Sunday 19 February 2017

How many hexagons?

Someone asked but I've no idea. If any body knows a quick formula I might try it but am not going to count them the slow way!

Hexagon Star - top finished.
I have a hand full of hexagons (half inch) left over but am calling this a finish at 56" by 62". It will be a good size for a wall quilt . For now - off to join the others awaiting hand quilting. 
 
I really enjoyed the portability of this project - using zip lock bags to store and organise the pieces. I know some will think it quite mad to be stitching half inch hexagons by English paper piecing (stitch basted), but I found it very relaxing and quite manageable. In fact I found this size hexagon was quite a bit more comfortable to handle than the large 1.25 inch hexagons in my Grandmother's Garden quilt .

Chapman Coverlet
On the rare occasions when I feel like machine stitching I make it a marathon session! The last one got me a bit further ahead with this quilt. Still have a box full of appliqued squares to join and quite a few more rows to go...so here's hoping for another "rare occasion" soon.
Posies and Plaid
I've not posted on my applique quilt design since May last year, for various reasons. A lot of changes have been made and the unpicker has been very busy. For example I have scrapped the original broderie perse centre - it was just too dark and distracting. 
Unpicker at the ready
In keeping with mixing modern fabrics in with the repros, I'm trying to interpret a lot of different traditional elements with a more contemporary feel.  It's not coming easy for me but I'm happier with it now. Don't you hate it when there is a vision but poor execution!

I've had fun with various applique techniques:





But mostly I have needle turned with back basting prep:





Just a little more applique to go and then I'll be stitching the blocks together. Hopefully there won't be too many more changes (LOL) as I'm really looking forward to Big Stitch hand quilting this ...maybe with coloured perle thread. 



43 comments:

  1. Your Hexagon Star quilt is just AWESOME!!! You did an excellent job as usual. I haven't tried 1/2 inch hexies yet. Love the flowers in the medallion. They look like they are dancing. Cute! ;^)

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  2. You certainly have been busy.

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  3. I have one hexie quilt going at 7/8 inch and another with scraps of 1/2 inch - that one I am just making hexie flowers and will decide what to do with them when I get enough to play with - very right now it might make about 20 x 20 if laid out. Your quilt turned out great - yes if someone knows an easy way to count :)

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  4. Wow! Hilda, you must have twice the normal number of hours in your days ;) Each of your projects is lovely and so resourceful. You obviously work from a "vision", not haphazardly; and it shows! Thanks, once again, for sharing your inspiring work.

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  5. Hilda your blog posts are SO very inspiring. Such gorgeous projects!! Your hexagon star top is lovely - I love the borders. The fabrics of your Chapman coverlet have me drooling - so beautifully appliqued. You are teasing us with pictures of the beautiful elements for your Posies and plaid top - I can't wait to see it come together. I love the green plaid curved triange shapes. How do you manage to "hit it out of the park" everytime :0)

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  6. Wow, gorgeous! Beautiful hexie quilt and Chapman coverlet and I love your applique design. Admire you for unpicking and re-doing, that takes courage and patience. It turned out beautifully. Your applique skills are admirable, very sharp points. Great pictures of your beautiful work.

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  7. I am always amazed at the tenacity quilters have when I see a 1/2 inch hexagon quilt, hats off to you! Your Chapman quilt is lovely, the fabrics you have chosen are very much ones I would use. Your Posies and Plaids photos make me want to see more! Cannot wait to see your next progress report. Beautiful and talented as always. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. In awe of your work. It's all so lovely, thank you for sharing it. I have a site that does maths for hexagons bookmarked, for reasons yet unrealised:
    http://www.cddesigns.com/PaperPiecing/number.html

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  9. I couldn't resist using the formula that Pippa posted. Approximately 5393 hexagons (depending on exactly the way it is measured). Anyway you put it, that's a lot of hexagons! Your quilts are beautiful and such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing them with us.

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  10. So beautiful--each and every one! Hexagon Star has that wonderful antique look about it, Chapman Coverlet is striking, and Posies and Plaid has caught my interest! Love the black and white gingham bow and the bird, of course! All those little dragonflies make me smile. Love your fabric choices, too! Can't wait to see more of this one :)

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  11. I love your hexagon star quilt! It is just beautiful! I love that size hexagon!

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  12. Your hexagon quilt is awesome! I agree that smaller hexies are easier to work with and I also prefer thread basting.

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  13. Such a beautiful post full of fantastic eye candy. I just love the projects you are working on and your hexagon quilt is a beauty. Well done!

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  14. Your work is all just amazing. I absolutely LOVE your hexagon quilt - just gorgeous! And I'm in awe of your beautiful applique - such talent!

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  15. Your work is so beautiful. My favorite on this post is the Hexagon quilt! Your Applique is looking great and I understand the "ripping".

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  16. Amazing hexagon quilt. I have worked with 1/2" hexies too, and loved them. Hoping to use them in a flower vine border on my 1" hexie quilt....that is if I ever get around to adding the border :) Your applique is so pretty.

