Pages

Monday, August 26, 2013

Hexie Queen for a Day!

Today is my day to see if I can rise to the lofty heights of Hexie Queen for a Day!
Of course, considering all the wonderful projects we've been seeing
during this Hop, that would be well-nigh miraculous LOL!!!

Edited:  I won Queen of Creativity!!!!
Thanks Madame Samm for that great honor!!!
(Now pardon me while I get just the right tilt on my tiara :*D)


What fun I have had playing with ideas for this Hop!
Even my new Blog Header shows off my new enthusiasm for all things HEXIE!!!  
Thanks sew much, of course, to our leader Madame Samm and our very efficient 
Cheerleader Debby for all their hard work in making this Hop happen!  

My very first little EPP Hexie!!!  Awwww...... isn't it sweet?
I was really excited when the Hexie Queen Blog Hop was announced, because my favorite part of joining in on the fun of these hops is the way I am always stretched and challenged until I freak out manage to create something I didn't even know I wanted to do.  I will always love the Stitchery Keeper I designed for the Dare to Dresden blog hop in January - I had never made a Dresden block before and relished the chance to force my hand and make myself a Dresden!   (You can read that post here.)


I was hoping to have the same kind of experience with this Hexie Hop.  I kept seeing so many really cute and fun Hexie projects in Blogland, but I just kept procrastinating when it came to trying any of them out for myself.  This is one block design that has really upped the game for modern quilting!  And even traditional Hexie quilts are far more creative today than our "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilts of old..... anybody remember these???

Sandpaper templates that I used to make a GFG quilt many, many years ago!!!

So I decided it was time to force my hand and signed up for this Hop.  Needless to say, I was delighted when the creativity began to flow!  I especially wanted to experiment with some of the different ways we have available to us to make Hexies today - EPP, machine paper-pieced, fusible, quilt-as-you-go - you name it and I played with it!


My goal for this Hop has been to create something not only beautiful and fun but also useful.... and I think I succeeded....you'll have to tell me what you think!  =^..^=

For a while now, I have really wanted to make a BIG market-type bag for quilt shows, shop hops, etc.   You know - you end up with a dozen little bags of "stuff" and go crazy trying to keep up with them all.  I had picked up Pink Chalk's Mail Sack pattern some time earlier.....


I love the size of this bag, and the fact that it goes over the shoulder.  It leaves my hands free and takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders.  So first I pulled this Michael Miller lettered fabric from my stash......


I had the idea that these letters would look cute cut into hexie shapes and fused down like any raw-edge applique project..... and it worked like a charm!!!


Then I started pulling red, white and black fabrics so they could come out and play with the cute Hexie letters......  happy fabrics.... fun fabrics.... exciting fabrics... just like today's modern Hexie's!



And then I fused & stitched the letters down..... Q - U - I - L - T ..... and hand-stitched some perfect little stitches all around them with black perle cotton for my first attempt at Big-Stitch Quilting!  Not bad, huh?  Now that was fun!!!



My new Quilty Market Bag is just perfect for me - I am SEW happy with it!!!



My bag has lots of space inside,
                    ............. gotta love that polka-dot lining :*D


with nice, large sectioned pockets on one side for cell phone, pens, etc. .....


........ and a zippered pocket on the other.  
I had never done a zippered pocket like this before and was amazed at just how easy it was!


And, did you notice.....??????


This little hand-stitched English Paper-Pieced (EPP) Hexie Flower Pin is made from tiny little 7/8" hexies, and I love the perfect little touch of whimsy it adds to my bag, don't you?


Even the fabrics for these little hexies are Hexie designs :*)  I used Heat 'n Bond Ultra to fuse the Hexie Flower to a fabric backing to give it enough stiffness to be wearable, and I made sure to insert the pin before fusing.  Then I added a touch of Fray Block to all sides of the backing fabric just to be sure all the edges are secure and won't fray.  I love that I can wear this pin separately from the bag anytime I want!!!



Next, I decided to try paper-piecing a Hexie block and remembered pinning a pattern by Charise Creates to my Pinterest board.  Before you could blink, I had downloaded that pattern lickety-split and printed off the pieces!  The link to this cute pattern is HERE - be sure to check out her other patterns - too cute!!!

Does anyone else think this would make a marvelous butterfly?


