of “scores”.

The “scores” are a way for readers to create their own unique quilts “from a set of parameters as a guide” that act as a  starting point. It doesn’t constrain you from being unique and improvisational, just sets you on a path and you can go where you want.  Never fear, she does cover techniques, both improvisation and patchwork as well as finishing techniques, and she also explores aspects and moods of color in detail. What is quilting without color?

This book is thoroughly original in its format, tone and content. A perfect union to the subject matter of creating original improv work. The photography by Sara Remington is scrumptious.

From The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood

From The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood

Over 250 quilters signed on to test quilt the ten scores for the book. In the end only 22 quilts made it into the book though all of the quilts undoubtedly informed the final version of the book.  And we can show you some of the other quilts here. And I am sure more will be popping up in modern quilt shows around the country as I have seen many already in the exhibitions at QuiltCon and other regional shows. Here are just a few from the score “strings”. To see more from the strings score than I can show, here is a link to them on Daintytime.

Sunburst Quilt by Tara Faughnan.

Red Wine and Cheese by Madge Ziegler

Line Study # 4 by Drew Steinbrecher

Dancing Windmills by Meagan Buch

Undoing by Elliot Turnbull

“Untitled” by Tara Faughnan

Thinking of Spring by Bridget Bower

Out My Window by Pam Pollock

Japanese String 2 by Heather Cameron

You can also visit these sites to hear more about the different techniques shared in the book and see more of the inspiring creations to come out of Sherri’s workshops.

May 4: STC Craft – Score for Rhythmic Grid Gallery
May 4: Plaid Portico – Score for Strings Gallery
May 6: During Quiet Time – Test Quilter Amy Friend
May 8: Wise Craft Handmade – Score for Get Your Curve On Gallery
May 11: Studio Notes – Test Quilter Penny Gold
May 13: Quiltville – Score for Modern Block Improv Gallery
May 15: Peppermint Pinwheels – Test Quilter Stacey Sharman
May 18: Quirky Quilts – Test Quilter Kim McPeake
May 20: PoppyPrintCreates – Score for Patchwork Doodle Gallery
May 22: The Last Piece – Test Quilter Sara Fielke
May 25: Cauchy Complete – Score for Layered Curves Gallery
May 26: Diary of a Quilter – Score for Bias Strip Petals Gallery (you are >HERE<)
May 28: Getting Stitched on the Farm – Score for Improv Round Robin Gallery
May 29: Spoonflower – Score for Showing Up Gallery
May 30: Fresh Modern Quilts – Test Quilter Rossie Hutchinson