They've Multiplied!

The hexagon population has exploded over the last day or two...they're addictive little things once you get started on them. I purchased some solid yellow fabric on Saturday, and have cut enough pieces for the patches that I need. I bought 4 metres of fabric, and I would like to do the borders in one piece.

Fabric, paper templates and basted hexagons.

 While Lucy rambled this afternoon, I took my tin of goodies out to the back verandah and sat down to baste...

...I have found a new way to hold the paper template in place...

...small bulldog clips hold it perfectly. No need for pins, I just finger press the fabric edges over and baste away.

Enough to keep me busy for a while ;)

Hexagon Love

 Back in the early '80s, my high school textile & design teacher introduced us to English paper piecing. We were each given a cardboard hexagon template, shown how to make the paper pieces and cut the fabric using the same template with a small seam allowance added. I made two patchwork cushions, ever so carefully hand stitched, and my Mum still uses them to this day. They have faded, but the tiny stitches have held up to use and an untold amount of washing.Fast forward 31 years, and the hexagon bug has bitten once again :D...although, this time my templates are more durable than that little cardboard one.

Piecing on the go...housed in a cute biscuit tin my much loved Nan
gave me many years ago.

I am making a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt, with a white background and solid yellow..I would normally go for pink, but for some reason yellow is the colour that appeals for this project. The hexagon measures 3" across (1½" edges).

My EQ plan!

For the flowers, I'm using 1930's reproduction fabrics, which I have been collecting over the years.

I love that it is portable...I can sit and stitch while I wait for the washing to finish, or while Lucy is having a ramble...

I love how whip stitch moves along so quickly, even though the stitches are tiny. Before I know it, a flower is  finished!

 

One other thing I have discovered is that old issues of Frankie magazine make the best paper pieces. The pages are just the right weight...and they look rather pretty on the back :)

The Obsession Begins In Earnest

A much anticipated parcel finally arrived today. A sweet selection of 1930's reproduction prints...

 ...and a book I have coveted for so long...

I have admired the Jane A. Stickle quilt, both the original, and the many baby Jane's I have seen. So, now it is my turn. I have an ever growing collection of 1800's reproduction fabrics just waiting for such a project.