Just when I told you I am not rational with my work, I found something else to keep me busy. I started playing with hexagons and I can’t stop! As you already know, it’s addictive !
Some of you know I don’t like at all sewing by hand.
The idea of making a Grandmother Flower Garden quilt is the only thing that could convince me to give English paper piecing a try. In fact, I think I can’t call myself a quilter if I don’t have such a project under my belt. Most of you already made such a project, I am sure.
So here is my first try- 1 inch hexagons.
My friend Teodora told me to cut the fabric in squares instead of hexagons (a small waste of fabric but I gain time). I pressed them a little to help the seam allowances staying in place. Then I adjusted the size of the seam allowances.
And here is my first flower. I think I have to be more careful with whipstitching because the stitches are visible on the front. Or is this normal ?
Do you use a stronger (thicker) thread than the one you use for piecing ?
And here is the back. I think I will not remove those basting stitches, they don’t show on front, should I do it anyway ?
This one is a miniature!
And I plan to make a quilt like this one below. I know it would take me forever to finish it so I thought I don’t have to make it alone. I will tell you more about this soon! I am very excited!
And “Thank you” if you could share a little tip with a beginner like me in English paper piecing.
Leave the basting stitches if you can't see them, your allowances look a little scant, if you leave a little more you can quilt through it to add strength. You can see the stitches from the front, just make sure you thread is the correct colour. I use normal thread as it is going to be attached to the wadding by more stitches so that stitch doesn't take much strain and extra thickness makes the thread show even more (my quilt is on my blog!)
Hi Geeta …
Its beautiful flower and thanks for sharing the techniques, the quilt you want to make is fab… and I am sure you can do it… waiting for your next post…
Hope you would like to spare a little bit of your time for my new post, it’s something different I hope you will enjoy …
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah
Thanks for sharing those quilts, I love your hexies…just like anything, when you take on a project you do it 100 percent.
Beautiful start! I tried hexies once…I burned out really fast & used them to make a little pincushion 😀
Your hexies look lovely! Your seam allowance is maybe a bit small but your stitches look fine to me. They do show a bit so small stitches do look better. I like having a no-deadline handwork project, been working on mine for two years now (it will be BIG).
English paper piecing is so addicting. I love the little project I've been working on. Just need to get back to it now that other things are done. I use the same thread I would use for piecing and just take small stiches.
Your hex quilt is starting off great! Your stitches are small and frequent…just right! Leave the basting…why waste time taking them out! As long as the fabrics are dark enough so they don't show…it would be helpful in strengthening the final quilt!
Kathy
http://www.shawkl.com
You are far from a beginner. I enjoy your work very much. wig.
Hexies are addicting – I know because I'm hooked too! I use squares just like you do but I don't trim them after. I also found that if I stitched the hexagons to the center using the center hexes' color and whatever color matches the outer ones that my stitches don't show as much. Your hexes look great. Love the colors.
Your hexagon is so beautyful.
Gretings from Sweden
I´ll follow your.
Your hexagons look great, I am working on a hexagon quilt too….while I am teaching my girls, I work on my handwork so I don't bother them too much..and it fills in my time. I have 162 so far and heaps more to go. Mine are 1 inch hexs too, but all scrap fabrics. I take my basting stitches and card out when I am finished. I ordered preprinted shapes on cardstock from a company in Australia if you would like more info, just email me.
Cheers
Yvonne
I have been working on a GFG quilt for several years and really don't care when I finish it as it is a great take-a-long project. I use cream colored quilting thread when I stitch mine together. Be sure when you stitch that the stitches aren't slanted, they should go straight across from one another and then they won't show. Your's will be wonderful though, however you do it. stitchesscrapsandtidbits.blogspot.com
Those are great. I leave my basting stitches in. It is so much easier. I did not trim the hexagons on the first quilt I did.
They are very addicting, so watch out!