Thursday, August 22, 2013

Hexie Queen "Wannabe" and Giveaway

Well, today is my day....  YEAH.....I was sooo excited to join this hop.  I always wanted to do Hexies and to learn English paper piecing.   I want to thank Debbie and Madame Samm for all their hard work putting this GREAT hop together.   I am sure I was not the only one who learned a new technique in quilting.

There are quite a few different ways that people make Hexies.  You can applique them on your project, sew them together  by hand or with your machine in rows or you can sew them together by hand.  (I even found that there are different ways to do that also).  Then you can cut them in half...sewing the halfs

You guessed it.....I tried the cutting in half.   First I drew my Hexie as to how big that I wanted it finished.  Then added a 1/4" around the edges.  After that, I cut it in half.  I then added 1/4" to the cut side of the pattern.

 
             

I had some pretty scrap fabric that I just adored and wanted for in my sewing room.  So I decided to make a mug rug.  I cut out my half Hexies and arranged them how I wanted to sew them together.

Here comes the fun part.    You see at the same time I was making my first project, my son talked my husband and I into getting "Smart Phones".  We had a regular old phone all our lives and had NO idea as to what we were getting into.  Anyway, We went on a family plan with him and his fiance and he was showing us how to use our phone.  They are great with all our questions, I never knew I could do so much with just a phone.  He said, take your pictures with the phone and they will be much clearer than your camera.  They sure were....until the phone locked up, no one knew the so called "password".  So it had to be renewed   No problem, they told me, but they forgot to tell me that it would loose all my pictures cause I didn't have this "SD Card" ???  (Got one now, but lost some good pictures)  Glad I still used my camera.

So unfortunately, I cannot show complete steps on how I put it together.

 I laid them all out to where I wanted them to be when finished.  Next I sewed them in rows.


When my rows were all sewn, I sewed the rows together.    This time though, I did my edges different.  I layered then at this time and carefully sewed the edges on two sides together. ( I left the two ends open.)  Then carefully made a snip in each inner seam.  This made a neat Hexie when I turned it right side out.


After I turned it right side out, I sewed my two ends shut by hand and machine quilted in the
ditch.



It is the size of a mug rug but  instead of using it for that,  I sat my lamp on it in the corner of my desk. Fits perfectly!  What do you think?



OK, this was fun but I had lots of time before the hop, so I decided to give English piecing a try,  I found this way to work for me:  First I made lots of plastic patterns. ( 1 1/2" ) then cut lots of scrap fabrics to make flowers for my quilt.  I added an extra 1/4 inch when cutting them out.

\

The next step was to pin the plastic onto the fabric in the center and carefully turn under 1/4 inch and tack each corner with needle and thread.



This made it so easy to take anywhere I want to go.  After I made lots of assorted fabrics and lots of white, it was time to start sewing them together.  I kept the plastic in until all 6 sides are sewn on.  (the plastic does make it look bunched up but after it is removed and all press, they lay nice and flat)

Well unfortunately, I kinda got carried away, I made lots of Hexies and decided to make a full bed size quilt.  They are a lot of fun to make and can be so relaxing.  But I didn't want to rush and not do a good job.  I have been working on it after supper sitting on my swing, enjoying the evening after these long summer days.  Unfortunately, by that time of day, I am beat!   So I did not get them all finished.  I have these:





I have 14 of these large flowers above.



I have another 14 flowers ready to put white hexies on.
AND
I have more cut and ready to pin on plastic to make MORE flowers. 
I now have a UFO to do in my spare time.
(gee what spare time??)

OK....Lets all go see all the other beautiful Hexie Queens, here is the list for today:

Friday, August 23

Sew Peace to Peace
   
       

   
   
    
    
   
Next week schedule:

Monday, August 26
   
    
    
  
    

    
   
    
    
   
Nunu’s Quilt World

Tuesday, August 27
    
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
    
Marjorie's Busy Corner   




Oh, did I mention I have a giveaway too?  Our last hop with Madame Samm was the HO HO HO and I got so many ideas and projects lined up, I just had to share.

I had gotten some patterns to make Angels.  When I did, I picked up 2 extras.




The Winter Angel on the right is 14 inches tall when completed and the Santa Angel will be 15 inches tall when completed.  Both patterns are May Kerr designs.  They are both brand new, complete easy instructions.  Both are lots of fun to make.

