Monday, 23 February 2015

Settling in

I've just completed my little Stars meet Hexagons quilt and it is settling in at home. How do you settle in a new quilt? Sometimes, but rarely, I know exactly where it is going. But usually it does a bit of a wander around the house till it is 'comfortable' somewhere. 
First a garden photo shoot...
Then decorating a gate...

Could be a table topper...

Finally in to the lounge for a sit down...

Just to recap on the making of this quilt: 
I started it in January 2014 - the pattern is from Petra and An's book Promenade in a Dutch Garden. I saw their little red quilt at Quilts in the Barn in 2013 and loved it. Mine finishes at 41 inches (104cm) by 48 inches (120cm).


The EPP and fussy cutting process was such fun. 



Gradually it grew and grew..

Hexagon chains for an applique border...

I hand quilted it with Aurifil size 12 thread, trimmed the edges and added a red binding. 


I'm really happy with the texture of the hand quilting. It was a good chance to try big stitch quilting and a 'safe' one to experiment on as the stitches are not a feature of this quilt. The wadding used was cotton - a change from my usual wool. There was no particular reason for the change of wadding - just thought I'd try something different! It was easy to stitch through and light but possibly less loft than the wool.


I wanted the hexagons in the chain border to pop out a bit so only stitched around the edges and in the joins between the hexagons. I was tempted to add more quilting to the 3 inch border but thought keeping it simple might be best.


Last post I showed you my red CWB blocks on the portable 'design wall' that I move in and out of the family room. Well...the design wall is now doing double duty! In a rare moment of clarity I realised I could use the back too. What a great solution for someone doing far too many projects at once?! 
So, on the back I have pinned my Benjamin Biggs BOM progress - a very long-term project:


Here are close ups of the latest two blocks - 13 and 14:
 

Block 14
My secret sewing of Auntie Green in neutrals is going well - I have finished the top! I don't want to reveal too much at this stage (because it is a special gift)  but just to prove it is done - here is the last little bit of applique on the corners of the outer border. 
Preparing to applique

A finished corner
Now I have till my daughter's wedding at the end of November to quilt it. I have no idea if that is enough time to hand quilt a 90 inch by 78 inch quilt (gulp) but I'd like to give it a try!

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45 comments:

  1. Mayleen23 February 2015 at 13:05

    Your work is always so lovely!

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  2. Dorothy23 February 2015 at 13:16

    Great quilts. Looking forward to the finished picture of Auntie Green. Your hexagon star and BB BOM are looking wonderful.

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  3. Chris23 February 2015 at 13:39

    You'll have no problem Hilda! Beautiful work.

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  4. Karen - Quilts...etc.23 February 2015 at 13:39

    the red quilt looks so lovely - you do great work

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  5. a good yarn23 February 2015 at 14:18

    You are a remarkably talented quilter. Your quilts are inspiring and breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Oops-Lah23 February 2015 at 14:20

    wow, your Stars meet Hexagons quilt turned out stunning. I'm also working on Auntie Green and I love your version in neutrals. I too can't wait to see the whole quilt.

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  7. Susan23 February 2015 at 17:26

    Your projects are always so beautiful. Love seeing some of the process too.

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  8. martine23 February 2015 at 20:11

    Love your hexagon border. What a good idea.

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  9. Anne Marieke23 February 2015 at 20:50

    Beautiful work on all of your projects. That Auntie Green in neutrals is just stunning.

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  10. CecileD23 February 2015 at 21:39

    Hilda, your red quilt is awesome and the idea of the border is so clever and so cute !! Bravo !!!
    I have the book and many quilts in it are so amazing....
    Your work in progress is so beautiful too !! Good luck for the quilting for the Auntie Green....
    Hugs from France ! ^^

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  11. Manuela23 February 2015 at 22:08

    Congratulation. Your red quilt looks fantastic.

    Greetings, Manuela

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  12. Sis Voorn23 February 2015 at 23:55

    And again you are showing beautiful quilts ! Wow....

