Today I’m excited to re-imagine my favorite quilt – Facets – from my book Machine Quilting with Style. It might be my favorite because it was the first quilt I designed for the book. Or maybe it’s because this was my first stab at improv piecing. The fabrics I used might have had something to do with it, too. And when I quilted it, I was really pushing myself to do something really eye catching. It was very validating when this quilt was also a favorite of judges’ at the AQS Paducah show earlier this year, nabbing a 2nd place in the modern category.
Facets 63″ x 70″ by Christa Watson
Facets was a huge favorite of several of my friends and followers in my Facebook Group, too! Here is just a sampling of some of the beautiful versions others have made. Notice how they changed it up to make it their own!
Made by Katherine D – those icy blues are so gorgeous and the black adds drama.
Leah H. chose pretty purples, made fewer blocks, and added extra solids Just stunning!
Sharon S. alternated plain and pieced blocks to make this beautiful version.
To see more amazing variations, head over to my Facebook Group: Quilt with Christa and type “Facets” into the search bar. It’s chock full of inspiration!
My Kona Cotton Designer Palette is available for a limited time only!
Giveaway Time!
I chose my Designer palette of 28 Kona Solids to make my version. Click here to grab a bundle if you’d like to make a quilt similar to mine. The fun thing about improv is that two quilts can look completely different even when using the same fabrics and pattern.
To celebrate the one year anniversary of Machine Quilting with Style, one lucky winner will receive a precut bundle of my entire palette. Let me know which you prefer: a set of 40 precut 2 1/2″ strips, or 40 precut 10″ squares. To enter, leave a comment on this post letting me know if you’ve ever done any improv piecing. For a bonus entry, share a picture of it in my Facebook Group. I’d love to see!
Click here to purchase a signed copy of Machine Quilting with Style.
Click here to see all of the quilts from the book.
Christa Quilts 
I enjoy the freedom of improv piecing quite a bit. Thanks for the chance to win fabric; I’d prefer the 10″ squares if I’m so lucky!
Such fun- done some very small pieces but not a quilt. Love the color choices in yours. I think that is what stops me– how to plan the colors,
I’ve not tried any Improv yet, but keep eyeing all the posts about it for awhile now so it’s time I try it out. I’d love the layer cake bundle. 😉
I’d love the 2 1/2″ strips and I’m anxious to learn more about improv piecing
I’ve never done improv piecing but maybe it’s time to start!
No I never have, always have a pattern I use and sometimes redesign. I always customize patterns to my own colors and style. Thank you and Congrats on your new class.
I’ve never done an improv quilt but I am so into Modern Quilting now. This would be a great project to expand my horizons. I would love to win the 10″ layer cakes…..Thanks
I’ve been scared to ‘let go’ and try improv piecing yet! Would love to win the 10″ squares so I can dip my toe into it. Congrats on your anniversary!
I would love the 10″ precuts! I started my Facets quilt with the quilt-along, but soon got behind. It is still progressing, slowly, between other projects with deadlines. I love the way it is looking–thanks for creating such a beautiful, customizable quilt! Looking forward to your Craftsy class.
Love the design and would love the strips.
Just a small project started at this time. I need a lot more practice and those 10″ squares would help a lot. thanks.
I have not yet done improv piecing but am willing to give it a try. I may get hooked! I do love the look. If I win your drawing, I will be real pleased with either the 2 1/2″ or 10″. Thank you.
I’ve only done one small improv pieced project. It was a lot of fun and I gave it to a friend. Thanks for the giveaway, I’d love 10″ squares. Can’t wait for your new class on Craftsy.
I’ve done a few small wallhangings in improv style. It’s fun and freeing. Your palette is my favorite color combo and I’d love to have a 10″ bundle! Congrats on the Craftsy class, Christa!
the improv that I’ve done was for a Crazy quilt with many different embroidery stitches on it. I’m still working on it years later!! “-) It’s fun and beautiful, but sure takes alot of time to do!!
I have done a little improv piecing in a workshop, now need to try more of it at home.
I love the bright Kona colors in your palette. I’ve never really done much improv, but will include it in my 2017 plans. I believe I would prefer the 10″ squares.
even though I have boxes and drawers full of scraps, I have not yet gotten around to doing any improve quilting. my ufo’s and must do’s have not given me the time to do anything else. my co-chairmanship for programming at one guild and being a co-founder who is very actively involved at another guild doesn’t leave me too much play time.