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  17. Hilda , your quilts are always so beautiful and love to see your " tutorials " how you are doing .
    I want to ask you What you are using for batting?
    I am using silk batting from Quilters Dream, but want to try the 100 cotton select also Quilters Dreamlately i have some difficulties with my fingers ( gardening) and want something smooth and soft and not thick and must be good for wall hanging. I love handquilting because it gives the quilt that special look.
    Please will you let me know what you are mostly using?
    Thank you. Instagram meijer 5482

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  18. OMGosh, that hexie quilt is A M A Z I N G!!! I am speechless! Gonna go and take another look at it!

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  19. I have to admit that every time you post your beautiful projects I am amazed and so envious! You have such a great eye for putting together fabrics and designs--I love everything you do! Thanks for sharing your lovely work--it's very inspiring.

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  20. Your applique blocks are wonderful. I like the mix of the old and the new. Just seems to have meant to be that way.

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  21. I wouldn't scare myself by counting ask those hexies either....... Just enjoy the beauty.....

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  22. Wow, I love your hexie quilt, but am rather addicted to hexies. Your other quilts are spectacular as well, your needle turn is superb.
    Also would be interested in knowing how many hexies, but would not count them!

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  23. I love everything you are making Hilda. The hexagon quilt is amazing, and your eye for colour is superb.

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  24. Wonderful and inspiring as always!
    I think the way to count the hexes is to count the first row across then multiply by number down. Sometimes the second row is different, then you can add those two and again multiply by how many "row pairs" you have. In any case it is a masterpiece!!
    I always love to see all you applique.

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  25. OH MY, Hilda, what wonderful projects you have been working on! Those tiny hexagons-beautiful! I love the colors you have chosen for the Chapman Coverlet and I can not wait to see the reveal for your applique quilt.

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  26. Such pretty work Hilda. With hexagons, I ignore the design count number across and down. I come up with 5,475. I like the 1/2" size too.
    I like all of the diverse and beautiful color combinations you work with.
    Thank you for sharing!

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  27. Your work is always breathtaking. You have a creative eye for colors and design. And you have to be the most patience quilter there is. The hexagon quilt is truly remarkable.

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  28. Your work is always breathtaking. You have a creative eye for colors and design. And you have to be the most patience quilter there is. The hexagon quilt is truly remarkable.

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  29. Honestly Hilda, you are the most inspiring quilter I know. Every time you show your work, I think, "why didn't I think of that"? I particularly love the squiggly stems on your applique center. Why didn't I think of that?? Your hexagon quilt is heavenly. And of course the Chapman Coverlet is just screaming at me to pull some color from my stash. I adore it. Thanks again for such delicious inspiration.

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  30. Love, love, love the bird's wing and the flowers' stems! And your hexagon quilt is lovely. May I ask, please, how you're going to finish those uneven edges? Will you lop them off? add an appliqué border? or possibly make an uneven-edged backing? Beautiful work! (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)

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  31. Congratulations on finishing the Hexagon Star top, it is just stunning!!! I love the scrappy low volume fabrics you have used around the central panel. I bet you're glad you added those framing borders after the inspiration of the Australian quilt exhibition. Looking forward to seeing more of Posies and Plaid, sorry to see the BP go but I too love the squiggly stems in the centre. Is that freezer paper you used for the green triangles or card? Fascinating colours you are using in Chapman Coverlet. Thanks for another amazing post to feast our eyes upon.

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  32. I am always in awe of your incredible output and talent. The hexagon top is amazing and I shall look forward to seeing things progress in due course.

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  33. I'm always happy to see you post and see what your up too. Three more great quilts. Congratulations !

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  34. Your fabric choices for Posies and Plaid just couldn't be better. Subtle color pallett, but rich. Love it all and your applique is lovely.

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  35. The applique is stunning Hilda! Love your center!!
    Your projects are always so inspiring. I try and have vision, but it doesn't get me very far.

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  36. I love all the different fabrics you are using for your applique quilt! As for your hexagons...I am in awe!

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  37. Just love these three quilts you are working on. Gorgeous!

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  38. wow wunderschön,ich bin verliebt in deine Arbeit
    Liebe Grüße Hannelore

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  39. Hi, When I grow Up I'd like to be like YOU. your quilts are beautiful and whats more FINISHED and hanging up in your home. I'm a gran now but I guess I still have some time! Your home must be beautiful. Where in the country are you? Enjoy your quilting and all else. Denise

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  40. another awesome quilt...thanks for showing a lot of the process...definitely inspired now....

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  41. Amazing quilts, absolutely beautiful. I love your work.

    There is a calculator available here: http://www.cddesigns.com/PaperPiecing/number.html. I found it by chance. Hopefully it's accurate.

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  42. Again, you inspire me! Such a lovely quilt block and such soft, beautiful colors. I particularly like it because it is not a cross, but more organic. Beautiful!
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