Intro to Controlled Improv
A Guided Practice to Help You See DifferentlySupply List
Format: 3-Hour Workshop
Level: All Levels Welcome
Instructor: Mitzie Schafer
This workshop requires a little prep before class begins — and it's worth it!
The more you do ahead of time, the further you'll get in the guided practices during our session together.
Read through all three steps below so you arrive ready to create.
Layout pages will be provided by Mitzie during class.
Before Class — What to DoSTEP 1: Download & Print the Template Page: A page of shape templates is available for download below. Download it, print it, and cut out the individual templates before class begins.
STEP 2: Cut Your Fabric Pieces — Minimum Prep*
Using your printed templates, cut 10 to 15 pieces from solid and/or blender fabrics in a variety of colors — including lights, mediums, and darks. This is your minimum starting point and will get you moving right away when class begins. SEE FABRIC DETAILS BELOW.
✓ SOLIDS
✓ BLENDERS
*Cut Extra Pieces for More Practice (Optional)
Want to get even further in the guided practice? Cut more pieces (estimated 30) from your fabrics using the templates before class. More pieces means more layout options and more time spent designing rather than cutting. Keep in mind that you may not use everything you cut — but having the variety on hand pays off.
What's Provided
Layout Pages: Mitzie will provide the design layout pages you need to arrange and glue down your improv units during class. You do not need to bring or print these.
What to Bring — REQUIRED
Printed & Cut Templates: Downloaded above and cut out before class. See Step 1 above.
Pre-Cut Fabric Pieces: At least 10 pieces using each template, 30 pieces are better. Solids and blenders only — see the fabric guidelines in step 2. Variety of colors, values, and including neutrals.
If you’d like to bring a variety of scraps and but your pieces out during the class you may, but you will not have time to finish as many designs.
Scissors: For cutting additional fabric pieces during class if needed.
Glue Stick: You'll glue your finished layout pieces to the provided design pages. A standard glue stick works perfectly.
Notebook & Pen or Pencil: For notes throughout the session. Any notebook works.
What to Bring — NICE TO HAVE
Colored Pencils: Some students find these helpful for sketching layout ideas in their notebook. Bring a set if you have one.
Small Cutting Mat & Rotary Cutter: If you prefer cutting with a rotary cutter rather than scissors, bring a small mat and cutter. Either method works great.
Additional Fabric Pieces: Having a selection of solids and blenders nearby — in a variety of colors, lights, mediums, and darks — means you can keep creating without stopping if you have time to make additional layouts.
LIGHT VALUES
MEDIUM VALUES
DARK VALUES
NEUTRALS
FABRIC GUIDELINES
What works
Blenders are fabrics with a very subtle, tone-on-tone pattern that reads as a single color from a distance. Hold the fabric at arm's length — if it looks like one clean color, it's a blender. It should be free of any contrasting spots, dots, or printed images.
✓ SOLIDS
✓ BLENDERS
Aim for this mix of values
Bring a variety of colors — including neutrals — and be sure to include lights, mediums, and darks. Value contrast is one of the five design controls we'll explore in class, so the more range you have in your pile, the more you'll learn.
LIGHT VALUES
MEDIUM VALUES
DARK VALUES
NEUTRALS
What to avoid
In Controlled Improv, the arrangement of shapes and color is the design. Prints compete with that and distract the eye from the layout you're building. Keep it clean so your design decisions can do the talking.
✗ Prints
✗ Multi-color fabrics
✗ Contrasting spots or images
COLOR FLOW THEORY WORKBOOK
Questions before class?If you're unsure whether a fabric will work, bring it anyway — Mitzie will help you evaluate it during class.
No one should leave guessing, and that starts before you even arrive.
Visit jitterywingsquiltco.com or find Mitzie on Instagram at @jitterywings.