Finally I have found the time to return. It's been a busy month for me - not least because my son turned 18 - meanwhile my friend who is the same age as me has children aged 7 and 5! How old do I feel? But never mind, what does it really matter?
So I have been revisiting English Paper Piecing this past month. You won't believe this, little projects started and finished! But I won't be smug! Here's a little look at what I've been working on:
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| I love the mix of Essex linen and patchwork weight cottons. I have enjoyed some fussy cutting and embroidery. |
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| Just some big stitch quilting and ditch quilting. I used the blanket stitch on the machine to applique the panel to the front. |
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| A cute little needlecase, I bought some extra wide mid weight denim cotton from Plush which was perfect. I actually left the hexie papers in - don't tell anyone! |
Hexagons for the needlecases are only 1/2 inch, not hard to work with and super quick to stitch.
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| I love to add a flash of colour on the inside. I think cutting the felt pages smaller works best. I usually make each successive page a little smaller than the first and that helps the booklet close. |
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| Big pincushion, nice for the sewing room, TIP: add a bit of tray grip mat underneath and it won't slide about. |
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| Another needlecase. It's fun using up scraps and trying out different styles. I didn't top stitch around the front edge this time. I think I prefer them top stitched. |
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| I think this little hanging heart would be lovely with some plain linen Hexies and personalized embroidery |
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| Another pincushion - round and plumptious! That button was a spare in a blouse. |
This bag is made from a close weaved quilter's Linen. I have used sew-in heavy weight Vilene and appliqued the panel onto the bag front and vilene so that the appliqued hexagon panel's weight doesn't cause the front to sag. It's got a lime green lining. There are other layouts you can do with the hexagons even in a strip only 3 hex wide. It doesn't take long to stitch these and I love the modern look.
Well that's the catch up on my hexagons. I am making another page on the blog for English Paper Piecing. I'll put some details about methods, there are several different methods now. I'll also add sources for free template downloads and the latest handy gadgets, so stay tuned.
DIAMOND PROJECTS NEXT
I am working with diamonds now, they have a 6 point join in the middle, so a little more precision is called for. I have some nice Christmas fabrics too. The projects are: A little tree decoration and a gorgeous Yule Star made from two sizes of diamond. You can applique this to a cushion or make into a festive wall hanging. If I can work out how to do it I'll post up the templates - but if not email me and I will email you the printable pdf.
My other projects? well, they are taking a slight pause! My Building Blocks Quilt blocks are all done - just sashing to add. And the Applique In My Garden quilt is waiting in the wings.. For Christmas I would like more time please!
Bye for now xx
