Monday 25 March 2013

thinking ahead



I've been thinking ahead to Summer. With the crazy snowy weather as it is here in the UK (as we come to the end of March!) I need to cheer myself up a little and at least dream about the warmer weather we are bound to get any time soon (I live in hope!)

The Summer means more time spent outside, and less time spent at the sewing machine, so I need portable projects that can be hand sewn and my default hand sewn projects are usually hexagon english paper pieced.

My 1" and 1.25" hexagon dies are getting a work out at the minute, the 1" is turning junk mail, used envelopes and (dare I admit it?) bills into hexagon papers and the 1.25" die is making light work of cutting my fabrics into perfect hexies ready for basting. I love using the dies for cutting paper. It should be incredibly obvious to use them this way, as Sizzix is so big on scrap booking and paper crafts, but when I realised I could actually cut papers from my hexagon dies it was like winning the lottery. Simple things, eh?!


Happily hexing


It's so satisfying getting these prepped and ready for sewing together. My long term vision is a traditional grandmother's flower garden quilt, something big enough to cover a bed. I know it's going to take me a long, long time but having this kind of project where I know there's no deadline helps keep me sane amongst a stack of projects that are more urgent.

Happily hexing

In a couple of weeks I'll be at  the Spring Quilt Festival in Exeter demoing the Big Shot on the Cotton Patch stand and, as I'll be away from home for a few nights, my hexies will be there keeping me company on an evening. I'm hoping to get a fair few 'flowers' stitched up. I'll keep you posted on my progress! This is where I'm at so far. It's a start, albeit a small one!

Happily hexing

Have a wonderful week - keep warm and happy stitching!

Katy



13 comments:

  1. Our patchwork group is considering buying a Big Shot so I was wondering whether you keep separate dies for cutting paper and fabric as we tend to do for scissors? Does cutting paper blunt the dies quicker?

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    1. Hi Penny. No, you can use the dies for cutting both paper and fabric (and a variety of other materials too), there's no need to keep a 'paper' one and a 'fabric' one. It doesn't dull the blades swapping between the 2 materials.
      Katy

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    2. Thanks for the reply Katie, that is useful to know.

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    3. Penny I cut 4-5 layers of wool felt as well.

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  2. Oh, I do love making hexagons and sewing them together and I'm loving your fabric choices ~ this is going to be a sweet quilt!

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  3. I have a feeling that turning bills into hexy papers is very satisfying!

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  4. I love them to cut freezer paper so I can stick them to the fabric with my iron before using my glue stick on the edges.

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    1. Freezer paper - that's a great idea. I like to use a wash away stabiliser as well (especially if it's a smaller project, because that stuff can be pricey). Glue baste, and never need to remove the papers because it washes away with the first wash.
      Katy

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  5. Ive just bought the same 2 sizes of hexi cutter dies as yours, to do just that and wondered if the paper would dull the blades myself.
    Although having already started a hexi quilt.............its abit like shutting the door after the horse has bolted lol And of course my quilts hexis arent the size of the dies Ive bought ..........but that means I will have to make another one..........right?!

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    1. that's exactly what you should do! Or you could make some matching pillowcases or cushions with the smaller hexies?

      Katy

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  6. Such pretty little hexies...now I am off to go work a bit on Hexy MF and watch a Midsomer Murder or too...

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  7. Sizzix hexies are the absolute best, I may be just a little bit addicted!

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  8. Being a portable, sewing craft (for some one who can't crochet or knit to save my life) is the reason I started hexying last July with the HexyMF. I have just completed my 56th hexie flower. Slowly, slowly, there is no hurry. I have loved making every single one, and look forward to making another 20-30 (or more). But I could get to the end quicker if I had a Sizzix. I'll add it to my birthday list!
    BTW, yours are gorgeous :)

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