Improv Star Quilt Block

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Improv Star

Being able to use the tiniest little scraps of batiks is so much fun to me! I made this Improv Star mini quilt from a very easy tutorial.

batik scraps

Quilt Block

Do you have the same problem as me???? These were from a quilt I made in January called the Joyful Jelly Roll.  Hmmm, I just realized I never finished that one, I’ll have to put it on my list of things to finish. Anyway, Christa Watson is the Aurifil Designer of the Month for March and her block has the cutest scrappy center that I knew would be perfect for my scraps. Be sure and get the tutorial! You can find the free pdf toward the end of her blog post.

improv block

Batiks I used

I didn’t have anything big enough for the other sections of the block but I did have several pieces of batiks left over from my Crystal Cove Caravan that matched perfectly. These are from the Crystal Cove collection that I received from Island Batik. Have I said how much I enjoy being an ambassador for them!

quilt block

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine

This is a 12 inch block and I really like it!

I have decided to make mini quilts instead of a large sampler quilt. I used Aurifil thread for my quilting……I have really liked this color and……it is almost gone. I did my quilting on my vintage 15-91  Singer sewing machine.

using vintage sewing machine

Trimming the Quilt Block

I wasn’t paying attention when I trimmed the block, I must have been daydreaming. Anyway, I trimmed it right up to the points on the star instead of leaving the 1/4″ seam allowance that I had.

trimming block

Not a Perfectionist

When I added my binding I used a very, very scant seam. You can see in the photo that some of the star points were cut off. Thank goodness I am NOT a perfectionist!

not perfect points on the quilt block

Quilting the Improv Star

My quilting was all done freehand so some of the straight lines may be a little wonky. I did them first about a inch apart and then went back and did the loopy lines.

Finished mini quilt

Cute Visitor

This cute squirrel always visits for some peanuts.

Squirrel eating peanuts
Fast and easy Improv Star quilt block

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Connie with her dogs

About Connie

Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.

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20 Comments

  1. I love your Improv Star. You can do so much with this block. Love your cute little squirrel. Animals are so special.

  2. The improve star is creative and pretty! Thank you for inspiring

  3. The Improv Star is a lovely use of tiny fabric pieces. This gives me a new idea for taming my scraps.

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  5. What a great idea, Connie! Thank you another great tutorial.

  6. What a great idea, Connie. Thank you another great tutorial.

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  8. Createology says:

    I love your block and didn't even notice the teeny points hiding in the binding. Island Batiks look fabulous even in tiny pieces.

  9. Very nice block! I am interested in your vintage singer. Is it a feather weight? I have a feather weight but have never used it for quilting. I have been unable to get a 1/4 inch foot for it.

  10. It looks great, Connie, and the colors are wonderful. I have such a hard time with improv.

  11. That's beautiful Connie! I loved Christa's pattern when she posted it and it's a great scrap buster. The quilting you did is sweet too!

  12. Love, Love, love your blocks… I am a scrap collector… all my quilty friends give me theirs… love this idea…. so sweet.

  13. Connie Kauffman says:

    Such a great way to use the scraps!

  14. Lori Smanski says:

    your star is wonderful. i love the fmq lines you added. perfect. this little squirrel is adorable.

  15. We probably would never notice those points without being shown…..as the fabric is beautiful. I seem to save all those tiny bits too….and make those crumb blocks.

  16. uhh did you use a GO die for that? I think I have a 6 1/2" square die I never use.. I love crumb blocks!

  17. Celia Ambrose says:

    Love the colors you put together! It turned out very pretty!

  18. ChristaQuilts says:

    I love your star and so love the fact that you are making mini's!! The quilting is fab and honestly, I didn't even notice the points until you "pointed" it out, LOL!! Nice job and thanks for sharing!!

  19. Libby in TN says:

    Cute block/mini! I probably use that Aurifil grey more than any other color.