I finished the hexagon quilt I started in
Jacquie's workshop in time to gift to a dear friend who can use an extra hug right now. I hope the cheery fabrics and quilted messages of hope, love and peace provide comfort to her.
There were times when I wasn't sure how this quilt would turn out, but in the end I am very pleased with the finished product. I kept remembering some of
Jacquie's pointers which really helped: pin, pin, pin; use the bias to your advantage; sew with previous seams facing up so you aren't sewing blind; sweep seams away; and when finished press all seams down and to the left. If I ever piece hexagons by machine again, I will stitch with a darker/contrasting thread for better visibility.
The size of the quilt was determined in class basically by filling up the portable design wall with the oversize hexagons I had cut from my fat quarters. Jacquie and friends helped with the placement of the hexies. It wasn't until I was home and finished sewing the rows and columns together that I realized the quilt wasn't quite tall enough so I added borders to the top and bottom.
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| Backing |
I used a fat quarter bundle of Technicolor for the hexagons, with the remaining fabric coming from my stash. The borders are from Connecting Threads; the backing is a Amy Butler Soul Blossom print; the binding is the last of the pink ribbon binding leftover from my mom's
Got Pink? quilt.
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| "hope" |
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| "peace" |
You can't really tell (I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing), but I free motion quilted words of "hope", "love" and "peace" here and there among meandering loops. I used Aurifil 50wt thread for the quilting. This is the second time I have quilted with Aurifil and I love it.
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| "love" |
I spent a few minutes admiring the crinkly goodness that comes after washing and drying a quilt before I wrapped it up for gifting.
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| more "love" |
Quilt stats:
Name: {Hugs}
Pattern: Piecing Hexagons by Machine technique by
Jacquie Gering
Finished Size: 52" x 75"
Fabric: Technicolor by Emily Herrick; Connecting Threads Quilter's Cotton; Soul Blossoms by Amy Butler
Quilted: Free-motioned loops and words of hope, love and peace using Aurifil 50wt 2024 White thread
I absolutely can stress enough how much I LOVE your quilting on this quilt. It is absolutely beautiful, thoughtful and so loving. Your friend will feel so blessed and loved when she receives this gift in a time of need.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely quilt! I love the border and the quilting is just perfect. I trust it brings comfort to your 'friend in need'!
ReplyDeleteI am positive it will give big heart warming hugs. You were brave machine piecing hexagons but its not so bad when you have a good teacher guiding you. Beautiful finish Rene.
ReplyDeleteIt's really lovely, René. I can appreciate the challenges of sewing hexagons, having recently completed such a quilt myself. You did a beautiful job, and the quilting is especially nice. Extra nice with the addition of those thoughtful sentiments. I have no doubt your friend will cherish this quilt. My best to her too. Keep up your excellent quiltmaking.
ReplyDeleteQuilty hexie love. The best kind ; ) Enjoy knowing she will wrap herself in this beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteRene', I love this quilt! Well done!
ReplyDeleteit looks fabulous! I love using 50wt Aurifil for quilting, especially dense quilting.
ReplyDeleteA lovely quilt and is sure to be a cheery lift for your friend. I love the words you quilted into the FRQ. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great quilt. If and when I attempt hexies, I'll have to do it when you're up in the NW for a visit and have you come by my tutor! :D
ReplyDeleteAnd what a comforting and encouraging gift for your friend.
PS. (I agree- Aurifil thread really is the best!)
What a great quilt and a lovely way to brighten up a friends path.
ReplyDeleteyou have such a knack for choosing fabric! Is that a learned talent?
ReplyDelete