Forest Path

Things are beginning to green up around here, as my mama used to say. Springtime brings nature's mix of colors and hues to inspire me. I used a variety of those dark and medium green shades in this modern style hexagon quilt.

It went together easily using half-hexagon and equilateral triangle dies. I laid the sections out on my design wall before sewing them together in rows.

Quilting was done with a straight stitch 1” away from each seam, using variegated green thread and a walking foot. The even stitching really emphasizes the hexagon and triangle shapes.  

Forest Path finished out at 52” x 56” throw size, and is folded nicely on my hallway quilt rack. This one is definitely a keeper!

Accuquilt dies used:

55437 Half-hexagon 4¼” finished
55429 Equilateral Triangle 4¼” finished
55017 Strips 2½” binding

Mixed Nuts

I went on a cutting spree several weeks ago with my hexagon die set and a big pile of scraps. This colorful quilt is the final result.

The brighter the better, I say. I used a cream and beige swirl print for the hexagons and equilateral triangles making up the background. No real planning for color placement, other than trying not to get the same prints too close together as I slapped them up on the wall.

Quilting was done with medium beige thread in a straight stitch, criss-crossing the quilt along the design lines using a ruler to keep everything neat. Mixed Nuts finished out at 49” x 53” in size, good for snuggling.

Sewing is my stress relieving relaxation activity. We're still doing home improvements and I miss not being at the sewing machine every day. Although I've found that other power tools can be just as satisfying to use when all goes right. Drills, staple guns, hammers, mini chain saws, jig saws, and sanders have been in action here.

My man and I make a great team. No matter what project we're working on, there's a nice sense of accomplishment when we get things done.

Blue Wren dies used:

6808 Hexagon Set 3” sides

6566 Equilateral Triangles 6” sides

Midnight Shift

Midnight Shift

I'm back, relaxed and recharged after spending two weeks camping at Dale Hollow Dam. Walking the trail, sitting by the trout stream, reading, people watching, and hanging out with my sweet husband was so nice. We had a delicious Mexican meal at Los Primos on my birthday.

Since I can't go that long without sewing, my Singer Featherweight (Annie) and two tubs of scraps went with us.  I sewed blocks for two different scrap quilts, and I'll finish those soon. A couple of cool rainy days gave me a chance to sort quilt idea photos on my computer, and I designed a few quilts in EQ8.

I cut all the half hexagon shapes for this quilt on the Accuquilt cutter before we left. Dark navy blue prints with crisp white on white vine fabric is a classic look. It didn't take long to sew these together in rows. I improvised a design wall by pinning them to the valance on our back window.

After we got home, I sandwiched the layers and quilted on the Janome. With dark blue thread and the 2-point shell stitch, I used a ruler to sew vertical lines. Some of those utility stitches are fantastic for quilting. Midnight Shift finished out at 46” x 50” size.

Accuquilt dies used:

55437 Half Hexagon 4¼” finished
55017 Strips 2½” binding

Fresh Air

Fresh Air

Pastel stripes paired with crisp white give this hexagon quilt a fresh look. The project went together quickly since there are only two fabrics.

I enjoyed piecing with Violet, my sweet painted and restored Singer 99K. Jerold reinstalled her motor so that I didn't have to hand crank all those pieces. I love sewing with my vintage machines and this purple one looks right at home in my sewing room!

Straight stitch quilting along the seam lines was done on the Janome 9450 with a light blue thread. Fresh Air finished at 50” x 53” in size. I used white and blue polka dot backing and a solid blue binding.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6808 Hexagon Set 3” sides
Accuquilt 55017 Strips 2½” binding
Rotary cut: 6½” equilateral triangles

Jumping Jacks

What a fun block to make for a baby quilt! Old fashioned calico prints of red, blue, and yellow with a touch of green, alternate with natural muslin. I used tiny red gingham for the center circles, outer border and backing.