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  13. Karen H24 February 2015 at 00:15

    My, my, my! What a feast for the eyes! I LOVE your BB blocks - they are stunning and your little red hexagons and stars quilt makes my heart flutter! The border you added is a wonderful finish. I was recently thinking about your Auntie Green quilt and was wondering how it is coming along. Now I know - it is coming along beautifully. Such an elegant interpretation done in neutrals.

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  14. Heather24 February 2015 at 00:35

    Your Stars Meets Hexagons is just wonderful. How exciting to have another finish. I really must follow your example and try to stick to fewer projects so I can have a finish of my own!

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  15. Archie The Wonder Dog24 February 2015 at 00:51

    I love everything in this post!

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  16. Wendy Caton Reed24 February 2015 at 00:58

    Oh your daughter is lucky one. Your Auntie Green in neutrals is stunning! Love the Benjamin Biggs blocks too. And as for the hexagon quilt, it looks great wherever your decide on keeping it! Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Kyle24 February 2015 at 01:13

    Each of your quilts is simply breathtaking. The Stars Meet Hexies is stunning in each of it's photo shoots. And the special wedding quilt will be a gift beyond compare. Your post was the perfect start for my day. I want to get stitching!

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  18. Karen in Breezy Point24 February 2015 at 01:56

    It's just exquisite! Your Auntie Green is going to be equally beautiful--I hope you will be able to get it finished in time--I can't wait to see it completed too!

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  19. Cheri24 February 2015 at 02:03

    Hilda your work is just so beautiful, I love visiting your blog and seeing your progress on your quilts.

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  20. Dawn24 February 2015 at 02:08

    Wonderful finish! I love Petra's book, and your quilt is stunning. I think the hand quilting is beautiful. Where ever you decide to use it, it is a treasure. Your other projects look fantastic too. I think you could finish the wedding quilt by November.

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  21. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow24 February 2015 at 02:13

    Such beautiful work on all three projects :)

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  22. Dientje24 February 2015 at 05:05

    I love to make hexies and stars in the EPP way. I also have that book and once ....
    Greetings, Dientje (dientjes.blogspot.com)

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  23. Judy Dietrich24 February 2015 at 05:06

    Wow. The red pieces in this quilt really sparkle!! It is a gorgeous finish. I noticed you use paper clips to hold your pieces to be basted. Another office supply I have used are bulldog clips. They are metal and come in all sizes. They are really handy for clamping on the edge of the piece, but give you room to take a stitch. Your red and green applique blocks are gorgeous. Fingers crossed that you get the quilting done on the neutrals Auntie greens top. Thanks for sharing your finish and other projects!!

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  24. audrey24 February 2015 at 05:27

    I have loved your red hexies ever since you first started! Beautiful work! And I am so anxious to see your Auntie Green quilt when you're able to do the reveal. Making it in neutrals is extremely intriguing to me.:)

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  25. Janet24 February 2015 at 07:37

    So lovely to see a peek of your Auntie Green quilt again. I just adore the soft color with your beautiful applique. I wish you well with the handquilting - it will add another layer of gorgeous texture :0)
    Your red hexie quilt is wonderful! A beautiful finish! Great idea with your design wall - I love that center star in the first block.

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  26. Robin24 February 2015 at 09:45

    Beautiful work! I didn't realize it was big-stitch until you showed close-up photos. It turned out so nice. The Benjamin Biggs blocks all together are quite an accomplishment. Makes me wish I had kept up. The first one, the Apple Pie Ridge Star did me in.

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  27. Carli The Quilter24 February 2015 at 10:10

    I love your work and the idea of paper clips on your diamond pieces, brilliant!

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  28. Barb24 February 2015 at 11:45

    What a wonderful wedding quilt! I think you can do it you seem to work fast.
    Your Red hexagon turned out wonderfully. I hope you'll be showing it.

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  29. Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things24 February 2015 at 12:20

    Oh such lovely garden pictures and I loved it as a table cloth also. But I can't wait to see your auntie green. I think you will have plenty of time if you get at it and you are heading into your winter. I always love what the hand quilting does to a top, so magical!

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  30. Shirley24 February 2015 at 19:04

    The hexagon border is perfect on your quilt. I loved Petra's quilt and your version is equally as amazing. Your stitching is sublime.