This was an easy and very fun project to paper-piece.  I couldn't resist appliqueing a tiny fussy-cut pincushion in the center.  As I was working on the block, I kept wondering how it could best be used in a project..... remember, my objective was not just to make Hexies, but to make them into useful items.

Then I spied the little round box I had been using for my EPP supplies....



 ..... functional - but not very exciting, right?  

And it occurred to me that my paper-pieced hexie block was just about the same size as the top of this box.... and that it would make a great cover for the box!  I had learned how to cover boxes just a few weeks ago at a class held at my Guild - (you can see my gorgeous new Selvedge Box HERE!) - so I set to work covering the lid of this little box, including the bright idea to make the top of it a pin cushion!


I added just enough fabric to the edges to make it just the right size .....


.... and then drew a circle around it, adding a 1/4" seam allowance with this handy-dandy little never-before-used tool that has been languishing in my sewing cabinet drawer forever .... you just never know when those little miscellaneous doo-dads you've picked up here and there will come in handy :*)


I quilted the block to several layers of batting, adding a little extra under the center hexie to give extra loft for pins...



..... and then added on a fun stripe fabric for the edge and glued it down to the box lid with Aleene's Tacky glue...


Voila!!!!  
A new Hexie Project Box!!!



This little box holds everything I need to make more little hand-pieced Hexies....


One tin holds my little needle case (a hand-made gift from a very special friend!) and a packet of the tiny hexie templates...


..... while the other holds clips and my little finger thimble, etc.


Isn't it just adorable???



Oh, and we can't forget the truly cute Quilt-as-you-go Hexie blocks that make up the special blog header for this Hop...


I made these using some of my stash of fabulously wild fabrics.....


and bordered them with some shiny ombre solids that I picked up off the free table at Guild one month .....



They are SO simple to make!  I just used these Marti Michel templates that I had on hand (remember I said I had been wanting to make some Hexie projects?  See - I wasn't lying!  I had even bought templates!!!) =^..^=


I fussy cut the wild centers and a piece of batting using the smaller hexagon template, and then I cut the "border" from the larger hexagon shape.  I layered the pieces, making sure the smaller shapes were perfectly centered............


........and then I double-folded over the edges of the "border" hexagon and stitched them down with a gray unifying thread - easy peasy!!!   I haven't finished making all of these yet, and I'm still not sure how I'll use them in a project, but when the inspiration hits, I'll be ready with these cute QAYG Hexies :*)




************************
And last, but not least, here is the very first quilt I ever started....
the quilt that started it all many years ago!!!


.... my very traditional hand-pieced, hand-quilted Grandmother's Flower Garden!

As many of you also did years ago, I used those sandpaper templates to trace off every single hexagon shape for these flowers and then cut them out by hand with scissors.  Most of the fabrics were scraps left from clothing I made for everyone in my family from the time I was 15, even the men.  But some of them were treasured scraps given to me by my grandmother who taught me how to sew.  I started the quilt in the early 80's, intending to give it to her one day, but she passed away before I could complete it.  I boxed it up half-done, and it sat on a shelf for years, waiting for my life to slow down and for me to find the time and inclination to sew again.  Happily, it was completed in 2005, and I smile with fond memories of my dearest Granny every time I see it :*)

I hope you've enjoyed seeing all my new Hexie goodies!  
And now I'm off to visit my fellow Hexie Hoppers on the Hexie Queen Blog Hop today!  



Come on - we'll go together..............

    
    
A Quilt and a Prayer  (that's me!!!)
  
    

    
   
    
    
   

Linking up with these wonderful, fun-filled Linky Parties!
Design Wall Monday @ Patchwork Times
Tuesday Linky Party @ Freemotion by the River
Sew Cute Tuesday @ Better Off Thread
WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced
Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop! @ 
Hugs & Blessings!
Teresa
=^..^=

94 comments:

  1. Great hexie bag. I love how you used the letter fabric. Love your little box with the hexies too. I may have to make one someday.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love your hexie bag. The colors are great!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! Awesome! Beautiful , fun and useful!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Teresa at first I thought I was at the wrong blog because the header was different. Oh wow you really went hexie wild. Love the hexie box pincushion and what a great bag! Those are great looking letters spelling quilt. Your grandmother's flower garden is a treasure. Fun hot pads too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sjeeez. When you get going, you really do get going! The bag is adorable, and very useful! The pincushion tin is absolutely gorgeous. I adore all your projects. Thank you for sharing your methods too. It was an amazing post!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Woman, you never do anything halfway, do you? Look at all of these fabulous hexie projects. My mind doesn't even work this way. You are amazing. Love the bag AND the little pin! The box/pincushion is so cute--and all of it is functional!
    Can't wait to see how you use the QAYG hexies that you created.
    And I love your quilt. What a treasure. Now will you finish the one I started 16 years ago? : )

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an awesome bag! Love that you spelled out Quilt as well as made a pin, too clever! Your hexie project box turned out darling. Love that you made the center a pincushion with a fussy cut pincushion, hehe. Thanks for sharing, wonderful!

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ohh I would love that bag too.....love the colors, ice job.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I looove your bag! What a great idea to fussy cut the letters!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow what can I say. I love the hexie letters in the bag. Such a clever idea. All your projects are wonderful, but I also really love your good old fashioned grandmothers garden quilt with all its memories attached - a real treasure!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your bag is sew awesome, it is amazing and wonderful. And I love your fabric choices. And the other projects are also wonderful, with the box to carry your hexie project is a beauty. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! You've been busy!!
    I especially like the bag and the hexie box!
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Teresa, I don't know where to begin. I love ALL your projects. The bag is awesome with all that space and the little box...I want one of those. I first noticed and love your header. Thank you so much for the inspiration today.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Terrific projects - all so creative. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, you have been busy creating stunning projects! Thank you for sharing them with us.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing teresa.
    Your hexa projects are stunnig!
    Wonderul bag with the lovely hexa letters and great details.
    The hexa box is so cute, well done!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow Teresa! I love the bag - I'm going to look for that pattern - but the fabrics you used just made it! And the box is darling. I have some of those clips but never thought of using them for that..great idea! blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your projects are all wonderful! I am inspired! Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh, sweetie - you just rolled from one great project into the next without giving me time to catch my breath!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Just lovely!! I enjoyed how you did the one for the cover of your little container...very nice

    ReplyDelete
  21. You, my friend, are just TOO creative!!! While I love your GFG, your other hexie projects are so creative and amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your bag is really wonderful. What a great idea to use the letters like that. And your sewing box is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  23. OHHHHH I want one of those...that circle red hexie love of a project..oh yes...my dear...you are a hexie queen over and over again

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow Teresa! You've really been bitten by the hexie bug! All your projects are just terrific and make me want to get started RIGHT NOW! I think you could host a hexie-along and keep everyone in stitches . Thanks for sharing your Grandmother's Flower Garden, too. I think they don't get the respect they deserve and seeing yours brought a smile to my face!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Girl...you knocked it out of the park!!! You ARE the Hexie Queen!!!! In my humble opinion no one has a quilt or a prayer over these beautiful projects!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your bag and box and the Quilt , WOW Teresa ! I love the fabrics you used !

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love your hexie bag and the fussy cut letters are awesome!!! Thanks for sharing all your projects in the hop - you are sew talented!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Lots of hexie inspiration here, great projects!

    ReplyDelete
  29. So many wonderful projects. The bag is lovely, especially since it is red, black and white. The sewing box/pin cushion is gorgeous. The quilt you made has a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You are very creative. I love that hexie box. I think I have the same box here and now I am going to give it a a try. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  31. Teresa, projects! The bag is sooo cute and the 'boxy' pincushion was very creative and beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wow! Your purse is beautiful and love your Hexie pincushion box. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I really like the hexies. So many project you made. You have been very busy.
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  34. You have certainly been busy! Great projects!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. What beautiful projects--from your bright and cheery bag to your amazing grandmother's flower garden quilt. I love them all. Your new header is great--made in a large size, they would be great potholders. You can never go wrong with the traditional quilt--it is a long-time favorite of mine, but I have never even thought of attempting it. Beautiful, beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  36. You totally deserve to be crowned as THE Hexie Queen. Wow! Your projects have me oooing and aaahing all over the place. Such tiny hexies and that box is so amazing...love them all!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow!! Teresa you are definitely the Hexie Queen....what beautiful projects! I remember making sandpaper templates too and your new header is perfect! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, how adorable is that bag??? And the pin cushion...Oh, and Congrats on to designer....Hands down, no problem deciding that one!

