Modern Improv Tree quilt – also popularly known as the #HolidayPatchworkForest on social media. Click here for full tutorial, or click here to purchase a printable PDF version.
This fall I finished the large version of the Modern Patchwork Trees that I started last year. Here it is pre-quilting. I love this shot in the woods.
A couple of weeks ago I got it back from the quilter. I’ve been wanting to get a good picture of this one with the snow, but we’ve had mild weather over the past week and all our snow melted. Fortunately we got a skiff of snow last night and my husband was a good sport about going out in the freezing temps as my official quilt holder to get some shots of the finished quilt.
This was one of the most fun quilts I’ve made this past year. I started it last year, knowing I wouldn’t finish in time for Christmas, but I did pre-cut the red and green fabrics I’d need for making more trees and set them aside ready to go. Over the summer I found a few more great prints of current Christmas prints to add to the mix.
Then when I was in the mood this fall, I pulled out the stack and got her finished! This quilt is deceptively quick and easy to piece. My favorite part about it is picking and mixing and matching the fabrics. It’s a great stash-buster!
I love the inter-locking orange peel motif that Melissa from Sew Shabby Quilting used to quilt it. I’ve been waiting for just the right project to use this design. There’s lots of design and texture, but not too dense so that after a few washings, this will be a nice, soft quilt.
The fabric for the backing and bias stripe binding both came from my stash. I bought both of them at after-Christmas clearance sales in years past, figuring I’d use them for some future Christmas quilt. And here it is – they were just perfect!
This block is SO SIMPLE to construct. You can find the free Modern Improv Patchwork Trees Tutorial HERE. This is the second variation I’ve made of this design. The original design was for a mini version.
This is equally fun, and a little bit faster if your time is limited but you want a quick improv patchwork tree fix. You can find the tutorial for the mini trees here.
The the most fun part of this project has been seeing other people take this fun and simple improv block and make it their own! Search the #holidaypatchworkforest hashtag on Instagram for lots of fun inspiration. I also love that the brand new Honey Pot Bee is using this for their wild card block as they kick off all the fun for the upcoming fun this year. (You can find out more about the Honey Pot Bee here!)
I love seeing all of these happy trees! I think Bob Ross would be proud. As am I.
I think one of the other reasons I love this block is I’m a tree lover – especially evergreens in the winter. This is a quick snapshot from one of my favorite winter hikes in our nearby mountains, called Pine Hollow. In the spring this spot is loud with the sound of lots of creeks created by spring water run-off, but in the winter it’s such a quiet, almost sacred space – it always makes me think of that Christmas carol Still, Still, Still. So I think that’s what I’m going to call this quilt: Pine Hollow.
Thanks again to all who have made and shared this project. You’ve inspired me to make another one and play with more colors and fabrics! Once again – block tutorial for the large size trees can be found here and if you would prefer a printable PDF version, there is one available to buy for $3.00 here.
Pat S
Gorgeous. I pinned this a few months ago but haven’t done anything ,,, yet. 😀
Kristin
Do you want some of my snow? We must have at least 2 feet of snow on the ground…
Karen Seitz
Love it!
Ellen
l love this pattern so much, and am grateful my cutting doesn’t have to “perfect.” I have the fabric for it but haven’t yet had the time to put it together. Hopefully next Christmas I’ll have a picture of my quilt to add to your collection.
Amy Smart
Way more fun to be early for next Christmas than stressed out for this Christmas. 😉 Thanks Ellen!
Pam Arbour
Your quilt is beautiful. I read your tutorial and you are right, it looks so detailed and yet deceptively easy to make. I am really looking forward to making one of them in 2017. I will be sure to give you credit for this fabulous tutorial.
Amy Smart
Thanks Pam! I hope you enjoy it!
nadine donovan
I am a tree lover also. I love your tree block- I love the different sizes of quilts that you have made using this block
Amy Smart
Thanks Nadine!
Kathy E.
I’ve enjoyed every version of this block with all of the color variations and sizes. It’s on my list to make at least a mini with it!
Amy Smart
I’ve loved the variety of versions too – it’s inspired me to make at least another mini too!
Rosemaryflower
SO cute Amy, I love this. Now I want to make one…. or many. I love trees.
Raking, no raking involved here. That is a plus
Amy Smart
Hahah! Yes! Trees with no raking or shedding pine-needles = perfect!
Cheryl Brickey
Great Christmas quilt. I really like the all of the different prints and that quilting pattern is wonderful.
Amy Smart
Thanks Cheryl! I’m with you – that quilting pattern is awesome!
Kim B.
Lovely lovely lovely. Nice greens and reds while still feeling fresh! Thank you for sharing and for sharing the tutorial. Also going to see what other folks have been up to with the hashtag! Merry Christmas Amy!
Amy Smart
Thanks Kim! And Merry Christmas to you too!
Dollandesign
I am a woman from Sweden.
I saw your tutorial off “Modern Christmas Tree” and like it.
If you would like to see what I have made off it,
you can look in my blogg Dollandesign to day.
Dolores
Dollandesign
thimbleanna
It’s beautiful Amy! It’s been so fun so see lots of other versions pop up on Instagram too. It’s a winner! Have a Very Merry Christmas — can’t wait to see what fun stuff you get up to next year!
Amy Smart
Thanks Anna! I’ve loved seeing what other people have done with this one!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas too!
JanineMarie
What a fun quilt! I’ve been thinking I need to make a more modern quilt for the holidays. This just might be the one. Maybe I should start in January. Hmmm! Your Pine Hollow picture is lovely. You just can’t beat evergreens in the snow for winter beauty.
Lea
I can’t begin to tell you how beautiful this quilt is!! It’s fabulous. I love how scrappy it looks too. Thank you for sharing your tutorial for it. It looks like such a fun quilt to make.
Lara Buccella
Everything about this quilt is perfect Amy! And hooray for having it done for this Christmas!
Kathleen O'Grady
This quilt is so awesome!! I want to make one right now!!! (if only I could) I love the simplicity of this quilt yet it is so beautiful and happy to me. This is on my to-do list for sure!
tamtotten
I’m such a pattern follower, wondering if you have any idea of how much yardage I would need for the trees? I LOVE THIS PATTERN!
Carol Wingo
I am so glad I found you on Pinterest. I love this tree pattern. I am making trees now for table runners for Christmas presents.
Amy
That’s awesome! Thanks, Carol!