We're off - Hex Reverse Applique

 

Spring by Susan Ziel

First off, thanks to my Q Bud, Susan, who I have blogged about for years!  She's a wonderful quilter and has won many ribbons in national AQS and other shows!  You can read a blog post I did on one of her wins!  Susan's work is amazing and workmanship alone is unmatched.  She designs her own quilts and never uses a pattern!  If I remember correctly, she said she's never taken a quilting class.  She is my hero in the quilting world!

Look at the detail in her quilt...ALL hand reverse applique and hand quilted!!!!!  Also, the reverse applique method she uses is something that Susan came up with.  It's not your usual reverse applique method!!!!

I forgot that I have made two quilts using Susan's method!! She was so generous to write out her method for me back in 2011.  My work isn't up to the detail Susan has accomplised but I'm trying!  Here is one of the first I made using Susan's reverse applique method in 2011.  It's called Georgia on My Mind.

I actually made two of these.  I wasn't happy with t he workmanship on the first one so I redid the entire piece.  I still have the first one and use it as an example of how to do better at hand work!  

Tiffany 2013 - my 2nd reverse stained glass piece

I forgot I had a white background for this piece!  DUH!  Something I didn't think about for my latest piece I'm working on.  

So looking at all the hex pieces I have leftover from previous projects, I figured I'd use them up, right!  I posted about a week ago on a drawing I had enlarged.  Thought it would work well with the hex pieces....you can see that post  here.  

 I started to dig through hex pieces....and got out Susan's Reverse Applique method that she gave me years ago!  

I mentioned that this isn't your normal applique method.  I've suggested to Susan years ago she needs to document and send this method into AQS magazine or another quilting magazine.  She should copyright it as well!!!  

So I started working on my new hex piece.  

Actually, I'm using this as a test piece.  This is pattern is only 16"x20"...if successful, the next one would be 24"x34"...and I may change/add background color fabric (similar to my Tiffany piece above).  The Georgia piece is solid black.  

I've already been 'bugging' Susan with some questions/suggestions and I'm sure I'll be bugging her more when/if I start on the large piece!  HA  Thanks again, Susan!!!

So, as they say, "that's my story and I'm sticking to it!"...we'll see!!!

Some tools!

 When I was at our local quilt shop showing my completed hexagon quilt, one of the lady's was telling me about Tula Pink's YouTubes.  I used Tula Pink's fabric for the binding on my quilt but what I didn't know was Tula is a super star regarding EPP (English paper pieces for those who don't know).  

Off I went to check out what she had as far as education on paper piecing!  Here is a link to her youtubes and they are very informative!  I was most impressed with her video on 'tools' and the needle she uses for paper piecing.

They are called Tulip 6 Pack Size 10 Big Eye Applique Needle Hiroshima Needles!  It's a mouthful but they are terrific!!!  The whole idea of the 'big eye' is not a larger eye but more elongated eye, which makes for easier threading.  I'm even using this needle for my beading project!  It's sturdy but small enough to go through both 11 & 15 seed beads!

Of course, I played around with sewing together two hex pieces!  Wow...it really is very nice to sew with and easier to thread.  Not perfect but easier than my Milliners!   

AND Tula has some great tips for sewing hex pieces and other tools.  Yes, I bought the Minis - 5 Pack magnets!  They're for holding those small hex pieces while you sew them together!  Is it a necessary item, no, but they work!!! 

 And she shows how to sew your hex pieces together sewing 'away' from you vs 'sewing towards' yourself.  OMG..this is a game changer for those of us with arthritis, carpal tunnel, etc!  For hand sewers, beaders, check out her youtubes!  Links above in dark blue.

Another Hex Idea!

Several, several months ago, I had one of my drawings from Hilary's online class blown up. Back in December!!, I posted about this drawing (click here).  At that time, I thought it would make a great 'hex' project BUT I got sidetracked and started to work on the hexagon piece instead! 

I had this drawing enlarged to 24"x34" and  it  hangs behind the door in my sewing room....as I was cleaning up my hex pieces leftover, I got thinking about my original idea to use hex pieces in this design. There goes that little brain of my working overtime!  

So, I took some hex pieces already sewn together and laid them under a tracing (cut out) of two leaves from the drawing.  

Oh BOY!  did the old brain start working again!

Back in 2022, I made two horse hex quilts, which you can see post here if interested!  And I ended up making 3 of them!  HA I'm thinking I can use similar process to have the leaves or whatever in my design.?.  

OK, it sounds easy as my brain is speaking to me out loud....it's a good way to put myself to sleep at night.  I start thinking about how to go about this 'task' and before I know it, I'm asleep!  I sure hope one of these nights, I'll not go to sleep and say out loud "by golly, I think I've got it"!  Stay tuned!

Here I go again....

Guess my brain can't be still....what's the old saying "idle hands are the devil's workshop".  I can remember my great aunt, who helped raise me, say this over and over.  So no wonder I can't not have a project to keep me busy!  

I started this beading project in June while waiting for background fabric for the hex piece.  