    ReplyDelete
  39. You are amazing. You are also definitely the hexie queen with all of those fabulous projects. I love the tote and that box is incredible. Great job on all of your hexies.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wow! All of your projects are beautiful. I noticed the hexies in your header and was looking at them and admiring your wonderful binding stitching. Then to get to the bag which is super cute with the hexies spelling quilt and the dots! Then the box for your supplies. Red is my favorite color so I of course loved it anyway but then admired all the little details too. What wonderful projects. Thanks so much for sharing them all.

    ReplyDelete
  41. WOW! You really had fun with this, didn't you??!! I love 'em *all*!! But I have to admit, I especially love the looks of those QAYG hexies -- they're big and bright and just HAPPY!! Great job, Teresa!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. ALL of your projects are wonderful! I love the quilt bag! So so cute! And the Pincushion hexie keeper is cute too!
    great job
    xo jan

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow! So many wonderful hexie projects and all so useful. Love them all. Look forward to seeing what you do with those QAYG hexies. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us.

    ReplyDelete
  44. You are the Hexie Queen today. What a wide array of hexie projects. Coming to your site was a delight.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hiya Teresa!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! What lovelies. That bag is so great, with the inner pockets and all, and your little pin, so cute. I want that box lol. It is just fantastic. I'll have to be on the lookout for one like that and fix it up. So creative!!! Your GFG quilt is beautiful, I'm sure your Granny would love it. Thanks for sharing. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam

    pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wow, I love all your projects. That hexie box is cute and your bag is lovely. Most of all I love your first Grandmothers Garden quilt. What a sweet memory.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yes, I believe you are the queen today :) What wonderful projects. I love your bag!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Lots of hexie goodness to enjoy! Wow. My favourite is your pincushion/storage tin, Teresa. Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring us today.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Love all your projects!!! You were on a creative roll! Love when that happens:)

    ReplyDelete
  50. What a wonderful visit to your blog and I most definitely vote you Hexie Queen today. Wowie, what eye candy. I love the bag and the tin both so don't make me chose a favorite. Congrats on most creative today---richly deserved.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow, now you are quite the inspiration. What fabulous hexies you have done!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Teresa all I can say is that you are a very creative lady who makes beautiful hexies. I adore the bag and the fabric just wowed me .allof your projects were really neat and I even joined your blog so I could have time to look around more.
    Blessings Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love all your projects! Your little hexie box is too cute :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Such beautiful details on a beautiful bag!! GREAT!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love all your projects. How cool is that to find those awesome letters that actually fit your paper hexies? I think it's fantastic. Loved seeing your creativity today - lots of good photos.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Congrats on being one of the chosen today..... your projects are wonderful! I really love that bag with the fussy cut letters. Perfection!

    ReplyDelete
  57. All sew wonderful! Those teeny tiny hexies from those teeny tiny templates are the most amazing I have seen. You are a true Hexie Queen! You should make a tiara of teeny tiny hexies and wear it with pride ... :) Pat

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wow, I am just stunned at all your projects. That bag is so awesome. And your hexie project box is too cool. I just bought some of those boxes at Michael's to cover like you did. I'm glad to see that it's not difficult to do!!! Outstanding job on everything!

    ReplyDelete
  59. WOW!!! I don't know where to start. Each project is beautiful and so useful (which like you is one of my main criteria for making things. I love the colors and fussy cuts of your cute little sewing box, but I think my favorite would have to be your shoulder bag, it's the BEST. You are always so full of inspiration for me and I wish I had the time to "play" as you do. Keep on inspiring us with your beautiful handiwork. You are awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. All of your projects are fabulous. I really love your little round hexie box.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh my gosh girl...you outdid yourself! Fantastic hexie projects!