To enter just leave me a comment.  This giveaway is open to anyone, as long as I can contact you.  I wish everyone lots of luck.  I will let random.org pick the winner and it will be announced on August 29th.

So, till then........

HAPPY QUILTING EVERYONE!
                            Pin Eugene Of Tangled Cake on Pinterest

To get special designed quilts or to see my gallery, check out my site at: http://janesquilting.com

68 comments:

Frederika said...

What a lovely table runner. Thanks for sharing.

jan said...

I think your mug rug looks great with the lamp! Also that will be a gorgeous quilt. Love those large flowers.
xo jan

Just Quilt It said...

This is going to be a beautiful quilt, Jane. I love the colors against the crisp white. I hope you show it when you have finished. The half-hexies made a cute table runner. Thanks for sharing your great projects!

Unknown said...

Very cute...I love all the colorful hexies and your table mat...looks great!

Heleen Groot said...

I love your table runner. It looks just right sitting under that lamp. I also LOVE those large flowers your are making. Be sure to show of what they will become! You did good!

Kay said...

Really cute work. I am about to start my first hexie quilt too after lots of smaller hexie projects. Thank you for a sweet giveaway too.
ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

Britt-Inger said...

Your table runner is so cute. Thanks for sharing your creativity and for a great giveaway.

Teatime Creations said...

Very pretty runner. Thanks for showing how to use the half-hexie ruler.

KaHolly said...

Fun, fun, fun! You came up with some great ideas. Your flowers are going to work up into a beautiful quilt someday!

Sunshine Girl said...

Two great projects there! thanks for sharing.

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Your mat is very nice and your Grandmothers Flowergarden will turn out beautiful, I'm sure!
Thanks for sharing!

Gill said...

I like your mat and I look forward to seeing your finished bed quilt!!
Thanks for sharing!

Carol said...

I like your lamp mat--great use of your hexies. Your flowers will make a gorgeous quilt. Thanks for sharing!

Marla's Crafts said...

You did a very nice job on your hexie's. A very nice blog hop. Thanks for having a give away. They look like nice patterns.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Jane I love your lamp rug...hadn't thought of using a small quilt for that but I sure will be copying you! Blessings, Marlene

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Fantastic hexies!! your runner is just right for your lamp. and you have done such nice neat job with your upcoming hexies..

Linda said...

Your little lamp mat is so cute! Your quilt is going to be beautiful! Wow! That's a lot of work, but its going to be so nice!

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Great job on the table runner, and your quilt project is off to a good start! It's going to be beautiful.

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Loe what you made- have to try EPP myself- sounds perfect for watching tv!

apple blossom said...

lovely table runner and love the lamp too... nice stack of hexies for UFO

thanks for the giveaway...
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Your finished quilt will be beautiful - I love scrappy hexies, and I love how you tie them all together with the white.

Margaret said...

I like the idea of a large mug rug. I think it looks great under a lamp; I think I might give that a go. Thanks for sharing

Stephanie said...

I am liking the "lamp rug" I will be making a few of those for sure! Thanks for sharing!

Quilting Tangent said...

You lamp mat is cute. Keep going and you will soon have your bedspread. Looks pretty so far.

Needled Mom said...

Your mat and flowers are so pretty.

Josie McRazie said...

Hexis are ADDICTING!!! Before you know it you will have a whole flower garden of them!! Thanks for sharing them with us!!

Carol Swift said...

Great way to make those hexies and they look great under your lamp. Your flowers are beautiful!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

I love the 'lamp mat' you made! And the hexie flowers are turning out so pretty! Hexies are addictive, aren't they? :-)

Kathy L said...

Love your hexies. Thanks for the chance to win.

Vickie said...

You really jumped in with both feet like I did. I love making hexi's now and have lots of plans for more. I'm envious of your bed quilt, not sure I would undertake that yet. Thanks for the giveaway the patterns look like fun.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Lovely hexies.

CharlotteT said...

Love your hexie flowers. That is going to be a wonderful quilt!

suemac said...

Your grandmother's garden quilt is going to be spectacular. Have fun in your "spare time".

Michele T said...

Your table topper turned out great!! I can't wait to see what you do with the hexie flowers....

gpc said...

Nice project! The table mat looks great and it will be fun to see what you do with all your pretty hexie flowers! :)

JoyceLM said...

Great lamp mug rug. Thanks for sharing.

Mara said...

Great job on your first time hexing, your lamp rug looks perfect.

Sparky said...

How lovely Jane you did good...and a hexie quilt in the future too...ohhhhh love to see it when done

charlotte said...

