So my mojo problem seems to have resolved itself – with a vengeance. I have more ideas than I have the time (or knowledge) to complete. I’m gonna have to do a “finishing” marathon next week to get these tops turned into real quilts!
My book is full of sketches now; however, this particular quilt is actually not from a sketch. I am acutely aware that I am 1+ years behind on the hexagon bandwagon. These have been my hexagon thoughts over the last many months:
* Giant hexagons look neat
* Half-hexagons do not appeal to me
* Small, precise pieces (like small hexagons) are not something I can do well
* Hand sewing does not appeal to me right now (although I have done lots of it in my life & I’m pretty good at it if I do say so myself)
So I just discovered (duh!) that hexagons can be pieced by machine!? I found a few tutorials (here & here) & I am ready to tackle it. I cut out a bunch of hexagons yesterday, with a lot of Park Slope fabrics. It took me a long time arranging & re-arranging them to get a layout I liked, originally with patterned partial hexagons all around the edges. It just wasn’t working for me, & I wasn’t sure why. They sat on my living room floor mocking me all day while I tried to think of a solution. Alternating white or solid hexagons? Well, it’s hard to alternate with hexagons, & I wanted all the prints right up against each other. Wonkify it somehow? Couldn’t work that out in my mind either. I have this sickness where I need my quilts to have a little punch, just some little thing that makes it more unique. Honestly, I struggle with the patience to figure things out at this stage, which is why I usually do sketches to work out these problems before I even start my project.
As I was drifting off to sleep the thought came to me. White edges. That’s it. I’ll be attempting to stitch it together today. When it’s done I’ll post details & measurements to make one yourself!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, i love these colors. What a fun project.
I am utterly inspired! I’ve got the same thing going on — I tried the hand-piecing but hated it — so futzy. And I love the scale you’re doing this on. I think a project like this is in my future.
Love how this is coming along! I like hexagons but shy away from them for all the reasons that you do, so I may attempt making this design with Liz’s machine sewing tutorial.
it looks awesome. i’m loving the white borders.
Cool! I never even thought of machine piecing. I need to check that out. Thanks!
Looks so pretty all laid out! I know how you feel about the hand sewing. Lady H’s video is funny, I watched it a few days ago. I may have to attempt it as well!
i really love this. and i’m not a big hexie fan!
That is going to be stunning !!!
Oh it looks gorgeous. Good Luck, I can’t wait to stop by and see the finished product.
Thank you so much for the hexagon tutorials! I like the look of large hexies, but I haven’t been able to work up the nerve to hand stitch them. Looks like I have a new project to put on the list. Your white-edged hexies are gorgeous, and it’s so nice to see such a bold combination of orange and pink. I found your blog through r0ssie’s Process Pledge, by the way.
Another winner! And I totally get that compulsion. Totally get it.
I seriously love pink and orange together — and hexagons. This is going to be great.