13-Panel Hexagon Quilt

In the book this quilt is simply called "Panel Hexagon Quilt".  I thought I'd show you some close-ups of the fussy-cutting in the blocks.  Its the perfect quilt to use up large print fabrics - the panels fit diagonally across a fat quarter. Another fat quarter can be used for the hexagon frame.  Leftovers from the 26 fat quarters are then used in the "fill-in" hexagons on the edges of the quilt.

Depending on the clarity of your screen, you should be able to see the join across the top of this panel (just below the 2 flowers).  So the new rule could be: "don't ever not use a fabric because you have to join it...the whole thing is joined...its 'patch'work!".  I love seeing little pieces that are joined together to make a whole patch in old quilts....it's good economy!

In the centre of this quilt is a fabric from "Les Indiennes" showing the tower "La Tour de Constance" in my village of Aigues-Mortes. Its the only toile-style print (ie-a scene) in the quilt, so as the odd one out, sits happily in the middle. All the other prints are floral. See how the hexagons are fussy-cut.  There are 16 cut with the stripe "on point", and the 6 - on the ends and sides - cut with the stripe "on square".  This may be taking fussy-cutting to the extreme, but it does look like the pink stripes are radiating from the centre of the panel...

Here is another block where the hexagon motif has been fussy-cut, on point and on square.

For some reason these photos have all loaded on their sides - sorry (does anyone know how to fix this once you are in blogger? they were the right side-up before uploading)

Grand Sac a Hexagones or Large Hexagon Purse

This pattern has been added to the products on my website for you to make. Its a good size for a workbag to hold all your patches and sewing tools. I will also make the metal frame and small pack of 1" hexagons available on my website soon.  Meantime, start sorting your fabric scraps...B

Liberty Kaleidoscope

Ginger asked about the scallop fabric on the Liberty Kaleidoscope quilt. The fabric is from Kaffe Fassett's "Liberty Art Fabrics" range - "Paisley collection". I did a search online and it is still available - in several colourways. You can post here if you locate the fabric - I found it in the UK and USA, and I have seen it in a couple of Sydney shops.

Kim's quilt - made in class at Material Obsession

My quilt - border detail

Detail of central hexagon applique

Levens Hall Quilt

The original Levens Hall quilt (c.1708) has been quilted in a red cross-hatched grid, about 1/2" all over.  My quilting, also in red thread, is cross hatched about 1 1/2" all over.  Crosses, octagons and lozenge shapes have been fussy-cut to showcase special fabrics.

                           

Detail of the panel of squares in the border

English Paper Piecing - 1

A hexagon is measured along its side, which is equal to the radius.
The larger the hexagon (or other geometric shape), the more seam allowance or turning, you will need. e.g.:
  *  for a 1/2" hexagon - allow 1/4"
  *  for a 3/4" hexagon - allow a scant 3/8th"
  *  for a 1" hexagon - allow 3/8th"
  *  for a 1 1/2" and over - allow 1/2"

Firstly, make accurate cutting templates in clear plastic, including the required seam allowance.  Mark the original hexagon shape in the centre, and lines on point and square for fussy-cutting fabrics

Hold your plastic template over the fabric and cut around the shape.  It isn't necessary to draw a line first.  Remember the papers will be accurate, the fabric is approximately accurate.  If you are fussy-cutting a motif, the lines will help align the same centre point and direction of your motif.  If you are not fussy-cutting, fabric can be folded to cut as many thicknesses as your scissors will allow - I cut up to 6 thicknesses.

Baste the fabric over the papers without stitching through the paper - see English Paper Piecing - 2.  This way the papers can be removed without removing the basting. The basting secures the folded edges and prevents them bunching when the work is washed.  Traditionally, English Paper Pieced work was not quilted. They were used as decorative coverlets on beds or furniture or as bed and curtain hangings.
Papers were sometimes left inside quilts made for charity - this added an extra layer of warmth - there is a reference to the "rustling of the quilt" in Oliver Twist.
Pre-cut paper geometric shapes in all sizes can be purchased from:
www.busyfingerspatchwork.com  in Australia
www.paperpieces.com in USA

Baby Hexagon Quilt

Baby Hexagon Quilt centre - half-inch hexagons have been fussy-cut and similar colours placed opposite to give balance.  The hexagons on the 6 corners have been positioned to hide the seams of the background panel.

The scalloped edges of this quilt have been turned in to enclose the batting
and whip-stitched together to give a very soft finish.
The backing fabric of cotton voile adds to the softness of this baby quilt. 



Anna Brereton Quilt

This is a section of the central 1" hexagon medallion in the Anna Brereton Quilt. The framing hexagons around the 7 panels have been fussy-cut, while the corners of the medallion have been filled in with random scrap hexagons.

Detail of the edging on the Anna Brereton Coverlet - folded over to reveal the backing fabric.  The edging was sandwiched between the top and backing, and then folded over the top, to be appliqued on the outside edge. This type of edging is called a "dog tooth" border.  This edging is the same fabric as is used to surround the central panel in the quilt - "Zarafa" the Giraffe.

Dancing Dollies Revisited

 

Detail - Dancing Dollies Revisited

Hexagon flowers, stars and jewel shapes are paper pieced, and then appliqued to the background fabric.

The dollies' dresses are sewn together first, and then appliqued to the background. 

Note:  the head fabric matches the dress fabric, and the arms are arranged in colour pairs - i.e. two matching upper arms and two matching lower arms.

 

Detail - centre of Dancing Dollies Revisited

The hexagons are fussy-cut for maximum effect