I've  made some headway.  Once I finish the green beads in the leaves, I'll finish up the pink around them.  Next I'll work on the bottom pink/green area.  Then I'll carefully cut the piece out and place on a quilted background; add the outside design beading directly on the quilted piece.  It's busy work when I don't have anything else to do....

Last month I finished the bookmarks for our friends library book sale and a week ago I worked on making my Christmas cards!

I started off  stamping on two pieces of poster board.

Then I used some Robin Egg Blue dye I already had mixed up and painted over the entire piece.  I also added some rock salt as well as some sliver stamped paint (very light).  Hard to see in the pics but both salt and paint gave some shimmer to the cards.  A winter scene?  HA

I cut up 64, 3"x5", pieces that I placed in a photo card stock.  Just need to place the other 63 in the cards and write my Christmas note!  HA

I'll work on these after our book sale in October so they will be ready to mail mid November!  Another project, almost, out of the way!  

So back to beading AND another hex idea I have!  Be still my brain!!!!!

Presenting my Hex Color Wheel!!!

 

45" x 43"

Yes, it's finished!!!!  It's been a long journey but I'm glad I 'stuck' with it.  I really did enjoy all the hand work making the hex pieces.  Attaching it was a little difficult handling the quilt and trying to applique the hex entire piece to a quilted top.

I found this Tula Pink fabric at a local quilt shop, Q's Quilting, which I thought was perfect for the binding.  All my hex color wheel colors!  Nicole, the owner of Q's, was so nice helping me pick out the background fabric and reordering add'l yardage.  A really nice quilt shop in Ortonville!

The hard part was joining each bias strip so the color pattern was continuous!  Sounds easy but sure taxed my pea brain.  I am glad I took the time...it would have bugged me to see two pink stripes next to each  other!  HA

I had a small piece of hex fabric sewn together so I decided to use that piece for the label!  Worked out pretty good.  I almost forgot about a label!  I've been away from quilt making way too long!

I decided to use the leftover bias strips to make the sleeve for the back!  Well, that was a fun day long process or was it days?  HA  I sewed together different size strips then cut the the size I needed.  You get the idea in this picture.  BUT I did a really, really dumb thing when putting on the sleeve.  Not sure WHAT I was thinking...but apparently I wasn't thinking!  I always allow for a small gap so the sleeve doesn't pull on the quilt.  But I placed the sleeve about 1 1/4" from the top!!!!  Hmmmmmmm

It needs to be closer to the bottom of the binding on the top of the quilt.  Who knew!  I did! DUH!!!  Tells you how long ago I made a large quilt doesn't it!   So, guess I'll be removing the sleeve,  and reattaching!  Actually, we need to get a different rod/hanging unit because this quilt is larger than the previous one I have in the master bath. So I have time before we're ready to hang it.  Did I  mention no one will see this quilt again!  HA  We don't get many visitors and hardly no one goes in the master bath!  HA

I started this project around January this year which you can see the first post here.  I  have 864 hex pieces in this quilt and I have 3 triangles left over (108 hex)!  Lots of hex pieces.  Not sure what I'll do with the left over triangles..but a good reminder of what fun I had!  Think it's time to start another knitting project or work on a beading project I started about a month ago!?  Who knows!

Getting there!!

 

Yep, all those triangles/edges are sewn down to my quilted background...finally!  This was a challenge but I'm happy with how it turned out.  Next I need to decide what binding to add.  Keep with same fabric as the background or should I purchase or find some fabric in my stash!  Or buy fabric!  I'm going to head to the quilt shop and see what might work or I'll just keep with the background fabric.

So while waiting to get to the quilt shop, I decided to get my bookmarks made for our upcoming library book sale in October!  I have so many tissue/light weight papers that I've painted/stamped/printed over the years I thought I'd use them to collage to poster board for something different!  

I started off using acrylic matt Medium to adhere some pages from recycled books and some other news print and music pages on to poster board.

Then I tore pieces of my painted pages and stuck those down as well.  I collaged two large poster boards, which look similar.  This was one of the poster boards finished. You get the idea!

 I cut the poster board into 2"x7" strips.

Started a production line and finished sewing two pieces together with an embroidery stitch.  I've got over 40 made.

You can see some of the papers that show through as well as some papers/newsprint.  

So that project is finished and once I get the hex quilt binding finished, I can start back beading and thinking about what to make for my Christmas cards this year!  

Works for me...I don't like having to hurry to make cards or bookmarks...and I'm playing with ideas for my Christmas cards this year.  Until then.......

Today is Gigi's Gotcha Day!

Back in 2015, we adopted Gigi thanks to the caring hearts of Sandra & Glenn A. Veltman. From day one, she's brought so much love, laughter, and joy into our lives. And a few nibbles on ankles for loved ones to remember her by!

She's been a little under the weather this past week, so our biggest wish today is that she's feeling like her happy, spunky self again very soon.

Our little frogie! She's so sweet...she sits for anything you do to her. Just loves us - some folks not so much - she is protective, especially men or young boys are not her favorite!

