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 
This is great, I love the solids. I am brand new to quilting so I hope I win and can start my second quilt.
I haven’t done any improv piecing. I am a beginner. However, some of my beginning attempts look like I was improvising.
I have not done any improv yet, but I must admit I love it! I’m adding it to my “to do” list.
Other than your block of the month as an Aurifil designer, I haven’t done any improv yet. The colors in this quilt have me almost ready to take the plunge.
Improv! It didn’t start that way, but…
A friend challenged all artists she knew to interpret a photo of hers… paintings, fiber art, a rain barrel, lots of fun projects were produced for it! I started a pictorial quilt & soon knew it wasn’t right. I took all the quilt pieces I had made for it & started cutting them apart randomly. Then I re-started the quilt to be a reminder of the photo, not the exact photo. Boy did I have fun! It finally felt ‘complete’ when 3 panels were finished and hung together.
I love the palette of colors in the give-a-way–I could do some great quilting with the 10″ squares.
Loooove your patterns…& books! I only tried a lil improve..with my daughter…we had fun! Plan to do a new project after Christmas! 😉 Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! I would choose the strips! ☺
I made an I-spy ABC quilt recently that was completely improv. It was SO FUN!
I’m a fan of jelly rolls.
I haven’t tried improv piecing yet but have been interested in trying since I saw your quilt and others. I’d love to have the 10 inch squares if I’m the lucky one.
I’ve not done any improv piecing, but I rarely follow patterns completely. I always tend to go off in other directions after starting. And I would love to win the 10″ squares! I love the sunny colors in your original quilt the best!
I haven’t tried improv yet. I’d love the 10″ squares!
I’ve done improv piecing a couple of times. One was one crazy quilt blocks. The other quilt was an improv pieced background of light neutral colors with an amaryllis appliqued over the background. The background was to resemble a brick wall.
I’ve never done any improv quilting, but that looks fun and challenging at the same time. I guess I would prefer the 10″ squares if I win. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you for the giveaway, I’ve done a little bit of improv and would love the 10″ squares if chosen.
I was part of a strip exchange recently when I learned I haven’t ventured into brights very much! This would be a great start!! I improv my scraps routinely. I especially am enjoying string piecing.
I have not done improv quilting. However, after seeing your quilts, I am interested.
I improvise a little just about every time I sit down at my sewing machine. I tinker with block designs, quilt layout, size, you name it. That is part of the spirit of quilting.
By the way, I’d prefer the 10″ squares.
I’m still new to quilting so I haven’t worked up the nerve yet. But I would love to give it a try one day soon. Id really like to have the 10″ squares.
I haven’t made an improv quilt and I’m not sure I would be able too. But, I love your quilt with the bright colors you chose. I would prefer the 10 inch squares if I win. Thank you for the giveaway.
Last Valentine’s I tried to “zazz” up a couple small wallhangings. It was fun, Kathy in colo
I have not yet done any improv piecing, however, there are a few quilts that use improv that are on my to do list. Maybe I can get to them be then end of this decade (LOL). Thanks for the chance!
dragonfly9716(at)yahoo(dot)com
I only made one small project using improv. I would prefer the 10-inch squares.
Congrats on your one year anniversary…and on your ribbon. That Facets quilt deserves it! Your quilting is fabulous….it makes the quilt design really pop. Thanks for the chance to win the Kona precut bundle! I could have lots of fun with that palette in 10″ squares. I have only just started to play with improv piecing. Does it count if I draw out an improv design b4 cutting the fabric? 😉
Your improv is an inspiration to get out of my comfort zone and go for it!
Christa, I improv all the time. I never want my quilts to look li,emsomeone else’s
I would love to win the set of 40 precut 2 1/2 inch strips please. I have never done any improve piecing – yet. Thank you for the chance to try and win. What a great person you are. Happy Holidays!
Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
i would love the 2.5 in. strips! i want to try improv. So far, only used it for quilt backs. Thank you.
I’ve done a little bit of improv. Mostly as a challenge to use up some scraps. I would love to work with the 21/2 strips.
I have done and enjoy improv piecing! I love your pattern!
Hiya Christa,
I am working on a rather large improv project. It started out with me playing with scraps and making ‘made-fabric’ a la Victoria Findlay-Wolfe and her 15 Minutes of Play concept. The idea was to make a few blocks to accent another quilt I’ve been working on. I had so much fun working on these blocks that the project has taken on a life of it’s own! Definitely not just 15 minutes of play…LOL!
If I were to win, I would prefer the layer cake bundle of your lovely citrus Kona solids.
Thanks & Quilty Huggs!
Hiya Christa!
I am in the midst of a rather large improv project. I am making made-fabric a la Victoria Findlay-Wolfe. I started out thinking I would just make up a few blocks to accent another quilt that I have going on, but I’ve been having so much fun doing this that the improv project has taken off like gang-busters…definately not just 15 minutes of play…LOL!
If I were to win I would prefer the layer cake of your lovely Kona solids!
Thanks & Quilty Huggs!
I haven’t done any improv quilting, as I am still a beginner and prefer to follow a ready made design at this stage. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough. I would like the squares, I am lucky enough to win.