Sunday, April 5, 2009

Hexagons....I can't believe I'm working on these!!! Paper piecing thousands of these small shapes. But I have to be honest...it's addictive. I can't quit. I even ordered the giant bag of these crazy things. Susan Stiff from Moda fabrics gave each of us a box with hexagons and a box of cute Petite 4s TM (320 - 2 1/2" squares) at our retreat. Thank you Susan...I love working on these. Until these Petite 4s TM packs are released at quilt market in May you could cut a charm pack into 4ths.(If you want to view retreat pictures take a look on Laurie and Polly's blog and Lissa Alexander's blog.) Laurie and Susan sewed hexagons during the free time at the retreat....but I began knitting socks. (More on that tomorrow.) When I returned home, the hexagons began to call to me. I couldn't resist.

Recipe for hexagons:
1 package of the darn things (1" hexagons)
1 spool thread and chenille needle (this sharp needle goes through the paper well)
1 charm pack cut into 4ths
1 spool mono-poly invisible thread
1 sewing machine

Take a look at the pictures to see how to baste the fabric over the paper edges. No need to be fancy with this. The basting thread will be removed. Use the mono-poly invisible thread and join the hexagons together in rows using a narrow zig zag stitch. Sew the rows together. Remove the basting stitches and pull out the paper and your done. This method is quick and fun. Wouldn't this make the cutest baby quilt?
You know what I will be up to. Watching a bit of TV and making hundreds of these small pieces.
Happy stitching dear friend. Alma

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13 comments

  1. laurieApril 5, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    Can't wait to see.... Aren't they great! If your project is anywhere near as lovely as your photo's then it will be awesome.

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  2. AnneApril 5, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    Alma, Alma, Alma...I'm so excited to see that you've started blogging. Hey, now I can stalk you online too. (Remember me? The "other" Anne from Bunny Hill). LOL. Those hexagons look interesting. Can't wait to see what you're gonna come up with!

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  3. AnonymousApril 5, 2009 at 2:01 PM

    Lovely colors! That will be fun to work on :o)

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  4. sewprimitive karenApril 5, 2009 at 2:51 PM

    Oh, don't get me started on those. There's a bag of them right here in the house :-).

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  5. Carrie ~ Cricketwood PrimsApril 5, 2009 at 2:52 PM

    Alma I think that could be so addicting, love to see peeks of your work. I get the concept but not sure how the mono-poly will hold it all together. Sounds tricky but I would give it a try for sure. I think that would be a great idea for a secret sister gift.

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  6. Alma AllenApril 5, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    Hi Carrie,

    So glad you asked. I didn't make it very clear did I? Thread the invisible mono-poly thread through your machine needle. It is used in the zig zag stitch when stitching the hexagons together. I use the regular cotton thread in the bobbin and the invisible on top. The hexagons are sewn securely together in rows with the zig zag stitch and the thread is invisible on top. Next sew the rows together. I can do pictures and maybe that would explain it better....one picture is worth about a million words...right?

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  7. KathyApril 5, 2009 at 5:46 PM

    Alma, I am so happy to be reading your blog! I was hoping one of you would do one. I LOVE your cross stitching patterns. No doubt about it, I would buy your patterns from a black and white, no fancy photo needed for your stuff! I also quilt and love doing your designs. I have been paper piecing from those little shapes for years. Glad to see they have finally 'caught on', and the folks have come up with some wonderful ideas to use them. I never joined them with a sewing machine...I have always used this method for hand sewing while traveling or waiting, etc. I will have to give the machine method a try.

    Thanks again for your wonderful designs through the years. I look forward to reading your blog!

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  8. Dawn HeeseApril 5, 2009 at 6:35 PM

    Alma, so glad to have found your blog. I am totally in love with Beach House.

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  9. VickyApril 5, 2009 at 11:18 PM

    I really wish I hadn't seen this post! I've been wanting to do hexies for the longest time! Petit 4's, huh? Man, they're making it way too easy to resist!

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  10. MargaretApril 6, 2009 at 7:14 AM

    I'm soooooo glad you've started a blog, Alma! You of all people should have one! Thank those ladies at the retreat for prompting you to get one! (I read Minick & Simpson's blog). As for the hexagons -- I love doing English paper piecing! I did a tumbling blocks quilt that way and I really want to do a hexagon quilt that way as well. I'm planning on tiny hexagons too. So much fun!

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  11. DebApril 6, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    I'm happy to see that you've started a blog. I love the little sampler in the last entry - anything with red! And I really love your hexagons. I've never tried making any of these, but maybe I should! They look like they could be a lot of fun!

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  12. lissaApril 6, 2009 at 1:06 PM

    I have known you forever but finding out so many new things about you here. Thanks for not cursing about the hexagons.

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  13. Doris MarieApril 30, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    Hi Alma,
    I've been working on a hex quilt for the past month using the 1/2" paper hexes. They are so much fun! Another project that is like chocolate.
    Six-pointed star blocks are addictive, too.....
    Go to Paper Pieces website and check out the customer photos of the king-sized quilt one lady is making with the 1/4" hexes!

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