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)

Josephine Baker meets Carmen Miranda - fussy-cutting heaven!

This close up shows how the stripes and motifs have been fussy-cut, either "on point" or "square" to achieve the desired effect. Note: the repeated placement of similarly coloured pansies in the border... hexie madness!!

English Paper Piecing 4 - Fussy-cutting: on point and square

How you fussy-cut your fabrics will have a dramatic effect on the look of your paper piecing. Using stripes and geometric prints on the outer edge of diamond shapes will act as a frame around fussy-cut motifs for the centre and surrounding 8 hexagons as shown in the sketch above. Consider whether you need to fussy-cut with the featured motif "square" or "on point" to achieve the desired effect. This example is taken from the quilt: "Josephine Baker meets Carmen Miranda"

These hexagons above are all cut "square"

These hexagons above are cut with the motif or stripe "on point"

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