Great job with all your hexies. I guess once you get the hang of it, it is addicting.

Marcy said...

Your tablemat is delightful. Love those hexies.

Linda C said...

Wow, Jane! Once you decided to work on grandmother's flower garden rosettes you really went to town! The pretty mug rug must have really whet your appetite for hand work. This will be an ongoing, carry it with you wherever project then?

Carla said...

I need to try half hexies sometime. Your little mat is precious and its a great project.

Debby said...

Great project. Love your clever ways with those half-hexies! But I was really awed by all those Grandmother Flower Garden blocks. They're addictive to make, huh? Thanks for sharing your work today - it is beautiful!

Suze said...

Jane~I'm always filled with anticipation for your project(s) when I see your web site come up on the list of participants. Your mug rug is awesome. I really like it with the lamp and sewing machine on it. I'm glad to see that someone else still uses sewing tips (clipping) on her quilts. I sometimes clip when I'm applying a binding on a scalloped quilt. Some quilting folks seem to think it's a sin to ever clip fabric on a quilt. I'm working on a Grandmother's Flower Garden and have not made nearly the progress you have. I've been having double vision and it's difficult to stitch and even harder to see to thread the needle. Hopefully, we'll have a resolution by next year. I have an appointment with a neuro-opthamologist in November. Your stitching is impeccable. Thanks, as always, for participating, sharing great projects, and being a source of inspiration.

evelyn said...

Addictive aren't they! Cute lamp mat. Love that your are going to make a big quilt.

Bonnie Pfrimmer said...

I love you hexie mat and your quilt is going to be fantastic when you finish it. I think I will make one of those mats for mt living room. Thank you for sharing. Those Angels are gorgeous!!!

maggie said...

Clever you with the hexagon mug rug! Its lovely. And I love all of your hexie flowers as well. It will make a beautiful quilt, English piecing is so relaxing isn't it?
cheers
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

Janarama said...

Your lamp mat looks great! Would love to see your hexie quilt when finished.

Emily C said...

Very cute hexies. Seems many people get addicted to making them.

Robin said...

Your mug rug is adorable! Good luck on your full size hexie quilt. It is going to be gorgeous!

Mary said...

Jane you did a super job on your table runner. So glad you like hexies. You are right, they are sew fun to keep on doing.

Corrie said...

That's cool that you tried both methods. I do love the ease of carrying around hexies to stitch.

Anita said...

Great job with the hexies! I love your mug rug!

Amy said...

What a cute little table runner! I think I might have to have a traveling set of hexies too. Can't wait to see your progress on them.

Tammy said...

Looks like you are becoming a hex addict.... What great projects. the Santa angel is fabulous.

DeAnna said...

Very nice. The table runner is great. Love the colors. Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Kristen King said...

Great projects...and see, those hexies are addicting! :)

barbara woods said...

Great giveaway, thanks

sandra said...

Beautiful work both on your mat and all of those hexies. I am almost afraid of trying them because they seem almost addicting.

frosew said...

Lovely table runner!

Michelle said...

A lovely lamp runner. I've never made half hexies. I like the look of them. I also lamp like your sewing machine lamp. :D

LJ said...

The mug rug/table topper turned out well - I'd never thought about cutting them apart. I can't wait till the day your flower quilt is finished; it's looking gorgeous already.

Qltr89 said...

Your mug rug looks great under the lamp. Oh and I know exactly what you mean when you talked about the grandmother's flower bed quilt. I am also in the middle of what I call a long-term hexagon quilt project that I work on at night in front of the television. I never thought it would be so much fun to sew hexagon pieces. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Hiya Jane!!! I just love your little mug/lamp rug. It looks just right on your desk. Your quilt will be amazing. I'll be looking out for progress reports along the way. Thanks for sharing and having the giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam

pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

Katherine said...

Lots of hexie happenings here, Jane! Love the little runner (and I like making hexies this way, too ;o). Happy stitching on the pretty hexie flowers!

Teresa in Music City said...

Looks like you definitely got bitten by the Hexie Bug! Me too :*) Love all your little flowers :*)

Shannon said...

I love your mug rug/table topper. It turned out great! It does fit the lamp wonderfully!! I can't wait to see your quilt. Your hexie flowers are great. What a cool idea to use plastic as the templates. I use paper but I might need to swap now.

Sarah said...

Your little topper is perfect with the sewing machine lamp!