For some weeks I had been itching to start another slow sewing project, but as I already have a several slow making projects that remain unfinished (like my Wagon Wheel Quilt - which is so so close to being a complete quilt top - as well as a long term crochet project which could do with my attention), my mind was in turmoil. However on the spur of the moment one evening I started covering my 2 inches hexagon papers with the prettiest fabrics from my stash. Seize the day, right?
These hexagons are quite large (2 inch sides) and I could just as easily have machine stitched these hexagons together (see Machine Stitched Hexagons Tutorial here), however that would have defeated the purpose of this project ... a project to sit and sew at leisure, late in the evening (I am a night owl!). You could say that this has been my TV project for a few weeks.
I randomly covered my hexagon papers with some of my favorite floral fabrics, adding some text fabrics into the mix as well as a variety of stash basics (dots/gingham/stripes). I also pieced some of the hexagons (with 3 hexagons crowns to make a whole hexagon), to add variety and interest. Once I was fairly sure that I had covered enough papers to make a quilt top I started to play with the layout, then pieced the hexagons together into long vertical rows, and then joining those rows together.
QUILT DETAILS
Floral Hexagon Quilt
Quilt top measures 50 inches x 60 inches.
English Paper Pieced ~ 300+ Hexagons (2" sides).
Notions/Tools Used:
Acrylic templates with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
The Bottom Line 60wt thread by Superior Threads.
(I glue baste and then whip stitch the paper pieces together).
(I glue baste and then whip stitch the paper pieces together).
I have loved working on this quilt top and I am super pleased with it. I have made good progress, and all the photos here are of the quilt top after the paper pieces have been removed. When English Paper Piecing I prefer to glue baste and whip stitch the fabric covered paper pieces together. I am getting good results with both these techniques; I have not had any trouble removing the papers and my stitches are not visible from the front of the quilt top (the right thread and needle go a long way to making the stitches disappear into the seam/fabric - see above for details).
Next up: basting and quilting! I hope to have a finished quilt to show you later this week.
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
RELEVANT LINKS:
The finished Floral Hexagon Quilt
More RPQ English Paper Piecing Projects:
The Daisy Chain Quilt
The Wagon Wheel Quilt
Liberty Star Pillow Cover
Sewing School Hexagon Quilt
Tutorial: Sewing a Hexagon Quilt by Machine
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Such meticulous work. So beautiful. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! - Jean
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I can't see the stitches, so careful are they !!!
ReplyDeleteI love that quilt, so peaceful!
ReplyDeleteWow! Love it Rita!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as usual! I really love your stash! My scrap pile is looking pretty homely and I think it needs some fresh infusion!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty. The 3 pieced crown hexagons are great for added interest - not that your quilts are ever lacking.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I just started EPP last week--first time. I am making the ball on Abby Glassenberg's site. I went on a trip to Alaska and really needed some handwork. It is fun!
ReplyDeleteI am working on an EPP for over 2 years now. I haven't glued the pieces together before stitching. I think i'll have to give that a try or this may not be done until my eyesight is completely gone.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Rita - a lovely mix of fabrics and that added interest of pieced hexies as well. There's something special about a slow sewing project - whether it takes several weeks or several years.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I just completed my firsts epp project using clamshells, and it is very habit forming. I love the slow sewing, much like knitting, but this project really makes me want to start a hexie quilt! Thanks for all the details!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, as always!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: how are the edges done? I didn't notice from the pictures. Did you use 1/2 hexies or what?
Debbie
ollieami@aol.com