I hope I’m not too late to enter this drawing. Facebook just NOW (Sat, Dec 3, 8am) showed me this post…Love KONA!!
oops…I love either charms or layer cakes…never done IMPROV
I used the scraps from paper piecing my daughter’s quilt to make blocks for a quilt for me. It feels like we are under the same blanket even though she is at college.
I have never done improv sewing. It reminds me of some crazy quilts that my grandmother used to make. I still have a baby quilt she made for my first born. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love your color palette! I’m slowly adding more improv to my quilting, and I am very pleased with the results. I use both 2 1/2″ inch strips and 10 inch squares, but I think in this case I’d prefer the 10 inch squares. Thank you for the giveaway.
I’ve done scrappy, but not really improv piecing. I am thinking about for some projects in the future.
I’ve tried improv, but I prefer a pattern with directions. I’d love a chance to win 2.5 inch strips. Thanks.
I have tried improv piecing several times. I always love the look at the end but I suffer a great deal of anxiety in the process. 😊
I’ve never done any improv piecing, sort of a newbie but I’m sure as time lets me get better I will try it. I would take either strips or 10 inch. Thanks for the opportunity.
I have definitely worked with improv piecing and have taken classes in the style. Some of my products I love….some not so much. But the journey is wonderful.
I have done a little bit of improv piecing, often on pot holders. I love the look, and want to do some bigger improv projects. The fabrics in your palette are gorgeous! I prefer 10″ squares over strips, just in case I want some squares that are bigger than 2 1/2″.
I love improv piecing and would like to win 10″ squares pack.
This is something I have never tried, but I keep trying new things all the time.
I am intrigued by being totally off pattern and want to try your Facets quilt.
Happy anniversary and thanks for writing this great book!! Thanks too for the giveaway. If you draw me I choose the 10″ square s. Cotten.gloria@gmail.com
I have done a bit of Improv piecing using leftover bits. The 2 1/2″ strips would be nice. Thanks for the draw.
I have been making some scrap blocks on a paper foundation lately. They are totally improv as I pull things together. I really like working with 10″ squares, I find them versatile to work with. Thank you for the opportunity to win. I often refer to your book when I am machine quilting.
Yes. Crazy quilting.
I’ve done some improve piecing, but I prefer more organized blocks. I love 10″ squares for most collections, but solids in strips are fun, too.
I have not done improv piecing. I like 2 1/2″ strips!
I’ve never done improv piecing. When I made a whole bunch of quilt blocks wrong, I probably should have done it then, but instead, I set them aside. I like jelly rows more than anything, but I’ll take the 10″ pieces too. Thanks.
It’s on my list “to do” Thanks for the opportunity to win! I would love the 10″ squares! Hoping also someday to see you in person!
I am a beginner and have not tried improv piecing. It’s one of the many things I need to try! If I happen to win, I’d take either size fabric…I can use anything since I’m just starting!
I have never done any improv sewing. But I have been saving scraps so I know it is in my future. I have used 2 1/2 strips in my sewing, but have never had 10 inch squares to play with. So either one would be great to win.
I have not done improv piecing before and I don’t know that I could. I have trouble doing totally scrappy quilts, so I don’t think I would be able to do improv. 🙂
I would love to have the 2 1/2″ strips should I win!
Just interested in Improv quilting! I mostly do Baby Charity Quilts, and thinking I can even work that into some of them! Thank You for your inspiration+this giveaway!
I did one block of improv piecing for a charity event and hope to do more of it as I found it to be fun.
I haven’t done any improv piecing but Facets is one quilt I want to try, partly because I love diamond quilts.
I haven’t done any Improv piecing but have wanted to give it a go…the Jelly Roll would be a great way to start! Thanks for the giveaway!
Chrsta, Facets was the first of your quilts that I made. I loved it. I donated to our PTA to raffle and we made just short of $800. I want to make one for my daughter after Christmas. Her birthday is in June so I won’t have to rush.
I have never tackled the improv look – I am a real “type A” and just cannot seem to let go. I do love this quilt, and the colors are amazing. If I should be fortunate to be picked, I would be happy with either the strips or squares –
I haven’t done any improv piecing, not sure I even know how to begin!
love improv piecing, did a quilt, and than during the floods in Calgary made lots of slabs that than were put into quilts for the victims…great for group projects….I would love to win the 10″ squats, could vary the width than….thanks for your social media sharing, love to see so much creative ideas from you..