    ReplyDelete
  62. You certainly inspired me. You rocked this hexie hop. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  63. WOW - I have to come back to finish looking at all your talent! (i'm at work but don't tell anyone!) I absolutely love the BUTTERFLY. Crazy creative! You bag is beautiful! I'll be back soon.

    bevwalks at aol com

    ReplyDelete
  64. This is a fabulous post! Enjoyed seeing each and every hexie project. Especially love the bag and the top of the circular box.Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  65. lovely hexies nice job love your bag and pincushion box

    ReplyDelete
  66. I had to show my husband your hexies. I don't know if non-stitchers can believe this is done. Everyone of your hexies is perfect. And, the red, white and black bag is just what I need. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Great bag, and I love that little box with that 'special' fussy cut pincushion fabric (same stuff I fell in love with last week). Sew cute. Glad you finished your grandmothers flower garden, even if it did take a few years.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Oh wow! first I WANTED that bag.... then I WANTED that pin....
    then I WANTED that BOX....... aww I want it all.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Wow! I am so impressed with all of your lovely hexie projects! So clever! Thanks for sharing,
    cheers
    maggie

    maggiemine42@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Wow~ I don't even know where to start to comment. The bag is phenomenal. I love that you made your pin detachable so you can use it on other things - how absolutely clever! I love you box. It is adorable and useful. I wish I knew how to cover a box. It is superb. You need to do a tutorial for us who are totally inept at such things - lol. I'm finding out that such things aren't impossible when someone breaks them down into doable steps. You chose an adorable pattern, too. Congrats on the creativity award of the day - very desrerving And your grandmother's flower garden quilt is an heirloom for sure. I know the "pleasure" of cutting fabric from templates. I'm working on a GFG from 1" finished hexies. Among my mother's things I found some she had traditionally hand pieced. That's the way I am doing mine, too. Thanks for participating and sharing your amazing creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  71. What a wonderful show. So many ideas and so many finishes. Great job. I also want to thank you, I have one of those little gold circle thingies in a drawer and I thought it was a gear to something, oh my it has a real function all by itself.

    ReplyDelete
  72. You completed your goal marvelously!! Love every single one of your projects. The bag is outstanding and the box is adorable - great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Wow! You had the hexie mojo going! Great projects and thank you so much for showing how you made them. Cheers to you!

    ReplyDelete
  74. You did a lot of amazing projects!! I love them all. I wanted to learn how to make the hexies that are in your header. They are so cool!! Your GFG is sure a treasure!!!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Beautiful projects especially the grandmothers quilt. You gave me some good ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Awesome bag. I need one of those for school.
    Love your GFG quilt. So nice to have a memory quilt like that.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Wow! Beautiful projects! I love them all and especially your choice of fabrics. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I do believe you just had way too much fun with your Hexies. I'm happy that you shared so many pictures and your story. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  79. You definately have achieved a big success with your big market-type bag. I seem to always be carrying my purse and a bag. It sure would be nice to have a bag like your to use for both things! I guess I need to make one too! You did an absolutely lovely job on it. I also like the pin that you made for your bag! Your Hexie Project Box is just adorable! The pin cushion on the top is great! I have just about caught the Hexie bug! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Wow - Hexie Queen! Loads of projects, all amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Love love love that pincushion!!
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  82. WOW ...I never knew you could make so many beautiful things with Hexies !!
    You are the Hexie Queen !!

    ReplyDelete
  83. My goodness you are amazing! I love how you make your projects useful and try new things all the time. The bag is beautiful and I just love your hexie pin. The quilt is gorgeous..... such sweet memories you have when you look at it.

    ReplyDelete
  84. such a great display of hexie projects. you are so creative.
    I love your hexie quilt.
    Thanks for the links.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Imagine me in my best Bert Parks voice....Ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh there she is.......Miss Hexie Queen! You truly made a remarkable post. If I carried a bag or purse, it would probably look like that one! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  86. Teresa,

    So, you are the absolutely QUEEN of Hex!!! I haven't seen anything like what you have made with those hexies. Absolutely gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I have an unfinished Grandmothers Garden quilt too - My late Grandmother and mother started 2 of them for my sister and I almost 30 years ago and since my grandmothers passing my mum hasn't managed to bring herself to finish them. Now my sister and I are learning to EPP so we can help her to finish them before our daughters are old enough to help.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Oooh I love all of your projects - especially that little tin - so cute and useful!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I LOVE your purse! THey are my colours!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  90. What a great post!! Your projects are all wonderful and have lots of ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Congratulations!! It's easy to see why you won Queen of Creativity!! WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Love all your projects but I am most intrigued by the hexie fabrics as I haven't seen these. I'm on a mission to make a sort of I spy quilt out of hexie fabrics. I'll keep my eyes open.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Great hexie story! I LOVE your bag!

    ReplyDelete
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...