LOOK OUT FOR NICELY SHAPED DRIFTWOOD OR FALLEN BRANCHES ON WINTER WALKS

CUTTING OUT

1 From the binding fabric cut:

■ Three (3) 2½in x 22in strips.

IMPROV PIECING

2 Place a solid piece right side up, and lay a second solid on top at an angle (Fig A). Cut approx. ¼in from the edge of the top piece (Figs B and C). Discard the scraps and flip over the top piece so they’re RST with aligned edges (Fig D). Sew the pieces together along the edge and press towards the darker fabric.

3 Take the next piece of fabric and place on top, right side up, at the angle you wish to achieve. Cut approx. ¼in from the edge, as in step 2 (Fig E). Discard the scraps and flip over the top piece so they’re RST with aligned edges.

4 Continue adding fabrics to your panel in different angles until you’re happy. If you like it scrappy, use plenty of smaller pieces and fun angles. Once complete, cut to measure 10in x 12in (Fig F). Baste the edges over your seams within the seam allowance to hold the edges together (Fig G).

QUILTING AND FINISHING

5 Place the improv panel on top of your batting and baste in place (Fig H). Quilt as desired. Laura used Aurifil 12wt thread in Mint, Spring Green, Light Blue, Fuchsia and Medium Orchid to hand quilt her wall hangings.

6 Make a quilt sandwich by placing the backing fabric right side down, and the quilted improv panel on top. Sew the layers together around the edges and trim the excess backing fabric.

7 Sew the binding strips together end-to-end using diagonal seams. Press the seams open. Fold in half lengthways, wrong sides together, and press.

8 Sew the binding to the right side of the quilt, creating a neat mitre at each corner. Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and hand stitch in place to finish.

9 For the wooden hanger, paint a piece of driftwood in your preferred colour using acrylic paint and let it dry. It might need a second coat if you’ve chosen a light paint.

10 Use a brush to apply school glue to the edges and sprinkle plenty of glitter on top. Attach the mini quilt onto the driftwood and add pompoms if desired.