Improv Quilts With Fiber Artist Angee Turner

The Art of Improv Quilting: An Interview with Angee Turner

Introduction: A Short History of Improv Quilting

Improv quilting, short for improvisational quilting, is a liberating approach to quilt-making that breaks free from traditional patterns and templates. Emerging in the early 20th century, it was popularized by the Gee's Bend quilters in Alabama, whose works are now celebrated for their bold, free-form designs. Unlike conventional quilting, improv quilting encourages quilters to embrace spontaneity, allowing the fabric and colors to guide the creative process. This method celebrates individuality and creativity, making each quilt a unique piece of art.

Improv quilting gained more popularity with the rise of modern quilting, which sought to redefine and expand the boundaries of traditional quilting. Influenced by abstract art, minimalism, and a push for greater artistic expression, modern quilters began to explore asymmetry, unconventional color combinations, and free-form piecing. The emphasis was on creating quilts that reflected personal style and creativity rather than adhering to traditional patterns and techniques.

One of the popular techniques of modern improv quilting is its embrace of negative space and bold use of color. Modern quilters often use large expanses of solid fabric to create a striking visual impact.

The internet and social media have played significant roles in the growth of improv quilting within the modern quilting community. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and various quilting blogs have allowed quilters to share their work, inspire each other, and foster a global community of like-minded artists. The Modern Quilt Guild, founded in 2009, has also been instrumental in promoting modern quilting through events like QuiltCon, which showcases innovative works and provides a space for learning and collaboration.

Today, improv quilting continues to evolve, with quilters worldwide embracing its principles to create innovative and expressive works that challenge the norms of traditional quilting. The blend of improvisational techniques with modern aesthetics has resulted in a dynamic and expanding style that celebrates the art of quilting in new and exciting ways.

A chat with fiber artist, Angee Turner.

"Angee Turner considers herself a bridge between tradition and innovation. She believes that making a quilt is a metaphor for life -- you take the pieces from your life experiences and try to make something beautiful."

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background as a quilter?

I am a second-generation (once-removed) quilt maker. My paternal grandmother quilted, but my mother did not. I am self-taught, thanks to lots of library books. I began quilting to replicate a quilt made by my grandmother that was starting to fall apart. Once I finished that first quilt, I was hooked.

When did you first start sewing/quilting and why?

I started sewing when I was 11 or 12. I began quilting in the late 90s.

What is your favorite part of the process, and why?

My favorite part of the process is picking the fabrics. I love fabric and colors, and I think I have a gift for combining them.

What inspires your designs and creative process?

I am attracted to patterns, so I pay attention to mosaics, and bathroom and kitchen tiles. I get color inspiration from photos of birds or my sense of color. I keep notebooks of the quilt and block ideas.

Can you walk us through the steps to start a new project?

I don't have a set of steps that I follow. I approach each new project differently.

How do you approach choosing fabrics and colors?

I usually use as many colors as possible, but I don't quilt the rainbow. I like to use tints and shades of colors more than pure hues.

How do you balance tradition and innovation in your work?

I don't try to balance them. It depends on the project.

What has been your most successful project, and why do you consider it successful?

This is hard. One of my most successful ones is a 3D quilt I made for a shirt manufacturer in Miami. It was a success because I designed the block to look like a French cuff. It hangs in his office.

How do you share your love of working with fabric with others?

I post on Instagram and Facebook. Before the pandemic, I belonged to a couple of quilt guilds. I also spoke at several guilds in Missouri and Illinois. I teach improv piecing and plan to do more online teaching.

What advice would you give to those beginning their journey with fabric and fiber arts?

Just keep making. Don't worry about whether or not anybody else likes it. You also don't have to share everything. Just make. If it works, great. If you don't like it, cut it up and make potholders out of them.

How do you envision your work developing in 5, 10 or 15 years?

I don't think about that. I let the work lead me.

Finally, how do you define success as creative, and what does it mean to you personally?

Success is having the time and resources to make whatever I want. Success is creative freedom.

10 Ways Quilters Can Start Improv Quilting

Start Small: Begin with small projects like potholders, mini-quilts, or cushion covers to practice improv techniques without feeling overwhelmed.
Use Scraps: Dive into your scrap bin. Using fabric scraps can free you from worrying about “wasting” good fabric and encourage playful experimentation.
Forget the Rules: Set aside traditional quilting rules. There’s no right or wrong in improv quilting. Embrace irregular shapes and unexpected color combinations.
Cut Without Rulers: Put away your rulers and rotary cutters. Use scissors to cut your fabric freehand to create organic shapes and lines.
Embrace Asymmetry: Break away from symmetry. Let your design grow organically without worrying about balance and uniformity.
Use a Design Wall: Arrange your pieces on a design wall to see how they interact. Move them around until you find a composition that pleases you.
Combine Techniques: Mix improv piecing with other techniques like applique, embroidery, or even traditional blocks for added texture and interest.
Experiment with Color: Play with color. Try monochromatic schemes, complementary colors, or bold contrasts. Trust your intuition and see where it leads you.
Let the Fabric Lead: Let your fabric choices dictate the direction of your quilt. Allow the patterns and colors in your fabric to inspire new design elements.
Join a Community: Engage with other improv quilters online or in person. Sharing ideas and seeing others’ work can spark new inspiration and keep you motivated.

About Angee Turner

Angee Turner quilts joy. Her journey as a quiltmaker began when she used fabric leftover from sewing projects to recreate a quilt made by her paternal grandmother. Since then, her style has changed from traditional patterns to bold, improvisational piecing using lots and lots of bright colors. Angee's design aesthetic is heavily influenced by engineering and mathematics. Angee considers herself a bridge between tradition and innovation. She believes that making a quilt is a metaphor for life -- you take the pieces from your life experiences and try to make something beautiful.

Find Angee Turner Online

Website: Angee Quilts
Instagram: @angeequilts