The die, Endless Chain from Blue Wren, makes cutting the blades and circles so easy. Sewing went quickly to make the hexagons. More time was needed for adding the circles, then stitching the rows together. Those Y-seams get easier the more you do, just don't get in a rush. I recommend keeping precise 1/4” seam allowances, also begin and end seams 1/4" away from edge, using lock stitches.  

I tried a new trick for the circles. I cut twice as many as I needed and sewed two with right sides together. Slash a small opening in the center of one side, turn it right side out, smooth and press. You could also use lightweight interfacing or thin cotton for the back circle. Pin onto the hexagon and stitch down, either by hand or machine.

I filled out the sides by adding muslin half rectangle triangles. I did have to trim them to fit but it worked out just fine. I squared up the sides before adding the borders.

For quilting, I used cream thread to sew across the muslin blades in a serpentine stitch. Jumping Jacks is 45” x 51” size.

This sweet design reminds me of 1930's and 1940's quilts, and I plan a scrappy one, then may try a modern version with bright colors. This die can also be used to make Dresden plate and simple fan blocks.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6979 Endless Chain 5” sides

Accuquilt 55411 Half Rectangle Triangle 3” x 6”
55017 Strip 2½” for border / binding

 

Whatnots

Whatnots

I love this colorful scrap quilt!

Hexagon, triangle and diamond shapes were easy to cut using Blue Wren's 3” Hexagon set. My remnant bins are a little lighter now but I'm reasonably sure that I will never run out of scraps.

I didn't use a pattern: I laid out pieces on my design wall and started sewing them into sections, then into rows. Finally I joined the rows and trimmed the sides. I added borders in the same white on white as the hexagons. Lots of pieces, but accurate seams on my Singer Featherweight made matching them a breeze.

I used white thread to quilt an allover diamond pattern in a straight stitch. Whatnots is 48” square.

Bonus quilts made from leftover bits are so delightfully satisfying to finish.

Dies used:
Blue Wren
6808 Hexagon Set 3” sides
Accuquilt
55017 Strip 2½” binding
55032 Strip 3½” borders

Amazed

Amazed

This week's quilt is perfect to cheer drizzly winter days. I used black and gray half hexagons paired with brightly colored triangles to create a larger triangle. 

I arranged everything on my design wall as I cut, lining up the colors before sewing them into strips.

The final arrangement makes a beautiful modern maze that looks more complicated than it is. After sewing all the sections together, I trimmed off the top and bottom edges. I quilted with gray thread along the top edges of the hex pieces and in the ditch down the strips. 

Black and white chevron print fabric was used on the back and binding is a light gray. Amazed is 36” x 42” size, a cute baby quilt or wall hanging.

This one was quick and easy once I had it laid out. I like these medium sized projects because I can complete them in a few days. Finishing something always gives me a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

Accuquilt dies used:

4 ½” Half Hexagon 55437

4 ½” Equilateral Triangle 55429

You will be amazed

at how things magically

fall into place

when you let go

of the illusion

of control.

~Maryam Hasnaa

Seaside Cobblestones

Nature's muted colors combined beautifully with large hexagons in this throw sized quilt. Light aqua, soft brown and cream prints made me think of a cozy beach cottage.  

Measuring 42" x 53", Seaside Cobblestones is currently draped across the back of my bedroom chair.

The AccuQuilt half hexagon die made sewing this one quick and easy with all straight seams. The backing and binding is a tan and white crosshatch pattern.

Free motion quilting was done on my Flynn Frame. I stitched large swirls with medium tan thread in each hexagon first, then removed the frame to decorate the borders. Small swirls and applique stitching finished it off with flair.

Until I can get a beach trip scheduled, I'll just retreat to our bedroom and dream of the ocean.

“For her 

the ocean was 

more than a dream, 

it was a place she needed 

to visit to find herself.

And when she returned 

to the city, 

you could see 

the sun in her eyes, 

the wind in her hair, 

and the taste of 

the infinite salt 

on her lips.” 

 ~Jose Chaves