Modern Quilt Month: Improvisation! (4)

In quilting, improvisation refers to a freeform, intuitive approach to design where quilters create without strictly following traditional patterns, precise measurements, or pre-planned templates. It has its own category within modern quilt shows! We hope you enjoy these photos of improvisational quilts.

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Relax by Karen Bolan (California) @karen.bolan 

This quilt is based on catenary curves. A catenary is a curve that describes the shape of a hanging chain or wire under gravity. Catenary curves are the physical embodiment of relaxation. The curves in the quilt are made from yarn draped between two pins. The shape has many real-world applications outside of quilting, You see them in bridges, arches, cables, even soap bubbles!  

Karen Bolan explains the title of her quilt, Relax: "I sometimes feel every quilt has to be the best quilt I've ever made, and also solve all the world's problems. It's an impossibly high bar.  Why is it so hard to relax? 

Nurturing the Pod by Jane Rundle (Queensland, Australia) @janemadlyquilting 

"Nurturing the Pod" is improvisationally pieced with various checkerboard and suare shapes in bright orange and red hues.  Jane Rundle explains Nurturing the Pod: "Nurturing is what mothers do, it's what family does. Our jobs sometimes turn us into nurturers of our colleagues, especially during difficult times... Being nurtured makes us feel safe and loved, and gives us the chance to grow to our potential."

 Back Off! by Annie Hudnut (Colorado) @anniehudnut 

Annie Hudnut says that leftover scraps can produce guilt, frustration or inspiration (so true!) "I decided to do a series to use up some of my leftover pieces. Back Off emerged as a favorite. A two-headed monster invading someone's space? We've all had that person who's just too close for comfort.  I love that my yellow figure actually conveys that feeling despite his/her lack of detail.  Circles and curves are such a delight!"

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.