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Monday, March 2, 2009

My First Hexagons

Here is my first 'work' using hexagons.
I've wanted to try hexagons for a few years, but have been intimidated by them, so I had to go in search of help. I'm using the freezer paper technique that I learned from Kaaren and another nice blogging friend, but I forgot her name! (I'm so sorry!)
The tips that they shared that I think were very useful were:
1. Trace your hexies to the paper side of one sheet of freezer paper.
2. Put at least two more sheets of freezer paper under the top sheet that has the traced shapes.
3. Staple in two places within the hexagon shape before cutting them out.
This way you will accurately cut three shapes with one cut.
4. Use a paper punch to put a hole in the middle of the freezer paper shape. This will aide in the removal of the paper when the project is done.
5. Cut out the traced shapes and remove staples.
I'm not going for any particular pattern with my hexies, I just want to use funky fabric only and make it really random. I really like sewing them and am glad I jumped in and finally learned how to make them!

21 comments:

Shari said...

They look really great so far! A great hand-sewing project when you need to be friendly away from a machine.

Thanks for the info about the freezer paper technique. Will have to try it sometime...

Hugz

Micki said...

Glad that you got into hexagons....you know how much I am into it. Most evenings, I am doing a large hexagon flower.
Will keep up on your work!
Micki
In Ireland

Kritta22 said...

Did you know that you can buy paper piecing pieces? I have bought a package and all the pieces were cut out so all you have to do cut the fabric and go. They were all the same size and the exact amount that you need to finish the quilt. I love it.

Karen from Sew Many Ways... said...

Hi Mel,
So happy you started sewing hexagons. They are my favorite thing to do. I love to bring them everywhere with me. I started a grandmother's flower garden, but I want to start one like yours, just hexies. If you need any help starting out let me know.
~Karen~

Kaaren said...

Mel your hexies look fab! They are so portable and something you can put away for a while then go back to when you need that "hand stitching" fix. Great job!

Stacey said...

Envy....they look wonderful!

Quiltycat said...

You will have a lot fo fun! You make even a great job with hexagons. Love the fabrics you have chosen.
nichi

Dawn said...

Mel, they look fantastic!!

Laura S. said...

Flower gardens are the reason I learned to quilt-I wanted to finish one I'd found at an estate sale. Once I realized I couldn't use a machine, I put it away for several years. I decided to remake it with tiny hex's (1/2 in). I've been buying English paper piecing bits from http://www.cddesigns.com. I suppose if I had a good punch and some cardstock, I could do that...
Anyway, enjoy! They're really fun!

Tina said...

very lovely! I've done a small baby quilt but it was with (bullet proof)polyester and sewn on the machine.Yuks Yiks horror! I might have to rethink about hexagons.

Carrie P. said...

Great tips for the hexagons. Thanks for sharing them.

Tessa said...

I LOVE these hexagons! I've always wanted to know how to do them, so thanks for the great tips. I will have to try this sometime soon, and I will let you know how it goes. :)

Guess what I did today? My first zipper!! It was a little wonky because I forgot to switch to my zipper foot (I got too excited...) for one side, but it does zip!! I made a little makeup pouch. I am so thrilled and very excited about sewing now that I have tackled that. I have been doing a lot of online browsing, and I feel a fabric addiction coming on, ha ha!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Mel, great fabric choices, and thanks for the tips!! I need to try them too!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mel,
I found your blog through the Great Hexagon Quilt-Along. I am not a member there. I just loved the fabrics you have used so far. Just beautiful! I can't wait to see it progress.
Have a great day.
Donnelly Webb

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

Okay that's too much hand sewing for me. But they look Great!
Osagebluffquilter

Jossie said...

Hi Mel, I popped in from the GHQA. Your hexagone start looks very good. I'm also a starter and so far have unpicked what I did three times!

RG said...

Hi Mel...I love these... so glad you've started. Have fun!
They're a bit addictive :p
Love your fabrics!
hugs
Robyn xx

Browndirtcottage said...

Oouuu me...I want to do some too...I sure didn't know about using the hole punch....great tip!!
Your's are lookin' good!!!!

Anonymous said...

These look so great! I've had the fabric and the plans for a hexagon quilt for a while and have been intimidated to start. So good for you!

Joanna said...

Hey Mel

I just thought I'd look around your blog since you visited mine, and I am so glad I did!! I LOVE the fabrics you use - we have extremely similar taste!! I am subscribing to your blog right now :)

Nanette Merrill said...

They are beautiful. I love hexagons. I never get tired of them.