I love her so much and so does Kalee...they used to play together but the past few years they'll only play from time to time.

Gigi has her favorite toy and she'll bring it to us when we come home from being out for an hour or two! She's SO happy when we do get home!

I love this little girl and hope she starts to feel better SOON! Happy Gotcha Day, sweet Gigi! We love you!

 

A little of this...a little of that!

 First up, Yes, I'm still working on my hex piece!  I have to stitch down each triangle...all three sides but it's not easy.  Having to fold, lift, maneuver this heavy piece is a challenge for me!  Between my arthritis fingers and back, I'm trying to enjoy the process but some days it's not so much fun!  But I'm getting there!!!

I'm also working on my beaded project after dinner/dishes, but it's been SO hot here in Michigan, even sitting out on the deck in the shade is too much.  We've had 90 degree weather for over a week or two.  No hurry on this piece...it's just something to fill in-between my hex piece.  

I have to show what I purchased from Painted Lady Cabochons!  I love these little birds! They are 2"x1" and just lovely!!!! 

Sometime I will incorporate in my work...at the moment I'm  not sure where...but I can see these cabochons on one of my little totes??!!  

Several years ago, in 2013!!!  I purchased one of Brenda's cuffs! You can see that post here.   That post shows one of her cuffs but here is the cuff I purchased.  I wear it often..folks will comment on it!  It sitll looks great! 

 I've bought my grand daughter a phone holder and key chains!!!  Wish I had pics of them!!!  Check out Brenda's FB page, Painted Lady Cabochons or her website here.  

I don't see any cuffs or other items on her web site/FB page..so I'm glad I still have my cuff!!!

Other than above keeping me busy, kids had us over for a BBQ on the 4th and it was fantastic as usual!!!!  

This pic was just appetizers!

Darrin loves cooking and his chicken was delicious!  Kris marinated the chicken breasts in her famous old recipe!  I only know it's 'mayo & Italian dressing'.

Smoking meat is another of Darrin's favorite things to do!!!  And we're all so glad he does!  Ribs were delicious...

This is just part of the dinner layout of foods!!!  OMG...every dish was wonderful...as was the company.  Love having time with my kids...

So now back to my 'regular schedule program'....sewing the hex quilt!

Small progress....

 Actually, this isn't a SMALL progress.  It took quite a bit of following my own steps and carefully ironing down the entire section...section by section at a time!  WHEW!  But glad that's over with!  

Yes, that box on the left is all the cardboard hex pieces removed! 

I started to hand sew the center 'star' area.  Boy, that wasn't easy...it's not like you're appliqueing a piece of a design to your background fabric. I'm actually appliqueing to the entire quilted background.  It's hard to pick up the piece and be so careful to secure.  Really awkward! 

But moving on.....

I couldn't imagine securing each triangle section to the background - per AI!  HA   Then I thought maybe I should just FMQ the entire hex piece to secure.  

So I took two leftover triangles and did some free motion and just straight stitching the edges.  

I honestly don't think I like this look of matching stitching.

 I looked back at Erin's original quilt design and they had each triangle attached via free motion quilting vs fusing.   Good move!

Also, Erin & her hex group, elected to not attach each triangle via their points.  

My great mind thought....secure each point to give more definition to the diamond areas in between.  Oh what a good idea.  NOT.  HA 

So now I'm thinking.....which is trouble...that I'll continue to stitch each 'star' section by hand..then, because the entire piece is fused down with MistyFuse, I'll hand stitch the entire perimeter.  That may keep the piece stable enough that I can actually bend, twist, etc. to stitch inner area(s) of the triangles.

Well,  this has been a fun piece to work on!  Actually, yes, it is/was!  I love hand stitching so the hex pieces were the most fun.  Removing the cardboard wasn't fun but...just part of the process.  

Next up after all the stitching...trimming the background and bind..which I am thinking of just using the same background fabric.  Not sure I want a colored border but we'll see!!!

Well, I was 'kinda' on the right track

 So, I fused the center triangles and was on a roll....when all of a sudden...I was trapped...well, not that bad...but I had to rethink...my three triangles at a time...DUH...where is my engineer Son and Grandson when you need them.  HA 

I had the five center blocks fused and all good.  Piece is being very stable - so far!  

I was startig on the two orange & red triangles as I posted last...but then something didn't seem right...

I have stickies now on the rows and how I'll be fusing to the background. 

Wish I could draw straight lines in photo program.  HA..but this is where I'll start tomorrow using my little guide below for each row!

1) remove all center triangle stitching in the row

2) spray starch triangle &  carefully press dry

3) when spray starch is dry, remove cardboard hex pieces from triangle center(s)

4) add fusible web to triangle area, but not edges, & fuse

5) remove stitching from edges but keep cardboard in.  

May seem like extra work with using both stablizer and Misty Fuse but I want the center to feel more stable, especially if I leave the hex cardboard in the edges.  I'm thinking this will work out.  Once all fushed down then I'll use the AI cheat sheet on where to start stitching to the quilted background.  Guess I should have asked ChatptAI...what to fuse down first!  HA