HEXAGON QUILT - Edge Blocks

The blocks are now all pieced...six half-blocks and six quarter blocks (or close to a fourth size)...all ready for seams.

I have one more full block to finish embellishing, than can move on to these. Might be packing these up to take to my quilting retreat with friends the end of this month.

Hexagon Quilt: Block #16

The center flowers are "yo-yo's" created with wide silk ribbon folded over (gold and blue ones) and 13mm seam binding gathered. The kitten is another machine embroidery applique. Most of the seams of these last four hexagon blocks are from the Fancy Seams book.

Hexagon Quilt: Block #15

The beaded cabochon was created from a Czech Glass Button with the shank removed. The tiny hummingbird is another machine embroidery patch.

Hexagon Quilt: Block #14

The little center scene was a photo scanned from a landscape magazine and stitched over. The bunny in a machine embroidery patch (I'm loving using these...saves me so much time!)

Hexagon Quilt: Block #13

I've been stitching the seams in Crazy Quilting Volume III: Fancy Seams books for the Facebook Group Modern Seams...and using my hexagon blocks (and others) as the canvas. That has helped me to finish up a few more of these to add to my existing quilt in progress. Here is Block #13:

The little lamb is a machine embroidery patch. The center tulip is done in 13mm ribbon. The lace butterfly was a gift (machine embroidery lace) to me by Phyllis Latham in Oklahoma.

Finishing Hexagon Blocks -- Easily!

Do you like creating hexagon shaped quilt blocks for crazy quilt embellishing...but don't like to create and attach the "binding" along the edges? If so, you might like this method of finishing instead. I use this myself and here are some finished blocks assembled in this manner, and then attached to each other to create a larger grouping of blocks (eventually, this will be an entire quilt):

This block-finishing method requires 3 layers: a) embellished CQ Hexagon Block, b) backing fabric and c) medium weight interfacing (fusible type) like you would use for sewing clothes (not fusible webbing like Heat'n'Bond").

Instructions:

Step 1 -- Determine the size of your block (and shape as this method works with any shape, not just hexagon). Cut a template out of poster board (thin cardboard) the size/shape of your finished block (not considering seam allowance). This template will be used in the cutting and pressing of the fabrics.

Step 2 -- Use the template to trace the same shape/size on to fusible interfacing (like you use for sewing, this is not fusible webbing like Heat'n'Bond).

Step 3 -- Press the interfacing to the reverse side of your backing fabric.

Step 4 -- Use a rotary cutter/mat (or scissors) to cut out the backing fabric leaving about 1/2" seam allowance around the interfacing shape.

Step 5 -- Press the seam allowance of the backing fabric over the interfacing center shape. Do this on alternate sides until all sides are pressed neatly. Set this unit aside for now.

Step 6 -- Trim the excess foundation fabric (if present) away from your hexagon embellished block, leaving at least 1/2" seam allowance in place.

Step 7 -- Turn the embellished block over and place the template shape on top, use this edge to guide your seam allowance over as you press the seam allowance down.

Step 8 -- Place the embellished block and the backing fabric block together with seam allowances touching. Match the corners and pin the two parts together.

Step 9 -- Using small stitches, hand stitch the two parts together around the entire block.

Step 10 -- Repeat the process for every hexagon block.

To complete the quilt, arrange the blocks and hand sew them together. You may want to create half-hexagons and quarter hexagons to finish the layout and create straight edges.

More Hexagon Action

Progress on my hexagons slowed down...but I have managed to finish one more this past week. Here are some close up photos for you.   

  Have you begun your hexagon quilt yet? I'm sure seeing some wonderful photos of inspirational hexagon quilts lately on Pinterest. Loving the "hankie" ones by Rhonda Dort! Also like some I've seen on blogs lately.    Here are some links for you: http://vivscrazyjourney.blogspot.com http://crazybroderies.canalblog.com http://gipsyquilt.blogspot.com   Many don't have as much hand embroidery as mine, but wondering if I might create some in these styles to accompany mine. Or would it be odd to have lots of embellishing peppered among little to no embellishing...just because I like them all.    But, you know me and "balance in design"...so of course I'm over-thinking the idea! Perhaps I should just create a few hankie blocks and a few rose fabric blocks THEN lay everything out to SEE what this mix of styles might look. Great...another "TO DO" task to add to my list!   However...working on  some "quicker blocks" could allow me to perhaps complete a large quilt...rather than only the bed runner that was my first thought. Hmmm...more to consider. Of course, if I don't like the combination...would I then need to finish 3 projects? 1-Rose Hexie; 1-Hankie Hexie; 1-CQ Hexie   What are your thoughts?  How are you doing on your own hexagon blocks?  I encourage you to give these a try!     Also, I did get the photos done for my Tutorial on Finishing my HEX Blocks. I'll try to get that posted to the blog after the next class registration closes...so around next Monday/Tuesday maybe. Just letting you know I have not forgotten that promise.

Pastel Hexagon...#?...I forgot...

A very hectic week with family issues...but, still I managed to get at least ONE more hexagon finished. So, feel like I accomplished something creative at least. Would have been happier to have iris instead of daffodils against this peach background...but, I can live with less than perfect...so am not changing anything. I realize that when the entire quilt comes together, it will not be as noticeable to me as it is just looking at this single block. Here are some closeup shots for you.

Hugs!  

Next Hex...

I'm still working on my Hexagon Quilt...which is a very eclectic mix of motifs and seams. I'm adding a wee bit of lace in butterflies, dragonflies, and small motifs...but almost no trims or seam lace. There is no "theme" to the quilt, the colors in the fabrics are what really ties the quilt together. My "goal" is to add a motif to almost every patch and a seam to almost every seam. So, the blocks are full...but not what I would call encrusted. I'm really enjoying finding different motifs for the patches. And while most are designed for thread embroidery, I'm choosing to do some as ribbon embroidery instead. Here are some closeups for you.

Hugs to all!

Next Hexagon Block

Okay, this is a new feeling...I'm not only "caught up" with my CQJP blocks...I'm AHEAD. Okay, okay...I'm only a week ahead as this is the July block...but hey! I'm gonna enjoy this accomplishment...even if it is for just one week! Here are some closeups for you!

  Hugs to all! Enjoy your stitching!

CQJP Block - June

Can you believe it...I have gotten CAUGHT UP! Usually by March, I'm already running behind in getting my blocks done for CQJP...and don't catch back up until November (sometimes even December). Each year...I hang my head in shame...a poor example to my fellow challenge participants!

And this year...I started out the same way...letting other priorities and commitments come first.   

But, I pushed through...and spend time just enjoying stitching for "myself" and actually got caught up in the process!   Now, don't come over and look at my poor floors that need mopping, my carpets that need vaccuming, or my shelves that need dusting...as they become lower priorities!   Hugs!