The time spent in my sewing room last month was making a tree skirt, five christmas stockings and a finish to the Grinch quilt for my daughter. I did, however, manage to work on my hexagon blocks and finished the first row around on 22 blocks. These little 1" hexies are made using 2 charm packs of Ruby fabric. I cut the charms in half twice to get 2.5" squares. I am using the English Paper Piece method to construct my blocks. Remember the tutorial I made last October showing how I make my hexies; find it here.
This a pile of my flowers with a single row...
This a pile of my flowers with a single row...
Now, I use 12 hexies around for the second row which will complete the "flower" block.
Here is one finished and that row doesn't look pink in the picture. I am using different fabrics other than Ruby to finish it off. Not sure if I like it at this point, but I definitely need to wait until I finish and see how it all comes together. Although, it's not likely that I will pick out the seams of those second rows that I would have done differently. Haha, like that's going to happen!
I copied the template on card stock and I although I made over one hundred, they can be reused many times before they will need to be replaced. I like using card stock over paper because it gives stiff form that keeps its shape. And I don't sew into the paper. The template source for these hexagons came from Melanie Sullivan who graciously offers them free of charge for personal use. You may find them at her blog Texas Freckles. She hosted a QAL back in 2010 which you can read about; great for inspiration.
Another website, Patterns From History, for those of you who love history of quilt blocks and which also has several ways the blocks can be set and more importantly, how to finish with a border (or not). There is also a link to making hexagons on the machine without paper piecing.
I never imagined I would truly be hand-piecing a quilt together using hundreds of small pieces. I still find it hard to believe I enjoy doing this.
Hugs, Susan
8 sweet reflections:
Love your little hexies, they are very cute! I did start a small hexie project but alas!!! I got distracted LOL!!!
I have just figured out who you are from your CW blocks preview on your blog!!!LOL! Silly me I just never put two and two together!!!! Are you going on to do the Only Takes 2 project?
I have decided not to although I will follow and see what people are up to! I just don't want to commit to another largeish project so soon, as I haven't completed the CW quilt top yet! I have been playing on EQ though, creating my own red/white quilt which I would love to make someday!!!
Wow! I've always wanted to do a GFG quilt but everyone I know who has started one, still has it unfinished. They're so much work, but oh so beautiful. Thanks for the links and the cardstock info - definitely good tips should I ever undertake such an ambitious project!
Hand piecing can be so peaceful. You chose a good project to do it on. There are so many interesting ways to put together a hexagon design.
Very pretty fabrics you have chosen for your flowers. Should be a gorgeous quilt!
Susan, you are one busy lady, and though I can't see myself doing it either, ya just never know, do you? As long as you're having fun, it's all good!
Hand piecing is quite a commitment. I suppose it's pleasant in the evenings in the same way I find it pleasant to crochet. The hexies are wonderful...I well remember being intrigued back along by your post on them. Enjoy a happy project!
Lovely hexies. I'm giving you a round of applause...I once started an English paper piecing hexi project-I didn't get very far! ( I did use some in other projects including my crazy quilt.:)
I'm making hexies with Fig Tree for one daughter & with Blackbird Designs for another daughter. Now I want to do Ruby for myself, having seen your pile o'hexies! Lovely work.
Post a Comment