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  31. Flickenstichlerin24 February 2015 at 21:13

    Oh wow, stunning projects. First time I have seen your blog. Your work is just gorgeous.
    Greetings,
    Sylvia

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  32. Floor24 February 2015 at 22:09

    How beautiful is your star meet hexagons quilt!
    Beautiful colors and beautifully made. The other things you are doing are all magnificent

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  33. Anonymous24 February 2015 at 23:50

    Hello Hilda,

    Wow, your red quilt has totally inspired me and your fussy cutting is outstanding too. To pick up the individual designs in the fabrics must have taken considerable time. Of all the quilts that I love florals and stars patterns appeal to me greatly, so I am also now considering making this quilt too. Once I get the book or pattern which ever comes first. I would love to know more about your adventures of making this quilt. So I have decided to follow you and get your blog so I can read back to any addition enteries for clues and tips on making it. I have been wanting to make and hexie quilt (preferrably by hand too)for ages and have gathered some fabrics but just need to get some more! Now for my first question what size were your templates and where did you purchase the set? I would like to start off in the right direction. I would welcome any communication or advice/guidance should you wish it! Thanking you Hilda and look forward to your contact. Julie Beard Adelaide South Australia. (julie714@adam.com.au)

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  34. cityquilter grace25 February 2015 at 03:14

    such an inspiring post....all your work is simply beautiful...or should i call it fun? looks fun to me...and love your benjamin biggs...i started but fell by the wayside...too many other things calling my name

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  35. Lori25 February 2015 at 06:39

    Way to go Hilda! The quilt looks great in the white chair with the red pillow. All ready to snuggle and read.
    Congrats on finishing your neutral quilt- so exciting! And your BBiggs blocks look really nice together.

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  36. Maureen25 February 2015 at 13:06

    Congrats on the finish! What a striking quilt. Your applique is fabulous. Look forward to seeing the neutral quilt when you are finished. I'm sure you'll have not trouble finishing in time and it will be treasured!

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  37. Rachaeldaisy25 February 2015 at 17:32

    Congratulations on finishing such a beautiful quilt. It's so lovely and rich in colour and pattern. The perle quilting really suits it too. I love seeing your BB blocks all together, what a display! and the sneak peek of your Auntie green is gorgeous. I think the quilting fairies will be on your side to get it hanquilted by November because its for a special gift.

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  38. KijkDaarIs26 February 2015 at 08:40

    Stars meet hexagons..beautiful!!!!!

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  39. Jindi's Cottage26 February 2015 at 12:17

    Your Stars Meets Hexagons is Gorgeous...hope it has settled in well, I think it looks very comfy having a rest in the lounge...

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  40. Carole~Quilter on the hill26 February 2015 at 22:01

    Your blog posts are always such a treat, especially tonight after a long day at work. Your stars and hexagons is just stunning and the big stitch quilting suits it perfectly. The BB blocks in all their red and green glory are looking great together up on the design wall. The bright star in the center of #13 is an inspired choice of fabric. I too have been wondering about your AG, if anyone can get the hand quilting done by November it would be you. Thanks for brightening my day.

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  41. Nancy27 February 2015 at 01:15

    Beautiful work, beautifully shown. Always a treat when you post.

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  42. Carli The Quilter6 March 2015 at 13:38

    Far out,great accomplishment. If I can time to proceed on humble hexie, I might end up with like a humble sister this red beauty.

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  43. Needle 'n Thread with SuziQ8 March 2015 at 11:14

    Fantastic accomplishment - I have been following your blog and watching the hexagons grow over a period of time. I love love that red throughout and the fussy cutting you have done is fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing. I love hexagons too and it has given me inspiration.

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  44. Suegodfrey14 March 2015 at 19:00

    Your work is absolutely amazing . very inspiring. I want to do a hexie quilt and this is so beautiful. And your harmony quilt is going to be v much loved I think. Just found your site and I'm so pleased.

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  45. Suegodfrey14 March 2015 at 19:01

    Your work is absolutely amazing . very inspiring. I want to do a hexie quilt and this is so beautiful. And your harmony quilt is going to be v much loved I think. Just found your site and I'm so pleased.

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